Yogyakarta, Central Java and East Java
Beyond Jakarta
Yogyakarta has a well-established reputation as the cultural center of central Java. Visiting this quaint city, your can tour the Sultan's Palace, visit batik factories and become fully absorbed in the distinctive music and dance of central Java. Nearby is the majestic Borobudur, an 8th Century Buddhist temple hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. The Prambanan, an impressive Hindu temple, features the Ramayana dance performance its parapets on the nights of the full moon during the dry season.
Solo, or Surakarta, is Yogya's neighboring city, and also a noted center for Javanese arts and culture. The kraton palace is a repository for ancient gamelan instruments and full sets of traditional puppets.
Surabaya, capital of East Java, is the departure point to visit the Mount Bromo volcano, a spectacular site at dawn. Local ceremonies and rituals placate the spirits of the volcano. Nearby on the island of Madura, annual bull races are colorful affairs.