Java

For many, Java gets the juices flowing in anticipation of a caffeinated treat (we'll ignore geeky types who think web-based programming…). But the reality of this island that is one-third the size of California with three times the population is that there's plenty to get the juices flowing. Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is a vast blot on the north coast, home to millions of Indonesians. Yogyakarta, the nation's soul, brings cultures together from across the archipelago. In the east, Gunung Bromo is one of a troika of iconic volcanoes prone to spewing gas even while hordes of hikers thrill to its vistas. It's a wild scene befitting an island ...

For many, Java gets the juices flowing in anticipation of a caffeinated treat (we'll ignore geeky types who think web-based programming…). But the reality of this island that is one-third the size of California with three times the population is that there's plenty to get the juices flowing. Jakarta, Indonesia's capital, is a vast blot on the north coast, home to millions of Indonesians. Yogyakarta, the nation's soul, brings cultures together from across the archipelago. In the east, Gunung Bromo is one of a troika of iconic volcanoes prone to spewing gas even while hordes of hikers thrill to its vistas. It's a wild scene befitting an island where volcanic eruption and earthquakes are frequent exclamations to daily life. Elsewhere you can find other pockets of natural beauty in this densely populated land (120 million) at national Parks such as Baluran and Ujung Kulon and incredible history at monuments like Borobudur. After one visit you'll think of this steamy island before you think of a steaming cup.

About the Expert

Ryan Ver Berkmoes has written many books for Lonely Planet, including Bali & Lombok and the Southeastern Alaska and Western Canada sections for LP's Canada guide.