Explore various interesting tourist attractions in Central Java that offer natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences for all tourists.
Central Java is one of the provinces in Indonesia that has extraordinary natural, historical and cultural wealth. From fascinating historical tours to calming natural beauty, Central Java offers a variety of tourist destinations that are suitable for all types of travelers.
Whether you are a lover of culture, history, nature, or beaches, Central Java has everything to satisfy your taste. In this article, we will review the 10 best tourist attractions in Central Java that you must visit while in this province.
1. Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is one of the most famous UNESCO world heritage sites in the world and an icon of Indonesian tourism. Located in Magelang, Central Java, this temple is the largest and oldest Buddhist temple built in the 8th century.
With more than 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, Borobudur Temple offers a profound spiritual experience for visitors. In addition, the temple also offers spectacular views, especially at sunset, making it one of the must-visit places in Central Java.
With a very detailed and meaningful architectural design, Borobudur Temple not only invites pilgrims, but also tourists from all over the world to come and learn about Buddhist history and culture.
2. Semilir Village Eco Park
Semilir Village Eco Park, located in Bawen, Semarang, is a tourist attraction that offers a refreshing natural atmosphere.
With three attractive thematic zones—Alun Eropa featuring classic European architecture, Alas Tirta with the beauty of tropical plants, and Banyu Biru with an exotic lake— Semilir Village blends nature with charming modern design.
Here, visitors can enjoy rides such as a traveling tram, boats on the lake, and a rainbow slide. In addition, the diverse culinary area offers a variety of delicious foods, from traditional dishes to contemporary foods.
Semilir Village Eco Park is the perfect place to relax with family and enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. Dieng Plateau
Dieng Plateau, located in Wonosobo, is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Central Java. Situated at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level, Dieng offers stunning natural scenery, with active craters and historic ancient Hindu temples.
In addition, the temperature in Dieng is cool, ranging from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius, making this place a favorite for nature lovers who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the main attractions in Dieng is its natural phenomena, such as the Sikidang Crater which emits hot steam and Telaga Warna which has water that changes color.
Dieng Plateau is also known for its Dieng cultural festival which presents rich arts and cultural performances.
4. Grand Mosque of Central Java
The Great Mosque of Central Java is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Indonesia, located in Semarang. Built with a blend of Islamic, Javanese and Roman architecture, this mosque has a very attractive and magnificent design.
Known for its large dome and 99-meter-high minaret, the Great Mosque of Central Java is not only a place of worship, but also a popular religious tourism destination.
Tourists can visit the mosque’s minaret to enjoy the view of Semarang city from above. In addition, this mosque is often a place for religious and cultural events that are interesting for visitors.
5. Lawang Sewu, Semarang
Lawang Sewu, which means “A Thousand Doors,” is one of the most famous historical buildings in Semarang.
Established in 1904 by the Dutch as the headquarters of a railway company, Lawang Sewu has a very iconic architecture with more than 1,200 doors and 429 door openings.
In addition to being a historical tourist attraction, Lawang Sewu is also known for the mystical stories that surround it, making it a place that is often visited by those who are interested in spooky stories.
In addition to enjoying the magnificent historical building, visitors can also learn about the history of railways in Indonesia and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere around the Lawang Sewu area.
6. Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace
Keraton Surakarta Hadiningrat, also known as Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta, is a very important center of Javanese culture and is the residence of the Sultan of Surakarta.
The palace is located in the city of Solo and is one of the best cultural tourist attractions in Central Java. Known for its magnificent traditional Javanese architecture and long history, Keraton Surakarta is a great place to learn about Javanese culture and history.
Visitors can visit various parts of the palace, such as the square, the resting place, and the museum which displays a collection of historical objects.
7. Banyutowo Beach
Banyutowo Beach, located in Wonogiri, Central Java, is a unique beach tourism destination. Unlike most beaches, Banyutowo Beach has the unique feature of fresh water that comes from underground and meets sea water at the beach estuary.
This uniqueness makes the water on this beach not salty, making it very interesting to explore. In addition, this beach also offers very beautiful views and a calm atmosphere, suitable for a vacation and enjoying the beauty of nature without the crowds.
8. Old Town of Semarang
Semarang Old Town is a historical area featuring ancient buildings with classic European architecture. Located in the heart of Semarang City, this area was a trading center in the 19th and 20th centuries.
With around 50 well-preserved ancient buildings, Kota Lama offers a chance to experience Semarang’s colonial history.
Visitors can stroll along streets lined with magnificent Dutch-style buildings, visit museums, or simply sit in cafes that offer a vintage atmosphere. Semarang Old Town is the perfect place for history and architecture lovers.
9. Jawi Village, Semarang
Jawi Village, located in Semarang City, is a perfect area to enjoy a peaceful rural atmosphere while tasting local cuisine. With traditional houses made of bamboo and wood, Jawi Village offers a unique cultural experience amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here, visitors can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, from traditional Javanese food to modern dishes, while enjoying the comfortable village atmosphere. Jawi Village is also an ideal place to relax and enjoy a simpler life.
10. Maerokoco Palace
Puri Maerokoco, often called Taman Mini Jawa Tengah, is a tourist attraction that offers a firsthand experience of Central Javanese culture.
Located in Semarang, Puri Maerokoco has miniature traditional houses from various regions in Central Java and cultural icons, such as Borobudur Temple and the Great Mosque of Demak.
Visitors can learn about the culture and traditions of each region in Central Java through the traditional houses here.
Puri Maerokoco is the perfect place to introduce children to the diversity of Indonesian culture while enjoying the beautiful and refreshing atmosphere of the park. Central Java offers a variety of tourist destinations that can satisfy the desires of various types of travelers.
From historical wonders such as Borobudur Temple to stunning beaches, as well as palaces and historical buildings rich in cultural values, Central Java is a must-visit destination to experience the richness of Indonesia’s nature and culture.
Each tourist spot in Central Java has its own charm that will leave a deep impression on every visitor. So, make sure you explore these 10 tourist destinations when visiting Central Java for an unforgettable experience.
