Typically found in dense lowland evergreen forest (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Robson 2008), but also occurs in heavily-degraded habitat, including town parks, plantations and secondary forest including very young secondary growth and forest edge (J. W. Duckworth, J. Eaton and D. L. Yong in litt. 2013). Also occurs locally in mixed deciduous forest in Thailand and also in tree-rich scrub on Java but always where there is dense undergrowth (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Holyoak 2001). Mostly found in the lowlands, up to around 800 m in northern Thailand and c. 550 m. in Peninsular Malaysia, but from sea level up to 1,600 m. in Java (Holyoak 2001) and 2,150 m. in E Java (del Hoyo et al. 1999). B. javansis is nocturnal like most frogmouths, resting on branches (often in pairs) generally close to the ground in thick undergrowth during the day (Holyoak 2001). Nests with eggs have been observed in February-March in Peninsular Malaysia, and nests with nestlings in July on the Philippines (Holyoak 2001).

B. javensis occurs from Myanmar to Java, Indonesia, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Viet Nam, Peninsular Malaysia, Philippines (Busuanga, Culion and Palawan (Kennedy et al. 2000), Sumatra (and the Riau Archipelago), Java, East Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan (and Banggi island) (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Holyoak 2001). Generally considered uncommon throughout this range, and the population on Java is particularly scarce (del Hoyo et al. 1999, Kennedy et al. 2000, Holyoak 2001, Mann 2008), but it is likely to be under-recorded throughout (del Hoyo et al. 1999).