Java Holidays

Java

Java, Indonesia’s most populated island and the location of its capital city Jakarta, is a mesmerising blend of the modern and the traditional.

Located at an historic crossroads of key regional maritime trade routes, Java has long been a centre of both commerce and cultural exchange which, in turn, has shaped the island’s unique identity. Geographically, Java is equally as intriguing – a land of volcanic landscapes, lush rice paddies, fertile farming land and dense tropical rainforest. Java’s location on the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’ has resulted in a landscape shaped by seismic activity resulting in a high concentration of volcanoes, including iconic Mount Bromo.

Located in the far west of the island, the Indonesian capital Jakarta is the heartbeat of Java and by far its largest city. Here visit the Presidential Palace and Istiqlal Mosque, the largest in Southeast Asia, then travel south to Bogor with its outstanding botanical gardens which house more than 5,000 species of orchid. Framed by high mountain peaks, from charming Bandung visits can also be made to the volcanic crater of Kawah Putih and the Mount Tilu Nature Reserve. Central Java is the location of many of the main cultural sights with highlights including the vast Sultan’s Palace in Yogyakarta, the ancient Hindu temple complex at Prambanan and incredible Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, whilst the volcanic landscapes of eastern Java centre on the still-active Mt Bromo.

Holiday Ideas for Java

19 DAYS

Discover Java and Bali

from £4100 - £4500
per person

18 DAYS

Treasures of Sumatra, Java and Bali

from £4050 - £4500
per person

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When to visit Java

Java is Indonesia’s most populous island and, similar to the rest of the Indonesian archipelago, it has a year-round tropical climate that befits the equatorial setting. There are variations in the climate, particularly in mountainous areas, and although it is warm and humid throughout the year, the weather in Java generally falls into two main seasons – a dry season and a rainy season. Temperatures hover around the 30°C mark throughout the year but between the months of May and October rainfall significantly drops, skies are clear and humidity low making this the best time to visit Java. The wet season runs from November to April. During these months visitors should expect thunderstorms, cloudy skies and higher humidity, although it’s important to note that rainfall, although heavy, is sporadic and tends to occur later in the afternoon. Bookending each main climatic period, specifically the months of April and November, is a brief shoulder season and although the weather can still be somewhat variable this unpredictability is offset by fewer travellers.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

BEST TIME

GOOD TIME

LOW SEASON

OFF SEASON

This is a general overview suggesting when to travel in the country. Please note that this may not directly apply to any specific itinerary or region.

What to do in Java

The world’s most populated island, Java has long been the economic and political epicentre of Indonesia. Situated between Sumatra to the west and Bali in the east, Java has long acted as a bridge between Southeast Asia and Australia, been a centre of cultural exchange and been blessed with spectacular natural beauty and breathtaking religious complexes. Highlights of a tailor-made holiday to Java include the Indonesian capital Jakarta, the exceptional botanical gardens at Bogor which boast close to 20,000 different species of flora and the city of Bandung which serves as a gateway to the Mount Tilu Nature Reserve which is home to leopard, deer, gibbon and wild boar. Central Java is the location for many of the island’s religious and cultural treasures including the beautiful Sultan’s Palace in Yogyakarta, the 9th century Hindu temple complex at Prambanan and the extraordinary Buddhist site of Borobudur. The east of Java is home to the island’s grandest natural scenery. This mountainous region is home to the volcanoes of Butak, Arjuna, Kepolo and Bromo – the latter of which can be spectacularly viewed at sunrise.