Eid holiday is really identical with the tradition of a “mass leave” in Indonesia. The holiday is usually considered as a chance for going back to hometown, and getting together with the big family during Eid Al-Fitr.

Interestingly, besides meeting the families, the moment of homecoming can also be considered to be ways for short tour visits to certain tourist sites. Especially when crossing the southern road of Java, there are many enticing tourist destinations where we can stop for a while.

The homecoming routes always pass through six provinces in Java, that are: Banten, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and East Java. These are recommended tourist destinations across southern Java where Sobat Parekraf can stop by for a moment during homecoming.

Tanjung Layar Beach

We can’t miss this beautiful beach when starting the journey from Banten. Tanjung Layar Beach is located in the village of Sawarna, Bayah, Lebak. The beach has such surging waves which characterize south sea waves of Java. Because of the high waves, we can actually see the waves beautifully crash against the coral reef.

During sunset, we are able to catch with our own eyes the golden hour along with the exotic coral reefs in the beach of Tanjung Layar. It is really suitable especially for the homecomers who come far from the island of Sumatra that are willing to take a break for a while during a traveling trip in the island of Java.

Gedung Sate

In West Java, we can stop for a while in the historical building located in the city of Bandung, namely Gedung Sate (or Satay Building). This tourist destination is located in Diponegoro street, Citarum, Bandung Wetan, Bandung. Gedung Sate was built in 1924, and it still stands firmly to this day. 

Besides enjoying the beautiful architecture of Gedung Sate, Sobat Parekraf can also visit the museum inside the building, as well as see many art collections and the stages of construction of the building.

Behind the building, there is unique cuisine that Sobat Parekraf must try, namely Sate Jando (Jando Satay). It is located only about 260 meters from the Gedung Sate. 

Photos: The magnificent fortress of Van Der Wijck in the village of Sidayu, Gombong, Kebumen (Shutterstock/DedyGold)

Fort Van Der Wijck

After culinary hunting in Bandung, you can continue the journey on the southern crossing path from West Java to Central City. Passing through the regency of Kebumen, we can stop by in the magnificent fortress of Van Der Wijck in the village of Sidayu, Gombong, Kebumen. 

Fort Van Der Wijck is a Dutch colonial heritage which was built in the 18th century. The fort is considered slightly different from other Dutch colonial forts. It is made of bricks which give an aesthetic value of the red color out of it. 

Besides enjoying beautiful architecture, we also can bring our beloved children to the playground such as swan boats, toy cars, ferris wheel, and also train rides. So, our children will not easily be getting bored during homecoming trips. 

Prambanan Temple

In Yogyakarta, Sobat Parekraf will pass through an area of Prambanan Temple. This temple is really popular. It is considered to be one of the most complex and largest Hindus temples in the world. It has been declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

In the temple, we can walk on foot to take a picture with the background of the magnificent temple of Prambanan. If we get bored walking on foot, we can also ride a car to get around and enjoy the view of the temple. 

Alas Purwo National Park

Approaching at the end of the southern route of Java, we will arrive in the province of East Java. There is a tourist destination which provides vast savanna, that is, Alas Purwo National Park. It is located in Tegaldlimo, Purwoharjo, Banyuwangi.

Alas Purwo National Park has an area of 43,000 hectares. Sobat Parekraf can visit many tourist objects inside the national park, such as Sadengan Savanna, Pancur Beach, Istana Cave, bamboo forest, and also mangroves. It is really suitable for those who want to take a break for a while during a homecoming trip to the island of Java. 

So, don’t forget to stop by for a moment enjoying varied tourist destinations during your homecoming trip across southern Java!

Cover: A stunning Tanjung Layar Beach in the village of Sawarna, Bayah, Lebak (Shutterstock/ Galyna Andrushko)