In March 2007, Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt sold his house and has been traveling around the world ever since. He has visited all 7 continents and over 105 countries. He was also named the 2014 Travel Photographer of the Year by the Society of American Travel Writers. Join Gary on a visual adventure through the Indonesian island of Java, with stops at Mt Bromo and Borobudur.
In early 2008, I landed in Jakarta, Indonesia for the first time. Having no plans, I decided to cross the island of Java overland to reach the island of Bali. I explored Jakarta—Indonesia’s chaotic capital and largest city—with its monuments and one of the world’s largest mosques. And then it was onward to the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Borobudur Temple Compound. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
With over 140 million people, the island of Java is home to the majority of Indonesians and is the centre of Indonesian politics and economics.
Borobudur Temple Compound. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
Today, it is predominantly Muslim, but in the past it was Buddhist and Hindu, which is reflected in the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan which are located outside the major city of Yogyakarta.
Candles light up a temple outside of Yogyakarta. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
Travelling further along the island I passed through the city of Solo to the town of Probolinggo. Here I visited the awesome Mt Bromo, which is an active volcano whose crater you can enter.
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
Finally, I left Java by ferry to visit the island of Bali which is situated off the east end of the island.
Borobudur Temple Compound. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
Java is densely populated with both people and history. I haven’t been back since my initial trip in 2008, but it is high on my list of places to which I’ve been meaning to return.
Sweeping up the Borobudur Temple Compound. Photo courtesy Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt.
Getting There
Let G Adventures show you Indonesia in a way you’ve yet to see! We’ve got a number of departures encompassing a wide range of departure dates and activities to cater for different tastes. We’re thrilled at helping you eat your way through Indonesia — check out our small group trips here.
