The island of Java is part of the Great Sunda Islands and is located near Sumatra. Scientists to this day cannot understand why it received such a name. There are several theories. According to one of them, the word “Java” is of Protonesian origin and is translated as “home.” Some scholars believe that the name comes from Sanskrit and means either “barley” or “lying on the other side.”
basic information
Experts classify “Java” as both mainland and volcanic islands. This is due to the fact that at its base lies a long Mountain chain, stretching across the central part of the island.
The highest point is the Semeru volcano, which has remained active to this day. In general, more than 120 volcanoes can be counted throughout the entire area of the ridge. The central part of the island has a mountainous landscape, but as soon as you go down to the coast, you find yourself in a swamp.
There are a lot of rivers and lakes here, among which Jangari, Jatiluhur, and Sungai deserve special attention.
The first man appeared on the island, presumably, in the second millennium BC. e. Scientists suggest that he most likely came from the island of Sumatra. Around the 3rd century AD, cities arose on the island and the first state formations were formed. One of the very first was Sakalanagara, which gave rise to Tarum, Sundu and Matar. The latter has a rich past and a long history of rule. Over time, it fell into decay and broke up into several small state entities.
At the end of the 13th century, an expedition was assembled to Java led by the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, famous for his conquest of China. The empire he created on the island extended its influence to almost all of the Sunda Islands. After a couple of centuries, it weakened greatly and broke up into a number of Muslim states.
In the 17th century, European invaders began to enter Java. They created a huge number of colonies and trading posts on the coast. The Dutch showed great activity in conquest. Step by step, they subjugated all the islands of the Sunda archipelago, founding the trading post of Batavia, which is known to contemporaries as Jakarta, the capital. Immediately after the end of World War II, Indonesia became independent and annexed Java.
Time has passed and today the island of Java is the largest cultural, historical and political center of Indonesia with a well-developed infrastructure.
Population of Java
According to recent estimates, the island's population has long exceeded the number of 140 million people. Thus, Java is recognized as the most densely populated island in the world. National composition is diverse, but the majority of residents are Indonesian-Japanese. In addition, in the composition you can find Sundanese, Madurese and those who came to different time people from . The official language throughout the island is Malay. It is not uncommon to hear Chinese and Javanese dialects.
The main occupation of the local population is agriculture. Villagers grow rice and other cereals. The cities have developed industries: textiles, electronics, mining and processing.
The largest city on the island is Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. It is home to more than 9 million people. Next in size and number of inhabitants are Semarang, Serang, Bandung and others.
Weather on the island of Java
The island's climate is determined by its location relative to the equator. It is always warm and very humid here. There are no sudden changes in temperature, even despite the pronounced seasonality. The average air temperature remains at 24 degrees.
Showers and hurricanes here are always short-lived.
Flora and fauna
The flora is not particularly exotic and unique. Lianas, bamboo, and huge ficus trees grow in tropical forests. Just above sea level, the diversity of vegetation becomes richer. You can find oaks, chestnuts and some types of conifers.
The fauna of the island is much more interesting and diverse. Java is home to more than 150 species of animals. Among which there are many endemics.
The island's cuisine is considered the most non-exotic. The main components of the dishes are rice, vegetables, and beef. Local fruits, of which there are a lot in Java, are very popular. If you really want to try real traditional food, you should go to small cafes where the local population eats. They are always delicious and very cheap, unlike restaurants where guides constantly lead you. However, even here you can find exotic things.
In the village of Tuban, earth pies are popular. They are made from silty soil from rice fields. According to local residents, this dish is considered nutritious and very healthy. The village population tries not to talk about the taste of the pies.
The Javanese drink cane juice, ginger tea, local beer “tuak” and palm vodka.
In Indonesia, the islands of Bali are the most famous and beloved by tourists, but Java also has a lot of interesting things to offer. The beaches on the island are covered with white, coarse sand, and the sea is always clean. In addition to this, in local cities There are many attractions that can surprise any tourist. Let's meet the most popular places on the island of Java.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
National Park Bromo is located near the city of Surabaya. This is one of the most amazing attractions in Indonesia, which attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year. The park covers an area of more than 800 square meters. meters. On its territory there is a huge number of dense forests, waterfalls and several active volcanoes. Thanks to them, most national park covered with black, volcanic sand, creating a special alien effect. The park got its name from the local tribe - the Tenggers and the two mountains.
The park is unique thanks to its five volcanoes, which, according to legend, lead to underworld. You can climb to the top on foot or by jeep. This place is wildly popular among tourists and is rightfully considered the highlight of the island.
Borobudur Temple Complex
Located temple complex 40 kilometers from Jakarta. This place is not only considered the highlight of the city, but is also known throughout the world. It was erected around the 8th-9th century. For a long time, the temple complex was hidden from human eyes in the shadow of a dense jungle, covered with tons of volcanic dust. The ancient structure still remains a mystery to scientists. No one can give an exact answer when and by whom Borobudur was built. Also, no one can understand why it was abandoned after the eruption of one of the five volcanoes.
If you look from the outside, the entire temple complex resembles a huge 34-meter bell. In its structure, it is a pyramid, the base of which is made up of several large concrete slabs. They have carved stupas in the shape of bells. Inside each stupa there are Buddha statues.
Prambanan Temple Complex
This is an amazing landmark dating back to the 9th century. The temple complex is located a few kilometers from Jakarta. Prambanan is considered the largest in Indonesia. There is a huge statue of Shiva inside the temple. Prambanan is often called the Lara Jonggrang Shiva Temple. On the sides of the main temple there are small structures that represent the sacred animals of Indonesia. Also on the territory of Prambanan there are numerous tombs and premises for sacrifices. Recently, the temple complex was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This ancient building has been destroyed more than once. This was due to numerous earthquakes, as well as the volcanic activity of Merapi. For more than a hundred years, restoration work has been underway to restore Prambanan.
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia. He smokes constantly. Small eruptions occur every two years, but large ones occur every 15 years. The last time strong volcanic activity was observed was in 2006. Thanks to this, Merapi is one of the ten most active volcanoes in the world.
Such fame does not prevent the local population from living at the very foot, and tourists from climbing to the very top. The beauties revealed from high altitude, surprise and amaze.
Old city
The Old Town is located in Jakarta and covers an area of about 1.5 square meters. kilometers. This place is cultural center, which has collected the largest number of ancient monuments. The first settlement in this territory was created in the 14th century. Then the port was built. Over time, more and more new objects appeared in the city. The Dutch made a great contribution to the development of the Old City, building amazingly beautiful temples. This place is currently listed World Heritage.
The Old Town is home to many different cultures. That is why this place has a special atmosphere that attracts thousands of tourists.
Taman Sari Water Palace
The palace was founded in the 18th century by the ruler of Jakarta. The complex included leisure rooms, a main palace, a lake, and a swimming pool. The building took several years to build with money allocated from the state treasury. Taman Sari was a real work of art at that time. The palace had its own individual sewer system. The castle was separated from the outside world by a huge dug canal. The water supply came from the lake. Some rooms had warm, heated floors.
In addition, a large network was dug under the palace underground passages, which connected some rooms to each other. There have always been legends about the magnificent garden of the palace complex. That is why the castle is called Taman Sari, which translates as “blooming garden”. Today, ruins remain of the once majestic structure. Some of the territory is inhabited local residents. In recent years, restoration of the palace complex has been carried out. The swimming pool and several rooms have been restored and are open to the public.
Bogor Botanical Garden
This is one of the most famous places on the island. The garden is located near Jakarta in the province of West Java. It is otherwise called “Kebun Raya”. The entire territory of the botanical garden has a huge area of 87 hectares. In addition, there are 4 branches of Kebun Raya scattered around the island of Java. The garden's collection includes more than 15 thousand of a wide variety of plants, comprising 6,000 species. In this place you can still see the plants planted at the founding of Kebun Raya. In addition to endemic plants, there are many specimens brought from other countries, as well as rare species.
The Bogor Garden is also called a center for nature studies. And for good reason, since scientists from all over the world constantly come here. The gates of Kebun Raya are constantly open to numerous visitors. Here you can not only take a break from the bustle of the city, but also learn a lot of new things by visiting the zoological and botanical museum. One of the main exhibits of the Bogor Garden is the collection of orchids. Some species of this amazing flower are found in indoor greenhouses, while others grow on open-air lawns.
Sea of Sands
The sea of sand is a unique sight and is located in a large caldera with a diameter of 10 kilometers. Majestic volcanoes have erupted tons of lava rock for many millennia, which over time turned into large volcanoes. Once here, you plunge into a special atmosphere.
The landscape that reveals itself is very reminiscent of the surface of the moon. A special effect is added by the foggy haze over the crater, which constantly hangs over the volcano.
thousand islands
U north coast In Java you can see a huge number of small islands. From a great height it seems as if there are more than a thousand of them. However, calculations have shown that there are about 115 continental formations in this area. Their number may vary depending on the tides. So Jakarta is the only place with more than a hundred islands.
Java(in Indonesian "Jawa") is Indonesia's fifth largest island, home to more than half the country's population. Much of Indonesian history is inextricably linked with this island, where powerful Hindu-Buddhist empires, Islamic sultanates and the colonial center of the Dutch East India Company were founded. Java played a decisive role in the Indonesian struggle for independence in the 1940s. Today the island occupies a dominant position in the political, economic and cultural life countries. The capital of the state, Jakarta (the largest city in Indonesia) is also located on this island.
Tourist attractions of the island
Borobudur- 9th-century Buddhist temple, the second largest Buddhist temple in the world after Angkor Wat, has 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 stone bas-reliefs. In 1991 it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More details in the article e Borobudur
Prambanan- a complex of ancient Buddhist and Hindu temples, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. More details in the article e Prambanan
Cities
Yogyakarta- popular tourist town in Indonesia, preserving the pure Javanese language and rich folk traditions. More details in the article e Yogyakarta
Story
Since 2000 B.C. Java was already populated by settlers from the mainland South-East Asia. In the first centuries AD, the Javanese established close trade and cultural relations with the Hindu cultures of India. The discovery of stone stelae (prasasti) with texts and images carved on them provided evidence of the existence of early Hindu kingdoms on the island.
Kingdoms of the Indo-Buddhist period
The small kingdoms of Taruma and Sunda in West Java were formed in the 4th and 7th centuries respectively. But the first major state formation on the island of Java was the Kingdom of Mataram (732-1043), founded at the beginning of the 8th century by the rulers of the Sailendra dynasty. The first rulers of the Kingdom of Mataram professed Hinduism, then Buddhism became the dominant religion. From that era to the present day, great Buddhist and Hindu monuments have been preserved: Borobudur and Prambanan.
At the beginning of the 10th century, the Kingdom of Mataram was in decline, the center of power began to shift from central regions Java islands to the east. Mataram finally disintegrated around 1043 after a conflict with the growing Kingdom of Srivijaya from the island of Sumatra.
Another powerful state of the Indo-Buddhist period was the Majapahit Empire founded in 1293 (1293 - early 16th century). The Majapahit Empire reached its peak of power during the reign of Khayyam Wuruk. An important role was played by the talented commander Gajah Mada, thanks to whom the empire of Khayyam Wuruk completely established control over the islands of Java, Bali, Sumatra and Madura.
The economy of previous Javanese kingdoms was based on agriculture. Majapahit's rulers established control over ports and shipping routes, becoming the first empire to actively promote trade. With the death of Khayyam Wuruk, the Majapahit Empire began to decline and finally collapsed in the early 16th century under the onslaught of the Islamic sultanates.
The spread of Islam and the emergence of Islamic sultanates
The emergence of Islam played a key role in the history of Java and Indonesia. Muslim traders have visited the Indonesian archipelago for centuries. With the rise of Islamic trade in the region, the Hindu kingdom of Majapahit began to decline. The Javanese were faced with a choice: fight or convert to Islam, and many ultimately chose the latter. In the early 16th century, the Javanese trading ports in eastern Java completely withdrew from the dying Majapahit Empire. Until the end of the 16th century, Islam became the dominant religion on the island of Java. During this period, the independent Muslim sultanates of Pajang, Mataram, Cheribon, and Bantam were formed. The Sultanate of Mataram (not to be confused with the Kingdom of Mataram) reached its greatest power. The Sultanate reached the peak of its prosperity during the reign of Sultan Agung Hanyokro Kusumo (1613-1645). Agung managed to expand the territory of the sultanate to the regions of Central and East Java and the island of Borneo.
Colonial period
In 1596, four ships of the Dutch East India Company visited Java for the first time and a short time later the first Dutch trading posts began to appear on the coast of the island. In 1619, Dutch troops under the command of Pieter Cohen attacked and captured Jaikarta (the current capital of Indonesia). The Dutch changed the name of Jaikart to Batavia and rebuilt the city according to the classical canons of Dutch colonial architecture.
Internal conflict prevented the Javanese from forming an effective alliance to counter the Dutch. Beginning in the 1670s, the Dutch East India Company began to wrest control of the Muslim sultanates of Java. The West Java Sultanates recognized the company's sovereignty in the last quarter of the 17th century, and the north-central and north-east followed suit in 1743. In 1755, what remained of the once powerful Sultanate of Mataram, under pressure from the Dutch, was divided into two vassal states to the Dutch: Yogyakarta and Surakarta. By the end of the 18th century, the Dutch had extended their influence throughout the island.
On December 31, 1799, the Dutch government nationalized the Dutch East India Company and in 1807 officially declared the Indonesian archipelago to be part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The entire territory of Indonesia belonging to the Dutch was governed by a colonial administration centered in the city of Batavia (present-day Jakarta).
During the Napoleonic Wars in Europe, the Netherlands and its colonies in the East Indies fell to the conquests of the French Republic. In 1811, Java was captured by the British and the island became a possession for a short time. British Empire under Governor Sir Stamford Raffles. Under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1814, the British returned Java to the Dutch in 1816.
In the 19th century, under the influence of Europeans, cars, railways and telegraph communications appeared. The Dutch put an end to internecine wars, increased the area under rice cultivation, began to cultivate new crops, primarily cassava and corn, and productivity increased. All this contributed to the elimination of famine in Java and the rapid growth of the island's population.
Independence
During the 19th - early 20th centuries, Java developed industry and agriculture most intensively of all the islands of the Dutch East Indies. Along with the development of capitalist relations, Indonesian nationalism and the desire to achieve independence began to emerge on the island. The colonists managed to suppress the first serious uprising of the Javanese in 1825-1830 against the Dutch with great difficulty. Taking these factors into account, the Dutch changed their internal policies. Beginning in 1903, Javanese were allowed to participate in local government, and in 1925 Indonesians gained a majority in the Volksraad ("People's Council").
During World War II, from 1942 to 1945, Java was occupied by the Japanese. After the end of the Japanese occupation, a war of liberation against the Dutch began on the island. Upon its completion, in 1950, the island became part of the independent Republic of Indonesia.
Geography and landscape
| Java Island Map |
Covering approximately 150,000 km2 of territory, Java is the 13th largest island in the world and the 5th largest in Indonesia. The length from east to west is 1064 km, the maximum width is up to 210 km. The island is surrounded by the Java Sea in the north, the Sunda Strait in the west, the Indian Ocean in the south, and the Bali Strait in the east. To the west lies the island of Sumatra, Bali to the east. Borneo is in the north and Christmas Island is in the south.
Java is an island of volcanic origin. A volcano-crowned mountain range stretches from east to west along the center of the island. The highest is Semeru volcano (3676 m), the most beautiful is Bromo, the most active volcano in Java and Indonesia is Merapi (2930 m).
Java is located at the junction of two tectonic plates. The friction of these two plates causes the heating and expansion of gas, magma and steam in the Earth's interior, followed by an eruption. The island has a total of 33 active volcanoes and is part of the so-called “Pacific Volcanic Ring of Fire”, where about 90% of all earthquakes on the planet occur. Volcanoes shaped the rugged landscape, culture and religion of the inhabitants, and influenced the development of agriculture and the construction of cities and villages.
The longest river on the island is the Solo, almost 600 km long. The river originates from a spring on Mount Lawu and flows north to the mouth of the Java Sea near the city of Surabaya. Other large rivers: Brantas, Citarum, Cimanuk and Seraju. Most of Java's rivers flow in a northerly direction. Large and small rivers serve as a source of water for irrigation of flooded fields. Large rivers are navigable only during the rainy season.
Natural environment
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| Java Island Map |
Java's natural environment ranges from coastal mangrove forests on the north coast to coastal cliffs on the south, from lowland rainforests to barren volcanoes. The natural environment and climate gradually changes from west to east - from wet and humid tropical forests in the west to dry savannas in the east.
The wildlife world is rich in biodiversity with a large number of endemic species such as the Javan rhinoceros, Javan banteng, Javan pig, Javan hawk, Javan peacock, Javan silvery gibbon, spangled gulman, Javan deer and Javan leopard. The island is home to more than 450 species of birds (of which 37 are endemic), 100 species of snakes and more than 500 species of butterflies.
But it should be remembered that the island is inhabited by a huge number of people. With a population of over 143 million in 2014, that's more than half of Indonesia's population. As the population grew, tropical forests were ruthlessly destroyed, leaving only mountain slopes and isolated hard-to-reach areas to survive. In place of tropical forests, a new landscape with rice terraces, which significantly changed the island's ecosystem.
Some endemic animal species have already disappeared (the Javan tiger), while others are on the verge of extinction. To preserve the world of wildlife from human economic activity, a number of national parks: Mount Halimun Salak, Mount Gede Pangrango, Baluran, Meru Betiri and Alas Purwo, Ujung Kulon (the latter listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991).
Administrative division
Administratively, Java consists of 4 provinces (propinsi):
Banten, the administrative center of Serang;
West Java (Jawa Barat), administrative center of Bandung;
Central Java (Jawa Tengah), the administrative center of Semarang;
East Java (Jawa Timur), the administrative center of Surabaya;
and two special regions:
Jakarta (Special Capital Region);
Yogyakarta (semi-autonomous region).
1. Jakarta Special Capital Region
Officially, Jakarta is not a city, but a province with capital status, and is therefore governed not by a mayor, but by a governor. As a province, Jakarta consists of 5 municipalities: Central, North, East, South and West (according to geographical location on the map). It is the only city in Indonesia with provincial status. The Jakarta Special Capital Region includes the cities of Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, Bekasi with a population of about 23 million people. Until 1527, the city was called Sunda Kelapa, in 1527-1619 Jakarta, in 1619-1942 Batavia, and from 1942 to the present day Jakarta.
2. Semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta
The semi-autonomous region of Yogyakarta is located in the south of the island of Java and borders the province of Central Java in the north. Unlike other provinces in Java, Yogyakarta is governed by a sultan, who is neither elected nor appointed by the central authority in the capital. The semi-autonomous region consists of 4 districts and one big city Yogyakarta. On the outskirts of Yogyakarta is the most active volcano in Indonesia, Merapi, and two of the most famous temple Indonesia: Borobudur and Prambanan.
3. Banten Province
Banten Province was formerly part of West Java Province, but has been granted the status of a separate administrative unit since 2000. Banten Province consists of 4 municipalities and 4 cities. Serang - main city Banten Province. Total population 9,351,470 inhabitants (2006). Banten is advantageously located on the navigation route of trade ships between Australia and New Zealand, the countries of Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore), and the islands of Java and Sumatra.
4. West Java Province
This province has 17 districts and 9 cities. In 2002, the population of West Java reached 37,548,565. Most The inhabitants of West Java are Sundanese. The administrative center of the province is the city of Bandung.
5. Central Java Province
The Central Province is considered the center of Javanese culture. The majority of Central Java's population is Javanese. Administratively, the province is divided into 29 municipal districts and 6 cities. The population of the province is 32,380,687 inhabitants. The administrative center is located in the city of Semarang.
6. Provinces of East Java
With an area of 47,922 km² and a population of 37,070,731 (2005), it is the largest province in terms of territory and the second largest in population. The administrative center is located in the city of Surabaya. Includes the island of Maduro with a population of almost 4 million inhabitants.
Demography
With a population of over 143 million (2014) and a density of 1,029 people per km² and above, Java is one of the most densely populated islands in the world. 57% of Indonesia's population lives here. The highest concentration of population is in the west of the island (West Java, Banten and Jakarta), where the population density exceeds 1,400 people per km².
Occupying 7% of Indonesia's total area, the island is home to 57% of the country's population. From approximately 5 million inhabitants in 1815, the population has grown to 143 million in 2014. Five of Indonesia's largest and most populous cities are located on the island of Java: Jakarta, Surabaya, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Bandung.
From the 1970s until the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998, the Indonesian government pursued a program to resettle Javanese residents to other, less populated islands in the country. During the implementation of this program, conflicts often arose between local residents and newly arrived settlers. From the 1970s until the fall of Suharto's regime in 1998, the Indonesian government managed to resettle about 3 million residents.
Ethnic groups
Unlike others large islands Indonesia, Java is relatively homogeneous in its ethnic composition. The bulk of the population is represented by three main ethnic groups: Javanese (approximately 70% of the island's inhabitants), Sundanese and Madurese. The Javanese live mainly in the central and eastern part of the island, the Sundanese mainly in the west, and the Madurese in the east. Historically, the Madurese people inhabited the island of Madura off the northeast coast of Java, and immigrated to East Java in the 18th century.
The fourth group is the Betawas (descendants of the people living around Jakarta, which was called Batavia from the 17th century until 1942). The Betawa were a result of the mixing of the island's local ethnic groups with foreigners: Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese and Indians. Their culture and language are different from the Sundanese and Javanese.
In the area of Bromo volcano and mountain range Tengger has a population of about 600,000 Tengger. Other minor ethnic groups: Badui, Batak, Balinese, Papua.
Of the foreigners, the most common are the Chinese, who control a significant portion of the island's trade.
Languages
The island of Java has 3 main languages: Javanese, Sundanese and Madurese. Other languages include Betawi (one of the Austronesian languages, spoken in the west of the island), Osing (one of the Austronesian languages, spoken in the east of the island), Tengger (Hindu, living in the Tengger mountains in the east of the island), Badui (living in the Kedang mountainous areas on west of the island), Balinese ( eastern regions islands around the city of Banyuwangi, neighboring Bali) and the Banyumasan language. The vast majority of the population speaks Indonesian – state language countries.
Religion
The Indonesian constitution recognizes 5 "official" religions: Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Protestantism and Catholicism. Confucianism was also previously recognized, but was removed from the list of “official religions” by the Indonesian government in 1979.
According to the 2000 census, the proportion of Muslims is 86.1%, Protestants - 5.7%, Catholics - 3%, Hindus - 1.8%, Buddhists and adherents of other religions - 3.4%.
There are few places on Earth where the three main religions (Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism) are mixed as deeply as on the Indonesian island of Java. Hinduism and Buddhism were the dominant religions for 1000 years, but were replaced by Islam in the 16th century. Influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism, Indonesian Islam incorporated the practices of these two religions. Some of the excavated temples in East Java have a Hindu upper part and a Buddhist lower half, and a number of early mosques have roofs in the form of Hindu temples. Early mosques were built not in the direction of Mecca, but towards the west or east, in the style of Hindu temples. Islam in Indonesia developed under the enormous influence of the more developed Buddhist and Hindu religions.
Economy
Java is the most economically developed island in Indonesia. Based on 2012 statistics, Java produces 57.51% of Indonesia's gross domestic product.
Initially, the economy was based solely on rice cultivation. The power of the ancient kingdoms (Taruma, Mataram, Majapahit) largely depended on rice productivity. The island has been a renowned exporter of rice since ancient times, with rich harvests of this important crop contributing to the island's population growth. Rice terraced hillsides remain a prominent feature of the island's landscape to this day.
During the colonial period, the Dutch introduced other crops: sugar cane, rubber, coffee, tea, cinchona. Java was the first of all the islands of the Indonesian archipelago to begin growing coffee (1699). In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Javanese coffee gained worldwide popularity. The name "Java" has today become synonymous with good coffee.
Nowadays, two-thirds of the island's land area is occupied by agricultural land. Kapok, sesame, vegetables, bananas, mangoes, durians, citrus fruits and vegetable oils are produced for local consumption. Tea, coffee, tobacco, rubber, cinchona, sugarcane, kapok and coconuts are exported abroad. The soils of Java are very fertile due to periodic enrichment with volcanic ash.
The need to transport rice, coffee and other goods from the plantations of the interior to the ports on the coast stimulated the construction of roads. In 1808, construction began on the Great Java Road, connecting the cities of Anier in West Java and Panarukan in East Java. Developed network toll roads began to be built during the reign of President Suharto, connecting big cities and industrial centers.
Oil is produced in the Arjuna region near the northwest coast and processed at refineries in Cilacap and Surabaya. There is also limited mining of manganese, sulfur, phosphates, gold and silver. Small-scale production includes the manufacture of clothing and textiles with batik painting, iron casting, silver jewelry, agricultural tools, leatherworking, and ceramics. Large-scale production is represented by the textile industry, car assembly, brewing, large industries are engaged in the production of shoes, paper, cement and cigarettes. Surabaya and Tanjung Priok (near Jakarta) are the main ports of the island.
Climate
Java's climate is hot and humid throughout the year. average temperature+22 °С +29 °С, average humidity 75%. Maximum temperatures occur in the plains along the northern coast, averaging +34 °C during the dry season. South coast cooler than in the north, in the mountainous inland areas the temperature is even lower (average +22 ° C, but in the dry season it drops to zero or even lower). Like other areas on the tropical island, Java's climate has two seasons: the rainy season (November to March) and the dry season (April to October). Precipitation usually falls in the afternoon, with the wettest months being January and February. Rain is also possible during the dry season from April to October, but in general the weather is sunny and cloudless.
Precipitation is distributed extremely unevenly, for example, West Java is wetter than East Java, and the interior mountainous areas receive much more rainfall. Thus, the annual rainfall in the Parahyangan Highlands in West Java is more than 4,000 mm per year, on the northern coast of East Java it is only 900 mm, and in the capital of the country, Jakarta, on average, about 1,760 mm.
Dry season (April to October) - best time to visit the island.
Attractions
Guide
Java is the most famous island in the Greater Sunda Islands. It is located near Sumatra and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Rich culture, unique flora and fauna, specific local color, authentic atmosphere - all this makes the island especially popular among visitors.
There are several interpretations of the name of the island. The first says that the word “java” is translated from the ancient Indonesian language as “dwelling”. According to another version, the name of the island comes from the Sanskrit word “barley”. Until now, researchers cannot decide on the exact meaning of the name.
By its origin, Java belongs to both continental and volcanic natural objects. The basis of the island's landscape is a long mountain range stretching along the central part. Along everything mountain range there are more than 110 volcanoes of varying sizes. The highest point is the Semeru volcano, which is still active. In addition, there are many water areas on the island.
Archaeological excavations indicate that the first person set foot on the island in the second century BC. In the third century AD, urban settlements formed in Java and statehood emerged. One of the most prosperous states was called Mataram and existed for many years.
At the end of the 13th century, Java was under the rule of Kublai Khan, who created a great empire on the island. It existed for more than 200 years, after which it collapsed. In the 17th century, the island was occupied by the Dutch, under whose influence many European colonies appeared on Java. However, after World War II, the island became part of the independent state of Indonesia.
How to get there
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Java from Russia is by plane. international Airport Soekarno-Hatta International Airport receives several dozen flights daily from different corners peace. Air carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and others fly from major Russian cities to Jakarta. Thai Airways. In this case, you will spend from 17 to 22 hours on the flight and make a transfer in Singapore, Dubai, Bangkok or Doha.
It is better to purchase tickets in advance, as travel to Java is in demand all year round. To find a cheaper option, regularly monitor airline deals and keep an eye on price changes.
If you are already in Indonesia, then you can try to get to Java by ferry. The Pelni company provides tourists with the opportunity to ride a ferry. However, keep in mind the fact that ferries do not have a high level of comfort and the lack of empty seats is the main problem of this type of transport. Ferry tickets can be purchased either at the ticket office at the pier, or on a specialized website.
Railway- another way to get to Java. The railway service connects the cities of Jakarta, Semarang, Surakarta, Bandung, Jogja. When purchasing a ticket, pay attention to the class of the carriage. All three of them. The first class involves traveling in a comfortable compartment with air conditioning, the second class is a seat, and the third is a wooden bench.
Features of the hotel base
The choice of accommodation in Java is huge, ranging from guesthouses to five-star hotels. There are several options that suit different categories of tourists: apartments; hostels; bungalow; hotels.
Couples and large groups often choose to rent apartments or guesthouses. Such housing will be inexpensive, and its size will pleasantly surprise you. Guesthouses are usually located in residential areas of the island. The price of the apartment includes a standard set of services: bedding, kitchen and bathroom amenities, parking space, free Internet, relaxation area in the garden. You can also rent cozy bungalows on the coast with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Hostel accommodation is aimed at students or single travelers. This type of housing in Java is considered very inexpensive and clean. Recently, hostels have begun to be built in every district. The cost of a room depends on location, conditions and occupancy.
As for hotels, you won’t have any problems finding them. Hotels are traditionally divided into different categories and differ in cost. The most expensive ones are located in the central part of the island, and the cheapest ones are on the outskirts. A special discount system has been developed for tourists, allowing them to book rooms at an affordable price.
Attractions
A few kilometers from Surabaya there is a rare national park called Bromo Tengger Semeru. On an area of more than 750 square meters there are forests, volcanoes, and waterfalls, each with its own unique ecosystem. Visitors note the unusual landscapes of the park, since most of it is covered with sand of volcanic origin. Thousands of years ago, tribes lived in the park, from which this natural object and got its name. The pearl of Bromo Tengger Semeru is a group of five volcanoes. They are located not far from each other, and their appearance is shrouded in legends. According to one of them, if you go up to the crater of the volcano, you can see the entrance to afterworld. Thanks to this legend, the popularity of the park is growing every day, as many tourists want to reach the top of the mystical volcanoes.
Be sure to visit the Borobudur temple complex, located 35 kilometers from Jakarta. Scientists still have not agreed on the date and authors of this architectural artifact. For a long time, the shrine could not be discovered due to the fact that it was hidden in the dense jungle. After the discovery of this amazing masterpiece, tourists flocked to it in order to get to know the traditional culture of the island better. Presumably, the complex was built in the 8th-9th centuries.
Connoisseurs of large-scale architectural projects will love the Taman Sari Water Palace, founded by one of the rulers of Java in the 18th century. The complex is formed by a palace premises, fountains, a lake, rest rooms and picturesque places for meditation. A large sum of money was allocated from the local budget for the palace, which made it possible to create a masterpiece of incredible beauty and harmony.
If you want to get to know the nature of Java better, then visit Botanical Garden Bogor. It is considered one of the largest in Indonesia and is famous outside the country. The garden area is 88 hectares, where more than 14,000 plants grow from different parts of the world. The garden has the largest collection of orchids. They are kept in special greenhouses and delight visitors all year round.
Beach holiday
The pride of the island of Java is its magnificent beaches, stretching for several kilometers. All beaches are united into tourist areas, which differ slightly from each other. The difference is only in the level of infrastructure and features of the surrounding landscape.
Married couples with children strive to get to Karita Beach, where there are all conditions for a relaxing time, as well as diving or snorkeling. For children, there is a separate area on the beach with buoys, lifeguards and playrooms. Besides, coastline The beach is covered with fine sand, and the entrance to the water is convenient and gentle. While relaxing on Karita, you can enjoy views of the majestic Krakatoa volcano.
Be sure to include a visit to Panaitan Island with its beautiful beaches in your excursion program. You can only reach the island with the permission of the local authorities, since its territory is considered closed to outsiders.
Western Java is famous for its resort of Anyer. Here you will find an abundance of restaurants, beaches, hotels for every taste. Also on Asnieres there is an ancient lighthouse built by Dutch colonists. Hundreds of tourists come to see it every year.
Exotic lovers should go to Plengkung Beach, which is famous for hosting surfing competitions. The waves here reach a height of 2-6 meters, which is ideal for professional surfers. The competitions have international status and participation in them is considered very prestigious.
If you want to surprise the kids, then head to Sukamade Beach. Here you will find a fascinating sight: hundreds of small turtles hatch from eggs and strive for the water surface. You can also swim on the beach and enjoy amazing sunset views. The only disadvantage of Sukamade is the lack mobile communications and the Internet.
What to bring
Shops and markets in Java are filled with original products that tourists often buy for family and friends. A wide range is presented in the capital of the island, but also on small resorts you can find something to bring with you. Among the most popular things that are brought from Java:
- wooden masks intended for holidays or ritual activities;
- goods made of genuine leather;
- boxes and jewelry covered with mother-of-pearl;
- items made of porcelain, tin, stone, silver;
- dolls made using national techniques;
- umbrellas, rattan bags, paintings, panels;
- unusual ceramic dishes painted in a traditional style;
- fabrics made using a special technique;
- figurines and figurines made of sandalwood.
At local markets, tourists often buy aromatic spices, sweets, jasmine petal tea, soy milk and other unusual products.
The most famous and one of the most expensive varieties of Kopi Luwak coffee are exported from Java. The peculiarities of its production are created not by man, but by nature itself: a small animal, the Musang from the vivveridae family, eats the fruits of coffee trees, and people only have to collect the grains that have passed through the Musang’s digestive system.
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Java considered one of the largest and most famous islands. This picturesque stretch of land, about 1000 km long, has rich history, an impressive number of cultural attractions, incredible natural beauty, many temples and shrines, as well as more than a hundred majestic volcanoes stretching along the coast in a continuous line.
Peculiarities
According to its administrative structure, the island is divided into 6 provinces, including Banten, West, Central and East Java, as well as Jakarta and Yogyakarta, which have the status of districts. Each of them is formed from cities and settlements, and the main administrative center of the island is the capital of the entire country - the city. The main industry areas here are industry, agriculture and tourism, which brings significant profits to the treasury of the entire state. One of the symbols of Java is coffee – Kopi Luwak, grown on local plantations.
In total, about 30% of the entire surface of the island is covered with jungle, which in many ways serves as a reason for lovers of eco-tourism to come here to enjoy the beauty of the tropical forest, making an amusing trip along hiking trails to its most mysterious corners. Java is also extremely popular among diving fans who dive into the waters of the Java Sea on one side and the abyss Indian Ocean, on the other hand, in order to admire the diversity underwater world these places. The ethnic composition of the population here is quite diverse and is formed from a number of nationalities, including Banten, Sundanese, Javanese, Chinese and representatives of other countries and races. Islam is the dominant religion, although there are also adherents of other religious faiths, including Christians, admirers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism and other beliefs. Common languages include Javanese, Madurese, Indonesian, Sundanese and English.
general information
The area of Java is 132 thousand square meters. km, with a population of about 140 million people. In terms of population, the island confidently ranks first in the world. His highest point has 3676 meters above sea level. Time is 4-5 hours ahead of Moscow, depending on the specific location of a particular city. Time zone UTC+7, UTC+8. Indonesia does not switch to daylight saving time.
A brief excursion into history
During the Middle Ages, Java played an important role in the political, cultural and religious life of Indonesia. From 1293 to the beginning of the 16th century, the Majapahit Empire existed here, during whose reign the country achieved its greatest prosperity. After its collapse, the Demak Sultanate became the most powerful state on the island, and in the 17th century, Dutch colonization began, during which the Batavia district arose, later renamed Jakarta. At the very beginning of the 20th century, the islanders began an active struggle for the independence of Indonesia, which ended with the proclamation of this status in 1945, after the surrender of Japan.
Climate
Java has a humid tropical climate with two distinct seasons. It rains from November to February, and the rest of the year is dominated by dry, sunny weather. The air temperature is not subject to major changes and throughout the entire 12 months fluctuates between +26 - +32 degrees. You can come here at any time, and only an earthquake or a volcanic eruption can interfere with a pleasant holiday, which, however, is not so uncommon here.
How to get there
Major airports receiving flights from other parts and countries of the world are located in several cities on the island, including Bandung, Surabaya, Semarang, Solo and Yogyakarta. From here the most convenient flight is with a transfer to. Ferries travel across the waters to the ports of Jakarta, Banten, Surabaya and East Java.
Transport
Within the island, the most common means of transportation is buses. In addition, there is a good railway connection here. Renting a car is frankly cheap, but tourists are not recommended to drive on the local roads on their own, due to the peculiarities of the traffic rules and their interpretation by local drivers.
Main cities
Capital, home to over 9 million people, serves as the most important economic, industrial and cultural center of all of Indonesia. This colorful city is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Java and, possessing a lot of interesting attractions, combines luxury and poverty, wealth and poverty. The glamorous skyscrapers of the center contrast sharply with the dilapidated slums on the outskirts, and the well-groomed and neat courtyards of elite mansions do not fit in with the dirty streets where the asphalt has not been changed for several decades. Due to its low location relative to sea level, the city is prone to floods, which, however, does not yet have too much of an impact on its hectic life, which does not subside day or night. There are many museums, palaces, temples, mosques, as well as hotels, restaurants, shopping malls and entertainment venues. There are parks, there are National Gallery arts, planetarium, zoo, a number of sports facilities.
One of best places For a holiday in Java, the city of Bogor is considered, where the Soekarno Presidential Palace with the Zoological Museum and the world famous Kebun Raya Botanical Garden, with many exotic plants, stand out. The second largest city in the country, after Jakarta, is an important industrial center of Surabaya, in and around which are the Baluran and Meru Metiri nature reserves, as well as the active Bromo volcano, rising 2,400 meters above sea level. Near mountain resort Bandung's attractions include the Tangkuban Phraya volcano and Lake Situpatenngang. The city of Yogyakarta, which has unique architectural attractions, is of quite great tourist interest. Other major cities include Cirebon and Serang in Banten. There are many other interesting cities and towns on the island, each of which has its own history.
Beaches
The coast of Java abounds sandy beaches, but not all of them are suitable for swimming. In the western part of the island, not far from the city of Bandung, are the beaches of Karang Bolong and Anyer, characterized by a gentle entrance to the water and marvelous landscapes. On the same side of the island is resort village Pagandaran, with rich flora and fauna. There are good beaches in the east and in the Yogyakarta region, but the metropolitan area is not very good for beach pleasures due to the increased pollution of the coastline.
Attractions and entertainment
One of the main architectural structures of Java is the Buddhist stupa Borobudur, which is the most important element of the entire temple complex surrounding the shrine. This place is included in the list of the brightest architectural and historical monuments of UNESCO and belongs to the world heritage sites. An impressive share of other interesting attractions are located in the capital Jakarta. National quarters, unique buildings of bygone years, Taman Fatahila Square in the Kota district, the charming Chinese district of Glodak with the oldest temple in the city - Jing Yuan - all this creates a unique flavor and makes you sincerely admire the capital of the island. Worth special attention here historical Museum Jakarta, the stunning Chicken Market Bridge, the famous ancient cannon "Si-Yago", the Wayang Museum of Dolls and Ritual Objects, as well as a great many other outstanding buildings, museums and monuments. Of great interest to children are the Ragunan Zoo, the large Taman Mini park, which characterizes Indonesia in miniature, the Water Palace and the beautiful recreation park Jaya Ankol. Adults are recommended to visit the Taman-Ismail-Marzuki cultural and entertainment complex.
In the vicinity of Bandung, highlights include hot volcanic springs in Chiatera, a grandiose safari park, picturesque tea plantations in Puncak and Kulon National Park. Fans of hiking excursions are invited to take the route to the Maribaya hot springs, located in the midst of majestic volcanic landscapes. An exquisite palace complex called the Sultan's Kraton with water palace Yogyakarta boasts Taman Sari, the Agastya Art Institute, as well as the Sono Badoyo and Benteng Vredeburg museums. Between it and the city of Solo, stands the largest Hindu temple complex in Java - Prambanan, which annually receives thousands of pilgrims. There are practically no uninteresting cities on the island. Every square kilometer The island space contains the history, culture and traditions of entire peoples, so traveling around Java simply cannot help but be fascinating.
Kitchen
Traditional elements included in the dishes of restaurants, cafes and eateries on the island are vegetables, seafood, chicken, beef and rice. Popular drinks include freshly squeezed sugar cane juice, ginger tea, tuak beer brewed with palm flowers, and local palm vodka called arak.
Shopping
In the shops and shopping complexes of these cities, visitors are invited to purchase a wide variety of goods, from clothing and shoes to jewelry and the latest electronic developments. Prices, in most cases, are surprising in their affordability, so island shopping can bring true pleasure to even the most thrifty shoppers.
Java is an amazing combination of natural beauty and the benefits of modern civilization. Majestic volcanoes towering above the tropical jungle coexist with skyscrapers made of glass and concrete, and ancient temples look harmonious against the backdrop of snow-white beaches and evergreen palm trees. A stay on this exotic island allows true travelers to experience the spirit of Southeast Asia and get a complete picture of the mysterious city that lies in the far reaches of our planet, somewhere between the Pacific and Indian oceans.
The mystery of the island of Java has attracted many since childhood. At first, this place on the map seems to us like a kind of mysterious territory, containing secrets of the past and numerous treasures buried in the ground by bloodthirsty pirates. A little later we strive to visit there in search of new impressions and unique photographs.
Section 1. General description of the island of Java
The island of Java is the most famous and fifth largest island of the Indonesian archipelago, which is currently home to 130 million people (more than 65%). In this territory you can see hundreds of volcanoes, unique landscapes of the Dieng Plateau, various samples of flora and fauna, many ancient palaces, temples , mosques and sanctuaries.
Thanks to the tropical climate, there are virtually no temperature changes on the island all year round. The weather here is divided into two seasons: during the first (from March to October) it is constantly dry, and during the second it constantly rains. The atmospheric humidity within the island of Java ranges from 75% to 95%, and the air temperature ranges from +26 C to +29 C.
Section 2. Local attractions
Between the cities of Solo and Yogyakarta there is another architectural masterpiece - the ancient Hindu temple complex of Prambanan.
The city of Surabaya is famous for the Meru-Metiri and Baluran nature reserves and the high active volcano Bromo.
Section 3. Useful information for tourists
The island of Java is quite easy to find on the world map, and it is very simple to plan your route. Transport system It's superbly organized here. Today on the island, namely in the cities of Surabaya, Semarang, Jakarda, Yogyakarta, Bandug, Solo, airports accept international charter flights from all over the world.
The most convenient way to get from Russia is by regular flight via Dubai. It is also possible to get to the island by water. For example, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banten and East Java can be reached by ferry.
Buses are considered the cheapest and most convenient means of transportation here, but a rented car or train ride is perfect for traveling.
The cuisine on the island is adapted to European tastes and consists mainly of beef, chicken, vegetables, rice, legumes and fresh fruit. The most traditional, tasty and cheap food can be found in small cafes. Very popular drinks in Java are ginger tea, tuak juice from palm flowers and palm arak vodka.
