Welcome to Central Java - Indonesia

Central Java is a cultural heartland. Rice with emerald rice fields, majestic volcanoes, historical cities, towns and heritage sites of international importance, Javanese traditions are at their strongest here.

Indonesia's most active volcano, Mount Merapi makes for the most dramatic landmark on Central Java's horizon. While it is not safe to climb to the top of the mountain, viewing sites along its sides reveal a spectacular surrounding vista.

Dieng Plateau, which sits in the caldera of an extinct volcano, boats ancient Hindu temples scattered through rice fields and small villages. At almost 2000 meter above sea level, the misty and dramatic Dieng Plateau is named after "The home of the GODs". This ancient pilgrimage destination is at the geographic center of Java and is its highest inhabitable region. The ruins of Hindu and Buddhist temples line the caldera of an extinct volcano and at night, temperatures drop sharply, making the tropical world of the low - lands seem a continent away. The landscape here is lush and green, and there are a number of spectacular walks to surrounding mineral lakes and steaming craters. Various tour groups in Yogya organize trips to Dieng Plateau, often in conjuction with visits to Borobudur. If you're visiting both the plateau and the temple, be prepared to spend the whole day.

Sam Poo Kong Temple, also known as Gedung Batu, this well - known Chinese Temple is located about half an hour from the center of the city. Dedicated to the revered Chinese Moslem, Admiral Cheng Ho, whose fleet arrived in 1406, the interior of the temple is built to resemble a cave and is home to the Admiral's statue replica and two guardian dragons.

Lawang Sewu, This old Dutch colonial administrative building is said to have one thousand doors - and the ghosts to match. Should you be undaunted by the thought of spectral inhabitants, pay the guard a few thousand rupiahs and take a tour. During the Japanese occupation Javanese fighters used a building as a stronghold. Beautiful stained glass windows mean that a sunny day is the best time to visit.

Semarang Old City, In Candi, the higher part of the city, are remnants of the Hindu rulers. Prince Puger's fortifications and the grave of Ki Ageng Pandan Arang and Kyai Saleh in Mugas street are popular sites. To the west of the city is the fifteenth century Gedung Batu, which was dedicated to Chinese Moslem Admiral Cheng Ho, whose fleet arrived in 1406. Nearby in Lombok street is the Tay Kak Sie Buddhist Temple, built in 1772. Blenduk Church is the oldest Christian church in Central Java and was build by the Dutch in 1753. It has a huge dome and a baroque organ. In the streets around the church there are several other Dutch colonial buildings.

Ronggowarsito Museum, which located near the airport, has displays illustrating the cultural history of the area and a short history of the country.

Karimunjawa Islands, the national marine park is a collection of islands 90 kilometer northeast of Java. Of the 27 islands, only seven are inhabited, the largest of which is Karimun Jawa island. Boats make the trip from Semarang and nearby Jepara, and the main resort on the island, Kura - Kura, runs its own air service from Yogyakarta and Semarang. With their extensive coral reefs, the islands offer incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, and idyllic sandy beaches for soaking up the sun. The local wildlife is stunning - at certain times of the year, sea turtles come on the beaches to lay their eggs.

Guci is mountain resort, famous for its hot springs, lies south of Tegal. Accomodation is available, in the form of hotel or campsite, and there are children's activities available. The main draw is the spring, of course, which are said to have a chemical content that can cure myriad diseases.

The Borobudur and Prambanan temples are fascinating reminders of Java's long and complex religious history. Borobudur, the largest man - made object in the Southern Hemisphere and one of southeast Asia's most spectacular attractions. Borobudur, is a spectacular Buddhist relic that dates back to AD 750 - 850 (in 9th Century). which remained buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th century, people from all over the world have come to marvel at the sheer magnitude of this work of art. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, host to 2,672 relief carvings, 504 statues of Buddha. Relief carvings on the walls along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world of desires, pilgrims, spiral up each level, passing through the world of forms to reach nirvana at the top. From Yogyakarta, visitors have several transport options and many shuttle buses and tour guides organise trips to be at the temple for sunrise, an unforgettable experience and the best time to be there with least crowds. Though smaller, Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Java and no less important, decorated with sculptural remnants of the vast Hindu empire that once stretched across Java.

SOLO

Solo, as known as Surakarta is often referred to as the smaller, quainter version of Yogyakarta. As well as being centre for traditional crafts and performing arts, the main attractions here include two beautiful palaces, the bigger of which is Kraton Surakarta, home to Solo's rulers from 1745 to 1939. The smaller Puri Mangkunegaran, home to the second house of Solo, is very well maintained and has one of the largest pendopo (pavillions)in the country. Intricately decorated with figures of the Javanese zodiac, the pavillion is where guests are received, and banquets and gamelan performances are held. Two sets of 300 - year - old gamelan instruments are on display and played once a week. The palace museum also has a large collection of antique costumes, jewelry, masks silver, and crystal wear and weapons. Beautifully kept gardens surround its central courtyard.

Solo is also home to what is reputedly known as the oldest museum in Java, The Radya Pustaka Museum. A statue of Ronggowarsito, a Keraton poet of the past, stands in the front courtyard. The museum houses an extensive collection of antiques, wayang, gamelan, keris, and Dutch and Javanese texts.

There are direct flights into the city, but at just 65 km northeast of Yogyakarta, a comfortable business class train will get you there in an hour and taxis are used to ferrying back and forth.

Mount Lawu, at 3265 meters high, this mountain is one of the most important to Javanese legend and its slopes the site of the a number of interesting temples. The most famous of these is Candi Sukuh, which was built in the 15th Century and since mystified historians with its unusual style.

Tawangmangu Mountain Resort, this popular weekend resort is home to the monkey forests of Grojogan Sewu waterfall and the Maria Cave.

Sarangan, with a cool climate and spectacular views, Sarangan is a popular base for treks up Lawu Mountain.

Sangiran, just north of Solo, a small museum here marks the site of the important 1936 archaeological discovery of prehistoric "Java Man (Pithecanthropus Erectus) fossils.