East Java Points
• Tawangmangu
• Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes
• Purwodadi Botanical Garden
• Malang
• Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting
• Discovering East Java
Tawangmangu
Located 40 kms east of Solo, this recreational resort offers fresh weather, scenic views, swimming pools, bungalow style hotels and restaurants. It lies on the slope of Mt. Lawu, at an elevation of 1300m above sea level. Other features include nearby temples, a national park and the 40m high waterfall of Grojogan Sewu.
Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes
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. 10 km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resort of East Java.
Purwodadi Botanical Garden
Founded in 1941 for the study of plants growing under relatively dry conditions, lie about 30 kms northeast of Malang, just off the Surabaya to Malang main road. They cover an area of about 85 ha (212 acres).
Malang
Ninety km south of Surabaya lays 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. Sports facilities at Selecta include horse riding, swimming and tennis.
Mount Kawi Fortune Hunting
This sage’s grave on Mt. Kawi is a famous pilgrimage site for those who seek to increase their worldly blessings. Possessing an intensely Javanese atmosphere, with frequent wayang and gamelan performances, the grave itself is built on a hilltop. On both sides of the long stairway leading to the top is an assortment of sacred springs, Chinese houses of worship, flower and souvenir stalls and other interesting sights.
Discovering East Java
East Java is one of the Republic of Indonesia's 27 provinces, occupying an area of some 48,000 km2 just south of the equator. Including the island of Madura, it accounts for a little more than a third of Java's total land surface and supports a population of almost 33,000,000 inhabitants. To the east, across a narrow strait, lies the island of Bali; to the west are the provinces of Central Java and the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
