You won't find the beaches in Java that you find in Bali, but Java, an island surrounded by a string of volcanoes, is the center of Indonesia, so a trip to Indonesia will not be complete without it. In Jakarta, the capital of Java, you will find many shops and loads of urban activity. While in Java, you must check out the Buddhist temple Borobudur because its architecture will blow your mind. Constructed in the 8th century, the Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist stupa and is 10 stories high and more than 400 feet per side.
You have to get to Yogyakarta (there are several trains a day to Yogyakarta from Jakarta). Travel time is about 7 to 10 hours and the price is minimal. Yogyakarta to Borobudur is about an hour drive. You can rent a vehicle (and driver) at the airport or a hotel for less than $50.
You can drive around the entire coast of Bali in one day. Many call Bali the friendliest island in Indonesia, but you should see for yourself. There are miles of sandy beaches, active volcanoes, numerous temples and palaces, and loads of wildlife in the exotic tropical forests. Go on the Kintamani Volcano Tour--one of the most popular tours in Bali. You'll stop in a small village to watch a special performance, another village to see beautiful works in silver and wood, and you'll visit the Elephant Cave "Goa Gajah," a hermitage from the 11th century. Advertisements for the tour will be everywhere.
Lake Toba in North Sumatera is the biggest volcanic lake on earth--measuring approximately 62 miles long and nearly 17 miles wide. At its deepest point, it is nearly 1,700 feet deep. Lake Toba formed from one of the biggest super-volcanic eruptions recorded in history more than 75,500 years ago. Get to Lake Toba from the city of Medan to the town of Parapat (the town on the edge of the lake). If you're on a budget, you can take a public bus, however, it's not recommended if you can afford other options. The buses pack people in, and the trip will not be comfortable.
