Eating delicious Nasi Campur, enjoying the view of the green jungles from the train windows, and getting out of breath while climbing impressive Volcanos. This is what Java felt like to me. Java is a truly special place, with a rich culture and diverse landscapes, and still one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. I already love Indonesia, and unlike Bali, Java gives you that raw, local experience.
In this post, I’ll share a thoughtfully crafted (and self-tested!) 2-week Java itinerary that will show you the highlights of the island and guide you on how to explore them in the best way and order. You will get to see huge cities with skyscrapers, small villages, beautiful nature with waterfalls and volcanoes and much more. Let’s dive into the details and make your Java adventure memorable!
If you are traveling around South-East Asia, check out my other posts about Backpacking Vang Vieng (Laos) and exploring Cambodia as well!
Why Java deserves a spot on your bucketlist
Visiting the island of Java had been on my bucket list for a very long time. I made my dream come true in June 2024 and absolutely loved it! It was everything I expected and more: I’m not exaggerating – nature wise, Java is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The combination of the green jungles, beautiful active volcanoes, impressive waterfalls and the stunning tea-plantations make it one of a kind and definitely worth seeing.
Java Itinerary for 2 weeks
When visiting Java, most people land in Jakarta or travel to Banyuwangi from Bali by ferry. But no matter where you’re starting, your Java Travel itinerary is sure to be amazing! I highly recommend visiting all the places I’ll be talking about in this post. Jakarta is a great place to start, as you can then travel from west to east, making your route planning and transportation organisation a breeze! Of course you could also start in Banyuwangi and do it the other way around, or simply start in the middle of it and take some flights.
Day 1-2: Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia and home to around 10.5 million people! I promise you, this city is huge! Coming from Europe, I have to admit I’d never been in such a big city before and I was quite overwhelmed! Jakarta was our first stop in our Indonesia trip, and I have to be completely honest with you, I really didn’t like it there and was ready to leave as soon as I could. We didn’t do enough research before we went to Jakarta, and we ended up booking our accommodation in a district that did not feel really safe.
But don’t get me wrong – I would not have wanted to miss out on experiencing this crazy city-life, with the huge skyscrapers and crazy traffic conditions. In the end we were glad to see this metropolis and its different sites. It does give you a feel of the gap between poor and rich, which is something I think everyone should experience at least once. This is why I am still incorporating one full day of Jakarta in this itinerary – do it for the plot!
Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta
Your first day is your arrival day. On this day, your main focus should be on just arriving in your accommodation and relaxing after a stressful and long day of travelling. You’ve earned it! Once you’ve shaken off your jetlag, you’ll be ready to take on the next days ahead.
If you’re feeling great, why not check out one of the impressive malls in Jakarta? We spent a few hours in the Grand Indonesia West Mall and were blown away by how big it was and how many shops and food stalls it had! There’s nothing like it in Europe. (Find Grand Indonesia West Mall on Google Maps)
Day 2: National Museum and national monument
Start your day with a nice breakfast and coffee before you head out to your first stop of the day. The wonderful National Museum! Just a heads-up: it’s probably best to avoid a Monday if you can, as the museums in Jakarta are closed on Mondays. (We learned this the hard way).
The National Museum is often called the “Elephant Museum” because of the elephant statue out front. It’s a truly fantastic way to dive into Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage! Once you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the fascinating exhibits, from ancient artefacts to traditional costumes. It’s a lovely, relaxed way to learn about the country’s diverse culture. The friendly staff are always there to help, making it a really pleasant and educational visit.
After you’ve had a good few hours here, it’s time for a well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant! And then it’s time to go and see the impressive National Monument. You simply have to visit the National Monument (Monas) when you’re in Jakarta. At 132 metres tall, it’s a powerful symbol of Indonesia’s fight for independence. From the observation deck, you can enjoy amazing views of the city. The park around the monument is also great for a relaxing stroll or a picnic, making it a perfect spot to unwind in this city chaos.
Just a quick note: The monument closes at 4:00pm, so make sure you arrive early enough!
If you’re looking for a great way to travel from one city to another, I would highly recommend going by train. While the bus rides (which you can book via 12Go Asia) are cheaper, I think the train rides are the best option. The railway infrastructure in Java is really good, and the bus drivers in Java can be a bit reckless, so the train is a good way to avoid any stress or fearing for your life on the highway. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy some beautiful views and have a more relaxing experience in general. Buy the train tickets here: https://en.tiket.com/kereta-api
Day 3-4: Bandung
After being in Jakarta, Bandung felt like a fresh breath of air. It is a very pretty and laid-back city in central Java and the perfect place to get the first taste of Javas incredible nature.
Day 3: Arrive in Bandung
On Day 3 you will be arriving in the beautiful city of Bandung. Once you arrive, you can settle yourself in your accommodation and then stroll around the stunning neighborhood of Cihampelas. Here you can find loads of cute coffeeshops, restaurants and the coolest boutiques.
End the night with a sweet-treat at Nusa Swirl, where you can try a unique Ice-cream that is very popular with Indonesian people. Then get some good rest, the next day will be packed!
Day 4: Day trip to the White Crater & Hot springs
Day 4 is all about volcanoes, tea plantations and hot springs. We booked a tour that included all of the following activities, but you could theoretically do it all on your own if you wanted to! Just a heads-up, though, I wouldn’t recommend riding a scooter in the traffic on your own (especially the traffic on the highways), unless you are an experienced driver.
Your first stop on this day will be the beautiful White Crater. The White Crater (Kawah Putih) is an absolutely stunning volcanic lake. It’s known for its turquoise waters and otherworldly landscape. It was formed by the eruption of Mount Patuha, and its vivid colour comes from the high sulphur content, creating a surreal scenery. You will get there by taking a short drive through some really scenic tea plantations and might be able to stop for a short stroll through the tea plantations. It’s a great place for nature lovers and also amazing for taking pictures!
Afterwards, head to the hot springs (Cibuni Rengganis Crater), which are not far from the White Crater. After a short, easy hike, you’ll arrive at the natural hot pools. The pools are heated by geothermal activity and are just perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The hot springs might not look or smell like your idea of beautiful, but they’re still worth seeing and the perfect way to relax after an adventurous day. A quick heads up: Keep in mind, Java is mostly muslim, so in order to respect local culture, you should keep covered up and not swim in these pools with a bikini.
When you head back to Bandung, make sure you stop at a local coffee shop and try some Luwak coffee – I’m sure you’ll love it!
Day 5-7: Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, or Jogja as the locals call it, is a truly vibrant city in central Java. It’s famous for its rich culture and fascinating history. It’s also home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one being the largest Buddhist temple in the world! Yogyakarta is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Javanese culture. With its lively markets, arts and tasty local cuisine, it’s a wonderful way to experience the heart and soul of Java!
Day 5: Arrive in Yogyakarta, explore the city and see Malioboro street
When you arrive, make your way to your accommodation and then get ready to explore! For exploring, I would highly recommend the district Mergangsan. It has many lovely restaurants and cafes, and is super vibrant because of the amount of street art.
Make sure you also visit Malioboro street. You’ll find a range of local crafts, especially Batik, and lots of lovely souvenirs. You can also enjoy some delicious street food, and soak up the atmosphere of the lively street scene.
Day 6: Visit the Borobodur temple
On the sixth day of your journey, you’ll have the chance to visit the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The Borobudur Temple. This stunning, 9th-century Buddhist monument is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll be amazed by the sheer beauty of this majestic temple. It has over 500 Buddha statues and a unique, tiered design representing the path to enlightenment. (Find out more about the Borodbodur Temple here!)
There are a few ways to get to the Borobodur temple. You can either book a private driver, a tour, or if you’re on a budget, take the Damri Shuttle! It’s not as well-known as some of the other options, but it’s a great and cheap way to get there. It’s a minivan that drives you to Borobodur temple and back at specific times.
Day 7: Explore Prambanan Temple
Day 7 will be similar to Day 6, but now it is time to visit the Prambanan Temple. It’s a 9th-century Hindu temple and just like Borobudur, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its tall, elegant spires and carvings, and it’s dedicated to the Hindu gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. (Find out more about the Prambanan Temple here!)
Enjoy your day exploring this ancient temple and learn more about Javanese history and culture.
I know it can be tempting to fit in both the Borobodur and Prambanan temples in one day, but I would really advise against it. Visiting one of these ancient temples is an incredible experience in itself, so two in one day might be a bit too much.
Day 8-10: Malang
Malang is an absolutely charming city in East Java and the perfect gateway to some of Java’s most stunning natural wonders. It is ideally located for exploring nearby attractions like Mount Bromo and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. We fell head over heels for Malang – it’s our favourite city in Java! And the natural attractions all around just make it even better.
Day 8: Arrive in Malang
The train from Yogyakarta to Malang is an adventure (positively) in itself, taking approximately 7 hours. I have never experienced such a scenic train ride in my life!
After a long day of travel, you’ll probably just want to relax in your hotel or hostel, grab some food and get a good night’s sleep so you’re fit for a VERY early start in the day tomorrow!
Day 9: Sunrise hike to Mt Bromo
Theoretically, the fun already starts the day before, because you’ll be waking up bright and early before midnight! It’s time to go to the incredible Mount Bromo!
A Java Travel Itinerary would not be complete without visiting Mount Bromo. Mount Bromo is an active volcano in East Java, known for its one-of-a-kind landscape and absolutely breathtaking sunrise views! Just be warned, this is the most popular activity in Java, so expect a lot of tourists.
You could explore the Mt Bromo on your own, but driving through the sea of sand on a scooter is a challenge and also might be hard to navigate in the middle of the night. I highly recommend doing it with a tour group instead! (Tip: easily book a ticket on GetYourGuide or any other online platform)
All the sunrise tours to Mt Bromo start very early, so you’ll be picked up at your hotel at around 12:30am. From Malang it is around a 2 hour long ride with a jeep, until you reach your first destination on the mountain. From there it is a short hike to the sunrise point, where you will have the most incredible view of the Mount Bromo!
Make sure you pack your warmest clothes and clothes you can get dirty in! If you don’t have warm clothes with you, no problem! You can rent a winter jacket right before you go up to the sunrise viewpoint
Afterwards the tour will bring you to the sea of sand, which is very near to the volcano itself. This is the perfect spot for taking pictures or just soaking up the incredible scenery! And then, you’ll get to climb up the crater and take a look inside! It’s an incredible experience you won’t forget. Afterwards, you will head to the Teletubbies Hills, the volcano’s backside. Get ready to be blown away by the green landscape and the chance to soak up some sun.
That’s a wrap on the tour! We’ll be driving back for two hours, so you might want sleep a bit the car or back at the hotel. But hey, you deserve it!
Day 10: Explore the city and the rainbow village
On day 10, you can take it easy, sleep in and recover from the last day’s adventures! This day is all about exploring the city of Malang! After breakfast, embark on an adventure through the vibrant Rainbow Village (Kampung Warna-Warni), which is known for its colorful, mural-covered houses and artistic street art. It’s an amazing place to take photos and soak up the local creativity.
Afterwards, you can also explore its neighbour Jodipan village. Like the Rainbow Village, Jodipan is known for its brightly painted houses and murals, but with a blue colour theme that creates a cool visual experience.
Beyond these two villages, you can explore a variety of other attractions:
- Malang City Square: A central spot with a park, local food stalls, and a lively atmosphere.
- Temples and Pagodas: Visit the Singosari Temple and the larger Batu Temple complex for a touch of local history and culture.
- Malang’s Historic Buildings: Explore Dutch colonial-era architecture, including landmarks like the Tugu Malang monument.
- Local Markets: Enjoy traditional Indonesian crafts, foods, and souvenirs at markets like “Pasar Besar” and “Pasar Splendid”.
Day 11: Tumpak Sewu waterfall
The Tumpak Sewu waterfall was the most incredible, jaw-dropping waterfall we have ever seen! It is an absolutely breathtaking natural wonder. It has a dramatic drop of over 100 metres, surrounded by the most lush greenery you could imagine. Even the scooter ride to get there is a highlight in itself, as you are treated to some amazing views of the beautiful jungle with Mount Bromo in the background.
I would highly recommend heading out in the early morning (6am), so that you are already there once the park opens. This way you can beat the crowds and enjoy this incredible sight to the fullest! If you want to avoid any additional cost, you can ride your scooter to the waterfall on your own. Besides some traffic leaving the city, it is quite a chill journey and very rewarding because of the nice views.
Day 12-13: Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi is the best city to stay when you want to visit Mount Ijen. It’s close to the volcano, offering convenient access and various accommodations. From Banyuwangi, you can easily reach Mount Ijen for an amazing hike to see its unique blue fire and beautiful crater. Also, the harbour to get to Bali is located in Banyuwangi, making it easy to continue your travels.
Day 12: Arrive in Banyuwangi
After a long journey from Malang to Banyuwangi, you’re going to want to kick back and relax a little bit before you get ready for the Volano-sunrise hike on day 13!
Day 13: Mount Ijen Sunrise hike
This is a big day and one of the highlights in Java: It’s time to get ready for the sunrise tour to the Ijen crater. This early morning adventure starts before dawn, taking you on a trek through the beautiful sulfuric landscape to witness the breathtaking views of the blue flames and the beautiful sunrise over the crater! It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that will show you the natural beauty of Java.
Day 14: Time to go home or start another adventure
We are almost at the end of this Java Itinerary, so it’s time to wrap up your Java adventure and head back home or embark on a new journey in another exciting destination! Maybe head to Bali, or explore other, maybe more untouristic, places in Indonesia like Sumbawa or Sumba!
Day 14: Goodbye Java
On this day, you can travel back to Surabaya or Jakarta via plane, bus or train because both cities have international airports. And if you want to continue your travels to Bali, you can easily take the bus and ferry from Banyuwangi! It’s a great way to travel – easy, cheap and fast! And if you need some inspiration on what to do in Bali, check out my one week Bali Itinerary, or my guides on Ubud and Uluwatu!
So, say goodbye to Java – you never know, you might see each other again! 😉 I certainly will!
FAQ
Do I need a visa to visit Java?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for many nationalities, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and check the latest visa requirements before traveling.
Is Java safe for tourists?
Yes, most travelers require a visa. Indonesia offers a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for many nationalities, valid for 30 days and extendable once. Just ensure your passport is valid for at least six months and you have proof of onward travel. Make sure you check visa requirements before you go.
What is the best time to visit Java?
The best time to visit Java is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the island’s attractions. The wet season, from November to April, can bring heavy rainfall and occasional flooding, which might affect travel plans and outdoor activities. But I would still recommend going during rainy season, if you don’t have other options and don’t mind a bit of rain.
How can I travel within Java?
The answer is simple: public transport, especially train rides! There’s no better way to explore Java than by train. They’re an absolute joy to ride, super fast and completely safe. Just make sure you opt for the “eksejutif” class, it’s the best! You can buy your tickets via 12Go Asia or at the train station. If you’re short on time and money, you can always fly.
What are the transportation options in cities?
If you want to get from place to place within a city and not drive a scooter on your own, download the grab or gojek app or rent a scooter. When renting a scooter in Indonesia, keep in mind: In Indonesia everyone drives on the left side of the road.
What currency is used, and are credit cards accepted?
The Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency. While credit cards are accepted in major cities, cash is preferred in smaller towns and rural areas. So, I would always have cash on me. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals.
Can I drink tap water in Java?
I would advise against drinking tap water in all of Indonesia. Opt for bottled or filtered water to prevent health issues.
What cultural norms should I be aware of?
Dress in a way that shows respect for the local culture. As Java is mostly Muslim, remember to dress modestly. Remove your shoes before entering homes or temples to show your appreciation for the space. Use the right hand for giving and receiving to show your kindness.
Is English widely spoken in Java?
When exploring tourist areas, you will be able to communicate in English quite well, especially with hotel staff and younger Indonesians. However, it is always cool to be able to speak a little bit of Indonesian, and as the language is rather simple, learning it is very accessible with Apps like Duolingo.
How do I avoid the crowds?
This tip might not work for the sunrise hikes, but the best way to avoid the crowds is to go early! I know you are on holidays.. but I promise, you will get so much more out of your experience when you wake up just a little earlier than most people and arrive on your destination before everyone else.
What’s Your Next Adventure?
I’m sure you will enjoy your time in Java if you follow this Java Itinerary, or parts of it!
What are you most excited to experience in Java? Share your thoughts or ask any questions you have in the comments below. Let’s start planning your unforgettable journey through Java!
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