OUR JAVA
Java was a journey of contrasts. We began at Borobudur, arriving before sunrise to watch the temple emerge as the light changed across the surrounding landscape.
From there, we moved into the greener countryside, where villages, plantations and volcanic mountains gradually became the defining features of the trip.
Our stays at Le Temple and MesaStila gave us two very different experiences. We also enjoyed a memorable lunch at Amanjiwo.
What we remember most is the pace of Java. Long lunches, walks through coffee plantations, quiet mornings and simply enjoying the scenery became some of our favourite moments.
WHERE WE STAYED & WHAT WE DISCOVERED
From a convenient base for Borobudur to a memorable countryside retreat and a special lunch at one of Java's most distinctive properties.
BOROBUDUR
Our base for exploring Borobudur. The location worked well for an early temple visit, and the room configuration was particularly practical for us as a family.
There were some things we felt could be improved, particularly the pool area, where the seating wasn't especially practical for relaxing together.
COFFEE COUNTRY
One of our highlights in Java. We were fortunate enough to receive an upgrade to the former owner's house, an enormous residence that made the stay particularly memorable.
We loved exploring the coffee plantation, enjoying the hammam and taking in the beautiful mountain surroundings.
NEAR BOROBUDUR
We didn't stay at Amanjiwo, but enjoyed a particularly memorable lunch there. It is a special property, with a setting that makes the experience feel quite different from an ordinary hotel visit.
It is certainly a splurge, but if the budget stretches that far, we would recommend experiencing it.
01 / THE BEGINNING
SUNRISE
Borobudur was the natural starting point for our Java journey. We arrived before sunrise, when the atmosphere was quiet and the surrounding landscape was gradually coming into view.
Watching the first light settle over the temple was one of those travel experiences that makes an early start entirely worthwhile.
The architecture and scale of the monument are impressive enough during the day, but seeing it at first light gives the experience a completely different feeling.
THE TEMPLE
One of the things we enjoyed about Borobudur was the opportunity to explore rather than simply arrive, take a photograph and leave.
There is so much detail in the architecture, from the individual stone reliefs to the distinctive stupas that make the temple instantly recognisable.
Allow enough time to appreciate the monument itself and its wider setting.
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
The surrounding countryside is a big part of what makes this area so special. Borobudur feels connected to the landscape rather than separated from it.
We particularly enjoyed seeing the temple from different angles as the light changed throughout the morning.
LOOKING BACK
Even after leaving the temple, Borobudur continued to appear in the distance as we travelled through the surrounding countryside.
It is a remarkable setting, and the relationship between the temple and the landscape is a big part of what makes this part of Java so special.
THE DETAIL
The scale of Borobudur is only part of its appeal. It is the smaller details, the stonework and the changing light that make spending time here so rewarding.
02 / BEYOND THE TEMPLE
ON THE ROAD
Leaving Borobudur, we headed north towards the countryside and the mountains around MesaStila.
The scenery became increasingly green, with agricultural land, villages and mountain views appearing along the way.
Having a private driver made the journey between our different stops straightforward. We could enjoy the scenery rather than worry about navigating the roads.
THE PEOPLE & PLACES
Not every part of a trip needs to be an organised excursion. Some of our favourite memories came from simply stopping, enjoying the scenery and taking in the atmosphere.
Java has a wonderful ability to slow things down. The countryside is a big part of that feeling.
THE GREEN LANDSCAPE
The scenery around Java's mountain areas is full of contrasts: cultivated fields, tropical gardens and dramatic volcanic peaks.
It is the sort of landscape that makes the journey between destinations just as interesting as the destinations themselves.
THE LANDSCAPE
Java is much more than its famous monuments. The countryside, smaller temples and natural surroundings give the island a character all of its own.
It is worth leaving time in the itinerary to discover some of these quieter places along the way.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
Java rewards a little planning, but the best experiences often come from allowing time to enjoy the journey itself.
BEST TIME
The drier season is generally the best time to explore Java, particularly if you are planning temple visits, walking and time in the mountains.
GETTING AROUND
We found having a driver particularly useful when travelling between Borobudur and the surrounding countryside.
OUR ADVICE
Allow time to enjoy both the temple area and the countryside. The journey between the different locations is part of the experience.
THE EXPAT EDITS
If we were planning our trip again, these would be high on our list.
An early start is absolutely worthwhile. One of the most memorable experiences of our time in Java.
We enjoyed our lunches there and would choose to stay there if returning to the Borobudur area.
A memorable lunch and a special property worth experiencing if the budget allows.
One of our favourite stays. The property, setting and unexpected upgrade made it particularly memorable.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the plantation at MesaStila.
Leave room for the countryside, the mountain views and the experiences between destinations.
OUR TAKE
Java wasn't about ticking off as many attractions as possible. It was about experiencing a different side of Indonesia.
Borobudur gave us the history and the unforgettable early mornings. The journey north introduced us to a greener, quieter landscape, while MesaStila gave us the opportunity to slow down and enjoy somewhere truly special.
Add in a memorable lunch at Amanjiwo, the coffee plantation, the hammam and the extraordinary volcanic scenery, and we came away with a real appreciation for this part of the island.
Our advice is simple: don't rush Java. Allow time to explore, take the long lunch and enjoy the journey.
OUR MAP
From Borobudur and the surrounding countryside to the mountains and coffee plantations around MesaStila, Java was a journey through a very different side of Indonesia.