Bordered by the Indian Ocean to one side and the Java Sea on the other, Java is the world’s most populous island. Home to Indonesia's famously bustling capital city of Jakarta, this big, buzzy island is also breathtakingly beautiful — and all too often overlooked by travellers making a bee-line for Bali. Delve a little deeper and you’ll find a plethora of chic city hotels and restful jungle retreats nestled amidst the verdant mountains of Java’s interior. Brilliant for romantic escapes or fun-filled family holidays, the best places to stay in Java await.
Home to more than half of Indonesia’s population, Java’s hotspots promise heritage landmarks and skyscrapers, elaborate temples, shopping malls, late-night street food and gourmet cuisine galore. The old and new jostle for space in Jakarta, which makes for a fascinating capital city. The port metropolis of Semarang, with its enduring Chinese influence, is another intriguing hub. Both boast flavoursome Javanese cuisine, and cooking classes or food-focused city tours come highly recommended.
To soak up the magic of rural Java, venture into the jungle-clad foothills of volcanic mountains and wind your way through lush valleys criss-crossed by misty rivers. This rich ecosystem will delight wildlife enthusiasts, as well as outdoorsy travellers who can hike, mountain bike and horse ride on challenging trails. Ancient archaeological wonders — such as the Prambanan complex, the Hindu temples of the Dieng Plateau and the Buddhist Borobudur Temple — are dazzling. Some of the best places to stay in Java are tucked close to these historic gems, perfect for unwinding in absolute bliss after terrific days of exploring.
