The Indonesian islands of Bali and Java offer the traveler a scenic panorama of plantation-covered plains, lush forests, rugged mountains, sandy beaches, bountiful coral reefs, and even live volcanoes. This exquisite and appealing landscape, mixed with the colorful presence of the Balinese and Javanese people themselves, creates an island paradise that is sure to draw visitors back time and time again.
In this updated edition author Don Turner guides you through these two exotic islands whose history and culture date back 35,000 years to the earliest known example of Homo sapiens. Turner covers the geography of the islands comprehensively, taking the traveler through the cities, towns, and resorts of Bali and Java. In Bali you can experience Denpasar, Bali’s main town, Ubud and Peliatan, the centers of Balinese arts, and the variety of beach towns throughout the island. In Java, a land of ancient temples and volcanoes, Turner takes the traveler through east, west, and central Java, introducing the city of Surabaya, Jakarta, the capital city, and the Highlands of Malang and Mt. Bromo along the way. The intricacies of Indonesian society are explained plainly and simply to ensure a carefree and culturally enriched vacation experience.