Java, Indonesia

A top tourist destination, Java, Indonesia is the fifth largest island in the world's largest archipelago. Although it consists only one-seventh of the country's total land area, Java, Indonesia is home to two-thirds of the country's population making it one of the most densely populated regions in the world. In Java, Indonesia is where the republic's capital and largest city, Jakarta, as well as the two next largest cities, Surabaya and Bandung, are located.

Java, Indonesia for centuries is the center of cultural, political, and economic activities of the entire archipelago. The main port is Tanjungpriok, which accounts for much of the country's domestic and international shipping firms. Witness Indonesia's cultural heritage by visiting Yogyakarta ans Surakarta – the cultural centers of Java – where you can likewise find souvenirs to take home like teak, native coffee, tobacco, batik, masks, puppets, woodcarving, jewelry, ethnic clothing and sarongs, paintings, ceramics, and basket wares.

Java, Indonesia is largely a Muslim region but Chinese and Arab communities also exist. The chief language is Bahasa Indonesia and around 250 dialects. Bahasa English, however, is understood by locals working in tourist spots. You can read national newspapers that are written in English like Indonesia Times, Indonesia Observer, and Jakarta Post.

Most of the holidays are in celebration of religious festivities like the Idul Fitri End of Ramadan (dates can vary), Nyepi (Balinese Saka New Year and day of silence), Idul Adha (Moslem Day of Sacrifice), Muharram or the Moslem New Year, Waisak Day (Buddha's birth/death), Isra Mi'raj Nabi (prophet Mohammed's Ascension Day) and Maulud (birth of Mohammed) but other holidays are also commemorated like the Imlec Chinese New Year, Wafat Isa Al Masih (Good Friday), Kartini Day where Javanese commemorate the birth of Raden Ajeng Kartini, the founder of women's rights movement, Independence Day (August 17), Hari Raya Natal or Christmas Day on December 25.

Recently, Java, Indonesia has been pronounced safe for tourists unless otherwise advised. Diving activities are also widespread not only in Java but the rest of the archipelago. You may want to wander in some untouched islands with the help of local guides. Major airports in Java, Indonesia are located in the urban hubs of Bali and Jakarta while buses, trains, shared taxi, and boats/ferries serve as the national transports. Local transports include buses, taxis, microlets (small minivans), bemo (converted pick-up trucks), bajaj (three-wheeled scooters operating in Jakarta), bekak (bicycle rickshaw that operate everywhere except in Jakarta), ojeks (motorbike taxis), and motorbikes that are for rent at 20,000 to 30,000 Rupiah per day.

Java, Indonesia still boasts of its untouched lush tropical forests, which account for much of the country's timber production, and home to exotic animals like tigers, crocodiles, and hundreds of species of birds of stunning plumage. The tropical climate is warm and humid.