The island of Java is more than a thousand kilometers long; it is the most populous island in the Indonesian archipelago and a famous tourist destination. Almost a third of its territory is occupied by virgin tropical forests; there are 120 volcanoes on the island, 30 of which are active. Those wishing to explore the history and culture of Indonesia won’t find a more suitable and colorful place than the island of Java.
The cultural center of the island is the town of Yogyakarta. Unique Buddhist temples (including Borobudur and Prambanan), beautiful nature and many cultural centers will satisfy any traveler. The colonial town of Malang is considered the very reverse of Yogyakarta; the former was founded by the Dutch in the early 18th century. Luxury villas and country residences of the Dutch are situated there; some of them have survived to these days and remain important architectural landmarks. Sukarno’s Palace deserves special attention among historic structures. Malang has a magnificent botanical garden; it is the biggest in the world.
Those wishing to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city are recommended to go to Garut. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and numerous rice plantations; its streets are calm and untroubled. You can get acquainted with the culture and lifestyle of locals during an excursion to nearby villages: Rana Pan, Lawang and Kaliurang. Next to the last settlement there is a special station with view to the Merapi Volcano; the entrance to the station is open for travelers.
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