Java travel itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 weeks java route
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the trip: Java. Beforehand, we had heard mixed reviews: some found the island too crowded and dirty, while others considered it the highlight of their journey. For me personally, Java held special significance because my grandparents grew up here. This made a visit to Java even more special. What I didn’t expect was how diverse this island is, with bustling modern cities, beautiful temples, paradise islands, and volcanoes. The best part? Traveling in Java is super easy. You simply take the train. What more could you ask for? Read on for the ultimate Java itinerary!
Flying to Java
The most convenient way to start your trip is from Jakarta. You can easily track ticket prices and score a good deal via Skyscanner. On average, you’ll pay about €650 for a round-trip ticket, but if you’re flexible with your travel dates, it might be cheaper. If you want to combine Java and Bali, you could buy tickets to Denpasar or Jakarta and then book a cheap domestic flight via AirAsia at the end of your trip to return to your starting point.
Tip! Tickets to Kuala Lumpur are often cheaper. From there, you can fly to Jakarta with AirAsia for just a few extra dollars.
Transport in Java
Java is undoubtedly the easiest island to travel around in Indonesia. The island has an extensive train network, and the trains are really comfortable. In cities, it’s best to use Grab or Gojek. These apps allow you to easily order a taxi or a motorbike-taxi, where you ride behind someone, which is often the fastest way to get around. If there’s no train to your next destination, you can easily arrange a taxi via your accommodation or Grab. Another option is the bus. We tried this a few times. It’s the cheapest option but also the slowest.
How many days do you need for Java?
We spent just over two weeks in Java, partly because we were stuck on the paradisiacal island of Karimunjawa for a few days. Yes, life is tough. Although two weeks is enough to see a lot of Java, you can easily stay longer and there is always something new to discover. Below are three routes for exploring Java, depending on how much time you have.
Java Itinerary 1 Week:
- Jakarta: 1 day
Start your trip in the bustling capital but move on quickly. - Bandung: 2 days
Enjoy the city of flowers and the nostalgia it holds for me. - Yogyakarta: 3 days
Explore the cultural heart of Java with its stunning temples and vibrant culture. - Banyuwangi (Ijen): 1 day
End your short trip with a breathtaking trek to the Ijen volcano.
Java Itinerary 2 Weeks:
- Jakarta: 1 day
- Bandung: 2 days
- Pangandaran (Green Canyon & Green Valley): 2 days
- Yogyakarta: 3 days
- Malang: 2 days
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls: 1 day
- Banyuwangi (Ijen) or Bromo: 2 days
End your trip with a spectacular volcano climb and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Adding Karimunjawa to Your Trip
If you want to add a paradise destination to your Java itinerary, you could skip Pangandaran and include Karimunjawa instead. It’s quite a journey, so we recommend setting aside at least 3-4 days for it.
Alternative Java Itinerary with Karimunjawa for 2 Weeks:
- Jakarta: 1 day
- Bandung: 2 days
- Yogyakarta: 3 days
- Karimunjawa: 4 days
In the final days, you can visit Malang, Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls, Bromo, or Ijen. Or you can spend more time in Karimunjawa or Yogyakarta.
Java Itinerary 3 Weeks:
- Jakarta: 1 day
- Bandung: 2 days
- Pangandaran (Green Canyon & Green Valley): 2 days
- Yogyakarta: 4 days
- Karimunjawa: 5 days
- Surabaya: 2 days
- Malang: 2 days
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls: 2 days
- Banyuwangi (Ijen): 2 days
- Jakarta: 1 day
Bandung (2-3 Days)
From Jakarta, we took the train to Bandung, and it was truly AMAZING. The seats are super comfortable, there’s plenty of space, and the views are breathtaking. After about 6 hours, we arrived in Bandung, the city of flowers. It’s a chaotic, fun, and diverse city with many shopping malls but also beautiful nature.
Bandung is a great city to visit, but it also holds special meaning for me. This is the city where my grandparents spent much of their youth. And on my grandmother’s farm (a bit outside the city), they fell madly in love. How special it is to be in this place.
Other attractions in Bandung include the crater lakes of Kawah Putih, the Tangkuban Perahu volcano, the Gedung Sate building, and the historic Braga Street.
Pangandaran (Green Canyon & Green Valley) (2-3 Days)
Pangandaran is a small coastal town on Java’s southern coast. You’ll find beautiful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere here. Many people come for Pangandaran Beach and the Cagar Alam Pangandaran nature reserve. But one activity that is a must-do is the Green Canyon tour. With a boat, you sail through a stunning gorge carved by the Cijulang River, with steep, moss-covered rock walls and crystal-clear green water.
Yogyakarta (3-4 Days)
Yogyakarta is a must-add to your Java itinerary. After about 8 hours on the train from Bandung, we arrived in Yogyakarta, also known as the cultural center of Indonesia. What a fantastic city. It has everything: beautiful nature, temples, delicious food, and the coolest hotspots. It’s truly a city where you can spend days exploring.
Tip: Rent a car for a day with a few people and let the driver decide where to go. This way, you can get away from the crowds and discover the best spots. The best tips for hotspots, accommodations, and attractions can be found in the article about Yogyakarta.
Karimunjawa (4-7 Days)
Karimunjawa is truly a little paradise on earth. I could stay here forever. It’s mainly the atmosphere, the people, and of course the beautiful beaches that steal your heart. You can easily spend a few days here.
Malang (2-3 Days)
The city of Malang in East Java is a great place to explore. Additionally, Malang is the perfect base for climbing the impressive Bromo volcano. Be sure to stay in Malang for at least two days to fully experience the city. The colorful neighborhoods Kampung Warna Warni and Kampung Biru Arema are definitely worth a visit. Previously, these were the poorest areas of Malang until a group of students decided to paint them to make them more attractive to tourists.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfalls (2 Days)
Tumpak Sewu, which means ‘a thousand waterfalls,’ is undoubtedly the most impressive waterfall in Indonesia. This relatively unknown waterfall, also known as Coban Sewu, is not on the usual Java backpacking route. So, you’ll likely be one of the few people here. With a height of 120 meters, Tumpak Sewu is one of the tallest waterfalls in all of Indonesia. View the waterfall from the top or the base and plan to explore this stunning area.
Java is incredibly diverse. Whether you choose a short one-week trip, an extensive two-week exploration, or a full Java itinerary of three weeks, you will always be impressed by the island’s variety and beauty. Planning your Java itinerary is easy, and with comfortable transport and numerous attractions, it’s an ideal destination for any backpacker. Whatever Java route you choose, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.
