East Java is one province in Indonesia. Capital of East Java province, Surabaya, is a cosmopolitan city and you can find any comfortable surroundings and facilities there. Some parks are available for those who prefer natural surroundings. An island on the eastern part of Java called Madura is also famous for its distinct culture and bull races of karapan sapi, usually held in August and September every year. History The Majapahit Dynasty, based in and around East java, began the foundations of an empire that was to dominate the entire Indonesian archipelago, the Malay Peninsula and part of the Philippines for hundreds of years. This was the beginning of profitable trade relations with China, Cambodia, Siam, Burma and Vietnam. As the power in Central Java declined in the 10th century, powerful kingdoms rose in East Java to fill the power vacuum. During the reign of King Erlangga, both East Java and Bali enjoyed lucrative trade with the surrounding islands, and an artistic and intellectual renaissance. Part of the Mahabarata epic were translated and re-interpreted to conform to an East Javanese philosophy and view of life, and it was from this area that East Java inherited most of its temple art.
