Province West Java

Bandung is about 180 kms southeast of Jakarta and is called "The Paris of Java" because of its tree-lined boulevards and artistic influences. The city gained international fame in 1955 as the venue for the first Afro-Asian Conference, which brought together the leaders of 29 Asian and African Nations with the aim of promoting economic and cultural relations and taking a common stand against colonialism.

The capital city of west Java that is situated on a plateau 768 metres above sea level with a cool climate throughout the year. Although it has a population of over two milion, the pace of city life is much slower than Jakartas. Several institutes of higher education are located here, including the countrys prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology. Take a short drive up to the mountain resorts of Lembang and the Bosscha Observatory, or even higher to the volcanic crater of Tangkuban Perahu, the only "drive-up" volcano on the island. Visit the nearby Crater Hot Springs Resort for a swim in warm minerla water pools. The resort features a bar, restaurants, tennis courts and cottages overlooking a beautiful mountain landscape.

On the southwestern tip of West Java is a 51,000 hectare wildlife covering the Ujung Kulon peninsula and the nearby islands of Panaitan and Peucang. The virgin tropical rainforest here is the home to the one-homed rhinoceros, of which only 50 remain. The dense forest provides a natural habitat for many species of wild ox, deer, wild boar, panthers, crocodiles, snakes and birds. Visitors are only allowed to the buffer zone on Peucang Island where observation towers have been erected. Superb coral reefs are found off Peucang and Panaitan islands, and the south coast just below Tanjung Layar offers spectacular diving for scuba enthusiasts. A stay of at least two days is recommended; food provisions should be taken along. Ujung Kulon is accessible by boat; the closest departure point is Labuan on the west coast. An entry permit is needed, issued by the Forestry Service (Kantor Perlindungan Hutan dan Pelestarian Alam) at Labuan.

Formerly just a traditional fishing village, Pelabuhan Ratu has grown into a lovely holiday resort, while retaining much of its former charm. It is a three-hour drive from either Jakarta or Bandung on good mountain roads. Pelabuhan Ratu-Cisolok is a 15 km stretch of breathtaking coastline; thick tropical forests cascade down steep hills to white sand beaches and the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean. At night hundreds of fishermens boatlamps merge with the star-studded sky above, an enchanting and romantic scene. There is one four-star hotel, the Samudera beach, about 6 km from Pelabuhan Ratu, but several other smaller hotels and cottages are available at moderate rates. Dont forget to enjoy the fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

The uniqueness of Kampung Naga is that inspite of its proximity to modern society it has retained its traditional customs over the centuries. It is a small village in the beautiful mountains of the Salawu District, some 30 km from Tasikmalaya.

A 3 hour trip from Jakarta on good roads, Carita is an excellent beach for swimming and there is good snorkeling on the reef just 5 minutes by boat. More highly developed than Pelabuhan Ratu, there is a wide range of accomodation and resort facilities. The infamous Krakatoa Volcano rises above the horizon in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatera

Krakatoa erupted in 1883, one of the most catastrophic natural events in recorded history. The volcano literally blew itself apart, sending a column of ash and stone 80 km. into the air. Ash fell on Singapore, and the entire region was covered in darkness for two days. Giagantic tidal waves over 40 meters high killed almost 40,000 people along the coasts of Java and Sumatra. The volcanic dust in the atmosphere circled the earth for three years, creating sensational sunsets. The area is still a hotbed of volcanic activity, and the Anak Krakatoa, (Child of Krakatoa), has been growing and erupting since 1928. It is possible for boats to land on the eastern shore of this young volcano, and depending on recent activity, you can climb to the rim of the caldera.