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Central Java flanked by
West and East Java, this province is centrally located in Java island
with Semarang as it's provincial capital situated on the northern
coast. A network of good roads and highways in addition to solid railways
linking it's major cities and village plus the accessibility to reach
it by air through three main airports
will assure the visitor that he finds himself in a region with more
than adequate communications.
CENTRAL JAVA : BRIEF HISTORY
 History
has left its footprints everywhere in Central Java, an area rich in
cultural and tradition accumulated from powerful Hindu and Buddistpast
and more recent Islamic influences. Under the Sailendra and old Mataram
kings, the Hindu Javanese cultural flourished between the 8th and
10th centuries and it was during this pinnacle of Power that Java's
most remarkable religious monuments were build; Borobudur, the biggest
and most magnificent monuments
to Mahayana Buddhism in the world; the enormous Hindu temple complex
of Prambanan, dedicated the Shiva and build by the rulers of Sanjaya
Dynasty, and the ancient site of the oldest Hindu temples in Java
on the magnificent, etherial heights of the Dieng Plateau; all of
these and more are testimony to the ancient power and influence of
the region.
The firs Islamic kingdom in Java was born in 1511 in Demak, about
40 km from the provincial capital of Semarang on the north coast.
One of the province's grate's Islamic structures is, in fact, the
Grand Mosque of Demak, which is said to have been build in a single
night by the one of the nine early leaders of Islam in Java. Symbolic
of the way the new faith was introduced, the mosque displays a curious
combination of Islamic and Hindu architecture influences and is still
revered and worshipped by Javanese pilgrims.
CENTRAL JAVA : PLACES OF INTEREST
Borobudur
Temple
The name "Borobudur" is believed to have been
derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr" The
Buddhist Monastery on the hill. The Borobudur Temp,le was build in
the height century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang
90 km southeast of Semarang 0r 42 km northwest of Yogyakarta. Visitor
have the option of going by taxi or public bus to reach this temple.
One of the world's most famous temples, it stand majestically on a
hillock overlooking lush green field and distant hills.
Borobudur is built of grey andesite stone. It rises to seven terrace,
each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing
40 meter's above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculptured
in bast-relief extending over total length ensemble of Buddhist
relief's in the world.. unsurpassed in artistic merit, each scene
an individual masterpiece.
Mendut Temple
Located only three kilometer's from Borobudur, Mendut
is said to face toward Benares, India, where Buddha Gautama taught
his five disclipes the very first time. The smaller temples of Mendut
, which houses the great statue of Buddha and the Pawon temple, from
an integral part of the Borobudur complex. The three meter tall Buddha
together with the two Bodhisatva figures of Lokesvara and Vajrapani
are in the view of some expert, among the greatest manifestations
of Buddhist through and art. Throughout these smaller temple complexes
the pilgrim must pass before ascending the great Borobudur monument.
Semarang
In size and inhabitants, semarang falls under the five
major cities in the nation. it is situated on Java's normally flat
northern coast and appropriately called the capital of the Central
Java as it lies just about halfway between the two extreme coast of
the island. Indeed, few cities in the country have got hills and mountains
so clearly visible from their seaports. In fact, mostly residential,
Candi is a hills within Semarang's perimeter from where breathtaking
panoramas on all directions can be witnessed: the port, the lowlands
and green paddy fields, the city itself and the numerous mountains.
The proximately of the this beauty promises adventurous car trips
out of Semarang offering your memorable experiences and to be back
in the city before dark.
Solo
A medium size city with a lively character, Solo is
also called the city that never sleeps. From the evening throughout
the whole night one can always find something to eat to buy, as vendors
of all kinds as well as small footstools remain active and open 24
hours. Home of two royal houses with centuries of power and influence
over the city, Solo today remains distinctly Central Javanese with
an elegance of its own. It is one of the major centres of the batik
cloths and other Javanese fabrics, whereas souvenir hunters may find
exquisite " object d "art" and very ornate trinkets
and other decorative items. Those interested in old Javanese culture
and art should not miss Solo on their itinerary, as the royal palaces
including relics of all sorts will be all yours to witness.
Kudus
Kudus, about halfway between Jepara and Semarang, could
by taken in on the same trip, as well as Demak. So, Kudus and Demak
are two towns having the same directions as to Jepara, and both have
historical significance. Kudus has the Minaret Mosque which was build
in the 15th century, whereas Demak has the oldest mosque in Central
Java, both of them very interesting structures from the architecture
point of view.
Jepara
Jepara, northeast of Semarang, is a town with white
sandy beaches around it, and is also famous for its wood carving Industry.
Most artist of this sophisticated art came from around this area.
It is also the birthplaces of Indonesia's heroine of the national
women's liberation movement.
An ancient Portuguese forth can be found to the east of Jepara town
are many sights and curiosities worthy of seeing.
Dieng Plateau
For hours from Semarang
is the Dieng Plateau. Here are found some of oldest Hindu temples
of Java.
These small monuments which are not more than 50 feet high stand on
a crater floor maids sulphurous fumes and shrugged majesty, underlined
by the presence of a few of the starkest Shivaite temples at an elevation
of more than 6.000 feet, is impressive. The road to the Dieng Plateau
passes through tobacco plantations and beautiful mountain scenery.
Tawangmangu
Located 40kms east of Solo. It lies on the slope of mount Lawu. at
an elevation of 1300m above sea level. It is recreational resort offering
fiesh weather, scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels
and restaurant.
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