The flooding in Bali has inadvertently pushed tourists to seek out other destinations in Indonesia, and more travelers are discovering Java Island — a cradle of culture, history, and spirituality, located just an hour by flight or 2.5 hours by high-speed catamaran from Bali.
The Indonesian Tourism Board (Wonderful Indonesia) emphasizes that discovering the archipelago shouldn't be limited to just Bali. While the island remains the country's main tourist hub, it is increasingly seen as a starting point for a deeper cultural immersion in Central Java and Yogyakarta.
Central Java and Yogyakarta are true treasures for those seeking not just nature but historical significance. Here lie the greatest architectural monuments and spiritual centers of Indonesia. You can reach Surakarta, Semarang, or Yogyakarta in just an hour with flights by Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, and Indonesia AirAsia. For travel to East Java, the sea route from Bali to Banyuwangi is convenient.
Special attention this year is on the Borobudur temple — the largest Buddhist complex in the world. For centuries, it lay buried underground until it was rediscovered and restored in the 19th century. Since 1991, Borobudur has been a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe every year.
But Java is not only about ancient temples. Travelers are encouraged to explore Atsiri Jawa — a center where you can learn about traditional medicine, aromatherapy, local cuisine, and the philosophy of life. It is a restorative journey: the body rests, the mind cleanses, and the soul enriches. This experience can be complemented with a walk through Rumah Atsiri and the Sapu Angin forest — places of harmony and balance. On Bali, similar experiences are offered by centers like Om Ham Retreat and Samsara Living Museum, though the traditions are distinct — Balinese and Javanese.
In November 2025, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism will host a series of festivals in Surakarta and Yogyakarta as part of Wonderful Indonesia Wellness. Among them are the Royal Wellness Practices Festival and the Cultural Leisure Festival. These events will showcase the Javanese approach to wellness tourism, combining ancient traditions, natural resources, and modern methods.
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana emphasized that Java will become a key destination for the development of wellness tourism. Currently, the sector's economic output exceeds USD 56 billion, and it could reach USD 86.8 billion by 2029. Indonesia already holds the top spot in Southeast Asia for wellness tourism, and the program will expand not only to Java and Bali but also to Jakarta, North Sumatra, and other regions.
The 2025 festivals are expected to attract around 7,500 guests, with an economic impact of up to 20 billion rupiah. Countries like South Korea, Australia, India, Malaysia, and Japan have shown interest in international promotion.
All of this confirms that Indonesia is unveiling its multifaceted identity to the world. While the country was previously associated mainly with Bali, tourists are increasingly realizing that the neighboring islands — especially Java — hide true cultural, natural, and harmonious treasures.
Source: antara
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