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The Majapahit dynasty, based in and around East Java, began the foundations
of an empire that was to dominate the entire Indonesian archipelago, the
Malay peninsula and part of the Philippines for hundreds of years. This
was the beginning of profitable trade relations with China, Cambodia,
Siam, Burma and Vietnam.
As power in Central Java declined in the 10th century, powerful kingdoms
rose in East Java to fill the power vacuum.
During the reign of King Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed lucrative
trade with the surrounding islands, and an artistic and intellectual renaissance.
Parts of the Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform
to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this
era that East Java inherited much of its temple art.
Today the open-air amphitheater at Pandaan performances tell some of
the stories of this glorious past, set against an impressive backdrop
of distant volcanoes, capturing the spirit of the spirit of the province`s
culture ancl scenery.
East Java`s claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the
struggle for independence against colonial forces in 1945.
Little of the Majapahit Empire`s former glory still stands in East Java.
Nevertheless, East Java has a variety of attractions, ranging from temple
sites to unspoiled beaches, stunning volcanoes, extraordinary highland
lakes, resplendent marine parks and fantastic wildlife reserves.
Magnificent mountain scenery includes the crater and legendary sea of
sand at Mount Bromo, the "sulphur mountain" of Welirang and
the rugged Ijen Plateau.
The island of Madura, famous for its bull races, is also part of the
province and has its own traditions, culture and language.
The provincial capital, Surabaya is second in size, population, and commerce
only to Jakarta.
It is also the most industrialized province in the nation with a strong
economy based on agriculture, (coffee, mangoes and apples), fisheries
and oil.
The province is efficiently connected to the rest of Java by good roads,
regular trains, and air services between Surabaya and other major cities
in the country including Denpasar on Bali, which is only half an hour`s
flight away.
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Province
East Java
Surabaya
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The capital of East Java. A booming city of over 3 million people,
Surabaya offers many good hotels, shopping centres and plentiful
sources of entertainment. Its well stocked zoological garden includes
several species of Indonesian fauna: orang utans, komodo dragons
and a collection of nocturnal animals. Kalimas is an old traditional
harbour for the world famous Bugis schooners, which can still be
seen in all their fomer glory. Across the Madura Strait, half an
hour by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for
its unique bull races.
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| Ponorogo |
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Ponorogo is 200 km southwest of Surabaya on the main highway to
Central Java. The Festival Reog, held here on the 17th of August
each year, highlights the area`s traditional drama and dances.The
unusual batik and basketry of this region are also wellknown.
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| Trowulan,
Pandaan, and Tretes Village |
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Trowulan village and the surrounding area is believed to be the
site of the ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations
in the area have recovered many terracotta ornaments, statues, pottery
and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum.
The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical
interest. The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km
south of Surabaya presents classical East Javanese ballet performances
on each full moon night from June to November. The performances
are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java`s legends
and folklore. The backdrop of Mt.Pananggungan makes the performances
an enchanting experience.
Ten km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful
mountain resorts of East Java
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| Malang |
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Ninety km south of Surabaya lies Malang, one of the most attractive
hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from
the well-maintained and elaborately painted becaks, the groomed
main square, and clean buildings and streets. The cool climate is
a welcome respite from Surabaya. Twenty km from Malang on the southern
flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts
with hot springs. Nearby Batu is famous for its apples and flowers.
Purwodadi Botanical Garden
Founded in 1941 for the study of plants growing under relatively
dry conditions, the Purwodadi Gardens lie about 30 kms northeast
of Malang, just off the Surabaya-Malang main road. They cover an
area of about 85 ha (212 acres).
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| Mt. Bromo |
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Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical
experience of watching the sun rise from the crest of the Bromo
volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you over
a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to
leach the rim. On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a caldera,
there are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok which is a perfect cone
and Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the
depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding
population quickly bring their offerings. The annual offering ceremony
of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the twelfth month in
the Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers
from the surroundmg areas bring their humble offerings to the holy
volcano.
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| Meru
Betiri Reserve |
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Here at the southeastern tip of the province is where the last
of the Javanese tigers sought refuge. A hundred and fifty years
ago the Javanese tiger inhabited most of Java and was even considered
a nuisance in some populated areas. During the late 1800s and early
1900s it was hunted mercilessly and its habitat destroyed by plantation
builders. By the beginning of the Second World War it survived only
in the most remote montains and forests, and today the last four
or five live on the brink of extinction. The government and the
World Wildlife Fund have mounted a determined effort to save the
tigers and their environment. Meru Betiri is not simply a tiger
reserve.Wildlife of all kinds thrives here, like black panthers,
leopards and sea turtles
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| Singosari |
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Between Surabaya and Malang is the town of Singosari, where remnants
of the 13th century Singosari Kingdom include a temple and two gigantic
guardian statues, the main gateway to the capital of the Kingdom.
Jago temple dates back to 1268, and is one of the most enchanting
temples in East Java.Scenes from folktales and the Mahabarata epic
decorate the side panels. Kidal temple was completed in 1260 to
honor one of the kings, and is a gem of Singosari temple art. Located
120 km south west of Malang and 11 km North of Blitar, is the well
preserved Penataran temple in the Singosari-Majapahit temple complex,
dating from the mid fourteenth century. The temple terraces are
decorated with Ramayana reliefs.
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| Baluran
National Park/Wildlife Reserve |
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Baluran National Park/Wildlife Reserve
Located on the tip of East Java, just off the Surabaya-Banyuwangi
mainroad, is dry country side of open forests and scrubland, bordered
by marshes, swampy groves and white sand beaches. A landrover or
jeep is needed to traverse these rugged, grassy plains. A perfect
place to photograph banteng wild ox, deer and birds in their natural
habitat.
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| Sukamade
& Sadengan |
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Sukamade Turtle Beach
78 km south of Banyuwangi, the beach is known for its deep turquoise
waters and 250 kg sea turtles which come to lay their eggs here.
Sadengan Wildlife Reserve
An important wildlife reserve located in the forest of "Hutan
Purwo", 81 km to the south of Banyuwangi. Home to a herd of
700 wild buffaloes and many other species of wild animals which
can be observed from the viewing tower.
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