Top Things to See
 The wonders of nature take centre stage in West Java. You can venture close to the awesome power of the Krakatoa volcano, explore the nature reserve at Ujung Kulon on Java’s southwestern tip, and thrill at the variety of species in the Pulau Dua bird sanctuary off the Banten coast. The provincial capital, Bandung, is an attractive retreat that offers a pleasant, cool respite from low-land exploration.
 Bandung
The provincial capital is situated atop a plateau that stands 768m above sea level and enjoys a mild, relatively cool climate year-round. A short drive will take you up to the hill resort of Lembang, to the Bosscha Observatory and even higher to the crater of the Tangkuban Perahu volcano. This is the only volcanic crater in Java accessible by car. Descent into the volcano’s craters is possible with an experienced guide.
 Maribaya
Best known for its hot springs, Maribaya is situated north of Bandung and can be reached by car in around 30 minutes. The trip to the hot springs takes you through hills lush with flowering plants and dotted with lovely villas. Once there you can enjoy the cool, refreshing mountain air as you soak and swim in hot mineral waters. A steep mountain cliff with a 25m high waterfall is the backdrop.
 Bogor
Known as ‘Buitenzorg’ during the Dutch period, the town’s name meant the ‘town without worries.’ The town was chosen as the site for the palace of the first Dutch governor in 1745. Restored in 1832, the structure stands today amid gardens where deer roam freely under the canopy of ancient trees. The well-known Botanical Garden is located adjacent to the Palace grounds and boasts 87 hectares of plant life from around the world, including some of the rarest types of orchids.
 Ujung Kulon
The Ujung Kulon nature reserve spans an area of more than 50,000 hectares at the southwestern tip of the province and on nearby Panaitan and Peucang islands. A dense forest covers much of the reserve, which is home to the last remaining examples of the one-horned rhinoceros. Ujung Kulon can be reached by boat from Labuan, where you can also obtain an entry permit for the reserve from the Forestry Service.
 Krakatoa Volcano
When it erupted in 1883, the effects were felt as far away as New York, where volcanic ash was carried by prevailing winds, and the west coast of the US, where tidal waves crashed against the shores. Krakatoa vanished, leaving a number of small islands in its place. One of the new islands is known as Anak Krakatau, or ‘Krakatoa's child’, which is presently an active volcano. Boat trips to the volcano are easily arranged.
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