Central Java
The heartland of Javanese culture, with Borobudur, the Solo palaces, the Dieng Plateau and the Karimunjawa Islands.
Central Java lies in the middle of the island of Java. Its capital, Semarang, is a port city that preserves a Dutch-era old quarter and Sam Poo Kong, a temple associated with Admiral Zheng He. The UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur is in Magelang Regency in this province and is usually visited from Yogyakarta. Solo (Surakarta) retains its court culture, batik markets and royal palaces. The Dieng Plateau has ancient Hindu temples, colorful lakes and highland sunrises, and the Karimunjawa Islands off the north coast are good for snorkeling. The dry season, May–Sep, is the best time to visit. The gateways are the airports at Semarang and Solo, and you can also arrive via Yogyakarta.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Central Java 10-Day Loop: Ancient Temples, Highlands & Royal Cities – Travel from Yogyakarta up to the Dieng Plateau, then via Semarang and Solo to the ancient temples of Mount Lawu, connec…
- West Java 7-Day Itinerary: Tea Hills, Coastline & Train to Yogyakarta – Travel south from Jakarta through Bogor and Bandung to the Pangandaran coast, then take a train to Yogyakarta, bypassin…
- Java West-to-East Crossing to Bali – Travel from Jakarta via Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Malang to Bromo and Ijen, then cross the sea to Bali.
- Yogyakarta 4-Day Itinerary: Dual World Heritage Sites & Royal City – Based in Yogyakarta, explore Borobudur, Prambanan, the Sultan's Palace, and the historic silver town without changing h…