Blitar

This is the largest ancient Hindu temple East Java. It dates from the early Majapahit period and texts clearly indicate that it was of considerable importance. Prime Minister Gajah Mada visited here 4 times for example. It is a large complex with 3 courtyards and in many ways strongly recalls a modern day Balinese temple. There are a number of interesting relics including a substantial wall relief depicting the Ramayana.

A semi-active volcano whose eruption in 1919 killed over 5,000. It is still active and sent a pylon of smoke 2.5 km into the air in 2007. The nature at the top is amazing and the trip up is maybe even more beautiful. At the top there are warm, sulfurous hot springs one can bathe in.

This quite well-maintained and well-known museum and library (known locally as Istana Gebang) is in the house where Sukarno lived as a young boy. It is full of Sukarno memorabilia, papers, photographs etc and is useful to visit in conjunction with a call to the grave (makam) site. (Price of entry: by contribution.)

A visit to the impressive and well-organised Sukarno makam (where there is a modern museum and library) fits in well with a visit to Candi Penataran becauses it is on the same road mid-way between Blitar and the temple. Indonesia's first president and independence hero Sukarno has undergone a significant rehabilitation in the eyes of Indonesians since the end of the Soeharto era in 1998. Sukarno's daughter, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was president of Indonesia 2001-2004, supported the development of the makam as a significant site for visitors in East Java. Many thousands of Indonesian peziarah (pilgrims) visit the Sukarno makam each year because undertaking ziarah (pilgramages) is a regarded as an important activity in Indonesia. However, very few foreign visitors take the trouble to call in and, thus, miss a good opportunity to see this key aspect of Indonesian history and culture. Be wary when leaving the site, if you are claustrophobic or wary of crowds. The standard exit takes you through an enclosed warren of stalls selling trinkets - it is hot, dark and crowded, and can take some time to pass through. If in doubt, leave through the entrance gate.

This is an extensive and attractive 10 km stretch of white sand beach that is more often than not virtually deserted. It is not safe for swimming though.