With a population of over 145 million, Java is the home to almost 60 percent of the Indonesian population and is the world's most populous island. The Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, is located on its north-western coast. It has one of Southeast Asia's busiest metropolises with delirious nightlife, but also offers beautiful volcanoes, many of which are still active. As Jakarta is the business capital of Indonesia and this island offers also so much untouched nature and culture, one can say that it is the heartland of Indonesia.
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Home to the capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, West Java offers untouched nature, culture and big cities. With large urban areas such as Jakarta and Bandung, West Java is the most populous of Indonesia's provinces. Tourism is an important industry in West Java, and the Bandung and Puncak areas have long been known as popular weekend destinations for Jakartans. In this region approxemitely 97% is Moslim
The region is best known for its two A-list UNESCO World Heritage Sites, The Borobudur and the Prambanan temple, both located near Yogyakarta. Another highlight in this region is the Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia. To see a bit more than only Yogyakarta area, The Dieng Plateau is a little off the beaten path that offers beautiful panorama views. This volcanic plain in the highlands north of Wonosobo not only offers beautiful sceneries, but is also home to Hindu temples dating from the 8th century, which makes them the oldest standing structures in Indonesia.
East Java covers the eastern third of the island of Java, as well as the island of Madura and several small offshore islands. This area is dominated by a series of rugged, spectacular volcanic peaks. The most famous volcanos that can be found in this area are Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. Although there is a lot of beautiful untouched nature, Surabaya is the capital city of this area and also Indonesia's second largest city.
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, can be found in North-West Java. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre and the most populous city not only in Indonesia but in Southeast Asia as a whole. The so-called 'big Durian' is a charm for Indonesians, both as a business and a government center, as it is the most developed city in Indonesia.
Bandung, known as 'Paris of the east' offers beautiful western architecture from its colonial period. Its the fourth largest city of Indonesia and approximately 180 km located from Jakarta. Due to its location, Bandung is much cooler than Jakarta, which makes this a great weekend/holiday destination for Jakarta residents.
Yogyakarta located in central Java, with the world famous Borobordur and Prambanan temple located at Yogyakarta regency, this city is one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia. Easy to reach for both national and international flights, Yogyakarta not only offers great cultural and historical sights, but also there famous dishes, such as 'nasi gudeg' are popluar among tourists.
Malang is a city in East Java and is located between two groups of mountains. Firstly there is Mount Semeru, and secondly Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park to the east. This historical city itself is located in the mountains and has a cool climate and is an excellent starting point to climb Mount Bromo.