8 days in Java, Indonesia

27M Japan - I recently took a trip to Indonesia. I had some local friends on Java and did half of the trip solo and half with the group. I mostly explored south central Java with some time in Jakarta.

Indonesia is a wonderful country with some of the best views on earth. Its more casual Islam is a very unique cultural experience, and in general Indonesians are very laid back happy people. In more rural locations, because I am a 181cm tall white man (which is average in the west), at times locals literally stood in line to take pictures with me or would ask to take large group pictures. It was an interesting experience to regularly be the tourist attraction instead of the tourist. Western currencies are very strong against the Rupiah, and prices are similar to other SEA countries.

Jakarta is technically the most populous city on earth right now, and it certainly feels like it when you're there. I only spent a day in Jakarta and I'm glad I spent more time with rural locals than in the city.

Prambanan and Borobudur were always bucket list items for me, and I highly recommend you make the trek to Jogja to visit them. They are very exotic UNESCO sites while also being close to the accommodations of a major city. I caught Borobudur in a thunderstorm, had the whole site to myself and it really felt like out of a movie. You can plan a pretty picnic but you can't predict the weather!

Trip Length: 8 days

Destination(s):

• 2 nights Jogja
• 1 night Petanahan
• 1 night Cilicap
• 1 night Kebumen
• 1 night Jogja
• 1 night Jakarta