Set in Puncak, high in the cool West Java hills around Bogor, the Gunung Mas Tea Plantation dates back to the Dutch colonial era. Today, the 6,000-acre (2,428-hectare) site is owned by the Indonesian government. Visitors can tour the tea factory and plantation and also opt for hiking, horseback riding, and even paragliding in season.
One of over 500 temples in Prambanan Archaeological Park near Yogyakarta, Bubrah Temple (Candi Bubrah) dates to the ninth century. Its name means “destroyed,” but the restored structure reopened in 2017 and now stands 67 feet (20.5 meters) high. Bubrah Temple forms part of a Buddhist mandala group with Lumbung Temple and Sewu Temple.
One of Bandung’s historically significant streets, Jalan Asia Afrika is a bustling and culture-rich thoroughfare in the capital of the West Java province. It’s home to the Asia Afrika Monument, commemorating the historic conference between the two continents, and Gedung Merdeka. This historic building housed the event and is now home to a museum.
A short walk from central Banyuwangi, Boom Beach (Pantai Boom) is a fun, family-friendly attraction in this port town. While the sand and sea aren’t as enticing as Bali, just across the Bali Strait, the food stalls and funfair rides make this an entertaining place to check out if you have time to kill in Banyuwangi.
Wedi Ireng Beach is a small, secluded beach not far from the bustling Pulau Merah Beach. The Javanese name of this beach—which translates to “Black Sand”— is misleading because although some sand here is black, the top layer is an attractive white. Wedi Ireng Beach is an idyllic place to swim, snorkel, and relax in almost unspoiled natural surroundings.
East Java’s Green Bay (Teluk Hijau) is located on the coast of Meru Betiri National Park and while local Indonesian travelers tend to know about it, fewer international visitors come this way. It’s rather isolated—you can only access the beach on foot or by boat from another nearby beach—so it’s a nice place to relax, swim, and visit a waterfall.
Just off the East Java coast, uninhabited Tabuhan Island is a beautiful snorkeling and kitesurfing spot. It’s only 12 acres (5 hectares), so travelers typically visit on day trips to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the relaxed vibe. You can see many tropical fish and colorful coral at the reef, with a large drop-off into the deep ocean not far offshore.
Waduk Bajul Mati, or the Bajulmati Reservoir, is a popular photography and sunset spot. With headlands overlooking meandering blue waterways dotted with islands, the reservoir is sometimes likened to the Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. But at about an hour’s drive from Banyuwangi, where ferries travel between East Java and Bali, Waduk Bajul Mati is somewhat more accessible.
The Osing people of East Java have their own traditions that set them apart from the Javanese, Balinese, and people of other ethnic groups from nearby. Travelers can learn more about the community at Banyuwangi’s Osing Kemiren Village (also called the Osing Tourism Village), which offers cultural displays and performances, Osing food, and homestay-style accommodations.
Watudodol Beach is a black-sand beach on East Java’s coast, north of Banyuwangi. You can see right across to Bali from Watudodol Beach, separated from Java by the Bali Strait. As well as relaxing with a fresh coconut here, you can catch a boat over to tiny Tabuhan Island or Bali’s Menjangan Island to snorkel or dive.
Nestled at the foot of the mighty Mt. Burangrang, Dusun Bambu (which translates from Indonesian as Bamboo Village) is a leisure complex with plenty of activities. Along with enjoying the lush natural surroundings of the resort, you can fill your day with go-karts, a water coaster, a playground, and electric scooter rides.
Translated from Indonesian as “The Royal Cliff”, Tebing Keraton overlooks some of Bandung’s lushest landscapes. Hailed as a hidden gem that provides a relaxing respite from the bustle of the city, the viewpoint features a rocky outcrop with a backdrop of the dense and mist-shrouded pine forest below. Bring your camera, as the views are a must for photographers.
Lush, green, and at the heart of Halimun Salak National Park, Mt. Salak (Gunung Salak) is one of West Java’s most accessible volcanoes. The summit at 7,254 feet (2,211 meters) is an overnight trip for most. But the waterfalls on its lower slopes—including Nangka, Luhur, Daun, and Kawung—can be hiked in just half a day.
