JAVA INDONESIA

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.