West
Java has good roads linking the capital to the province which boasts
spectacular rugged mountains, paddy fields and holiday resorts. Visitors
can explore a number of fascinating places such as the undisturbed
wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south-western tip of Java; admire
the Pulau Dua Bird Sanctuary off the coast of Banten; the isolated
communities of the mysterious Baduy in the remote Halimum Mountain
reserve; the beaches at Pangandaran; visit the royal palaces of Cirebon
and don't miss the world-renowned botanical gardens of Bogor.
Bandung,
is the capital of the province and is known as the 'Paris of Java' because
of its tree-lined boulevards and artistic influences. Situated on a
plateau 768 metres above sea level it has a cool climate throughout the
year. From here you can take short drives up to the mountain resorts of
Lembang and the Bosscha Observatory and proceed higher still to the
volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only crater in Java accessible by
car to the rim. A descent into the volcano's 12 craters is only possible
with an experienced guide because of the suffocating sulphur gases.
A
quick 15-minute drive from Tangkuban Perahu is the Crater Hot Springs
Resort where you can swim in warm mineral water pools. The resort provides
visitors with a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and cottage-style
accommodation.
Central
Java's rich fertile plains are home to more than 30 million people who
cling to their old traditions and rich culture. A network of good roads
and railways link major cities and villages, as well as airports in
Semarang and Yogyakarta.
Surakarta,
also known as Solo, is the cradle of Javanese culture. The courts of Solo
testify to the noble value that the Javanese still attach to grace and
refinement. They hold majestic ceremonies and royal festivals with great
pomp and circumstance. Although no longer the seat of power, the courts of
Solo are still regarded as the holders of values cherished by the
Javanese.
Lying
in the shadow of Fire Mountain is Yogyakarta, the supreme cultural centre.
Situated in the southern part of Central Java, it is a city that blends
high Javanese culture with the boisterous vitality of the marketplace. The
Sultan's Palace of Kraton in Yogyakarta was built by Prince Mangkubumi in
1755 and was the focus of the Javanese state from that date. The Sultan's
Palace is still the hub of Yogyakarta's traditional life and despite the
march of modern progress, it radiates a spirit of refinement.
It
is at Yogyakarta that full gamelan orchestras create memories of the past
with classical and contemporary Javanese dances that exhibit exquisite
control and poise. Here also is the wayang kulit, the leather puppet
theatres, and where many other traditional arts flourish. Contemporary art
has also grown and the Academy of Fine Arts is the centre of arts in this
region.
Well
worth a visit is the Water Castle built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono
I. It is located in the older part of the city within walking distance of
the Bird Market. A number of batik workshops line the avenue leading to
the pleasure garden which is now an intriguing collection of ruins, pools,
arches and underground passages enclosed by massive walls. However, the
central courtyard with the nymph baths has been restored.
One
of the most visited sites in Indonesia is the world famous Borobudur
Temple complex. Equally magnificent is the Prambanan Temple, locally known
as the Loro Jongrang Temple or 'Temple of the Slender Virgin'. The biggest
and most beautiful temple in Indonesia, it is located 17 kilometres east
of Yogyakarta and is believed to have been built in the 9th century.
Other
Central Javanese sites are the Mangkunegaran Palace built in 1757 with
typical Javanese architecture consisting of an open front hall to receive
guests, a porch to hold leather puppet shadow plays and private
apartments. Two sets of 17th century Javanese gamelan instruments are
exhibited and played every Wednesday in the front hall and there are
exhibits of masks, wayang orang costumes, leather and wood puppets,
religious articles, and jewellery.
