Things to do in Central Java
Activities, attractions and tours
Visit Central Java
Most popular experiences in Central Java
Tours & day trips
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Yogyakarta: Borobudur sunrise(guarantee climb up)& Prambanan
Adventure & outdoor
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Merapi Volcano and Great Temples Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
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Yogyakarta: Night Culinary and Heritage Private Walking Tour
Shows & concerts
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Yogyakarta: Ramayana Ballet Performance with Optional Dinner
Classes & workshops
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Yogyakarta: Batik Painting Workshop
What to do in Central Java
Popular places to visit
Borobudur Temple
Join the other pilgrims visiting one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples for its profound meaning and spectacular architecture.
Dieng Plateau
Learn about the local history of Dieng when you take a trip to Dieng Plateau. Discover the area's sunrises and hot springs.
Mount Merbabu National Park
Hike to the summit of a volcanic peak, spot myriad birdlife and enjoy breathtaking panoramas of Central Java’s lush countryside.
Punthuk Setumbu Hill
You can learn about the history of Borobudur when you stop by Punthuk Setumbu Hill. While you're in the area, find time to visit its temples.
Candi Pawon
Visit this temple to discover a tiny gem of ancient architectural perfection. The origins of this historic site remain a mystery that fascinates archaeologists.
Diponegoro University
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Diponegoro University, during your travels in Tembalang. While you're in the area, wander around Chinatown.
Simpang Lima Park
Explore the great outdoors at Simpang Lima Park, a lovely green space in Semarang. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.
Paragon City Mall Semarang
During your visit to Semarang, you can enjoy retail therapy at Paragon City Mall Semarang. Amble around the area's marina or visit its temples.
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Explore the campus of Universitas Sebelas Maret, during your trip to Surakarta. Take in the musical theater in this culturally rich area.
Areas of Central Java
![At the museum no photos are allowed which is really unfortunate as it was well worth the visit and the guided tour is definitely not to be missed. In the museum there are even Batik made from the Dutch era which depicts stories like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White!
I enjoyed the tour v much and at the end of the tour we were brought to this room where the artisan were working on hand drawn batik.
Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia for anyone interested in learning more about the process of batik making.
Firstly, a cloth is washed, soaked and beaten with a large mallet. Patterns are drawn with pencil and later redrawn using hot wax, usually made from a mixture of paraffin or bees wax, sometimes mixed with plant resins, which functions as a dye-resist. The wax can be applied with a variety of tools. A pen-like instrument called a canting (IPA: [tʃantiŋ], sometimes spelled with old Dutch orthography tjanting) is the most common. A canting is made from a small copper reservoir with a spout on a wooden handle. The reservoir holds the resist which flows through the spout, creating dots and lines as it moves. For larger patterns, a stiff brush may be used. Alternatively, a copper block stamp called a cap (IPA: [tʃap]; old spelling tjap) is used to cover large areas more efficiently.
After the cloth is dry, the resist is removed by scraping or boiling the cloth. The areas treated with resist keep their original color; when the resist is removed the contrast between the dyed and undyed areas forms the pattern. This process is repeated as many times as the number of colors desired.
The most traditional type of batik, called batik tulis](https://mediaim.expedia.com/destination/2/9cd999fbd1cf55cbfe1f78176d52a342.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium)
Solo City Centre
You'll enjoy the museums and zoo in Solo City Centre. You might want to make time for a stop at Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall or Keprabon Park.
Chinatown
Though Chinatown might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Kota Lama Semarang and Paragon City Mall Semarang.
Banjarsari
While visiting Banjarsari, you might make a stop by sights like Solo Paragon Lifestyle Mall and Balekambang City Park.
Semarang Old Town
Visitors to Semarang Old Town enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Kota Lama Semarang is worth a stop.
West Semarang
When in West Semarang, you can plan a visit to Gereja Santa Perawan Maria Ratu Rosario Suci Randusari - Katedral and Lawang Sewu, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Dadapsari
While Dadapsari isn't home to many top sights, Kota Lama Semarang and Paragon City Mall Semarang are some notable places to visit nearby.
