9 Best Things to Do in Java, Indonesia

Are you looking for the best things to do in Java, Indonesia? Java is one of the best places to visit in Indonesia, and since it’s only a 1-hour flight from Bali, it’s easy to get there.

We loved exploring Java! The island of Java is home to beautiful temples, volcanoes, breathtaking waterfalls, tea plantations, and friendly Javanese people.

On the Central and East Java Route, you can easily spend 7-10 days exploring the best attractions.

If you are wondering what to see on the island, here are the best things to do in Java, Indonesia.

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Best Time to Visit Java

Indonesia has two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

Java is a popular destination all year round! But the best time to visit Java is during the dry season, from May to October.

The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the best things to do in Java.

Java Island has a tropical climate, hot and humid, and the average temperature is 27°C all year round. However, we recommend you pack warm clothes for the Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcano tour.

The busiest time to visit Java is between July and August. The rainy season in Java runs from November to April.

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Java Itinerary

How to Get to Java from Bali

Getting to Java Island may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few ways to get there. You can easily get to Java from Bali by ferry or plane.

The flight is the most comfortable and fastest way to get to Java!

Java has several airports. There are many international flights from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and domestic flights from other parts of Indonesia, such as Jakarta and Bali.

From Bali, you can fly to Java from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (airport code DPS).

The flight takes just 1-1.5 hours, and plane tickets start from 30-40 USD (without luggage) per person for one way.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Java, Indonesia.

We have a detailed post on how to get from Bali to Java with all the information you need.

How to Get Around Java

The best way to get around Java is by train and rent a motorbike. On Java Island, trains are modern, cheap, and comfortable.

We recommend travel between cities by train, and within the towns rent a motorbike and explore the sights at your own pace.

Buy your train tickets here.

Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or join an organized tour to reach the sights.

Best things to do in Java, Indonesia

1. Take a Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour

Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in Java, Indonesia? Take a day trip from Malang or Probolinggo and enjoy the magical sunrise at Mt Bromo.

Mount Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, and on your tour, you can enjoy the beautiful viewpoints and take the epic crater rim walk.

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Make the most of your experience by visiting the Ijen and Mt Bromo volcanoes on a 3-day tour from Bali.

Depending on traffic, the journey time from Malang to Mount Bromo takes 2-2.5 hours. The travel time from Probolinggo is shorter, about 1.5-2 hours.

Once you arrive at the jeep parking lot, you can walk to the Penanjakan Bromo viewpoint, where most people watch the sunrise.

Group tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, jeep ride, entrance fee, and breakfast. Pick-up time usually starts at midnight! Book your Mount Bromo sunrise tour via Viator.

You can also visit the Coban Pelangi Waterfall on the way to Malang after Mount Bromo. The entrance fee to Coban Pelangi Waterfall is 15,000 IDR (1 USD).

Air Terjun Coban Pelangi can be visited daily from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Read our → Mount Bromo Guide with Best Viewpoints

2. Visit Prambanan Temple

A visit to Prambanan is one of the best things to do in Java, Indonesia.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. The three main temples are dedicated to the most important Hindu gods, like Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Shiva’s shrine is the tallest at 47 meters and offers the most beautiful scenery.

The best way to visit Prambanan Temple is to join a day trip from Yogyakarta. The distance between Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple is only 16 km, and the journey takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

You can see the beautifully carved reliefs, walk around the archaeological site, look inside the temples, and enjoy the beautiful view at Candi Prambanan. Plan to spend 2-3 hours around Prambanan and explore the beautiful temples.

Book the best Borobudur Sunrise and Prambanan tour through GetYourGuide, where you can get great prices.

At the moment, the Borobudur and Prambanan temples are closed every Monday, so check for up-to-date information before you travel!

Recommended post → How to Visit Prambanan Temple

3. Day Trip to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall

Are you looking for the best things to do near Malang, Java? Tumpak Sewu is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Indonesia and a highlight on your East Java Itinerary.

Tumpak Sewu translates from the Javanese language to mean “Thousand Waterfalls” and is 120 meters high.

The best way to visit Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is to join a day trip from Malang.

Depending on traffic, the journey time from Malang to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall takes 2-3 hours.

From the parking lot, you can reach the impressive viewpoint in about 10 minutes and enjoy a fantastic view of the waterfall. After that, a challenging hike leads to the waterfall, and depending on your fitness level, the tour takes at least 45 minutes.

Book a multi-day tour, including Mount Bromo and the Kawah Ijen.

Read the full post → Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Guide

4. Discover Yogyakarta Attractions

Although Yogyakarta is the perfect base for visiting the Prambanan and Borobudur temples, there are many great attractions and some hidden gems in the city. Therefore, exploring Yogyakarta is one of the best things to do in Java.

Once you arrive in Yogyakarta, start discovering the city’s sights. Visit the Taman Sari Water Castle & Underground Mosque and walk through the famous Malioboro Street.

You can explore Malioboro Street independently or join a guided walking and food tour in Yogyakarta.

If you spend more time in Yogyakarta, you can easily get nearby attractions such as the Hutan Pinus Pengger viewpoint and the Kedung Kayang Waterfall.

Recommended post → Yogyakarta Guide

5. See Madakaripura Waterfall

Are you looking for more top things to do in Java? Madakaripura Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Java (200 meters high) and the second highest waterfall in Indonesia.

Madakaripura Waterfall, also known as Air Terjun Madakaripura, is located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java. The waterfall is 30 km from Mount Bromo, about 1 hour away, so you can easily combine your visit.

The entrance fee to Madakaripura Waterfall is 45,000 IDR (3 USD) for foreigners and 22,000 IDR (1.5 USD) for locals.

The distance between Probolinggo and Madakaripura Waterfall is around 40 km, and the journey takes 1 hour, depending on traffic.

Air Terjun Madakaripura can be visited from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you can walk (40-60 minutes) or take a motorbike taxi to the waterfall entrance, which costs 10,000 IDR (0,65 IDR) for one way.

From there, it is about a 20-30 minute walk, crossing rivers and a rocky path. After that, go under the Madakaripura Waterfall and enjoy the natural shower.

Bring a raincoat or rent one at the waterfall for 10,000 IDR (0,65 USD). We recommend wearing hiking sandals and swimsuits or lightweight, quick-drying clothes.

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Get the most out of your day trip and book a Mount Bromo sunrise and Madakaripura Waterfall tour HERE.

6. Visit Borobudur Temple

One of the best things to do in Java is to visit the Borobudur Temple. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Southeast Asia, like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Bagan Temples in Myanmar.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Buddhists and many tourists come from all over the world to visit this important pilgrimage place.

You can visit Borobudur Temple on your own and join a private or organized tour. Book the best Borobudur Sunrise and Prambanan tour through GetYourGuide. The distance between Yogyakarta and Borobudur Temple is only 40 km, and the journey takes 1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Once you arrive, follow the signs and explore the beautiful carvings and stupas. It takes about 20 minutes to walk up the steep stairs to the top and at least 1.5-2 hours to wander around the Borobudur Temple.

Good to know
To climb up Borobudur Temple, you need to buy a separate ticket, which costs around 455,000 IDR (30 USD) per person and is allowed 1200 climbers per day. If you don’t want to wait hours at the bottom of the temple and want to be sure, book online.

Read the full post → Guide to Visiting Borobudur Temple

7. Climbing the Kawah Ijen Volcano

Visiting Mount Ijen is one of the most popular things to do in Java, so take a day trip from Bali or Banyuwangi and enjoy the epic sunrise at Mount Ijen Crater Rim.

Kawah Ijen is an active volcano in East Java, and on your tour, you can see the world’s largest acidic lake and the famous Blue Fire.

The public transport in Banyuwangi is limited, so the best way to reach the Kawah Ijen Volcano is to rent a motorbike or join an organized tour. If you don’t want to do the Kawah Ijen hike independently, we recommend booking your tour online through GetYourGuide.

The journey takes about 1 hour from Banyuwangi to Mount Ijen. If you want to see the famous Blue Fire, we recommend you arrive at 1 AM.

Important note
Due to volcanic activity, you can only start hiking at 4 AM, and it is not allowed to descend to the lake. Therefore, the natural phenomenon of the electric Blue Flame at Kawah Ijen is unfortunately not visible. You should check for up-to-date information before you travel!

Once you arrive, you can buy your entrance ticket and rent a headlamp, gas mask, or warm clothes.

It takes 1.5-2 hours to get from the parking lot to the Mount Ijen Crater Rim.

Make the most of your experience by visiting the Ijen and Bromo volcanoes on a 3-day tour from Bali.

Read the full post → How to Climb Kawah Ijen Volcano

8. Take a Day Trip to the Jomblang Cave

Are you looking for the best places to visit in Java, Indonesia? A visit to Jomblang Cave is a must for those who like adventure. The journey from downtown Yogyakarta to Jomblang Cave takes about 1.5-2 hours.

The entrance fee to Jomblang Cave is 500,000 IDR (33 USD) per person and can only be paid in cash.

The Jomblang Cave can be visited from 9 AM to 2 PM. For the best light, you should arrive between 10 AM and noon.

The best way to visit Jomblang Cave is to join a day trip from Yogyakarta.

Use your rappelling equipment to descend about 60 meters to the bottom of the cave, then explore the cave through a tunnel and catch the most beautiful lights.

The muddy, slippery path, the high humidity, and the darkness can be challenging for visitors.

Good to know
Visitor numbers are limited to 80 people/day, so we recommend booking your tour via GetYourGuide.

9. Walk Around the Colorful Village of Jodipan

One of the best things to do in Java is to walk around the Jodipan Rainbow Village and explore the colorful streets and hidden corners.

The entrance fee to the Jodipan Village is 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD) per person.

As the village of Jodipan is not so crowded, you can visit at any time of day and explore the streets, find the best photo spots, and talk with locals.

From Jodipan, you can easily get to the Blue Village on the other side of the bridge. You can support the locals by buying snacks or souvenirs.

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If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.

Keep reading → How to Visit Jodipan Colorful Village

Where to Stay in Java, Indonesia

We hope our list of the best things to do in Java will help you plan your next trip to Indonesia. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

More Travel Guides about Indonesia

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

9 Best Things to Do in Java, Indonesia