Home attraction 40 Best Things to Do in Java Indonesia (Must Visit)

40 Best Things to Do in Java Indonesia (Must Visit)

by Hindarko Luh Setyawanto

Java is the center of economic growth in Indonesia. No wonder about 60% of Indonesia’s population is in Java. The inhabitants of Java are very heterogeneous. Besides the dominant Javanese tribe, there are also various tribes living here. From Acehnese to Papuans, from Chinese to Arabs. Java is divided into 6 provinces, namely Jakarta, Banten, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java.

How to Get to Java

Visitors can easily travel to Java. Jakarta and Banten can be accessed through Soekarno Hatta International Airport located in Tangerang city. In addition Jakarta has Tanjung Priok Port and Banten has Merak Ferry Port located in Cilegon city. West Java is accessible through Husein Sastranegara International Airport located in Bandung city. Central Java can be accessed through Achmad Yani International Airport and Tanjung Emas Port. Both are located in Semarang city. Yogyakarta is accessible through Adisutjipto International Airport. East Java can be accessed through 3 entrance gates, namely Juanda International Airport located in Sidoarjo, Tanjung Perak Port located in Surabaya city and Ketapang Ferry Port located in Banyuwangi.

Java has a complete landscape, ranging from mountains, plateau, lowlands to the beach. Various historical relics of the Indonesian nation also exist here, ranging from the era of the Hindu – Buddhist kingdom until post-independence. Therefore there are many things that visitors can see and do in Java. Ok guys, let’s find out.

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1. Visiting Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple, which is listed in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage, was built in 824 AD using an interlock system, just like Lego blocks that can stick without glue. Every year this temple becomes the center of Vesak celebration.

Borobudur Temple is located in Borobudur, Magelang Regency, Central Java. However it is more accessible from Yogyakarta, only about 1 hour drive. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 40,000 while for foreign tourists is USD 25. Opening hours is 6 am to 5 pm.

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2. Visiting Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia. The temple was built in the year 850 AD and is dedicated to glorify Lord Shiva, one of the three main deities (Trimurti) in Hinduism. Prambanan Temple is a complex consisting of several temples in it, among them are Brahma Temple, Vishnu Temple and Shiva Temple.

This temple is also listed in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Prambanan Temple is located in Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 40,000 while for foreign tourists is USD 25. Opening hours is 6 am to 5 pm.

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3. Visiting Sewu Temple
Sewu Temple is the second largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia after Borobudur Temple. It is estimated that the temple was built in the 8th century AD and the temple is situated not far from Hindu’s Prambanan Temple.

Hence this became evidence of religious harmony at the time. The temple is also listed in UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage. Sewu Temple is located in Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. Visitors do not have to pay because the entrance fee is included in the ticket price of Prambanan Temple.

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4. Visiting Ratu Boko Temple
Ratu Boko Temple is a unique temple. The temple, which was built sometime in 600 AD, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures. At that time the temple had various functions, such as a place of worship, palace and fortress. This temple is only 2 km away from Prambanan Temple.

Ratu Boko Temple is located in Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 40,000 while for foreign tourists is USD 25. Opening hours is 6 am to 5 pm.

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5. Visiting Penataran Temple
Penataran Temple is a Hindu temple built in the year 1.194 AD. The temple, which is located on the slopes of Mount Kelud, was once believed to be a place of worship to avoid the danger caused by the eruption of Mount Kelud.

Inside the temple there are carved reliefs of Ramayana and various statues in Hindu mythology. Penataran Temple is located in Penataran, Blitar Regency, East Java. The admission price is Rp 3,000. Opening hours is 9 am to 5 pm.

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6. Visiting Plaosan Temple
Plaosan Temple is a Buddhist temple that was estimated to be built in the 9th century AD. Nevertheless this temple has an architecture which is a blend of Buddhist and Hindu styles. The temple is divided into two complexes, namely Plaosan Lor (North) and Plaosan Kidul (South).

Plaosan Lor is larger and has more temples in it. Plaosan Temple is located on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta, which is in Bugisan Village, Prambanan, Klaten Regency. The location is not far from Prambanan Temple, it is about 2.5 km only. The admission price is Rp 3,000. Opening hours is 9 am to 5 pm.

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7. Visiting Gedong Songo Temple
Gedong Songo Temple is a Hindu temple complex built around the 9th century. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Ungaran which has a height of 1,200 meters above sea level. There are 5 temples in this complex.

In addition to the temple, there is also a hot water bath and sulfur crater. Visitors can rent horses to get around this area. Gedong Songo Temple is located in Candi Village, Bandungan, Semarang, Central Java. The admission price is Rp 6,000. Opening hours is 6 am – 5 pm.

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8. Visiting Mount Bromo
Mount Bromo is one of the favorite tourist destinations in East Java. Every year in July, the Tengger tribes make an offering ceremony at Mount Bromo by throwing crops and cattle into the crater of Bromo. . Tengger tribes who inhabit this area believe that Mount Bromo is a sacred mountain.

Every year in July, the Tengger tribes make an offering ceremony at Mount Bromo by throwing crops and cattle into the crater of Bromo. Mount Bromo is located in Probolinggo Regency, East Java. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 27,500 on weekdays and Rp 32,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourist is Rp 217,500 on weekdays and Rp 317,500 on weekends.

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9. Visiting Ijen Crater
Ijen Crater is located at the top of Mount Ijen, about 2,443 meters above sea level. The crater contains acidic water that has a green color. The acid comes from sulfur gas that reacts with water. In addition at night visitors can see the phenomenon of blue flame that comes from the combustion of sulfur gas.

Ijen Crater is located on the border of Situbondo Regency and Banyuwangi Regency, East Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 5,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourist is Rp 100,000 on weekdays and Rp 150,000 on weekends.

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10. Visiting Dieng Plateau
Dieng Plateau is a favorite tourist destination in Central Java. There are many interesting objects in this area. Visitors can see the complex of Hindu Arjuna Temple, Sikidang Crater, Color Lake, Pengilon Lake, Dieng Volcanic Theater, Dieng Culture Festival (held in July – August), and of course enjoy the sunrise from Sikunir Hill.

Dieng Plateau is located in Kejajar, Wonosobo Regency, Central Java. The admission price to Dieng Plateau area is Rp 10,000. To enter the tourist attraction (such as temple, crater, lake, etc.) visitors are charged again which varies from Rp 3,000 to Rp 30,000.

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11. Visiting Putih Crater
Putih Crater is situated at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level. The crater is formed as a result of the eruption of Mount Patuha. The soil around the crater is mixed with sulfur and has a white color, while the color of the water in this crater is whitish-green. It’s really beautiful and amazing.

Putih Crater is located in Ciwidey, Bandung Regency, West Java. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 15,000 and for foreign tourists is Rp 30,000. Opening hours is 7 am to 5 pm.

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12. Visiting Mount Tangkuban Perahu
Mount Tangkuban Parahu has a height of about 2,084 meters above sea level with the shape of strato volcano. This mountain is still active and has 3 adjacent craters, namely Ratu Crater, Domas Crater, and Upas Crater. Visitors can see white smoke coming out from the crater which is a sulfur gas.

Mount Tangkuban Perahu is located in Lembang, Bandung Regency, West Java. The admission price is Rp 30,000 for domestic tourists and Rp 300,000 for foreign tourists. Opening hours is 7 am to 4 pm.

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13. Visiting Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia. The last major eruption occurred in 2010. In addition to seeing the beauty of Mount Merapi, visitors can see the Merapi Museum which contains a variety of debris caused by the eruption of Merapi, Alien Stone that comes from the belly of Mount Merapi, and Merapi Bunker.

Mount Merapi is located in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta. To get around the Mount Merapi area, visitors can rent a jeep with a rate of Rp 300,000 for 1 – 1.5 hours.

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14. Climbing Mount Merbabu
Mount Merbabu is one of the most beautiful mountains in Central Java. With an altitude of 3,142 meters above sea level, this inactive mountain became one of the favorites of climbers.

Seeing the sunrise from the top of this mountain will be a precious moment that will always be remembered. Mount Merbabu is located in in Boyolali Regency, Central Java. The admission price is Rp 15,000.

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15. Climbing Mount Papandayan
Mount Papandayan has a height of 2,665 meters above sea level. The mountain, which last erupted in 2002, is suitable for rookie climbers. Along the way to the summit, climbers can see the expanse of the craters which is still puffing white smoke. Not to mention the beautiful expanse of Edelweiss flowers.

Mount Papandayan is located in Garut Regency, West Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 20,000 on weekdays and Rp 30,000 on weekends. While for foreign tourists is Rp 200,000 on weekdays and Rp 300,000 on weekends.

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More Attractions in Java

Indeed, here are more things to do in Java Indonesia:

16. Climbing Mount Lawu
Mount Lawu has a height of 3,265 meters above sea level. The mountain that has three peaks is one of the seven summits of Java. The mountain is full of mystical aura and is believed to be the hermitage of the King of Majapahit.

In the area of Mount Lawu there are also other interesting attractions such as Grojogan Sewu Waterfall, Sarangan Lake, Kemuning Tea Plantation and Cemoro Sewu Pine Forest. Mount Lawu is located in Tawangmangu, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java. The admission price is Rp 15,000.

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17. Climbing Mount Gede
Mount Gede has a height of 2,985 meters above sea level. The mountain, which is part of Gede Pangrango National Park, is located not far from Jakarta so it is easy to go. Along the way to the summit, climbers can see a vast expanse of Edelweiss flowers, the crater, waterfalls and hot springs.

Mount Gede is located in Bogor Regency, West Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 27,500 on weekdays and Rp 32,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourists is Rp 157,500 on weekdays and Rp 232,500 on weekends.

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18. Visiting Bogor Botanical Garden
Bogor Botanical Gardens has an area of about 87 hectares with a collection of 15,000 species of trees and plants. In addition to enjoying the shady atmosphere, visitors can also see the Bogor Palace which is the presidential resting palace, a herd of beautiful deer, museum zoology, and the famous Raflesia Arnoldi flowers.

Bogor Botanical Garden is located at Haji Djuanda Street, Bogor City, West Java. The admission price is Rp 15.000. Opening hours is 8 am to 5 pm.

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19. Visiting Ujung Kulon National Park
Ujung Kulon National Park is representative of the ecosystem of lowland tropical rain forest in Java. The diversity of plants and animals in Ujung Kulon National Park has been known by Dutch and British botanists since 1820.

There are approximately 700 species of plants, 35 species of mammals, 5 species of primates, 59 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 240 bird species, 72 types of insects, 142 species of fish and 33 species of coral reefs. The icon of Ujung Kulon National Park is a one-horned rhinoceros. Ujung Kulon National Park is located in Pandeglang Regency, Banten. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 5,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourists is Rp 150,000 on weekdays and Rp 225,000 on weekends.

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20. Visiting Baluran National Park
Baluran National Park is famous for its savannas so people call it “Little Africa”. Nevertheless Baluran National Park also has a green forest, a beautiful beach and mangrove forest area. The number of plants is about 444 species. Animals that live here include monkeys, antelope, buffalo, bull, leopard, deer, wild boar and various birds.

Baluran National Park is located in Banyuputih, Situbondo Regency, East Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 5,000 on weekdays and Rp 7,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourists is Rp 150,000 on weekdays and Rp 225,000 on weekends.

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21. Visiting National Monument (Monas)
National Monument (Monas) is an icon of Jakarta as well as Indonesia. Monas was inaugurated on July 12, 1975 by President Soeharto. At the bottom of Monas there is a museum that tells the struggle of the Indonesian nation to achieve independence.

Every morning Monas area is often visited by residents for jogging or just walking around. National Monument (Monas) is located in Jakarta. The admission price is Rp 10.000. Opening hours is 8 am – 4 pm and 7 pm – 10 pm.

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22. Visiting the National Museum of Indonesia
The National Museum of Indonesia has a collection of about 141,000 objects of historical value that are classified into groups such as archaeological parks, prehistory, traditional houses, people and the environment, science and technology, social organization and treasures of gold.

In addition visitors can also attend batik lessons which are held for free. The National Museum of Indonesia is located at Medan Merdeka Barat Street, Jakarta. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 5,000 while for foreign tourists is Rp 10.000. Opening hours is 8 am to 4 pm.

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23. Visiting the Jakarta History Museum
The Jakarta History Museum holds many historical items that witness the development of Jakarta. Starting from prehistoric times, the time of Tarumanegara and Padjadjaran Kingdom, until the period of Dutch colonialism.

The museum has a collection of about 500 objects, including the antique furniture from the 17th-19th centuries which came from Europe and China. The Jakarta History Museum is located at Taman Fatahillah Street, Jakarta. The admission price is Rp 5,000. Opening hours is 9 am to 3 pm.

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24. Visiting the Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum has a collection of objects related to the culture and life of Javanese aristocrats. Among them is a set of gamelan that has been used for wayang and traditional dance performances in the palace of Yogyakarta, photographs and documentation about the kingdom of Yogyakarta, a collection of paintings belonging to the queen and a collection of batik belonging to the royal family.

Visitors can also take a traditional dance class held by the museum. Ullen Sentalu Museum is located in Kaliurang, Yogyakarta. The admission price for domestic tourists is Rp 25,000 while for foreign tourists is Rp 50,000. Opening hours is 8.30 am to 5 pm.

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25. Visiting Danar Hadi Batik Museum
Danar Hadi Batik Museum has the most complete batik collection in Indonesia. Visitors can see batik made in 1810, in the days of Dutch colonialism, to modern batik these days. The special thing is visitors can also see batik that is only used by the royal family of Yogyakarta and Surakarta.

The museum also held a batik class that can be attended by visitors. Danar Hadi Batik Museum is located at Slamet Riyadi Street, Solo, Central Java. The admission price is Rp 25,000. Opening hours is 9 am – 5 pm.

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26. Visiting Lawang Sewu
Lawang Sewu is an ancient building that becomes an icon of the city of Semarang. The building was built by the Dutch government in 1904 for the railway office. This art deco-style building consists of three floors and has many doors. So many doors that make locals call it lawang sewu which means a thousand doors.

The building is a historical tourist attraction that is worth a visit. Lawang Sewu is located at Pemuda Street, Semarang, Central Java. The admission price is Rp 10,000. Opening hours is 7 am – 9 pm.

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27. Visiting Yogyakarta Palace
Yogyakarta Palace has been established for over 250 years. Until this moment the palace is still firmly running its traditions. In addition to seeing the beautiful architecture of Yogyakarta Palace and its daily life, visitors can stop by the palace’s museum.

Visitors can see a collection of various paintings, royal horse carts, a collection of various batik, heritage objects and gifts from European kings. Yogyakarta Palace is located at Rotowijayan Street, Yogyakarta. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 5,000 while for foreign tourist is Rp 12,500. Opening hours is 8 am to 2 pm.

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28. Visiting Sam Poo Kong Monastery
Although the majority of the population is Muslim, there are also beautiful monasteries in Indonesia. One of them is Sam Poo Kong Monastery which is a famous tourist attraction in Semarang. The monastery was built in the place where Commander Cheng Ho first landed on the island of Java.

Inside the monastery there is an anchor from Commander Cheng Ho’s ship. There is also a large statue of Commander Cheng Ho that is a gift from the Chinese government. Sam Poo Kong Monastery is located at Simongan Street, Semarang, Central Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 20,000 while for foreign tourist is Rp 30,000. Opening hours is 6 am to 11 pm.

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29. Visiting Malioboro
Malioboro is a landmark of Yogyakarta city. Here visitors can see the ancient buildings of the Dutch heritage, enjoying the creativity of street artists, shopping typical souvenirs of Yogyakarta, sitting under the shade of the trees, eating typical rice gudeg of Yogyakarta, browsing the internet utilizing free wifi facilities, or wandering around riding a bicycle for free. Malioboro is located at Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta. Let’s enjoy these things to do in Java Indonesia!

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30. Seeing Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple
The Ramayana Ballet features a combination of dance, gamelan music and drama without dialogue. A narrator will explain the course of the story, round by round. Ramayana Ballet tells the story of Javanese version of Ramayana which is performed directly on the yard of Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta.

Therefore the show is only held during the dry season, between May to October. The ticket for the VIP class is Rp 375,000, special class is Rp 250,000, 1st class is Rp 175,000 and 2nd class is Rp 100,000. Indeed, that’s one of the best things to do in Java Indonesia.

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31. Visiting Patenggang Lake
Patenggang Lake is situated at an altitude of about 1,600 meters above sea level, on the slopes of Mount Patuha. The cool atmosphere and its calm waters will welcome visitors. The towering mountains and lush trees surround this lake.

On the shores of the lake, there are colorful boats that can be rented to explore the lake. The beauty of the lake makes visitors happy to linger here. Patenggang Lake is located in Ciwidey, Bandung Regency, West Java. The admission price for domestic tourist is Rp 18,000 on weekdays and Rp 20,500 on weekends. While for foreign tourists is Rp 135,000 on weekdays and Rp 185,000 on weekends. Opening hours is 8 am – 5 pm.

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32. Visiting Ujung Genteng Beach
Ujung Genteng is a favorite beach area in West Java. The beach is directly adjacent to the Indian Ocean, has fine brown sand, crystal clear water, a not-so-big wave and less crowded atmosphere.

In addition visitors can also see the turtle breeding, or even see directly the turtles that are laying eggs. Ujung Genteng Beach is located in Ciracap, Sukabumi Regency, West Java. The admission price is Rp 27,000 for car and Rp 5.000 for motorbike. For entry into the turtle breeding visitors are charged Rp 5,000.

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33. Visiting Sempu Island
Sempu Island is a small island that has a very beautiful beach. The sand is smooth and clean, the water is greenish, the waves are calm and the beach is surrounded by lush trees. There is also a beautiful lagoon that becomes a camping ground for visitors. From the cliffs visitors can enjoy an amazing sunset.

Sempu Island is located in Sendang Biru, Tambak Rejo Village, Malang Regency, East Java. The cost of renting a boat for a round trip to Sempu Island is about Rp 100,000.

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34. Visiting Parangtritis Beach
What’s next things to do in Java Indonesia? things to do in Java IndonesiaParangtritis Beach is a must-visit place while in Yogyakarta. The beach which is famous for its mystical nuance has a vast expanse of brown sand. The waves are quite large because they originate directly from the Indian Ocean.

In addition to playing water and enjoying the sunset, visitors can also play ATVs, ride horses, try paragliding and feel the excitement of sand boarding. Parangtritis Beach is located in Parangtritis Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The admission price is Rp 5,000.

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35. Visiting Baron Beach
Baron Beach is located in the bay which is flanked by cliffs and hills of coconut trees. The sand is brown and the waves are big enough. Here visitors can see a river flowing into the sea.

The river has clean fresh water due to underground springs. The good thing is that visitors are allowed to swim in this quiet river. Baron Beach is located in Kemadang Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The admission price is Rp 10,000.

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36. Visiting Depok Beach
Depok Beach has a stretch of brown sand and big waves typical of the south coast. In addition, Depok Beach has a uniqueness that became its main attraction. Here visitors can buy directly catches of the fishermen such as fish, shrimp, squid, crab and shellfish. Then visitors can take it to the food stalls around to be cooked and enjoyed.

Or visitors can also choose a variety of seafood menu provided by food stalls. Depok Beach is located in Parangtritis Village, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta. The admission price is Rp 5,000.

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37. Visiting Pangandaran Beach
Pangandaran Beach is one of the favorite tourist destinations in West Java. On this beach visitors can enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset, playing banana boat, fishing, snorkeling, or traveling by boat. The vast expanse of sand allows children to play safely.

Visitors can also buy a variety of processed seafood which is suitable for souvenirs. Around the beach there are many restaurants serving seafood menu. Pangandaran Beach is located in Pananjung Village, Ciamis Regency, West Java. The admission price is Rp 15,000 for car and Rp 6,000 for motorbike

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38. Visiting Karimunjawa Beach
Karimunjawa Beach which is located in Karimunjawa Islands has fine white sand, calm waves and clear water. The beauty of its underwater is also amazing with healthy coral reefs and colorful fish. No wonder the beach becomes a favorite of the anglers and divers. To go to Karimunjawa Beach, visitors depart from Jepara Port by boarding the boat. Speed boat costs Rp 150,000 per person while regular boat costs Rp 60,000 per person.

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39. Visiting Plengkung Beach
Plengkung Beach, which has the nickname of G-Land, is well known among professional surfers. The beach has large waves which can reach 6 – 8 meters high with a length of 2 km. Good waves usually occur from April to August.

This beach has complete facilities, ranging from bars, restaurants, bungalows, camp to surfing rentals. Plengkung Beach is located in Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java.The admission price to the national park is Rp 3,500. The cost of renting a jeep to the beach is Rp 250,000.

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40. Visiting Papuma Beach
Papuma Beach is a rising tourist attraction in East Java. The beach has a stretch of white sand with rocks lined up along the beach. The waves are quite large, typical waves of the south coast. When the water is receding, visitors can see small fish and sea urchins that are stranded on the beach.

Visitors can also find monkeys living freely in the forest near the beach. Papuma Beach is located in Lojejer Village, Wuluhan, Jember Regency, East Java. The admission price is Rp 7,000 on weekdays and Rp 15,000 on weekends.

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Ok guys, now you know the best things to do in Java Indonesia. No doubt Java has the best Places To Visit in Indonesia with its culture and beautiful nature. Let’s visit Java Indonesia!

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