West Java

The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. Banten, once a powerful maritime capital rivaling the Javanese Mataram Empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. West Java was of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.

West Java surrounds the nations capital of Jakarta on three sides, anti good roads provide links to most of the province, passing through rugged mountains, iridescent paddy fields and along pastoral stretches of palm- fringed coastline.

There are a number of popular resorts on the western and southern coasts with modern hotels and extensive facilities, favorite weekend gateway for people living in Jakarta.

West Java provides visitors with an extensive array of fascinating things to see and do. Venture to the brink of the awesome power of Krakatau or explore the pristine wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south-western tip of, Java. Take refuge in the Pulau Dua Bird sanctuary off the coast of Banten or visit the mysterious Baduy peoples.

Other places of interest:


Marubaya

The 30-minute trip to Marlbaya passes through some lovely mountain scenery. Renowned for its hot springs, the sulphur-laden water is comfort, able for swimming or soaking. Lie back and relax while enjoying the view of a 25-meter waterfall set against a steep mountain cliff.



Jatiluhur Dam

Situated halfway between Jakarta and Bandung, this dam was originally built with French technical assistance in the 1950's to generate electrical power for the region. It now provides irrigation to the surrounding Arabic land and a fishery industry has been developed as well. It is now being developed for tourism and provides convenient facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, a camping ground, speedboats for water skiing and cottages. The reservoir is huge, the scenery tropical, the air crisp and cool.


Bogor

Bogor actually lies closer to Jakarta (50 kin) than it does to Bandung (120 km). Appropriately named by die Dutch as a town "without worries", Bogor was chosen as the site of the first palace of the Dutch Governor General In 1745. Restored in 1832, the palace sits elegantly amidst gardens and expansive lawns where deer roam freely under majestic old trees.

The world-famous Bogor Botanical Garden borders the Palace Grounds, covering an area of 87 hectares with thousands of species of plant life from all over the world, including towering ancient trees and world's largest flower, the Rafflesia. There are over 15,000 species of trees and plants, 400 varieties of palms alone. The orchid houses contain over 3000 orchid varieties. You don't have to be a horticulturalist to enjoy the gardens, it is a masterpiece of design and a wonderful place to just stroll and enjoy the company of family and friends.



Zoological Museum

Right next to the Botanical Garden, the highlights of this museum are the blue whale skeleton and an impressive library of rare botanical books.



Batu-Tulis Ciaruteun (Stone Inscription)

A relic of the Tarumanegara kingdom in 450 A.D. the stone is inscribed with Sanskrit characters. Located on the bank of the Ciaruteun River, the site is a pleasant 2-km walk from Campea village, just 9 km. from Bogor by car.



Cihodas Botanic Garden

Located in the district of Pacet, 22 kilometers northwest of Cianjur, the Cibodas Garden Park is a 80-hectare nature preserve founded In 1890.



Taman Safari Indonesia

Animals from all continents roam freely in this 35-hectare park, 75-km southeast of Jakarta along the Jakarta-Bandung route. Among the animals kept here are some comparatively rare species such as anoas, rhinos, giraffes, white tigers and European, American and Asian bears. Adjacent to the park is recreational grounds with a swimming pool, tennis courts, an artificial lake, waterfall and children's playground and amusement park. There are also restaurants and cafeterias.



Pelabuhan Ratu Beach

Formerly just a traditional fishing village, Pelabuhan Ratu has grown into a lovely holiday resort, while retaining much of its former charm. It is a three-hour drive from either Jakarta or Bandung on good mountain roads. Pelabuhan Ratu-Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking coastline; thick tropical forests cascade down steep hills to white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean. At night hundreds of fishermen's boatlamps merge with the star-studded sky above, an enchanting and romantic scene. There is one four-star hotel, the Samudera beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other smaller hotels and cottages are available at moderate rates. Don't forget to enjoy the fresh seafood at reasonable prices.



Krakatoa Volcano

Krakatoa erupted in 1883, one of the most catastrophic natural events in recorded history. The volcano literally blew itself apart, sending a column of ash and stone 80 km. into the air. Ash fell on Singapore, and the entire region was covered in darkness for two days. Giagantic tidal waves over 40 meters high killed almost 40,000 people along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. The volcanic dust in the atmosphere circled the earth for three years, creating sensational sunsets.

The area is still a hotbed of volcanic activity, and the Anak Krakatoa, (Child of Krakatoa), has been growing and erupting since 1928. It is possible for boats to land on the eastern shore of this young volcano, and depending on recent activity, you can climb to the rim of the caldera.



Duo Island (Pukzu Duo)

Dua Island is the name of a small nature preserve inhabited by over 50 species of fish-eating birds. These birds migrate from Africa, Asia and Australia and stay on this island to lay and hatch their eggs from April through August each year. It is located in the Banten Bay and is accessible by boat from Tanjung Priok sea harbor or from Marina, Ancol.



Garut

A characteristic Sundanese town in the highlands, Garut is surrounded by volcanic mountains and vast tea plantations. The hot springs resort at Cipanas has comfortable accommodations. Nearby Mt. Papandayan's crater is probably one of the most spectacular mountain scenes on Java. The Cangkuang temple was the first of its kind found In West Java, dating back to the 8th century.



Kampung Naga

The uniqueness of Kampung Naga is that in spite of its proximity to modern society it has retained its traditional customs over the centuries. It is a small village in the beautiful mountains of the Salawu District, some 30-km from Tasikmalaya.


Cirebon

Travelling northeast from Bandung towards the coast, the seaport of Cirebon offers a wealth of culture and history. Situated on the border of West and Central Java, it is home to a combination of both cultures. In the city itself; the ancient palaces (kratons) of the Kasepuhan and Kanoman now serve as museums which are open to the public, exhibiting household ornaments, paintings, calligraphy and other art treasures of the courts. The royal carriages are sumptuous In design, one of them a gilded coach in the form of a winged elephant. Across the square from the Kasepuhan Kraton is the "Mesjid Agung" (Grand Mosque), in a traditional Javanese style and made entirely of wood. Cirebon is also known for its distinct batik, now a flourishing industry in the village of Trusmi. The local seafood is among the best in West Java.


Pangandaran, Karang Nini and Batu Hiu

Pangandaran is one of Java's best-kept secrets as far as international tourists are concerned, but has been extremely popular with locals for along, long time. A small fishing town, it possesses one of Java's finest beaches and the Pangandaran Nature Reserve teems with wild buffalo, barking deer and monkeys. The people are very friendly, this combined with the idealize surroundings make this a great place to spend a few days relaxing island-style. Pangandaran is halfway between Bandung and Yogya, about 5 hours by bus from Bandung and 8 hours from Jakarta.

source www.travel-indonesia.com