Top Things to do in Java
Top Hotels in Java
- 1. Pullman Ciawi Vimala Hills Resort
- 2. Goldvitel Hotel
- 3. Le Eminence Hotel Convention & Resort
- 4. Hotel Ciputra Jakarta managed by Swiss-Belhotel International
- 5. Pesona Alam Resort & Spa
- 6. The Papandayan
- 7. The 1O1 Bogor Suryakancana
- 8. @HOM Hotel Simpang Lima by Horison
- 9. Grand Mercure Bandung Setiabudi
- 10. Swiss-Belresort Dago Heritage
Things to do in Java, Indonesia: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in Java, Indonesia including Prambanan Temples, Borobudur Temple, Plaosan Temple, Sewu Temple, Cetho Temple, Gedong Songo Temple, Trowulan Archeological Site, Ijo Temple, Sunan Kudus Tomb, Candi Brahu dan Gentong.
Restaurants in Java
1. Prambanan Temples
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,313 reviews
These ancient masterpieces of Hindu architecture are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story.
Reviewed By WorldGlutton - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
As we arrived at the Carpark we did not like see the temple except for a few modern contemporary buildings. However upon walking in, we were awestruck by this UNESCO world heritage temple constructed about 856 AD. It is located in an enclosed park hidden away with with stalls & facilities. The Prambanan Temple being the main temple with many other several small temples in the same compound are Hindu Temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (The Creator, The Protector and The Destroyer). The steps to these individual temples are quite narrow and steep with many visitors taking selfies which make it a bit difficult to climb through. Our tour guide walked us through and explained/narrated in detail the history on each and every panel reliefs of stones carving and every temple building which house a statue of Hindu god or goddess. The Temples Park are well maintained, many ruins from earthquake could be seen lying neatly. There is an enclosed area with spotted deers, a souvenir shop and café. For visitors who do not wish to walk , they can pay a price for the Buggy Transport. The driver will gladly stop and wait for you while you explore the temples site . At the Exit , there are plenty of market stalls for souvenirs. Certainly worth the time to explore this ancient Hindu Temple, definitely one of the best tourist site around Yogyakarta !!!
2. Borobudur Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,548 reviews
Borobudur Temple Compounds This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
Reviewed By JeremyCaney - Seattle, United States
I often find that the most famous sights in a country are so hyped, so crowded, and so commercialized that they are underwelming. Borobudur is certainly hyped, crowded, and commercialized. And yet it’s a beautiful and unique ruin, painstakingly restored, and absolutely worth seeing. A few tips for your visit. First, a lot of visitors pay extra for the Manohara Resort’s exclusive 4:30A access for sunrise hoping to recreate one of those iconic shots of Borobudur. You can do that. But, at least in March, I found that arriving at 6:00A was just fine. It was cheaper, the crowds had thinned out, and there was still an hour of beautiful lighting and atmospheric mist offering plenty of good photo opportunities. All of the attached photos of the summit were taken between 6:30A and 7:30A. So unless you are dead set on catching those few moments where the sun crosses the horizon, consider enjoying the extra hour of sleep! (That said, you’ll definitely want to go in the early morning or late afternoon; it is miserably hot, crowded, and far less photogenic midday.) Second, the vast majority of visitors immediately climb to the top, spend an hour, then go onto their next destination. That’s a mistake. While the top level offers some of the best Instagram opportunities—and should certainly be where you go around sunrise or sunset—the lower levels provide the most historical and artistic significance with hundreds of remarkable stone reliefs. As an added bonus, you’ll encounter comparatively few visitors here, and the walls offer welcome cover from the afternoon sun. Third, and related, many visitors come to town exclusively for the temple, and then move on. If you’re more adventurous and have the time, however, then the nearby villages are full of charming and welcoming people, astonishingly beautiful scenery, and a couple of smaller temples. Those are easily as memorable for me as Borobudur itself. I highly recommend booking at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts (I loved Etafa Home Stay), renting a bike (if one isn’t provided for you), and spending a couple of days exploring the surrounding countryside. (Note: If you’re planning on also visiting Prambanan, you’ll want to see Borobudur Temple on either your first or last day, as you save a lot of money if you buy a joint ticket—but you have to visit each within one day of each other.) I only stayed two days in Borobudur, opting to spend another two days in Prambanan. And while I enjoyed my time in Prambanan, I think I’d have preferred skipping it entirely and spending more time in and around Borobudur. The temple is a must-see when you’re in Indonesia, but the entire area is beautiful.
3. Plaosan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Reviewed By Yoke_Ming - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This place is quiet and less visitors. It was well maintained and clean. Free admission but have to registered at the entrance. The twin temples that representing the love of the King and Queen are wonderful.
4. Sewu Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
Reviewed By lawrenceh673
It is a smaller version of Borobudur but ver very well maintained. the whole area is kept clean and the temple structure is still strong with carvings of Buddhist history in excellent condition. Imagine this temple is built in the 9 century!!
5. Cetho Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Reviewed By ModestTravel - Shah Alam, Malaysia
It's like standing in Heaven since it is on Mt Lawu. Went with a driver from Yogyakarta. Possible to be a 1-day trip from Yogyakarta.
6. Gedong Songo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By GeneralShamu - New York City, United States
There are five sets of temples on this mountain side. They are all well worth it and you can't just call it quits after the third one. Along the way - between the 3rd/4th one - you will also be able to get up close to some bubbling craters and sulfuric vents. They are not dangerous, just be smart about it. After the fifth temple, there is also a viewing station to get a proper vista of the town below and the mountains above you (with temples mixed in between). This is definitely worth the 2/3 minute trudge - which, after making it past temple 5 in the hear, you'll question if you should.
7. Trowulan Archeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By YogaEfendi - Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia
I am Yoga Efendi, a traveler from Yogyakarta. This is not my first time traveling to Trowulan. Many times already. I have suggestion for you to enjoy the Trowulan in a very effective and efficient way. 1. From the main road you can go to Candi Brahu. 2. Follow the road to visit The Sleeping Buddha Statue and then go to the main road. 3. Visit Kolam Segaran, the super big ancient pool 4. Visit Majapahit Museum and then Bajang Ratu Temple. 5. The last, visit Candi Tikus. The list above is the highlight destinations in Trowulan.
8. Ijo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 290 reviews
Reviewed By camsean - Townsville, Australia
It is hard to believe it now, but just 15 years ago these temples were unrestored piles of collapsed stones which only archaeologists were interested in. With a number of temples now restored to something approaching their original beauty, Candi Ijo is now one of the most impressive Javanese temple sites and a must-see for tourists to Yogyakarta. That said, restorations are still ongoing here and the total of six restored temples may eventually be added to. The main temple, or candi induk, is a remarkable structure which features kudu heads, kala niches and a truly gargantuan yoni. Its three satellite temples are also in condition and one of them shelters one of the most perfect Nandi statues in all of Java. It is also worth mentioning that this temple has sweeping views of the Prambanan Plain being situated at a height of 420 metres above sea level. Entrance costs 10,000 rupiah for foreigners.
