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.
The island of Java is home to beautiful temples, volcanoes, breathtaking waterfalls, tea plantations, and friendly Javanese people, and we loved exploring it!
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 things to do in Java, Indonesia
The island is home to many beautiful places, so let’s explore the must-see attractions and our favorite things to do in Java.
1. Take a Mount Bromo Sunrise Tour
Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure in Java? Mount Bromo is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in Indonesia, and it’s also active. You can easily take a day trip from Malang or Probolinggo. During the tour, you can see the beautiful sunrise and walk along the crater rim.
Book your sunrise tour through GetYourGuide or Viator.
The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours from Probolinggo and 2-2.5 hours from Malang. Once you arrive at the jeep parking lot, you can walk to the Penanjakan Bromo viewpoint, where most people watch the sunrise. But if you want to get the most epic view of Mt. Bromo, we recommend hiking up King Kong Hill.
After visiting Mount Bromo, you can stop at Coban Pelangi Waterfall on the way to Malang.
Read our → Mount Bromo Guide with Best Viewpoints
2. Prambanan Temple
A visit to Prambanan is one of the best things to do in Java. You can see the beautifully carved reliefs, walk around the archaeological site, look inside the temples, and enjoy the beautiful view at Candi Prambanan.
The journey from Yogyakarta to Prambanan Temple takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. The three main temples are dedicated to the most important Hindu gods: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Shiva’s shrine is the tallest at 47 meters and offers the most beautiful scenery.
Make the most of your experience and book this excellent Prambanan tour, which also includes a climb to the top of Borobudur.
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. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Java is to visit the magnificent Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. Tumpak Sewu translates from the Javanese language to mean “Thousand Waterfalls” and is 120 meters high. The best way to visit the waterfall is to join a day trip from Malang. Alternatively, you can get there by renting a motorbike or hiring a private driver.
The travel time between Malang and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall is 2.5-3 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.
From Malang or Surabaya, you can book a 3-day, 2-night tour that includes visits to the stunning Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, Mount Bromo, and Kawah Ijen Volcano.
Read the full post → Tumpak Sewu Waterfall Guide
4. Discover Yogyakarta Attractions
Although it is a perfect base for visiting the Prambanan and Borobudur temples, there are many other 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 the city, start exploring Yogyakarta’s attractions. Visit the Taman Sari Water Castle & Underground Mosque, and stroll along the famous Malioboro Street. For the best experience, join a guided walking and food tour at night.
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. Madakaripura Waterfall
Madakaripura Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Java (200 meters high) and the second highest waterfall in Indonesia. Air Terjun Madakaripura, is located in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The waterfall is about 1 hour away from Mount Bromo, so you can easily combine your visit.
It can be visited from 8 AM to 4 PM. The entrance fee to Madakaripura Waterfall is 45,000 IDR (3 USD) for foreigners and 22,000 IDR (1,50 USD) for locals.
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 (0,60 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 waterfall and enjoy the natural shower.
Bring a raincoat or rent one at the waterfall for 10,000 IDR (0,60 USD). We recommend wearing hiking sandals and a swimsuit or lightweight, quick-drying clothing.
Looking for more stunning waterfalls in Indonesia? Check out our guide to the best waterfalls in Bali.
6. Visit Borobudur Temple
Our favorite experience in Java was visiting the Borobudur Temple at sunrise. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and one of the most beautiful monuments in Southeast Asia, like the Angkor Wat in Cambodia and the Bagan Temples in Myanmar.
We rented a scooter in Yogyakarta and set off at 4 AM to Borobudur Temple to catch the most beautiful sunrise. Once you arrive, follow the signs and explore the stunning carvings and stupas. The walk to the temple takes about 20 minutes, and then you can climb the steep stairs to the top. Plan to spend 1.5-2 hours wandering around Borobudur.
Good to know
Only 1,200 people per day are allowed to climb the Borobudur Temple. If you don’t want to miss out on the best experience on the island, book this Borobudur sunrise (guaranteed climb) tour.
Read the full post → Guide to Visiting Borobudur Temple
7. Kawah Ijen Volcano Hike
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 crater 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 Ijen hike independently, we recommend booking your tour online through GetYourGuide.
The journey takes about 1 hour from Banyuwangi. If you want to see the natural phenomenon of electric Blue Flame, start your hike after the gates open at 2 AM.
Once you arrive, buy your entrance ticket, and you can rent a headlamp, gas mask, or warm clothes. It takes 1.5-2 hours to get from the parking lot to the crater rim.
Important note
All visitors who want to climb Mount Ijen must have a health certificate.
Read the full post → How to Climb Kawah Ijen Volcano
8. Jomblang Cave
A visit to Jomblang Cave is a must for those who love adventure. It takes about 1.5-2 hours to get there from downtown Yogyakarta.
Goa Jomblang can be visited from 9 AM to 2 PM. For the best light, you should arrive between 10 AM and noon. The entrance fee to Jomblang Cave is 500,000 IDR (31 USD) per person and can only be paid in cash.
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 per day, so we recommend booking your tour online.
9. Jodipan Colorful Village
One of the best things to do in Java is to walk around the Jodipan Rainbow Village and explore its colorful streets and hidden corners. If you have a drone, bring it with you because the views from above are stunningly beautiful.
The entrance fee to the Jodipan Village is 5,000 IDR (0,35 USD) per person. You can support the locals by buying snacks or souvenirs.
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.
Recommended post → Malang Guide
Where to Stay in Java, Indonesia
We recommend staying in Yogyakarta and Malang. From these cities, you can easily visit the best attractions on the island. In addition, we spent 2 nights in Banyuwangi to visit Mount Ijen.
Best hotels in Yogyakarta
- Luxury: The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta
- Mid-Range: The Victoria Hotel Yogyakarta
- Budget: Villas Boutique Hotel & Resto
Best hotels in Malang
- Luxury: The Shalimar Boutique Hotel
- Mid-Range: Harris Hotel or Hotel Tugu Malang
- Budget: Ibis Styles Malang
How to Get to Java
Most people come to Java from Bali by ferry or plane. Flying is the most convenient and fastest way to get to the island.
The island 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.
Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Indonesia and apply for an e-visa online.
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.
TIP
Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights.
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 travel is by train. The trains are modern, cheap, and comfortable. You can easily buy your tickets at train stations.
We recommend traveling between cities by train, then renting a motorbike and exploring the attractions at your own pace. Alternatively, you can hire a private driver or join an organized tour to reach the sights.
If you rent a motorbike, drive carefully, always wear a helmet, and avoid driving at night!
Recommended post → Ultimate Java Itinerary
Best Tours
Mount Bromo Sunrise and Madakaripura Waterfall Tour
3-day excursion from Bali to Bromo and Ijen Crater
Surabaya or Malang: 3D2N Tumpak Sewu, Bromo, Ijen
Prambanan & Borobudur sunrise tour with a guaranteed climb
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 is during the dry season, from May to October. The weather is sunny and dry during these months, perfect for sightseeing, hiking, and exploring Java’s attractions.
Java Island has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather, and the average temperature is 27°C all year round. However, we recommend that you pack some warm clothes for the Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen volcano tour.
The rainy season runs from November to April.
The busiest months are July and August. In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!
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 comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go
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