Of
all 17.000 islands that make up Indonesia, Java is king. It may not
have the beaches of Bali, the jungles of Kalimantan or remoteness of
Papua, but it's the heart of the country, a heart with more drive and
energy than any other island in this vast archipelago. With 120 million
peopel crammed into an area half the size of Great Britain, Java is one
populated place. And with unfathomable human resources. its's now nonder
that the nation's political and economic past, present and future are
decided within its shores. For many Indonesia quite simply begins and
ends with Java
Jakarta, the capital, is colossal metropolish with
all the prombels of a city vastly over stretched, it won't grab ur
attention for long unless you're a mad shopper or uber - ubanite. But
the rest of the island has offerings that shouldn't be ignored.
A
string of volcanoes lace the island like fiery rubies. Some are docile
giants, while others blow their top at the drop of Javanese fez, Gunung
Bromo
is a must for any visitor. Pounding the southern coast is the Indian
Ocean, a magical sight, but it can be dangerous for swimming. There are,
how ever, some fine beach enclabes, such as Pangandaran, Java's premier
beach resort, and world class surf breaks at Ujung Kulon and Apas Purwo
Nationall Parks. Java's calmer northern side hides less developed
tropical islands. Inspired by suuch natural beauty, and influnced by
Hindu-Buddist, Muslim and western invalders, the Javanese have over the
centuries created temples and krateon (palaces) of unique splendour. The
Buddist temple Borobudur is an architectural wonder and its nearby
Hindu counterpart, Prambanan, shines almost as brightly. Cultural
Yogyakarta and Solo are perfect aplaces to sample Javanese art.
Java
has a history of epic proportions and a record of human habitation that
extends back 1,7 million years to when "Java Man" roamed the rivers
banks of Sungai Bengawan Solo in Central Java. Waves of migrants
followed, moving down through Southeast Asia.