East Java

The Majapahit dynasts based in and around East Java, began the foundations of an empire that was to dominate the entire Indonesian archipelago, the Malay Peninsula and part of the Philippines for hundreds of years. This was the beginning of profitable trade relations with China, Cambodia, Siam, Burma and Vietnam. As power in Central Java declined in the 10th century, powerful kingdoms rose in East Java to fill the power vacuum. During the reign of King Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed lucrative trade with the surrounding islands, and an artistic and intellectual renaissance. Parts of the Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this era that East Java inherited much of its temple art.

Today the open-air amphitheater at Pandaan performances tells some of the stories of this glorious past, set against an impressive back drop of distant volcanoes, capturing the spirit of the province's culture and scenery. East Java's claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence against Colonial forces in 1945.

Little of the Majapahit Empire's former glory still stands East Java Nevertheless, East Java has a variety of attractions, ranging from temple sites to unspoiled beaches, stunning volcanoes, extraordinary highland lakes, resplendent marine parks and fantastic wildlife reserves. Magnificent mountain scenery includes the crater and Legendary sea of sand at Mount Bromo, the "sulphur mountain" of Welirang and the rugged Ijen Plateau. The island of Madura, famous for its bull races, is also part of the province and has its own traditions, culture and language.

The provincial capital, Surabaya is second in size, population, and commerce only to Jakarta. It is also the most industrialized province in the nation with a strong economy based on agriculture, (coffee, mangoes, and apples), fisheries and oil.

The province is efficiently connected to the rest of Java by good roads regular trains, and air services between Surabaya and other major cities in the country including Denpasar on Bali, which is only half an hour' flight away.



Other places of interest:


Surabaya

A booming city of over 3million people, Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centers and plentiful sources of entertainment. Its well-stocked zoological garden includes several species of Indonesia fauna: orang utans, komodo dragons and collection of nocturnal animals. Kalimas is an old traditional harbour for the world famous Bugis schooners, which can still be seen, in all their former glory. Across the Madura Strait, half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the Island of Madura, famous for its unique bull races.


Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes

Trowulan village and the surrounding area are believed to be the site of the ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many terracotta ornaments, statues, pottery and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical interest.

The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya presents classical East Javancse ballet performances on each full moon night from June to November. The performances are based either on the Ramayana Stories or East Java's legends and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Pananggungan makes the performances an enchanting experience. Ten km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java.


Malang

Ninety km south of Surabaya lies Malang, one of the most attractive hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from the well - maintained and elaborately painted becaks, the groomed main square, and clean buildings and streets. The cool climate is a welcome respite from Surabaya. Twenty km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt.Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoritti popular bill resorts with hot springs nearby Batu is famous for its apples and flowers. Sports facilities at Selecta include horseriding, swimming, and tennis.


Purwodadi Botanical Garden

Founded in 1941 for the study of plants growing under relatively dry conditions, the Purwodadi Gardens lie about 30 kms northeast of Malang, just off the Surabaya.Malang main road. They cover an area of about 85 ha (212 acres).


Mount Kawi Fortune hunting

This sage's grave on Mt. Kawi is a famous pilgrimage site for those who seek to increase their worldly blessings. Possessing an intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wayang and gamelan performances, the grave itself is built on a hilltop. On both sides of the long stairway leading to the top is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flower and souvenir stalls and other interesting sights.


Mount Bromo

Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical experience of watching the sun rise from the crest of the Promo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend die 50 steps to reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sands, formerly a caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok, which is a perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population quickly bring their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in the Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their humble offerings to the holy volcano.


Baluran National Park/Wildlife Reserve

Located on the tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya- Banyuwangi mainroad, is dry countryside of open forests and scrubland, bordered by marshes, swampy groves and white sand beaches. A landrover or jeep is needed to traverse these rugged, grassy plains. A perfect place to photograph banteng wild ox, deer and birds in their natural habitat.


Kaliklatak

A privately owned plantation 450-750 m above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, Kahklatak covers a 2.500 acres of land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Tour the plantation to sec the entire process, from cultivation to harvest and processing for export.


Sadengan

An important wildlife reserve located in the forest of "Hutan Purwo", 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi. Home to a herd of 700 wild buffaloes and many other species of wild animals, which can be observed from the viewing tower.


Sukamade Turtle Beach

78 km south of Banyuwangi, the beach is known for its deep turquoise waters and 250 kg sea turtles which come to lay their eggs here.


Meru Betiri Reserve

Here at the southeastern tip of the province is where the last of the Javanese tigers sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago the Javanese tiger inhabited most of Java and was even considered a nuisance in some populated areas.During the late 1800s and early 1900s was hunted mercilessly and its habitat destroyed by plantation builders. By the beginning of the Second World War it survived only in the most remote mountains and forests, and today the last four or five live on the brink of extinction. The government and the World Wildlife Fund have mounted a determined effort to save the tigers and their environment. Meru Beteri is not simply a tiger reserve. Wildlife of all kinds thrives here, the black panthers, leopards and sea turtles.


Temples

Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari, where remnants of the 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic guardian statues, the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temple dates back to 1268, and is one of the most enchanting temples in East Java. Scenes from folktales and the Mahabarata epic decorate the side panels. Kidal temple was completed in 1 260 to honor one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari temple art.

Located 120-km south west of Malang and 11 km North of Blitar, is the well -preserved Penatratan temple in the Singosari- Majapahit, dating from the mid fourteenth century.

The temple terraces are decorated with Ramayana bas reliefs.


Ponorogo

Ponorogo is 200 km. Southwest of Surabava on the main highway to Central Java. The Festival Reyog, held here on the 17th of August each year, highlights the area'straditional drama and dance. The unusual batik and basketry of this region are also well known.

source www.travel-indonesia.com