Explore the 10 best tourist destinations in Central Java, from historic temples to exotic mountains and beaches, that must be on your vacation list!
Central Java is one of the provinces in Indonesia that offers extraordinary natural beauty, history, and culture.
From magnificent temples, green mountains, exotic beaches, to historic cities, Central Java has many interesting places that are worth visiting.
If you are planning a trip to Central Java, here are the 10 best tourist destinations that must be on your vacation list!
1. The Heritage Palace
For history and automotive lovers, The Heritage Palace is a must-visit place. This destination combines the concept of a museum and an amusement park, making it an educational and fun place.
The main attraction of this museum is the collection of antique cars from various eras, which are displayed in an elegant classic atmosphere.
Not only that, this museum also has an art gallery and instagrammable photo spots, which are perfect for tourists who want to capture unique moments.
2. Dieng Plateau
Located at an altitude of 2,000 meters above sea level, the Dieng Plateau offers cool air and extraordinary natural scenery. This area is surrounded by majestic mountains such as Sindoro and Sumbing and has various unique natural phenomena.
Here, you can explore active volcanic craters such as the Candradimuka and Sibanteng Craters, and visit the Arjuna Temple, a historical relic from ancient Hindu times.
In addition, the rare phenomenon of “embun upas” or thin snow that appears during the dry season is also the main attraction of Dieng.
3. Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia and a favorite destination for climbers. The most popular hiking trail is through Selo, Boyolali, which offers dramatic views along the way.
For those who don’t want to climb, tourists can enjoy the Merapi Lava Tour, which is a trip using an off-road jeep to explore the former lava flow and see the remains of this volcanic eruption.
4. Borobudur Temple
Who doesn’t know Borobudur Temple? As the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur has become a world-famous Indonesian tourism icon.
The temple, built in the 9th century by the Syailendra Dynasty, is decorated with more than 2,600 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues, creating a very majestic and spiritual atmosphere.
In addition, tourists can also visit Mendut Temple and Pawon Temple, which are in the same line as Borobudur.
5. Prambanan Temple
Located on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. Built in the 9th century, this temple is dedicated to Trimurti, namely Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
Tourists can explore the beauty of the temple’s architecture and watch the Ramayana Ballet performance held at night with the magnificent temple as a backdrop.
6. Banyutowo Beach
Banyutowo Beach offers a different experience compared to other beaches. Its uniqueness lies in the sea water which is not too salty, because it is an estuary where sea water and fresh water from underground rivers meet.
This creates a unique and calming beach atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
7. Old Town of Semarang
Known as “Little Netherlands”, Old Town of Semarang is a historical area filled with European-style colonial buildings.
This area was once a trading center in the 19th century and has now transformed into one of the most interesting historical tourist destinations in Central Java. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Blenduk Church, and taste the typical Semarang cuisine in this area!
8. Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat
For those who want to get to know Javanese culture better, Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat is a must-visit. This palace is still the center of Javanese culture, with buildings with classic architecture that are still well-maintained.
Inside, there is a museum that houses historical collections such as royal heirlooms, gamelan, and gifts from European kings.
9. De Tjolomadoe
Previously a Dutch sugar factory that was more than 150 years old, De Tjolomadoe has now been revitalized into a modern museum and industrial tourism center.
This place offers interactive exhibitions about the history of sugar plantations in Indonesia, as well as various unique vintage-style photo spots that are very instagrammable.
10. Kopeng Tourism Park
For nature lovers and outdoor activities, Kopeng Tourism Park is the perfect destination.
Located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level, this place offers a cool atmosphere with various interesting activities such as trekking, camping, outbound, and enjoying the beauty of flower gardens.
Conclusion
Central Java has a variety of interesting tourist destinations, ranging from historic temples, majestic mountains, unique beaches, to historic cities. With its extraordinary cultural and natural charm, this province is the perfect place for a vacation.
