About East Java
Java’s easternmost province isn’t short of attractions either. The archeological site at Trowulan Village was the ancient capital of the Great Majapahit Empire. Kalmias, in the province’s capital, Surabaya, is an old traditional harbor for phinisis or Bugis schooners.
For unforgettable experience, go up the ancient caldera of Mount Bromo in East Java on horseback to watch the sun rice over a sea of sand. In the ancient caldera, two volcanoes are visible, the perfect coned and extinct Batok, and Bromo which still releases smoke and volcanic sulphur fumes. Once a year, the Tangger people of the mountain pay homage to the gods who dwell on Mount Bromo in a Kesada ceremony in which sacrificial offerings are thrown into the crater. Another well-visited crater is Mount Ijen which is 1 km in diameter, 175 meters deep, and has a turquoise lake in its center.
At the easternmost end of the island, Meru Betiri National Park is the last remaining habitat of the Javanese tigers, panther and giant green turtles who come to lay hundreds of eggs on Sukamade Beach. Nearby Banyuwangi and Plengkung Bay Java are also gaining recognition as a top surfing spot in the world.
Across the Madura Strait lies the island of Madura, famous for its daring bull races called karapan sapi. Regularly held at the Pamekasan Stadium, bulls race across the grass with the jockeys standing on a wooden skid that are fastened to a yoke placed between two bulls. The Maduranese not only show a great deal of excitement out of watching this race, they take their local sport very seriously. Jockeys and bull owners are held in great esteem by the community.
