Java Hotels and Travel Guide

Java, the fifth biggest island of Indonesia, is the country’s social, political and economic centre. Formed almost entirely by volcanic events, a total of 38 mountains – all have been active volcanoes at one point or another – span the island from east to west. West Java is home to the capital city, Jakarta, while Central Java, East Java, Banten and Jogyakarta make up the rest of the island.

Historically, Java played an important role as the main supplier of rice during the 17th Century, when the Dutch imperialists arrived on its shores and established the Dutch East India Company. Today, wet rice cultivation continues to dominate the island’s countryside, while business, commerce and industry flourish in the island’s major cities, namely Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang and Bandung.

Jogyakarta is the cultural capital renowned for traditional Javanese art, including the Wayang Kulit or shadow puppets, music, ballet, drama, poetry and batik. It is also home to two ancient Hindu temples, Borobudur and Prambanan, both are UNESCO Heritage Sites.