Java or Sri Lanka

[Goodenoughisgoodenough]

Which would you pick for a long haul holiday? With two teens (14 & 18). We're up for an adventure and travelling around. And making last minute crazy plans to go in August.
We'll spend all the money on flights - so will be in budget accommodation when we're there.
Who's been to Java? We can go for 3 weeks. Is it crazy to fly this far?
We've been to Sri Lanka before - but in the winter. So I think in the August it's best to go north and east. Tips welcome!

Help us decide - Java or Sri Lanka

both fab choices! In case it helps, we researched Sri Lanka for this August and came up with the following itinerary after doing lots of research. We aren’t going there but would love to go back and are keeping this itinerary for then! Wilpattu 3-5/8
The knuckles 5- 8/8
Trincomalee 8-12/8
Arugam bay 12- 15/8
Ella 15-18/8

I have been to Java but not for a long time and when I was travelling. There is loads to see and do and it’s really reasonably priced. Highlights were Borobodur, Mount Bromo volcano, the tea fields, Prambanan, Yogyakarta and I’m sure I took a boat trip to Krakatoa. Its fab!! You can also get to other Indonesian islands from here and I think 3 weeks is a great amount of time.
Good luck deciding but I’m sure wherever you go it will be amazing!

Following as Java is a possibility for next summer.
Been to Sri Lanka in August and loved it.
Similar to holidayqueen.
Habarana - Nilaveli - Arugum Bay - Ella - (train to) Kandy in about 2 and a half weeks.
Returning in the winter is on my bucket list!

Thank you, we've been to Sri Lanka twice before, 20 years ago and 5 years ago, and in the winter, so mainly the south. How was it in August? And I'd love to hear details about nilaveli and arugam Bay. Nice beaches? How touristy? Thanks!

We absolutely loved it!
We did it cheaply - trains, buses, homestays/guest houses.
Habarana - great gathering of elephants, sigarya, polunawaru (hire bikes to pootle around).
Nilaveli - small low key place, beaches nice but not stunning (not Caribbean), snorkeling at pigeon island was fab.
Arugum Bay - backpacker vibe, great for surfing lessons, can access Yara national park from there. Not too busy, but certainly touristy. The calmer beach gets pretty busy but in a fun way with all the kids having a go at surfing (foreign and local tourists). Get up for a beach stroll at sunrise when all the fishing boats come in, and the haggling starts - amazing!

If you end up in java please update afterwards!