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East Java , An Overview
East Java , the easternmost province of Indonesia Java Island , occupies an area of 48,000 km2. Including Madura Island across the straits, the area supports a population of around 35 million people. Bordering on the province on the east is the straits of Bali and on the west are the province of Central Java and Special Region of Yogyakarta. The northern and southern coasts are markedly different. Silt deposited by the rivers which empty into the calm and shallow Java Sea has caused the north coast to grow slowly outwards over the centuries, while in the south the Sunda Shelf, upon which the Indonesian archipelago rests, drops steeply into the depths of the Indian Ocean a few kilometers offshore, creating turbulent currents and dramatic surf.

When opening a physical map of Java, you will immediately notice the high, mountainous ridge extending along the centre of the island. Some of the highest and most active of these volcanic peaks are found in East Java , whose flat, fertile plains are punctuated by no less than six separate ranges, becoming progressively higher towards the east. These mountains are among East Java 's principal attractions for climbers and sightseers alike. Some of the most outstanding ones are the 3,676m active cone of Mt Semeru, Java's highest peak; the famous sand sea and steaming crater of Mt Bromo; the sulphuric summit of Mt Welirang and serene crater lakes of Ijen and Kelud.

• For those with a taste for the spectacular, Mount Bromo in the massive Tengger Caldera is one destination that should not be missed. To reach the crater, tourists should cross 3 km of vast sand sea by foot or on horse-back (hired on site). The desolate landscape of the area is at once magnificent and eerie, and watching the sun rise over this smoking land from the rim of Mount Bromo is once-in-a-lifetime experience.



• From the mountains, numerous rivers flow down through the coastal plains to the sea. Two main waterways, the Brantas and Bengawan Solo, are lifelines for much of East Java 's predominantly agricultural community. The former rises in the highlands to the northwest of Malang and follows a circuitous path passing through the towns of Blitar, Tulungagung, Kediri and Mojokerto before flowing into the sea in the Surabaya region. The famous Bengawan Solo, longest river in Java, has its source in the centre of the island to the west of Mount Lawu and stretches 540 km to join the coast at Gresik.

The quiet country town, Blitar has become famous as the home of founding President Sukarno’s grave. The town can also serve as a base for exploring the ancient Hindu temples at Panataran, just 12 km north of Blitar, on the lower slopes of Mount Kelud . These temples are the largest remaining Majapahit sanctuaries in existence. Construction on the temples began around 1200 AD and it took over 200 years to complete the temple complex. The complex has now been established as one of the most valuable heritage sites in Indonesia .

Most of the inhabitants of East Java speak Indonesian language, as well as, their native Javanese or Madurese tongues. About three million people lives in Surabaya , the second largest city in Indonesia which is also the capital of East Java province. When you come to visit, don’t forget to taste the delicious rujak cingur (fresh fruits and vegetables mixed with chopped cow’s nose), Soto Ayam Lamongan (Lamongan’s chicken soup) or Es Campur Surabaya ( Surabaya ’s ice cream mixed with fresh fruits).