JAVA
INDONESIA
Java
is not the biggest island of Indonesia. However, it is the most
populated and a home to the capital, Jakarta. It is also home to
Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Indonesia. Yogyakarta's Borobbudur
is a Buddhist monument dating back to 750 AD.
Java
has Sumatra as its north-western neighbor across the Sunda Strait
and the islands of Madura and Bail at its eastern tip. There is also
a number of National Parks on the eastern side of Java and Mt Bromo volcano.
The
change of scenery while sailing towards Java is noticeable and the sea
traffic increases. There is industry along Java's coast and
considerable shipping traffic. There is also a great number of
fishing vessels, nets and flags denoting fishing pots.
At
times, sailing between fishing boats and nets is a difficult task and
requires a change of course frequently. One wonders if there is any
fish left in the Java Sea with the amount of fishing happening here
day and night. Yes, the night sailing is another story. It is rather
dangerous since many boats have no lights.
Fishing
nets could be high and dry or submerged, then only sticks are
visible. After many hazards of night sailing a sunrise is welcome.
Spectacular
sunrises compensate the difficulties of night sailing.
