Jam-packed with SO many hidden gems, Java should be on the top of everyone’s bucket list!

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Java is the main island of Indonesia, and one of the most popular travel destinations in Indonesia. With international airports located in big cities such as Jakarta and Surabaya, Java is also the main international gateway into Indonesia. But in addition to that, it has an abundance of attractive landmarks that make a visit here more than worthwhile. No wonder that millions of tourists make Java as part of their itineraries when visiting Indonesia.

From West to East, there are endless treasures of diverse tropical landscape, cultures, food, and cities to be discovered and adored, ranging from the hustle and bustle of a big metropolitan in Jakarta, the rich cultural histories of Borobudur, to the beauty of nature in Mount Bromo and Kawah Ijen.

As a native of Java, I feel obliged to provide you with these best kept “secrets” and offer you the truly authentic and unforgettable experiences of Java. Despite a vast amount of travel guides available out there, there are in my opinion still lots of “hidden gems” uncovered by those guides. And even locals may never hear about these places.

This time I would like to show you the 9 BEST NATURAL WONDERS of Java, stretching from West to East. I also will try to provide you with information how to get there. This will be a special treat, especially for the nature lovers, as you are about to find out the splendor of barely untouched beaches, marvelous mountains and unknown islands that will blow your mind away. And I can guarantee that you won’t find them elsewhere. So here you go!

 

 

9 hidden gems in Java you won’t find in Lonely Planet

 

 

West Java

 

#1 – Biawak Island (Kepulauan Biawak), Indramayu

Biawak Island is located in the Java Sea, 40 km off the coast of Indramayu in West Java. The island is named after the monitor lizard, which is naturally conserved there (similar to dragon lizard or “komodo” found in Komodo Island, Flores). This atoll island is praised for its beautiful, white sandy beaches, clear water, and untouched corals, making it a heaven for snorkelers (see the video below for some impressions – courtesy of Wisata Alam).

To reach the island, take a bus from Jakarta (from Slipi or Kampung Rambutan bus terminal) to Indramayu. The bus trip takes approximately 3 hours. In Indramayu’s Karangsong harbor, there are several boat services ready to get you to the island.

 

 

#2 – Citatah Cliff (Tebing Citatah), Padalarang

For adrenaline junkies, the Citatah Cliff is surely a must-go destination. It is located in Padalarang, not far away from Bandung, the capital city of West Java. The cliff is a part of series of limestone hills and caves in the area, where recently some archaeological sites were found (check out some impressions here).

To reach the location, take a bus from Jakarta (from Kampung Rambutan bus terminal) to Padalarang (via Ciawi), and take the bus stop at Pabrik Multi Marmer Alam.

 

#3 – Green Canyon of Indonesia, Pangandaran

Although not as “Grand” as those in the US, this Green Canyon is a truly spectacular natural beauty. If you don’t believe it, check out the video below (courtesy of World Viewers Stop). Popularly named by locals as “Cukang Taneuh”, this canyon is located in Pangandaran, in the south of West Java. The canyon’s charming sapphire-green water and peaceful rocky caves will make you tempted to take a plunge in the water. It also offers a great adventure for everyone, from rafting to diving.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to get to the canyon. But if you’re traveling between Bandung and Yogyakarta, visiting this place will be a perfect fit for your itinerary.

To reach the location, you have to get to Pangandaran, which is about halfway between Bandung and Yogyakarta. From there, it’s best to ask a local guide to get you to the location, including helping you to rent a wooden boat to get to the canyon itself.

 

 

Central Java (and Yogyakarta)

 

#4 – Panjang Island (Pulau Panjang), Jepara

Panjang Island is a small island located in the Java Sea, about 2.5 km off the coast of Jepara, Central Java. The proximate location to the shore makes this island very easily accessible. In spite of that, the island is not that well known and heavily visited yet, and as such still considered as a virgin island. This means: clean white sandy beach, pure green water, and natural untouched corals (see video below for impressions – courtesy of Go! Go! Travelindo!). It’s a heaven for snorkelers and water sports lovers.

To reach the island, go to Kartini Beach (Pantai Kartini) in Jepara, from where you can board a boat that will bring you to Panjang Island.

 

#5 – Baron Beach (Pantai Baron), Yogyakarta

Baron Beach is located on the south coast of Java at a small town called Tanjungsari, about 60 km south of Yogyakarta. This is one of a group of stunning beaches that can be also found nearby, such as Krakal and Indrayanti beach (check some impressions here).

Wedged between 2 green hills, the beach has gorgeous white sand and green water. In the area, there are plenty of restaurants where you can sample some delicious, freshly caught seafood.

To reach Baron Beach, it’s advisable to rent a car and hire a driver from Yogyakarta. Taking a public transport is also an option, although it’s not as practical. If you choose to do so, take a bus from Yogyakarta to Wonosari. And from there you can take a public van directly to Baron Beach.

 

#6 – Pagilaran tea field, Pekalongan

Pagilaran tea field is located near Pekalongan, at the foot of Dieng Plateau, one of the gorgeous highlands in Central Java (check some impressions here). Located on 1,000-meter height, this tea field is a piece of historical treasure, being established during the Dutch colonial era in 1840. 

You can walk around the tea field, enjoying the peaceful environment while watching a dozen of hard-working women picking up the tea leaves. You can also visit and take a tour of the tea factory.

To reach Pagilaran tea field, the best way is to rent a car and hire a driver from Semarang. It’s also possible to take a bus from Pekalongan (Grogolan bus terminal) to Pagilaran.

 

East Java

#7 – Papuma Beach (Pantai Papuma), Jember

Papuma Beach is dubbed as one of the most exotic beaches in Java (check out the video below for impressions – courtesy of WisataRaya). Located 45 km south of Jember in the south of East Java, the beach is small and was relatively unknown.

However, since few years its popularity has started to pick up. Its white sandy beach, clear unpolluted water, and rocky coastal shore are part of the beauties it offers. In the area, you can also sample some of the delicious seafood, freshly caught from the sea.

To get to Papuma Beach, the best way is to rent a car and hire a driver from Surabaya. It’s also possible to take a bus from Surabaya (from Purabaya Bungurasih bus terminal) to Ambulu bus terminal in Jember. From there you can take a local bus (Damri) to Watu Ulo Beach, and walk to Papuma Beach.

 

#8 – Bawean Island (Pulau Bawean)

Bawean Island is located in the Java Sea, 150 km north off the coast of Surabaya/Gresik. This island is dubbed as “Bali of East Java” (check some impressions here). And because 77% of its population is women, it is also nicknamed as the Island of Women.

Honoring this nickname, the island is almost untouched by tourism and has plenty of beautiful sceneries, such as Lake Kastoba and Laccar Waterfall. The island is also conservation place for the endemic local deer called Bawean deer.

To reach Bawean, there are frequent ferry services from Gresik harbor, near Surabaya.

 

#9 – Mount Kelud (Gunung Kelud)

This volcano is one of the most famous and majestic mountains in Java (check out the video below for impressions – courtesy of sonni shooting Kediri). With ~1,700 meters of height, the volcano is located between 3 cities in East Java: Malang, Blitar, and Kediri, from where you can access its 3 peaks: Gajah Mungkur (west peak), Sumbing (south peak) and Kelud (east peak).

The volcano is still active and recently erupted in 2014. The eruption left a beautiful, green-colored crater lake, and shaped those unique 3 peaks.

Although it’s still active, the volcano is safe for hiking or trekking. To do that, it is advisable to start from Kediri, where the tourist center is located. Some local guides will be also available to become your “sherpa”. From Surabaya, it will take approximately 3 hours by bus or train to reach Kediri.

 

So there you go! I hope that you are now convinced to make Java part of your itineraries and go visit one of these places.

If you visit one of the places above, I would love to hear your experience and what you think about it. Please do so in the comment below, or send me a message.

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See you in the next blog post and until we Greet again!