Just starting to plan a trip with my 10 year old daughter for March. Any recommendations for travel in Java --highlights, how to get around, hotels with character? Bali seems quite easy to navigate but would like some ideas about a good beach area, interesting hotel etc. Any info apprecicated. Thanks Chris

For me, the reason to visit Java was to visit Borobudor and Prambanam. For these (and related places such as the Dieng Plateau) you would want to center yourself near Yogjakarta. There is a Hyatt outside of town that gets good reviews. There is lots to do in the area and beautiful crafts. You daughter might enjoy seeing a performance of the Ramayana Ballet one evening in the open-air pavillion near Prambanam. There are also performances of puppet shows in Yogja, and you can buy some of the lovely puppets. You would want to hire a car and driver for this area, as the distances are significant.

You can fly between Bali and central Java (either Yogja or Solo). Garuda is the best of the Indonesian Airlines.

If you have time, spend some time at the beach on Bali and some time inland near Ubud. You'll want a driver for at least a day or two while you are in Bali, and Putu is someone who is often recommended. If you search on his name you'll find his contact information.

I agree with Kathie, we went to java to see Yogyakarta and Borobodur. We stayed at the Hyatt which had a great pool which might be nice for your daughter.

At the time we did look into other locations on Java. Tugu hotels, which is a small boutiques hotel chain, has a number of characterful hotels if I remember correctly.

Hope this helps!

Picking up on the above, after starting in Yogya, you might consider moving on the Malang, and old Dutch Hill station that supposed to be lovely, and where the Tugu is 'the' place to stay. If by now you're getting tired of ancient monuments, there is some great natural scenery around here, most notably Mount Bromo.

Malang has only limited air service. From there, you could drive down to Surabaya to catch a plane to Bali. Use Golden Bird to arrange inter-city travel, or you can arrange from your hotels.

chris, tourism is underdeveloped in Java. As others have said Yogyakarta and the Borobudur area offer a lot of attractions -- both natural and cultural. There are many choices of accommodation and plenty of guides to show you the sights and sites. Your hotel will gladly introduce you to guides with a car and driver.

Yogya is a busy, crowded third world city. There's are several hotels that cater to tourists. I wouldn't call any of them particularly charming but I recommend the Hyatt for serenity and service.

Borobudur is about an hour outside of Yogya. Accommodations are limited and tend to be extreme -- extremely highend like the Amanjiwo or extremely basic like the Manohara.

The Losari Coffee Plantation is high on charm but at some distance from both Yogya and Borobudur.

After that I would recommend the Mt. Bromo area if you and your daughter are outdoorsy types. The scenery is profoundly beautiful -- breathtaking really -- but it's a trek to get to it and accommodations in the area are very basic. Plenty of guides to take you around. March is the tailend of the rainy season, which this year has been SEVERE, so it may not be the best time to visit.

Malang is a lovely, sleepy town. I wouldn't call it a destination per
se unless you're determined to experience more Javanese life. It bills itself as a launching point for Bromo tours but it's actually not at all convenient. Might be a bit dull for a 10 year old.

The best access to Bromo is to fly to Surabaya and arrange transport to the mountain area through your resort.

Bali on the other hand has zillions of choices and lots and lots of activities. Your daughter will be thrilled. You should plan a few nights on the beach and a few inland. Without knowing your budget it's hard to recommend but for a good starting point take a look at the Sofitel in Seminyak Beach and Alam Sari in the Ubud area.

First, there is a wealth of information already posted here on Central Java (Bali also) so do a few different searches including searches on various posters names such as MichaelBKK, Marmot and myself for our past entries.

I can't say enough great things about our driver and guide in Central Java, Rohmad Hidajat who was provided to us by the Amanjiwo. Rohmad also can be hired through www.BorobudurTourandTravel.com He is a well educated gentleman who will take good care of you and your daughter.

We also stayed at the Hyatt and can recommend it but I believe MichaelBKK has recommended other smaller hotels. I do suggest staying on the outskirts of Yogya or in the countryside as Yogya can be pretty hot and dusty and to my mind not so appealing.

Thanks for all the great info. I have just started to search for airfares and accomodation. Has anyone booked with Bali Villas? These come with a car and driver and I wondered about booking for a few days. I prefer smaller hotels or cottage-type accomodation. My budget varies--I don't mind spending 2-250 a night if the location and property is worth it. Thanks again

I am glad that someone mentioned Mt. Bromo! Granted it has been a long time since my last visit, but Bromo was among the highlights of my trips to Java/Bali...glad to hear the scene has not been too commericialized!