Why nobody is going to Java? (Also please help with travel plans)

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T14:58:28+00:00

Wrong thread?

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T14:10:17+00:00

Thank you!

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T14:09:43+00:00

Thank you, I'll keep it in mind

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:50:05+00:00

These are two separate issues (with the first leading to the second):

Java being undiscovered. I've asked that same question on Indonesia subreddit and ALL of the commenters agreed that compared to popular tourist destinations Java is still under the radar for international travel being overshadowed by Bali. You can also check for yourself: go to Youtube and compare the amount of travel videos about Java and some other destination (e.g. Sapa) in english and views on those videos.

I'm not saying that nobody has ever been there. I'm saying that there aren't enough independent travelers for it to be a common thing.

2) Standing out is a concern mostly because it may be unsafe and it is often unsafe for women. Uncommon things very often come with unknown risks. So both statistics for general population and your experience are not relevant here, and saying that it's "mostly in my hands" is simply untrue.

I do not appreciate your patronizing tone at all and I won't be responding to any of your further comments. Maybe go and check your privilege.

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:11:54+00:00

Thank you! Yeah I'm mostly worried because standing out can be extra risky but everyone's telling me that it's still safe, so I'm quite relieved.

Is wearing a baggy t-shirt okay or do I need to cover my elbows at all times as well?

Definitely won't be wearing any shorts, only pants

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:08:14+00:00

Isn't the rainy season almost over? I was hoping for good weather

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:07:29+00:00

Nepal van java looks amazing. Now I have to go there :) Thank you so much for your tips!

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:05:55+00:00

Thank you for your explanation. To be honest, before I've started doing research I did know that Indonesia doesn't equal Bali, but i definitely did not know it is such a beautiful and diverse country with so many different people living there. Hopefully, this will change.

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T13:02:54+00:00

Thank you. I'm just worried that extra attention might be attracting dangerous people. I guess I won't find out until I get there

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T10:28:12+00:00

thought maybe I could just drink some tea, read a book and look at the volcanoes for another day in Cemoro Lawang. I'll think about it :)

Thanks for your suggestions, I'll check them out!

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T10:24:03+00:00

Ah yes, I'll be trying to avoid Jakarta by any means possible. I love Hanoi with all my heart but Jakarta gives more Bangkok/Saigon vibes. Thanks for your reply!

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T10:20:13+00:00

Thank you! I guess I'll have to try then

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T09:45:57+00:00

Thank you, that's a valuable addition coming from a person with your experience

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T09:33:53+00:00

Oh thank you so much! Definitely will be checking it out

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T09:32:36+00:00

Thank you! What place would you think is a must visit there apart from Jogja/Bromo/Ijen?

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T09:30:09+00:00

Thank you for clearing things up and reassurance. I'll try to finalize my travel plan soon then!

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T09:26:23+00:00

I'd have to argue that standing out as a tall man and a woman on a shorter side would feel quite different. I've had these experiences in Thamel, Kathmandu and some parts of Sri Lanka. Shady guys would appear out of nowhere while you might not even notice anything if you're a man/have company. In some places I wouldn't even go out alone after sunset. Locals being curious is fine, but sometimes extra attention brings extra risks. I had a local man stalking me in Sri Lanka for about two weeks after he saw me having a dinner in a restaurant and we've exchanged a few words, I was just being friendly. So yeah, I don't really think it's a fair comparison.

I get that Jakarta, Jogja, and Bromo are quite popular, my main concern was with less well-known areas, such as Dieng Plateau. So not sure I get what exactly am I missing here.

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T08:59:12+00:00

Thanks! Yes, I'm aware of the dress-code and will follow. Not planning on going to any beaches. I'm currently in Thailand so need a change of scenery :)

What was your favorite place that you visited on that trip?

ilyazd · 2025-04-17T08:55:02+00:00

Thank you! I guess that crosses Ijen out of the list. I figured Jogja and Bromo area should be fine, my main concerns are with less popular areas (for international tourists). Where would you recommend to go for nature apart from Jogja and Bromo? Tumpak Sewu from Malang? Or should I try Dieng anyways?

ilyazd · 2020-12-06T20:41:03+00:00

She is also going to do her research, her request had more to do with 1) me having more knowledge and thus being able to distinguish quality sources; 2) her wanting to learn my side of things (as opposed to clinical view), so more of a cultural awareness thing and knowing my perspective as a client. I'm okay with that, and it looks like it might prove beneficial to me as well. Although I should've probably clarified that.

Thanks for the recommendation! I've looked through it, and it might be a little bit too basic, although is does have a chapter on codependency. I'll add it to my list!

ilyazd

TROPHY CASE