East Java (NEW!! Promo Tour & Travel)

The Majapahit Dynasty, based in and around East Java, began the foundations of an empire that was to dominate the entire Indonesian archipelago, the Malay Peninsula and part of the Philippines for hundreds of years. This was the beginning of profitable trade relations with China, Cambodia, Siam, Burma and Vietnam. As the power in Central Java declined in the 10th century, powerful kingdoms rose in East Java to fill the power vacuum. During the reign of King Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed lucrative trade with the surrounding island, and an artistic and intellectual renaissance. Parts of Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this era that East Java inherited much of its temple art. Today the open-air amphitheater at Pandaan perfomances tell some of the stories of this gloriuos past, set against an impressive backdrop of distant volcanoes, capturing the spirit of the province’s culture and scenery. East Java’s claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence againts colonial forces in 1945. Little of the Majapahit Empire’s former glory still stands in East Java. Nevertheless, East Java has a variety of attractions, ranging from temple sites to unspoiled beaches, stunning volcanoes, extra ordinary highland lakes, resplendent marine parks and fantastic wildlife reserves. The provincial capital, Surabaya is second in size, population, and commerce only to Jakarta. It is also the most industrialized province in the nation with the strong economy based on agriculture (coffee, mangoes and apples), fisheries and oil.

Getting there :
The province is efficiently connected to the rest of Java by good roads, regular trains, and air services between Surabaya and other major cities in the country including Denpasar on Bali, which is only half an hour’s flight away.

Tourism Events
- Reog Ponorogo is a unique and daring performance in which dancers carry a very heavy headdress of tiger head ornamented with peacock feathers. The dance depicts a fight between a tiger and two noblemen on horseback. The Reog Festival held every August 17 in Ponorogo, 200 km Southwest of Surabaya.
- Karapan Sapi (Bull Races) in Bangkalan Madura, about two hours by speedboat from Surabaya is a very popular sport among locals. It is an annual championship event and held every September and October after harvest.

Places of Interest

Trowulan-Pandaan-Tretes, Trowulan village and the surrounding area is believed to be the site of ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many terracotta ornaments, statues, pottery and stone carvings, which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby site of historical interest. The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre 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.Panangungan makes the performances an enchanting experience. 10 km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java.

Mount Kavi Fortune Hunting. This sage’s grave on Mt. Kawi is famous pilgrimage site for those who seek to increase their worldly blessings. Possessing an intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wayang and gamelan performances, the grave itself is built on a hilltop. On the both sides of the long stairway leading to the top in assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flower and souvenir stalls and other interesting sights.

Surabaya. This city offers many good hotels, shopping centers and plentiful sources of entertainment. Its well-stocked zoological garden includes several species of Indonesia fauna: orangutans, komodo dragons and a collection of nocturnal animals. Kalimas is an old traditional harbor for the world famous Bugis Schooners, which can still be seen in all their former glory.

Mount Bromo. Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical experience of watching the sunrise from the crest of Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you 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 the perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulfur fumes and smoke still amanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population quickly brings their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the 20th month in Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event wher villagers form the sorrounding areas bring their humble offering to holy volcano.

Alas Purwo National Park/Wildlife Reserve. Located on the tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi main road, is dry countryside of open savannah, forests and scrubland, bordered by marshes, swampy groves and white sand beaches. 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi, this park is a home to 700 wild buffaloes and many other species of world animals, which can be observed from viewing tower. A land rover of jeep is needed to traverse these rugged, grassy plains. In the nearby there is G (Grajagan) Land which the waves is famous for foreign surfers.

Kaliklatak is a commodities plantation 450-750 m above sea level on the slopes of Mt. Merapi. Kaliklatak covers 2.500 acres of land producing coffee, rubber, cocoa and spices. Tor the plantation to see the entire process, from cultivation to harvest and processing for export.

Sukamade Turtle Beach. 78 km south of Banyuwangi, the beach is known for its deep turquoise waters and 250 kg sea turtles which come to lay their eggs here.

Meru Betiri Reserve. Here at the southeastern tip of province is where the last of the Javanese tigers sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years ago the Javanese tiger inhabited most of Java and was even considered a nuisance in some populated areas. Wildlife of all kinds thrives here, like black pantrher, leopards and sea turtles.

Malang 90 km South of Surabaya lays Malang, one of the most attractive hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from the well maintained and elaborately painted becaks, the groomed Main square and clea buildings and streets. The cool climate is a welcome respite from Surabaya. 20 km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta an Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with hot springs. Nearby Batu is famous for its apples gardens.

Singosari Temples. Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari, where remnants of the 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic guardian statues, the main gateway to the capital of the kingdom. Jago Temples dates back to 1268, and is one of the most enchanting temples in East Java. Scenes from folktales and the Mahabarata epic decorate the side panels. Kidal temple was completed in 1260 to honor one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari Temple art. Located 120 km southwest of Malang and 11 km north of Blitar is well-preserved Penataran Temple in the Singosari-Majapahit Temple complex, dating from the fourteenth century. The temple terrace are decorated with Ramayana bas-reliefs.

Bull Races (Karapan Sapi). Across the Madura Strait, half an hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique traditional bull races (Karapan Sapi).

Kawah Ijen (Ijen Crater). The volcanic cone of ijen dominates the landscape at the eastern end of Java. A spectacular turquoise blue lake, its surface streaked in wind-blown patterns of yellow sulphur, fills Crater of Ijen. Ijen Crater is the world’s largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within in the caldera or long its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-trading zone across the southern site of the draw to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcany scenery. It is located at Licin Sub District, 45 km from Banyuwangi.

East Java Tour Package

Day I : Arrival Surabaya
Upon arrival at the airport of Surabaya, you will be met and transferred to hotel for your accommodation. Today you will join a Surabaya City Tour featuring the UJUNG ferry harbor with views of the island of Madura known for its Bull Race. Visit also the JEMBATAN MERAH a memorial monument to freedom; the zoo, and the KAYOON flower market.

Day II : Surabaya-Malang/Batu (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel and depart for MALANG or BATU. On the way you’ll visit the SINGOSARI Temple with its giant DWARAPALA; SELECTA; SONGGORITI Waterfall; and the city of Malang Lunch enroute. Overnight at hotel in Malang or Batu.

Day III : Malang/Batu – Sukapura, Bromo (B,L)
Breakfast at hotel and depart for BROMO via north Semeru and Piket Nol-Lumajang route. Lunch enroute. Overnight at hotel at SUKAPURA village in Bromo area.

Day IV : Sukapura, Bromo-Surabaya (B)
At 04.00 morning excursion to Bromo to watch the spectaculer sunrise (weather permitting) and the creater of Mt. Bromo. Return to hotel for breakfast. At the appropriate time, transferred to Surabaya airport for your onward flight.
Note : flight departures must be mid-afternoon or later.