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West Java
The enchanting land of Sunda stretches from the Sunda Strait in the west to the borders of Central Java in the east. The region is primarily mountainous, with rich green valleys hugging lofty volcanic peaks, many of which surround the capital of the province, Bandung. The history of West Java is a story of trade, spices, and the rise and fall of powerful kingdoms. In the late 1500's the region was ruled from mighty Cirebon, which still survives as a sultanate today, although a shadow of its former glory. Banten, once a powerful maritime capital rivaling the Javanese Mataram Empire, is today a fishing village with an illustrious past. West Java was of the first contact points in Indonesia for Indian traders and their cultural influences, and it was here that the Dutch and British first set foot in the archipelago.
West Java surrounds the nations capital of Jakarta on three sides, anti good roads provide links to most of the province, passing through rugged mountains, iridescent paddy fields and along pastoral stretches of palm- fringed coastline.
There are a number of popular resorts on the western and southern coasts with modern hotels and extensive facilities, favorite weekend gateway for people living in Jakarta.
West Java provides visitors with an extensive array of fascinating things to see and do. Venture to the brink of the awesome power of Krakatau or explore the pristine wildlife reserve of Ujung Kulon on the south-western tip of, Java. Take refuge in the Pulau Dua Bird sanctuary off the coast of Banten or visit the mysterious Baduy peoples.
Other places of interest:
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