Outdoor Activities
 Like most of Indonesia, Central Java is well-endowed with natural attractions and outdoor activities. The region covers both the northern and southern coastlines of Java, providing ample beaches and water sports at a handful of resort spots. Inland there are urban and countryside parks, many of which boast waterfalls and excellent wildlife populations.
 Beaches
Central Java’s beaches may not be Indonesia’s greatest, but they are still pretty good. Near Semarang, the town of Jepara combines clean sand with a Portuguese fort. Semarang’s Marina bay is an integrated waterfront complex with social beaches and exciting water sports right on the edge of town. Permisan beach’s scenery and Ayah beach’s cultural attractions make them popular destinations.
 Golf
There are several golf courses in Central Java located near the most popular resort areas. The most famous is Merapi Golf, a stunning golf resort situated next to scenic Mount Merapi near Yogyakarta. Many diehard golfers travel to Central Java just a play a few rounds on this incredible course.
 Parks
Good parks can be enjoyed in nearly every town of Central Java. They are ideal places to bring the kids for a bit of energy release, and usually contain kid-friendly facilities. Jurug Park along the banks of the Solo river in Solo is one such site. Seruling Mas Recreation Park and Zoo in the town of Banjarnegara combines a decent wildlife park with swimming pools and playgrounds. Purabasari River World brings the watery realm to you with its myriad aquariums, while Kyai Langgeng Park features botanical gardens, riverboat rides and local food stalls.
 Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
A number of decent diving and snorkelling sites can be found off the coasts of Central Java, but the highlight is Karimunjawa. This cluster of 27 islands off the northern coast near Semarang is the main maritime travel destination in the region for divers and beach lovers. There are 12 established dive sites in Karimunjawa, most of which contain excellent coral reefs and sea life. A smattering of shipwrecks alongside the reefs provides a different kind of underwater adventure, and resorts on the main island provide accommodation.
 Surfing
A number of decent surf spots exist in Central Java. The reefs and headlands provide plenty of waves, some of which can break quite large. Petanahan beach to the south of Kebumen city is one such site, as are the waters off of Ujung Negoro. Outside of Cilacap lies Teluk Penyu beach, where the big waves lure serious surfers.
 Waterfalls
Waterfalls seem to cascade out of the dense jungle all over Central Java, providing recreation spots near most of the main towns. Among the most popular is the 81m Grojokan Sewu, located near Solo. Monkeys, hiking paths and facilities make this a great daytrip. Genting Waterfall is another good site, particularly for its amazing natural cave, cool climate and panoramic views.
Cultural Activities
Central Java is a great place to experience the traditional arts of Indonesia. Its main cities such as Semarang, Solo and Yogyakarta have cultural performance centres dedicated to preserving the region’s uniquedance, song and music. There are also some greatoutdoor markets where you can slip into the local culture and a couple of useful museums to give you an educational background on Java.
 Batik Museum (Pekalongan)
Batik is one of Indonesia’s most impressive art forms, and this small but impressive museum in Pekalongan has a lovely collection worth seeing if you are in the area. Some 300 collections of batik cloth are displayed in the museum, which covers every region in the country. Phone: +62 285 431 698
Puri Maerokoco (Semarang)
This fascinating and expansive park representing Central Java in miniature features 35 pavilions that portray different architectural designs used through the region. Each building showcases various traditions from around Central Java, such as costumes, food and customs. It’s a one-stop cultural immersion if you don’t have time to explore the region at your leisure.
 Radya Pustaka Museum (Solo)
Central Java’s oldest and largest museum opened in 1890 in the town of Solo. This place is one of the best in the region to get a comprehensive look at the cultural heritage of Java. Everything from ceramics and art to puppetry and archaeology are presented here.
 Semawis Night Market (Semarang)
This weekly night market happens every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in Semarang’s Chinatown. It is an excellent place to experience the food, crafts and style of the people of Central Java. A walk along Gang Warung reveals countless food stalls, souvenir shops and fascinating slices of life.
 Shadow Puppets (Wayang Kulit)
This fun, yet intricate display of puppetry is one of Indonesia’s main cultural attractions. The images are cut from buffalo or goat skin, then manipulated by a trained puppeteer behind a backlit screen. The stories all have their roots in the classic mythology of the Ramayana and other Hindu tales. Visitors can watch a shadow puppet performance in most towns, with the centre at Sriwedari Park in Solo a popular performance venue.
 Sonobudoyo Museum (Yogyakarta)
For those interested in learning more about Javanese culture, be sure and stop by this excellent museum in Yogyakarta. Its collection of relics and artefacts includes a full set of gamelan musical instruments, weapons, textiles, masks and shadow puppets. Phone: +62 274 373 617.
Dining & Shopping
 Rice is the heart and soul of every meal in Central Java. If rice is unavailable, dried cassava known as gaplèk serves as the staple. The dishes of Java tend to be sweeter than in other parts of Indonesia, exemplified by the popular blend of stewed and sautéed vegetables in coconut milk called santen. Saltwater fish also features prominently in the cuisine of Central Java, especially along the coast, but the only freshwater fish you’re likely to find is the catfish known as lélé.
Meats which are commonly found on menus include chicken, goat and beef. Due to the Muslim majority in Java, pork is only found in large diverse cities like Semarang and Solo. Expect to find the ubiquitous chilli condiment, sambal, with every meal.
 Vegetarians have lots to choose from in Java, as tofu is commonly used as a meat substitute. Regional vegetarian specialities include gudeg, a sweet stew made from young jackfruit, and sayur lodeh, vegetables simmered in coconutmilk. Prices are pleasantly low for all dishes.
The shopping options in Central Java are just as tempting as the cuisine. The locals produce some beautiful traditional crafts that make perfect souvenirs. Textiles play a big part in local crafts, especially the wonderful batik creations that are Java’s most famous product. Pekalongan, Solo, and Semarang have many quality shops to choose from featuring batik. The woven textile lurik is another amazing handmade product that is fashioned into wall hangings, garments and decorations.
 Head to Jepara for the best wood carvings in the region. Teak is the wood of choice, fashioned into trinket boxes, decorative panels and many other items. Metal products from silver, copper and brass are also excellent buys, particularly in the small towns of Rembang, Temanggung, Boyolali and Pati. The leather puppets known as wayang also make great souvenirs, and can be found all over Central Java. Prices are surprisingly low considering the quality of craftsmanship.
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