EAST JAVA
East Java has a variety of attractions, from temple sites to scenic beaches, a
sand-sea, highland-lakes, volcanoes, marine gardens and wildlife reserves.
As the power in Central Java declined around the tenth century, powerful kingdoms rose
in East Java to fill the vacuum. Between 1055 and 1222, the kingdom of Kediri prospered
and expanded. During the reign of king Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed a
lucrative trade with the surrounding islands when their arts flourished.
Parts of the Mahabarata epic were translated and reinterpreted to conform closer to the
East Javanese outlook and philosophy, and it was from this era that East Java inherited
much of its treasure of temple art. In 1292 the Majapahit dynasty
began an empire that was to dominate the entire archipelago, the Malay peninsula and part
of the Philippines. Majapahit also established profitable trade relations with China and
other countries of the South East Asian region. Today the open-air amphi theater at
Pandaan tells some of the stories of this glorious past. Aided by the Java Ballet
performances against a backdrop of distant volcanoes, any traveler will be easily
enthralled by the East Java experience, capturing the spirit of the province's culture and
scenery. Its capital, Surabaya is second to Jakarta in size,
population and commerce. East Java is also the most industrialized province in the nation.
Its economy is based on agriculture, fishery, oil industries, coffee, mangoes and apples.
Connected with the rest of Java by good motor roads and train services, there are also
air services between Surabaya and other major cities in the country including Bali which
is only half an hour's flight a way. It is also easily accessible by road and regular
ferry from Bali and Java. The island of Madura, famous for its bull races, is part of the province of East Java, though it
has its own traditions and language.
Magnificent mountain scenery include the crater and sea of sand at Mount Bromo, the "sulfur mountain" Welirang and
rugged lien Plateau. Little of the Majapahit empire's former glory still stands in East
Java to day with the exception of temple ruins and some archaeological discoveries. East
Java's claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for
independence against colonial forces in 1945.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Surabaya
A booming city of over 3 million, Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centers
and entertainment. Its well stocked zoological garden include several species of
Indonesian fauna like "orang utan", komodo dragon
and a collection of nocturnal animals.
Kalimas is an old traditional harbor for the world famous Bugis schooner
"pinisi" which sailed the Indonesian seas for hundreds of years. At present
those praus can still be seen in their former glory with big colorful sails.
Mpu Tantular Museum, well-stocked with archaeological art and cultural items from
prehistoric times until independence. Across the Strait Madura, half an hour by ferry from
Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique bull races
held each year after the harvest season.
For groups, the races can be arranged on request. The Regional Tourism Offices of East
Java provides a monthly calendar of events of the races.
Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes
The surroundings of Trowulan village is believed to be the site of the ancient capital
of Majapahit.
Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many terra-cotta 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 theater in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya presents
classical East Javanese 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 gives the performances an enchanting
experience.
Up to ten km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain
resorts of East Java. Hotels and roads cling to the hillside with swimming pools for a dip
in the cool climate. Horses are also available for hire. Camping ground is available near
the Kakek Bodo waterfall.
Ninety km south of Surabaya lies Malang, one of the most attractive town in Java. A
strong sense of civic pride can be noticed from the well-maintained and painted becaks,
the neat main square, buildings and streets. The cool climate is one reason why it is
highly desirable among the East Javanese as a place to retire. Twenty km from Malang on
the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with
hot springs. Five km nearby lies Batu, famous for its apples and flowers. Sports
facilities at Selecta include horse riding, 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 km northeast of Malang just off the Surabaya-Malang main
road on the lowest slopes of Mt. Arjuno at about 300 meters altitude. It covers an area of
about 85 ha (212 acres).
Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting
A sage's grave on mount Kawi, near Malang, has for decades enjoyed unrivaled fame among
those who seek to increase their worldly blessings through pilgrimages, offerings, and
meditations besides hard work.
Most of the pilgrims to Gunung Kawi are Indonesian Chinese, but even to unbelievers the
place is worth a visit for its intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wayang and gamelan performances and a quaint mixture of
Javanese and Chinese influences.
The grave itself is built on a hilltop, but to its left and right of the long stairway
is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flowers, and souvenir
stalls.
Mount Bromo
One of the most exciting experiences is watching the sunrise from the crest of the
Bromo volcano which is a three-hour drive from Surabaya, followed by a pony ride from the
village of Ngadisari over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to
reach the rim.
On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct
Batok which is a perfect cone and the Bromo.
Volcanic sulfur fumes and smoke still emanate from its depth, while during intense
rumbling sounds the surrounding population who believes in the God of Bromo quickly brings
offerings.
The annual offering ceremony of Kasada wa held on November 23-24, 1991. It is a
colorful event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their produce of sacrifice
to the holy volcano.
Baluran National Park/Wildlife Reserve
Located at the eastern tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi main road, it
is dry country-side of open forests and scrub land, bordered at the coast by marshes,
swampy groves and white beaches. A land-rover or jeep is perhaps the only vehicle that can
stand the long haul across these rugged grassy plains. Here, the banteng wild ox, deer and
birds can be photographed in their natural habitat.
Kaliklatak
A privately owned plantation with an elevation of 450-750 m above sea level, on the
slope of Mt. Semeru covering a 2.500 acres of land producing
coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Cloves begin as flowers on the clove tree, cinnamon
is ground bark, pepper grown on vines and nutmeg like golf-ball size pears hanging on
broad leafed trees, are to be seen.
Touring the plantation is a trip through a vast, exotic spice machine process which
ends with neat packages ready for export.
Sadengan
A famous wildlife reserve and feeding ground but of a smaller size than that of
Baluran.
Located in the forest of "Hutan Purwo", 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi. It
is in possession of 700 wild buffaloes and varieties of other wild animals, all of which
can be seen grazing in the late afternoon from the viewing tower.
Triangulasi
13 km south of Sadengan on the coast with a beautiful beach view. A nice location to
watch the sunset and a place where turtles lay eggs.
Sukamade Turtle Beach
78 km south of Banyuwangi with its deep turquoise water, 250 kg sea turtles and a long
beach, surrounded by vast cocoa, coffee and rubber plantations, are to be found here.
Meru Betiri Reserve
After a 30 km very rough road which crosses half a dozen rivers through dense jungle
and a rubber plantation, you finally arrive here on the southeastern tip of the province,
where the last of the Javanese tigers had sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago
Javanese tigers inhabited most of Java and was even considered a nuisance in some
populated areas. But through the 1800s and early 1990s it 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 in a remote
region.
The government and the World Wildlife Fund have mounted a determined effort to save the
tigers and their environment. And to do so, the authorities are even prepared to relocate
a few thousand humans. But Meru Betiri is not simply a tiger reserve. Wildlife of all
kinds abounds, like black panthers, leopards and turtles.
Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari where remnants of the early 13th
century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic statues of guardians to what
many believed to be the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago temple dates back
to 1268, and is one of the most attractive temples in East Java. Scenes from folk-tales as
well as from the Mahabarata epic decorate the side panels.
Kidal temple, not far from Jago temple, was completed in 1260 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 Penataran temple in
the Singosari- Majapahit temple complex, dating from the mid fourteenth century. Its
structures are laid on a vast field.
The temple terraces are decorated with Ramayana bas relieves. The main temple is well
preserved.
Pasir Putih Beach, Situbondo
If you happen to be driving in a private car between Surabaya and Bali, this lovely
beach may be worth visiting for a few hours or, if you prefer, an overnight stay to relax
after driving long hours coming from either way. For you to enjoy here is fishing,
sailing, swimming, snorkeling, wind-surfing, water-skiing or just simply sunbathing. Good
seafood is available at some beach-front restaurants where nearby small souvenirs are for
sale.
This place is suitable for transiting tourists, rather than a destination point.
Mount Ijen Crater
Not exactly the most accessible of all craters, this Ijen crater may become of great
interest to the adventurous tourist. It is located far enough from Bali as well as from
Surabaya, whereas an overnight stay is recommended either at Banyuwangi if coming from
Bali or at Bondowoso if coming from Surabaya. The trip to the crater should start early in
the morning the next day because road accessibility only gets you up to 14 km from the
crater which you have to do on foot, and up-hill for that matter.
Special about this crater is its wide gaping mouth having a diameter of 1 km, whereas
its depth all the way to the bottom is 175 meters, where a turquoise lake is found with
its impressive surroundings.
Ponorogo
Ponorogo is located southwest of Surabaya at a distance of 200 km. A bigger town
closest to it is Madiun, which lies on the main highway between Surabaya and points west
of it in Central Java. So, out of Madiun it would be a side trip to Ponorogo, if you care
to witness the Festival Reyog, held here on the 17th of August each year, highlighting the
area's traditional drama and dance. Otherwise you may
want to visit Ngebel Lake nearby. Batiks and basketry of this region are also well-known.
Shopping Hints
Batik from Madura, brass lamps and ornaments, bamboo decorations, stone statues: bronze
figurines, basketry, paintings.
Daily exhibition activities at the People's Amusement Park (T.H.R) and Surabaya Mall
(metal handicraft, leather handicraft, embroidered needlework, woven handicraft, textile
fabrics).
Batik, woodwork & fretwork, rattan work, wooden furniture, ceramics, onyx &
marble-ware, plate-work, flower arrangement).
Click on the
following subjects for more information:
Central java
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