7 Reasons to Skip Bali, and Travel to Java!
As solo women travelers, we are very thoughtful when choosing a destination to travel to. Anywhere us solo-explorer girlies go, we need to know it will be safe, as well as what to expect.
But there is hardly any room for concern when it comes to the safe country of Indonesia. Indonesia, ranked as a safe country with only minor concerns like pickpocketing in tourist areas, has become a top tourist destination worldwide. According to the World Population review, Indonesia also has been voted as the 4th friendliest country in the world (2023), making it all the more reason to visit!
Tourism Trends
In recent years, Indonesia has gained great potential to be a top tourist destination worldwide. In 2019, Indonesia amassed around 16 million foreign tourists, ranking as one of the most visited countries in southeast Asia. These proud statistics praising Indonesia come as no surprise to anyone. Boasting a variety of landscapes, foods and all-around cultural diversity- Indonesia now outranks London and Paris as a top tourism destination (as ranked by TripAdvisor).
But Indonesia is no small landmass to float through. Indonesia is an archipelago made up of 13,466 islands. This means that choosing a destination within the country should be a thoughtful decision- as there are literally endless options to choose from.
However, many travelers automatically default to Bali. Bali is a cultural and spiritual hub perfect for international travelers from all corners of the world. It is famous on every form of social media platform for its stunning rice fields, surf spots, water temples, and beautiful Bali dances.
But mass tourism has definitely taken its toll on the island of Bali. Over the past 20 years, there has been a frightening decrease in agriculture, with the land use now being replaced by modern villas, resorts, and cafes.
Despite being a small island in size, Bali is also the area with the most waste production in all of Indonesia, with the poorly managed waste resulting in around 33,000 tons of trash ending up in our oceans every year. The Indonesian government has been aware of this overcrowding for years. The national government has been working since 2019 to develop “10 new Balis” with the help of foreign investors. This is to spread tourism to other destinations in Indonesia, which will negate some of the density problems in Bali.
I am here today to make a recommendation for anyone interested in exploring the alluring island country of Indonesia.
7 Reasons You Should Skip Bali, and Travel to Java Instead!
It is complicated to compare the two Indonesian islands, as they are so vastly different in every aspect when it comes to religion, lifestyle, landscape, etc. Yet as someone who has traveled both islands extensively, I have a discernible favorite. Java completely stole my heart.
Today, I am here to list for you the top 7 reasons why you should get off the beaten path of Bali and travel the hidden gems of Java!
1. Cultural Richness
Java is a cultural treasure trove, offering diverse experiences that vary dramatically from village to village. The differences around Java are roaring, sometimes feeling like you are visiting totally different countries altogether! Each region has their own cultural dances and songs. While Bali has the captivating Kecak dance, Java has a variety of dances such as the sacred Bedhaya, or the honorable Serimpi.
Central Java even blusters dances that imitate spiritual possessions, such as the terrifying Kuda Kepang- which is literally not even considered “suitable for the modern world” anymore. It is supposed to mimic the possession of a horse, with a ghastly surprise ending. There are endless one-off fragment aspects of culture that can’t be found anywhere else!
To add to the cultural richness and diversity, Java is also at the heart of Indonesia’s rich history. Java boasts some of the oldest Hindu stone temples in the world, and the influential and iconic Buddhist temple of Borobudur. Yet, the primary present-day religion on the island is Islam. The island truly embodies Indonesia’s motto of “Unity in Diversity,” blending various religions and traditions seamlessly into one cohesive tapestry.
You can find a little bit of everything around Java. From the colorful batik to the delicious nasi goreng (fried rice), Java flaunts endless amounts of cultural wealth.
2. Escape the Tourist Crowds
Get away from the groove and grind of Bali and enjoy the tranquility of Java! Here, there is substantially less clogged tourism compared to Bali. It is much easier to find secluded, private charms.
The majority of my time in Bali was spent waking up early with the intention of avoiding Bali crowds, waiting in lines at over-capacity restaurants, and twiddling thumbs in 3-hour queues to take pictures in front of the famed Heaven’s Gate Temple. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it leaves the whole experience feeling a bit unsophisticated and basic.
This is a night and day difference from the tourism trends in Java. The majority of tourism in Java is domestic, creating a quaint atmosphere where foreign visitors are often viewed with curiosity and warmth. You’ll find fewer alien tourists, shorter queues, and more opportunities for secluded, private experiences. As a foreigner traveling Java, I encountered many proud Javanese locals who were proud to see outsiders showing interest in their home island and culture.
I even heard stories from many of the local Javanese who had visited Bali previously, telling me of westerners who they had previously encountered in Bali. Many foreigners did not even know about the island of Java (despite it hosting Indonesia’s capital city of Jakarta!), or that Bali was in the country of Indonesia. This is a true testament to the lack of context and brainstorming that some tourists demonstrate when stopping over Indonesia.
3. Authentic Experiences
The commercialized atmosphere of Bali feels like a completely different planet when compared to Java’s authenticity.
I’ll be honest. Coming to Bali after leaving Java felt underwhelming. I had grown accustomed to the serene nature and quietness of Java, only for it to be replaced by the overcrowded and littered corridors of Bali. On many streets in Bali, you will see the same store over and over. It is clear that a select number of families are monopolizing everything in the downtown areas.
This is a far cry from Java, which is made up primarily of clusters of villages where the majority of stores are “mom and pop.” It didn’t just feel authentic to travel there- it truly is authentic! These are not wealthy families monopolizing entire streets, these are typical families who passionately run their storefronts.
In many areas, westerners are a rare sight, leading to special interactions and opportunities to experience traditional ways of life. I had the experience of being treated like a “celebrity” throughout Java due to the lack of international tourism in many areas. It felt atypical, but the proudness of the Javanese people about showing me their captivating culture always brought me a cheek-reddening smile. It was beautiful to experience traditional ways of life that you can hardly find anywhere in the western world.
The authenticity extends to the accommodations as well. While Bali is known for its luxury resorts, in Java the norm is to stay in traditional homestays or boutique hotels converted from colonial-era buildings, offering a more immersive cultural experience. If you’re lucky, you may even be invited into compassionate Javanese family homes for sleepovers like me!
4. Better Value for Money
While the USD may seemingly go far in Bali, it can quickly add up much faster than planned. Bali has been steadily increasing in price over the past decade. This can be for a number of reasons but is largely attributed to the influx of tourism. From high tourism demand to steep costs of goods and services, Bali can quickly become a budget buster.
However, your value for money can go a long way in Java! Java does not have anywhere near the same tourism inflation as Bali. The cost of goods and services is generally lower, allowing travelers to support local economies and individual families while keeping their budgets intact.
Food is another area where Java shines in terms of value. Street food stalls (warungs) offer delicious local specialties like nasi gudeg (rice jackfruit curry) or bakso (meatball soup) for a fraction of restaurant prices. Even in Javanese sit-down restaurants, you’ll find that prices are generally lower than in Bali’s tourist areas.
Transportation is also more economical in Java. Bali has no stable transport system, and tourists rely on driving scooters through the alien streets or using Grab (a ride-hailing application). However, Java has a well-developed train network, offering a comfortable, scenic and affordable way to travel between cities.
5. Diverse Opportunities for Travelers
The diversity seen all over Java is unparalleled. There is such stark contrast seen all over the island in terms of scenery and culture. From urban cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta, to the rural villages that make up the majority of the island- it is fascinating to have the opportunity to be integrated into the various ways of life.
If you enjoy an urban environment with modern architecture, visit Jakarta’s national museum. If you are interested in a deep-rooted cultural art scene, go see how batik cloth is made in Pekalongan. If you are a dark tourist or history buff, go take a walk around Tambaksari Field in Surabaya. There are opportunities for all types of travelers throughout the expansive island of Java.
6. Enjoy a Cup of Coffee!
You can say you’ve “made it” in life if you’ve had a hot cup of coffee in Java, Indonesia (Read my article about coffee in Java here!).
While Bali has its own delicious food and drinks, it is no secret that the coffee culture of Java is superb. In fact, coffee’s nickname “Java” is named after the Indonesian island! Java gloats endless coffee plantations all over the island. Much of the coffee production is done by small-scale farmers who produce and sell the coffee product domestically. This ensures fresh, high-quality coffee wherever you go on the island.
Even in urban areas, you’ll find a thriving coffee culture. In Jakarta and Yogyakarta, trendy cafes serve specialty coffee sourced from different regions of Java, often with unique preparation methods. Go and taste it for yourself!
7. Natural Diversity in Nature
Bali struts a marvelous variety of scenery. From the beaches to rice fields, Bali has rightfully earned its icon-status from its natural beauty.
However, while Bali is famous for its uncultivated beauty, Java offers an equally impressive, if not more diverse, array of landscapes. Hosting its own range of natural attractions, Java has everything from beaches, mountains, volcanos, craters, and more! Such a broad variety of natural attractions can be found all on this one island.
In West Java, you can visit Kawah Putih, a striking turquoise lake in a volcanic crater, or hike through the lush tea plantations of Puncak. Central Java offers the otherworldly landscape of Dieng Plateau, with its multicolored lakes and dazzling sunrises.
East Java is home to some of the island’s most spectacular natural wonders. Mount Bromo, part of the Tengger massif, offers one of the most iconic sunrise views in Indonesia.
For beach lovers, Java has plenty to offer. The southern coast bears beautiful, often uncrowded beaches like Parangtritis, near Yogyakarta. In contrast, the northern coast offers a glimpse into traditional fishing communities and mangrove forests.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Java offers a unique and enriching travel experience that often goes overlooked in favor of its more famous neighbor, Bali. From its deep cultural richness and authentic local experiences to its diverse landscapes and exceptional value for money, Java presents a compelling alternative for adventurous travelers. By venturing off the beaten path, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of ancient temples, vibrant traditions, and warm hospitality- all while enjoying a cup of world-renowned coffee! Java has something to offer every genre of traveler.
So, for your Indonesian adventure, consider stepping away from the crowds of Bali and discovering the hidden treasures of Java. You might just find that this remarkable island will steal your heart, just as it did mine.
Wishing you smooth sailing, travelers.
