Central Java boasts the extraordinary cultural highlights of Boroburdur and Prambanan temples, as well as several interesting towns and cities. Most travellers come here to witness to jaw-dropping scale of the Buddhist temples at Boroburdur, but there are plenty of less-visited sights worth checking out.

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.

Some of Indonesia’s top historic, religious and cultural highlights are found in Central Java. Topping them all is the sublime Buddhist Boroburdur Temple,the largest sanctuary of its kind. European forts, Muslim mosques and ancient palaces also feature in the region, showing just how powerful the Javanese kingswere during their heyday.

There are two main airports in Central Java: Semarang’s Achmad Yani International Airport and Solo’s Adi Sumarmo International Airport. Both of the air hubs provide frequent flights to all of Indonesia’s main cities, as well as a handful of international destinations such as Singapore. If you can’t find a direct flight to Solo or Semarang, transfer at Jakarta.

Banks: 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 14:00, Monday to Thursday; 08:00 to 11:00, Fridays; 08:00 to 13:00, Saturdays
Government Offices: 08:00 to 16:00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09:00 to 20:00, Monday to Friday