the reign of King Erlangga both East Java and Bali enjoyed a lucrative trade with the surrounding islands, directly relating to a period of artistic advancement and mastery. Parts of the Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform closer to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this era that East Java inherited much of its treasure of temple art.

Today the open air amphitheater at Pandaan tells some of the stories of this glorious past, with performances against an impressive backdrop of distant volcanoes, capturing the spirit of the province's culture and scenery. East Java 's claim to fame in modern history is its vanguard role in the struggle for independence against colonial forces in 1945.

Little of the Majapahit Empire's former glory still stands in East Java , however, with the exception of temple ruins and some archeological discoveries. Nevertheless, East Java has a variety of attractions, ranging from temple sites to beautiful, unspoiled beaches, awesome volcanoes, picturesque highland lakes, colorful marine gardens and fantastic wildlife reserves. Magnificent mountain scenery includes the crater and legendary sea of sand at Mount Bromo , the "sulphur mountain" of Welirang and the rugged Ijen Plateau. The island of Madura , famous for its bull races, is also part of the province and has its own traditions and even a different language.

The provincial capital, Surabaya is second in size, population and commerce only to Jakarta . It is also the most industrialized province in the nation with a strong economy based on agriculture, fishery, oil industries, coffee, mangoes and apples.

GETTING THERE

The province is efficiently connected to the rest of Java by good roads, regular trains, and air services between Surabaya and other major cities in the country including Denpasar on Bali, which is only half an hour's flight away, and Mataram in Lombok .

PLACES OF INTEREST

Trowulan - Pandaan - Tretes. Trowulan village and the surrounding area is believed to be the site of ancient capital of Majapahit. Archaeological excavations in the area have recovered many teracotta ornaments, statues, pottery and stone carvings which are displayed at the Trowulan Museum. The map in the museum is a guide to nearby sites of historical interest. The Candra Wilwatika open-air theatre in Pandaan, 45 km south of Surabaya presents classical East Javanese ballet performances on each full moon night from June to November. The performances are based either on the Ramayana stories or East Java’s legends and folklore. The backdrop of Mt. Panangungan makes the performances an enchanthing experience. 10 km from Chandra Wilwatika is Tretes, one of the most beautiful mountain resorts of East Java.

Mount Bromo. Many local and foreign travelers make the trek for the mystical experience  of watching the sun rise from the crest of the Bromo volcano. A pony ride from the village of Ngadisari takes you over a sea of sand to the foot of the volcano. Ascend the 50 steps to reach the rim. On the vast expanse of sand, formerly a Caldera, there are two volcanoes: the extinct Batok which is the perfect cone and Bromo. Volcanic sulphur fumes and smoke still emanate from the depths, and when the God of Bromo begins to rumble, the surrounding population quickly brings their offerings. The annual offering ceremony of Kasada is held on the 14th day of Kasada, the 20th month in Tenggerese calendar year. It is a dazzling event where villagers from the surrounding areas bring their humble offering to holy volcano.

Bull Races (Karapan Sapi)
Across the Madura Strait, half an hour  by ferry from Surabaya is the island of Madura, famous for its unique traditional bull races (Karapan Sapi).

IJEN CRATER

The volcanic cone of Ijen dominates the landscape at the eastern end of Java. Crater of Ijen is filled by a spectacular turquoise blue lake, its surface streaked in wind-blown patterns of yellow sulphur. Kawah Ijen is the world’s largest highly acidic lake and is the site of a labor-intensive sulfur mining operation in which sulfur-laden baskets are hand-carried from the crater floor. Many other post-caldera cones and craters are located within the caldera or long its rim. The largest concentration of post-caldera cones forms an E-W-treding zone across the southern site of the draw to its waterfalls, hot springs, and dramatic volcanic scenery. It is located at Licin sub district, 45 km from the city of Banyuwangi.

Malang. 90 km south of Surabaya lays Malang, one of the most attractive hill towns on Java. A strong sense of civic pride is evident from the well-maintained and elaborately painted becaks, the groomed Main Square,
and clean buildings and streets. The cool climate is a welcome respite from Surabaya. 20 km from Malang on the southern flank of Mt. Arjuna, are Selecta and Songgoriti, popular hill resorts with hot springs. Nearby Batu is famous for its apples gardens.

For more places of interest, please visit
http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=1122&prov=16
http://www.eastjava.com

TOURIST OFFICE:

Jl. Wisata Menanggal, Surabaya 60241,
Phone. (031) 853114-6, 8531820-1
Fax. (031) 8531822
Website : http//www.eastjava.com
Email : eastjava@indosat.net.id.