Located at the eastern tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi main road, it is dry countryside of open forests and scrub land, bordered at the coast by marshes, swampy groves and white beaches. A four wheel drive vehicle is is needed for the long haul across these rugged grassy plains. Here, the banteng, wild ox, deer and birds can be photographed in their natural habitat.
A privately owned plantation with an elevation of 450-750 m above sea level, on the slope of Mt. Semeru covering a 2,500 acres of land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Cloves begin as flowers on the clove tree, cinnamon is ground bark, pepper grown on vines and nutmeg like golf-ball size pears hanging on broad leafed trees, abound. Touring the plantation is like a trip through a vast, exotic spice machine, ending with the neat packages of spices ready for export.
Malang is one of the most attractive towns in Java. It is located 90 miles south of Surabaya in the hills. A strong sense of civic pride can be noticed from the well-maintained and painted becaks, the neat main square, buildings and streets. The cool climate is one reason why it is highly desirable among the East Javanese as a place to retire. Twenty km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with hot springs. Nearby lies Batu, famous for its apples and flowers. Sports facilities at Selecta include horse riding, swimming and tennis.
After a 30 km very rough road which crosses half a dozen rivers through dense jungle and a rubber plantation, you finally arrive here on the southeastern tip of the province, where the last of the Javanese tigers had sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago Javanese tigers inhabited most of Java and were even considered a nuisance in some populated areas. But through the 1800s and early 1900s the tiger was hunted mercilessly and its habitat destroyed by plantation builders.
By the beginning of the Second World War it survived only in the most remote mountains and forests, and today, the last four or five live on the brink of extinction in this remote region.
The government and the World Wildlife Fund have mounted a determined effort to save the tigers and their environment. And to do so, the authorities are even prepared to relocate a few thousand humans. But Meru Betiri is not simply a tiger reserve. Wildlife of all kinds abounds, like black panthers, leopards and turtles.
One of the most exciting experiences is watching the sunrise from the crest of the Bromo volcano which is a three-hour drive from Surabaya, followed by a pony ride from the village of Ngadisari over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. You ascend 50 steps to reach the rim.
On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok which is a perfect cone and the Bromo.
Volcanic sulfur fumes and smoke still flow from the depths, while during intense rumbling sounds the surrounding population who believe in the God of Bromo quickly bring offerings.
The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is a colorful event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their produce of sacrifice at the holy volcano.
Not exactly the most accessible of all craters, the Ijen crater may be of great interest to the adventurous tourist. It is located far enough from Bali as well as from Surabaya, whereas an overnight stay is recommended either at Banyuwangi if coming from Bali or at Bondowoso if coming from Surabaya. The trip to the crater should start early in the morning the day before because the crater is only accessable by road to a point 14 km from the crater rim. The rest of the climb is done on foot.
This crater has a wide gaping mouth with a diameter of 1 km, whereas its depth all the way to the bottom is 175 meters, where a turquoise crater lake is found.
A sage's grave on mount Kawi, near Malang, has for decades enjoyed unrivaled fame among those who seek to increase their worldly blessings through pilgrimages, offerings and meditation as well as hard work.
Most of the pilgrims to Gunung Kawi are Indonesian Chinese, but even to unbelievers the place is worth a visit for its intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wayang and gamelan performances and a quaint mixture of Javanese and Chinese influences.
The grave itself is built on a hilltop, but to its left and right of the long stairway is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flowers, and souvenir stalls.
If you happen to be driving in a private car between Surabaya and Bali, this lovely beach may be worth visiting for a few hours or, if you prefer, for an overnight stay to relax after driving long hours coming from either way. Here you can enjoy fishing, sailing, swimming, snorkeling, wind-surfing, water-skiing or just simply sunbathing. Good seafood is available at some beach-front restaurants where small local souvenirs are for sale. This place is suitable as a resting stop, rather than a destination point.
Ponorogo is located southwest of Surabaya at a distance of 200 km. The largest town close by is Madiun, which lies on the main highway between Surabaya and points west of it in Central Java. The Reyog Festival, held here on the 17th of August each year, highlighting the area's traditional drama and dance. Other attractions of the area include the nearby Ngebel Lake and the batiks and basketry of this region which are also well-known.
Founded in 1941 for the study of plants growing under relatively dry conditions, the Purwodadi gardens lie about 30 km northeast of Malang just off the Surabaya-Malang main road on the lowest slopes of Mt. Arjuno at about 300 meters altitude. They cover an area of about 85 ha (212 acres).
This famous wildlife reserve and feeding ground, smaller in size than Baluran is located in the forest of "Hutan Purwo", 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi. It has many wild buffaloes and varieties of other wild animals, all of which can be seen grazing in the late afternoon from the safety of a viewing tower.
Located 78 km south of Banyuwangi with deep turquoise water. 250 kg sea turtles visit the long beach area. Surrounded by vast cocoa, coffee and rubber plantations.
Indonesia's second largest city has a population of over 3 million.
The zoological gardens house several species of Indonesian fauna like orang utan, komodo dragon and a collection of nocturnal animals.
Kalimas is the traditional harbor for the world famous Bugis schooner "pinisi" which have sailed the Indonesian seas for hundreds of years. Every afternoon these praus can still be seen in their glory with their large colorful sails.
The Mpu Tantular Museum is well-stocked with archaeological art and cultural items from prehistoric times to independence. Half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique bull races held each year after the harvest season. Races can be arranged on request for groups. The Regional Tourism Offices of East Java provides a monthly calendar of events of the races.
Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari where remnants of the early 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic statues of guardians to what many believed to be the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temple dates back to 1268, and is one of the most attractive temples in East Java. Scenes from folk-tales as well as from the Mahabarata epic decorate the side panels.
Kidal temple, not far from Jago temple, was completed in 1260 to honor one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari temple art.
Located 120 km south west of Malang and 11 km north of Blitar, is Penataran temple in the Singosari-Majapahit temple complex, dating from the mid fourteenth century. Its structures are laid on a vast field.
The temple terraces are decorated with Ramayana bas reliefs. The main temple is well preserved.
Located on the coast, 13 km south of Sadengan. Triangulasi has a beautiful beach. A good location to watch the sunset and a place where turtles lay eggs.
The surroundings of Trowulan village is believed to be the site of the ancient capital of Majapahit.
Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many terra-cotta ornaments, statues, pottery and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum. A map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical interest.
The Candra Wilwatika open-air theater in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya presents classical East Javanese ballet performances on each full moon night from June to November. The performances are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java's legends and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Pananggungan gives the performances an enchanting experience.
Up to ten km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java. Hotels and roads cling to the hillside with swimming pools for a dip in the cool climate. Horses are also available for hire. Camping ground is available near the Kakek Bodo waterfall.
Batik, brass lamps and ornaments, bamboo decorations, stone statues:
bronze figurines, basketry, paintings, woodwork & fretwork, rattan
work, wooden furniture, ceramics, onyx & marble-ware, plate-work,
flower arrangement.
See the archipelaGo listings for more information.
Places of interest in East Java.
