*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure.

When you think of Indonesia, the region of Java may not be the first destination that comes to mind. We know, you are probably dreaming of visiting Bali to party on the famous Kuta beach or escaping its hustle and bustle in search of your own “Eat, Pray, Love” experience in the north. 

But Bali alone just didn’t sound exciting enough for us. We craved culture, local interactions, off the beaten path experiences, outdoor adventures, and a chance to admire some of Indonesia’s best landscapes.

Java felt like the perfect place to satisfy our deepest travel needs!

Its 130 million residents make up 65% of Indonesia’s entire population, which incidentally makes Java the most populated island in the entire world. Despite being overpopulated, Java still offers travelers an opportunity to experience incredible landscapes, two of world’s great ancient monuments, any of Java’s 121 volcanoes, in addition to national parks, rainforests, tea and rice plantations, large cities, and more!

Our 2 weeks in Java weren’t enough to see all the nooks and crannies of this great island, but it was just enough to make us appreciate everything it has to offer.

Check Out Our Featured Video

Taman Fatahilah - main square in Old Jakarta. Java, Indonesia
Taman Fatahilah – main square in Old Jakarta
Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, Java, INdonesia
Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta. West Java
Jalan Malioboro, the most popular street in Yogyakarta. Central Java. Indonesia
Jalan Malioboro, the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Central Java
Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia
One of the many small street food stalls in Yogyakarta. Central Java. You’ll want to try his food purely for his contagious smile!
Prambanan Temple at sunset. Java, Indonesia
Prambanan Temple at sunset. Central Java
Candi Sewu, Central Java. Indonesia
Candi Sewu, an 8th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple located 800 meters north of Prambanan in Central Java
Borobudur Temple at sunrise. Java Indonesia
Borobudur Temple at sunrise. Central Java
Borobudur Temple shortly after sunrise. Java. Indonesia
Borobudur Temple shortly after sunrise

Like This Post? Pin It For Later!

Are You Wanderlusting Yet? Wait Till You See The Rest Of Indonesia!

Related Posts:

  • A Hike to the Heart of the Ijen Crater: Chasing the Blue Flame
  • Your Guide to a DIY Borobudur Sunrise Tour
  • Cultural Close-Up: Bird Market in Indonesia
  • China Travel Tips: Things to Know Before You Go
  • In-Depth Guide to Raja Ampat Diving in West Papua, Indonesia
  • 10 Best Budget Destinations to Visit

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. We are storytellers, photographers, and videographers traveling the world full-time in search of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and ways to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities we visit.

  1. LEAH. These are amazing photographs!! I’m not only jealous of your travels but your photography skills. Thank you for posting such beautiful content- I’m full of wanderlust and smitten by Java.Reply


We are Oksana & Max, a Canadian couple with a passion for sustainable travel. Since 2015, we have been traveling full-time with a mission to inspire others to follow in our footsteps.

JOIN OVER 100,000 READERS!