Java Island

One of the most populous places in all of Asia, Java is still characterized by great natural beauty. Its central spine is dominated by hundreds of volcanoes, many of which are still very evidently active; their fertile slopes support a landscape of glimmering rice fields spotted with countless small villages.

To the south of this mountainous backbone are the homeland of the ethnic Javanese and the epicenter of their arts, culture and language, epitomized by the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo. Still steeped in traditional dance, music and art, these two cities are the mainstay of Java's tourist industry and offer first-rate facilities for travelers. They also provide excellent bases from which to explore the giant ninth-century Buddhist temple Borobudur, and the equally fascinating Prambanan complex, a contemporary Hindu site. To the east, the huge volcanic massif of Mount Bromo is the other major stop on most travelers' itineraries, not least for the sunrise walk to its summit. But there are plenty more volcanic landscapes to explore, including the colored lakes of the windswept Dieng Plateau, the stunning Crater Lake and sulphur mines of the Ijen Plateau, and the world's most famous - and destructive - volcano, Krakatau, off the west coast of Java. Less visited but very worthwhile destinations abound in the mountains around the West Java capital of Bandung.

And when it's time to chill out, most travelers opt for a spell in Pangandaran, which boasts crashing surf, endless expanses of sand, superb seafood and a national park on its doorstep, or Pelabuhan Ratu, a quiet retreat on a long, arcing bay. Aside from Yogya, Java's cities are not that enticing, except Jakarta, the Indonesia's capital city. And once you've exhausted the pleasures of java you can move easily on to neighboring islands - Sumatra is just ninety minutes' ferry ride from Merak in the west; Bali a mere half hour from Banyuwangi in the east.