Java is easy to get to from anywhere in the Far East with most airlines flying into Jakarta. Start off by surfing over to the following sites:

- West Java, Java Tourist Guide, and Indonesia Tourism

- Use BookingBuddy’s Top Travel Deals newsletter and search Kayak for schedules. The small Indonesian airlines are in a constant state of flux (and bankruptcy) and I’ve found we’re better off using Indonesia tour operators to purchase and arrange flights. They are there and can easily stay on top of schedule and airlines changes. (BookingBuddy’s Top Travel Deals newsletter highlights the industry’s best deals from travel suppliers that you trust!)

That’s all you need to get started. Your problem will be picking what to visit. V-E-R-Y …difficult to make a choice…

Sheila’s recommendations for Central and East Java:

- Yogyakarta. Tour the Sultan’s Palace with a guide, visit Taman Sari (the Water Castle), the “Bird” Market also has snakes and other beasties, walk down Malioboro Street to shop and visit the main market. Yogyakarta was, and is, a big favorite;

concert in the Sultan’s Palace, Yogyakarta, Java 

locals eating on Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta, Java
- Do not miss Borobudur, one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in Southeast Asia;

a relief panel in Borobudur, Java, Indonesia
- Malang, an old Dutch colonial town in East Java with old houses, grandiose mosques…View image, a famous cuisine, vividly green fields…View image; and

- The oh-so-interesting hike up smoking and bubbling Mount Bromo, an active volcano. This may be your once-in-lifetime chance to actually stand on the rim of an active volcano. Just hope that the wind isn’t blowing the gagging sulphur into your face and mouth.

Mount Bromo smoking in the distance, East Java, Indonesia 

tourists hiking up and down Mount Bromo’s old lava flows, East Java
How to get around? Inter-island travel around Java is easy by public bus, and you can cross the entire island in one day. Java also has Indonesia’s best rail system, or catch a bemo (shared taxi).

Basic Information?

- You need an Indonesian Visa. Eleven countries are eligible to enter “Visa Free.” Check the Republic of Indonesia site for up-to-date information. As U.S. citizens, we could get a Visa On Arrival in Indonesia. You need a valid passport, onward or return tickets, and two color passport photos. There was a $25 U.S. charge for a 30-day visa when this article was published.

- Money. Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. There is no problem exchanging GBP Sterling, Euros or U.S. Dollars in Indonesia but U.S. Dollars are preferred. There are ATM’s in the major centers and moneychangers give the same rate without charging a commission.

- Watch what you eat, make sure it’s cooked, hot and fresh, and drink bottled water only.

It’s a snap to come to Java with no set plans and wing it. Tour operators will swarm around, begging for your business and cut tour costs by the nano-second! Now, wasn’t that easy?

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