TASTE OF JAVA
Jakarta and Yogyakarta
When you think of Indonesia, Bali Island comes to mind immediately. However, the heart of this large archipelagic country with more than ten thousand islands actually beats in Java.
The capital city, Jakarta, is also the country's economic capital. In recent years, it was decided to move the capital to Kalimantan, the southern territory of Borneo Island. Unfortunately, the preparations to become the capital in the city of "Nusantara," located in the eastern part of this island, home to the world's oldest forests, continue, causing environmental destruction.
The city of Yogyakarta (pronounced JOJAKARTA), situated in the center of Java Island, is one of the cultural capitals of the country. The culture here differs greatly from Bali's famous Hindu culture, and this city is an autonomous region governed by a royal family. Yogyakarta has had a beloved and respected royal family that has ruled since 1756 and opposed Dutch colonial rule, forming a significant part of the nation's history. Due to the influence of this royal family, when Indonesia gained its independence, Yogyakarta was temporarily declared as the capital.
Java's lush vegetation and natural beauty are just as rich and stunning as Bali, thanks to the volcanic formations and rivers that surround it.
In Yogyakarta, you can also visit the Borobudur, known as the world's largest Buddhist temple, as well as the magnificent Prambanan temples.
If your trip to Indonesia is longer than 15 days, after witnessing the sunrise on an active volcano in western Java, you can continue your Indonesian journey by boarding a boat to Bali from a pier located 1.5 hours away. Java Island is truly vast, so plan your transportation and time wisely to ensure you have enough time to enjoy Bali! BALI 6 DAYS EPIC ITINERARY.
The capital city, Jakarta, is also the country's economic capital. In recent years, it was decided to move the capital to Kalimantan, the southern territory of Borneo Island. Unfortunately, the preparations to become the capital in the city of "Nusantara," located in the eastern part of this island, home to the world's oldest forests, continue, causing environmental destruction.
The city of Yogyakarta (pronounced JOJAKARTA), situated in the center of Java Island, is one of the cultural capitals of the country. The culture here differs greatly from Bali's famous Hindu culture, and this city is an autonomous region governed by a royal family. Yogyakarta has had a beloved and respected royal family that has ruled since 1756 and opposed Dutch colonial rule, forming a significant part of the nation's history. Due to the influence of this royal family, when Indonesia gained its independence, Yogyakarta was temporarily declared as the capital.
Java's lush vegetation and natural beauty are just as rich and stunning as Bali, thanks to the volcanic formations and rivers that surround it.
In Yogyakarta, you can also visit the Borobudur, known as the world's largest Buddhist temple, as well as the magnificent Prambanan temples.
If your trip to Indonesia is longer than 15 days, after witnessing the sunrise on an active volcano in western Java, you can continue your Indonesian journey by boarding a boat to Bali from a pier located 1.5 hours away. Java Island is truly vast, so plan your transportation and time wisely to ensure you have enough time to enjoy Bali! BALI 6 DAYS EPIC ITINERARY.
Exploring Java's Cultural Gems:
A 4-Day Itinerary in Jakarta and Yogyakarta
1. day
After arriving at Jakarta Airport in Indonesia, take a short tour in the capital city of Jakarta before your domestic flight to Yogyakarta.
During my last visit, due to the traffic issue in Jakarta, I was only able to visit Istiqlal Mosque. I didn't particularly enjoy it as the mosque's architecture was quite different from what I'm accustomed to. It was built by the first president, Sukarno, as a symbol of religious tolerance in the country, right across from the historic cathedral.
During my last visit, due to the traffic issue in Jakarta, I was only able to visit Istiqlal Mosque. I didn't particularly enjoy it as the mosque's architecture was quite different from what I'm accustomed to. It was built by the first president, Sukarno, as a symbol of religious tolerance in the country, right across from the historic cathedral.
Jakarta İstiqlal Mosque
During my previous visit, I stayed one night in Jakarta and visited Kuta Tua, the Old Town of Jakarta, and the Sunda Kelapa Harbor. I also went up to the top floor of the National Monument, Monas.
Those who say Jakarta is ugly surely haven't seen Kuta Tua. It is a historic neighborhood from the time when the Dutch controlled the spice trade, and Sunda Kelapa, which witnessed Indonesia's brightest era, is filled with traditional Phinisi wooden boats.
If you are returning from Jakarta Airport and still have space in your luggage, you can hop on the metro bus and go to the modern shopping malls like Central Park.
Yogyakarta
After a domestic flight of about one hour from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, we arrived late in the evening. Since Indonesians have dinner early, not all restaurants were open. Although there were many street food options, they didn't look as appetizing compared to street food in Taiwan or Thailand. Nonetheless, after having typical Javanese dishes at the Legion Garden Restaurant with a terrace surrounded by tropical plants, we quickly went to sleep to adjust to the time difference.
Those who say Jakarta is ugly surely haven't seen Kuta Tua. It is a historic neighborhood from the time when the Dutch controlled the spice trade, and Sunda Kelapa, which witnessed Indonesia's brightest era, is filled with traditional Phinisi wooden boats.
If you are returning from Jakarta Airport and still have space in your luggage, you can hop on the metro bus and go to the modern shopping malls like Central Park.
Yogyakarta
After a domestic flight of about one hour from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, we arrived late in the evening. Since Indonesians have dinner early, not all restaurants were open. Although there were many street food options, they didn't look as appetizing compared to street food in Taiwan or Thailand. Nonetheless, after having typical Javanese dishes at the Legion Garden Restaurant with a terrace surrounded by tropical plants, we quickly went to sleep to adjust to the time difference.
2. DAY
The largest Buddhist Temple, Borobudur
Candi Pawon, Yogyakarta
Borobudur
Yogyakarta is approximately 40km away from Borobudur, but due to heavy traffic, it takes around 2 hours to reach the temple. However, if you start your journey early or travel on weekends, it can be reached in just 1 hour.
Borobudur is situated between twin volcanic mountains and two rivers, offering breathtaking views of diverse landscapes filled with various plants, flowers, trees, rice fields, and volcanic vistas. These highly fertile lands have been referred to as the "Garden of Java" since ancient times.
Constructed in the 9th century AD, Borobudur remained hidden under volcanic ash from the surrounding mountains until it was rediscovered by the British explorer Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814. Unfortunately, prior to 1986 when public access was restricted, many of the magnificent Buddha statues inside the temple had suffered damage.
Borobudur is renowned as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. However, due to its single-piece structure and the current restrictions on temple visits (in recent years, additional fees of up to $100 USD were required for climbing), it becomes challenging to grasp its true size. When compared to the sprawling temples of Siem Reap or Angkor Wat, Borobudur may not give the impression of being as large.
The Borobudur Temple is composed of intricately layered terraces. The terraces contain bell-shaped structures called Stupas, which enshrine meditating Buddha statues. Only the Stupas on the upper three levels are round-shaped, while the Stupa on the top level represents Nirvana, symbolizing the state of enlightenment. The bas-reliefs on the lower levels depict scenes from daily life, including worldly desires and activities, even including figures from the Kama Sutra.
Although I am disappointed that I couldn't climb the temple, the joy of interacting with Indonesian tourists, who eagerly take photos with Western visitors, and the surrounding landscapes compensate for it.
At the entrance and exit of Borobudur, you will find numerous stalls selling souvenirs. It is advisable to do your shopping at the end of your visit to avoid carrying bags in the heat.
The most economical, albeit slower, way to reach Borobudur from Yogyakarta is by taking public buses. You can board the Trans Jogja 2B bus for approximately 3 Euros, which will take you to Jombor Terminal. From there, you can transfer to the Candi Borobudur buses. Alternatively, you can use the "Grab" application (approximately 25 Euros) or negotiate with a guide to rent a private vehicle (around 35-40 Euros). Joining one of the group tours organized from Yogyakarta to Borobudur is also an option.
The entrance fee for Borobudur is approximately 25 Euros. If you prefer, you can purchase a ticket that includes the entrance fee for Prambanan, which you will visit the next day, saving a total of 5 Euros per person. This ticket is valid for 48 hours.
Borobudur and Prambanan are the most significant and awe-inspiring temples in the Java region. If you have enough time, it is recommended not to visit both Borobudur and Prambanan on the same day, to fully appreciate the distance between them and the impact each temple will have on you.
After visiting Borobudur, we take a break at a charming café in the garden next to Candi Pawon temple.
Kopi Luwak coffee originated during the Dutch colonial rule when Indonesian farmers were forbidden from cultivating coffee beans for personal use. Due to the ban, farmers started searching for leftover fruits and beans on the ground to satisfy their coffee cravings. This search even included the droppings of civet cats, as they discovered that the best quality coffee beans were found in their excrement.
Nowadays, Kopi Luwak can be found on the shelves of luxury shops, top-notch cafes, and its production has spread to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines due to high demand. Particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam, it is sold at exorbitant prices to tourists.
Unfortunately, the experience of tasting the world's most expensive coffee, ranging from 300-1300 EUR per kilogram, inflicts great suffering on civet cats. These cute and innocent animals are held in captivity as they have become a significant source of income in Southeast Asia. Being confined to cages most of the time, these animals are unable to freely select high-quality coffee beans, which consequently affects the coffee's overall quality. Therefore, think twice before consuming this coffee.
Yogyakarta is approximately 40km away from Borobudur, but due to heavy traffic, it takes around 2 hours to reach the temple. However, if you start your journey early or travel on weekends, it can be reached in just 1 hour.
Borobudur is situated between twin volcanic mountains and two rivers, offering breathtaking views of diverse landscapes filled with various plants, flowers, trees, rice fields, and volcanic vistas. These highly fertile lands have been referred to as the "Garden of Java" since ancient times.
Constructed in the 9th century AD, Borobudur remained hidden under volcanic ash from the surrounding mountains until it was rediscovered by the British explorer Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814. Unfortunately, prior to 1986 when public access was restricted, many of the magnificent Buddha statues inside the temple had suffered damage.
Borobudur is renowned as the largest Buddhist temple in the world. However, due to its single-piece structure and the current restrictions on temple visits (in recent years, additional fees of up to $100 USD were required for climbing), it becomes challenging to grasp its true size. When compared to the sprawling temples of Siem Reap or Angkor Wat, Borobudur may not give the impression of being as large.
The Borobudur Temple is composed of intricately layered terraces. The terraces contain bell-shaped structures called Stupas, which enshrine meditating Buddha statues. Only the Stupas on the upper three levels are round-shaped, while the Stupa on the top level represents Nirvana, symbolizing the state of enlightenment. The bas-reliefs on the lower levels depict scenes from daily life, including worldly desires and activities, even including figures from the Kama Sutra.
Although I am disappointed that I couldn't climb the temple, the joy of interacting with Indonesian tourists, who eagerly take photos with Western visitors, and the surrounding landscapes compensate for it.
At the entrance and exit of Borobudur, you will find numerous stalls selling souvenirs. It is advisable to do your shopping at the end of your visit to avoid carrying bags in the heat.
The most economical, albeit slower, way to reach Borobudur from Yogyakarta is by taking public buses. You can board the Trans Jogja 2B bus for approximately 3 Euros, which will take you to Jombor Terminal. From there, you can transfer to the Candi Borobudur buses. Alternatively, you can use the "Grab" application (approximately 25 Euros) or negotiate with a guide to rent a private vehicle (around 35-40 Euros). Joining one of the group tours organized from Yogyakarta to Borobudur is also an option.
The entrance fee for Borobudur is approximately 25 Euros. If you prefer, you can purchase a ticket that includes the entrance fee for Prambanan, which you will visit the next day, saving a total of 5 Euros per person. This ticket is valid for 48 hours.
Borobudur and Prambanan are the most significant and awe-inspiring temples in the Java region. If you have enough time, it is recommended not to visit both Borobudur and Prambanan on the same day, to fully appreciate the distance between them and the impact each temple will have on you.
After visiting Borobudur, we take a break at a charming café in the garden next to Candi Pawon temple.
Kopi Luwak coffee originated during the Dutch colonial rule when Indonesian farmers were forbidden from cultivating coffee beans for personal use. Due to the ban, farmers started searching for leftover fruits and beans on the ground to satisfy their coffee cravings. This search even included the droppings of civet cats, as they discovered that the best quality coffee beans were found in their excrement.
Nowadays, Kopi Luwak can be found on the shelves of luxury shops, top-notch cafes, and its production has spread to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines due to high demand. Particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam, it is sold at exorbitant prices to tourists.
Unfortunately, the experience of tasting the world's most expensive coffee, ranging from 300-1300 EUR per kilogram, inflicts great suffering on civet cats. These cute and innocent animals are held in captivity as they have become a significant source of income in Southeast Asia. Being confined to cages most of the time, these animals are unable to freely select high-quality coffee beans, which consequently affects the coffee's overall quality. Therefore, think twice before consuming this coffee.
The Luwak Animal or Civet Cats, Producing the World's Most Expensive Coffee Through Digestion and Excretion of Coffee Beans
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Kopi Luwak coffee beans
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PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
Smiling Indonesian Girls: Capturing Memories with Curious Locals
3. day
Yogyakarta Sarayı (Kratpon Yoygakarta Palace)
Yogyakarta Palace is a living historical monument where both the local people who still carry out the palace's affairs in the neighborhoods surrounding its white walls and the royal family of Yogyakarta reside. While not as grand as the palace in Bangkok, it offers a different atmosphere with its ceremonial section where daily life continues and musicians and participants wearing traditional elegant attire pass by, providing a unique experience for tourists.
In the museum here, you will also see paintings of past kings. The earrings that catch your attention in the portraits of the king are symbols of wisdom, extending upwards.
On the way to Prambanan Temple, we had a buffet meal at a touristy yet clean, charming, and delicious restaurant called Kali Opak Resto nestled in greenery.
The entrance fee for Prambanan Temple is 387,000 IDR (Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
Prambanan Temple is the second-largest Hindu temple in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. One terrace of this temple has been completely destroyed and turned into an amusement park. If you visit the temple on weekends, you will see Indonesian youths flocking to the park. These youngsters will want to take photos with you wherever they catch you, and escape is impossible.
On the second terrace, there are 224 temples, but most of them are in ruins. I panic when I see people taking photos on the fallen stones and posing, but I learn that it is necessary for at least 50% of the stones to be original according to UNESCO restoration rules. Therefore, I understand that a section could not be restored. Since Prambanan is a Hindu temple, there are no Buddha statues in the temples. The temples are dedicated to one of the Hindu gods, Vishnu, Brahma, or Shiva. The statues resembling stupas in Borobudur actually represent the inverted form of the lotus flower, symbolizing fertility. There are also reliefs on the walls depicting the story of RAMA SHINTA (the Romeo and Juliet of Hindus). I am listening attentively to the guide's explanations as I will attend a dance performance in the evening that tells the love story of Rama and Shinta.
Due to the traffic in Yogyakarta, even the shortest distances take a long time. It takes about 1 hour by private vehicle from the center of Yogyakarta to Prambanan. In the evening, there will be a Ramayana Ballet dance performance at Purawisata. The show takes place in a modern amphitheater and features impressive scenes of war and fire, where they use real fire. However, if you are not interested in this type of cultural activity, it may seem lengthy. You can watch dance performances at more historical and impressive venues in Bali at a more affordable price.
Yogyakarta Palace is a living historical monument where both the local people who still carry out the palace's affairs in the neighborhoods surrounding its white walls and the royal family of Yogyakarta reside. While not as grand as the palace in Bangkok, it offers a different atmosphere with its ceremonial section where daily life continues and musicians and participants wearing traditional elegant attire pass by, providing a unique experience for tourists.
In the museum here, you will also see paintings of past kings. The earrings that catch your attention in the portraits of the king are symbols of wisdom, extending upwards.
On the way to Prambanan Temple, we had a buffet meal at a touristy yet clean, charming, and delicious restaurant called Kali Opak Resto nestled in greenery.
The entrance fee for Prambanan Temple is 387,000 IDR (Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
Prambanan Temple is the second-largest Hindu temple in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. One terrace of this temple has been completely destroyed and turned into an amusement park. If you visit the temple on weekends, you will see Indonesian youths flocking to the park. These youngsters will want to take photos with you wherever they catch you, and escape is impossible.
On the second terrace, there are 224 temples, but most of them are in ruins. I panic when I see people taking photos on the fallen stones and posing, but I learn that it is necessary for at least 50% of the stones to be original according to UNESCO restoration rules. Therefore, I understand that a section could not be restored. Since Prambanan is a Hindu temple, there are no Buddha statues in the temples. The temples are dedicated to one of the Hindu gods, Vishnu, Brahma, or Shiva. The statues resembling stupas in Borobudur actually represent the inverted form of the lotus flower, symbolizing fertility. There are also reliefs on the walls depicting the story of RAMA SHINTA (the Romeo and Juliet of Hindus). I am listening attentively to the guide's explanations as I will attend a dance performance in the evening that tells the love story of Rama and Shinta.
Due to the traffic in Yogyakarta, even the shortest distances take a long time. It takes about 1 hour by private vehicle from the center of Yogyakarta to Prambanan. In the evening, there will be a Ramayana Ballet dance performance at Purawisata. The show takes place in a modern amphitheater and features impressive scenes of war and fire, where they use real fire. However, if you are not interested in this type of cultural activity, it may seem lengthy. You can watch dance performances at more historical and impressive venues in Bali at a more affordable price.
Back Streets of Yogyakarta Palace
TAMANSARI WATER CASTLE
TAMANSARI WATER CASTLE
4. DAY
If you wander around the streets near Yogyakarta Palace, you might come across small workshops where shadow puppets are made. These puppets, crafted from traditional materials like animal skins, represent different characters with special qualities. For example, long arms symbolize generosity, short legs represent a connection to nature, and a long nose signifies curiosity.
TAMANSARI - THE WATER CASTLE
Tamansari is a beautiful garden and entertainment venue that was once used by the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It has two pools that were exclusively for the Sultan's harem. According to a legend, the Sultan used to throw a rose from the tower window, and the lady who caught it would become his companion.
Fragrant flowers and incense were placed under the Sultan's bed.
When you leave TAMANSARI Water Castle through the back gate, you can explore the nearby streets and observe daily life scenes. The oldest neighborhood streets around the palace and water castle sometimes have leftover food on trays for street animals and birds.
During the time of Dutch rule, people built secret mosques and tunnels to practice their religion discreetly. While the mosques may not be visible anymore, you can still enjoy live music played by young musicians in the cool tunnels.
You can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at Cafe Oleh Khas Jogya.
Yogyakarta is considered a safe city, even at night. The city has mostly local residents and a small number of migrants. The locals are known for their quiet and respectful nature. They don't speak loudly, even in heavy traffic, and rarely honk their horns. Yogyakarta residents are friendly and often eager to take photos with visitors, making you feel special.
Yogyakarta attracts tourists from all over Indonesia. To manage traffic, the government has decided to close museums and palaces on Mondays.
The vibrant Malioboro Street is the heart of the city. It offers a range of experiences, from shopping malls and fast-food chains to a traditional batik fabric market and the entrance to Chinatown. At one end, you'll find modern shops near Platinum Mall, while the other end has a more traditional feel. Next to the shopping mall, there's a pleasant courtyard with food stalls serving various dishes.
Malioboro Street is also a great place to buy affordable souvenirs. During the day, you can visit temples, do some shopping in the evening, and relax with a massage until 9:30 PM at open massage parlors.
TAMANSARI - THE WATER CASTLE
Tamansari is a beautiful garden and entertainment venue that was once used by the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It has two pools that were exclusively for the Sultan's harem. According to a legend, the Sultan used to throw a rose from the tower window, and the lady who caught it would become his companion.
Fragrant flowers and incense were placed under the Sultan's bed.
When you leave TAMANSARI Water Castle through the back gate, you can explore the nearby streets and observe daily life scenes. The oldest neighborhood streets around the palace and water castle sometimes have leftover food on trays for street animals and birds.
During the time of Dutch rule, people built secret mosques and tunnels to practice their religion discreetly. While the mosques may not be visible anymore, you can still enjoy live music played by young musicians in the cool tunnels.
You can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at Cafe Oleh Khas Jogya.
Yogyakarta is considered a safe city, even at night. The city has mostly local residents and a small number of migrants. The locals are known for their quiet and respectful nature. They don't speak loudly, even in heavy traffic, and rarely honk their horns. Yogyakarta residents are friendly and often eager to take photos with visitors, making you feel special.
Yogyakarta attracts tourists from all over Indonesia. To manage traffic, the government has decided to close museums and palaces on Mondays.
The vibrant Malioboro Street is the heart of the city. It offers a range of experiences, from shopping malls and fast-food chains to a traditional batik fabric market and the entrance to Chinatown. At one end, you'll find modern shops near Platinum Mall, while the other end has a more traditional feel. Next to the shopping mall, there's a pleasant courtyard with food stalls serving various dishes.
Malioboro Street is also a great place to buy affordable souvenirs. During the day, you can visit temples, do some shopping in the evening, and relax with a massage until 9:30 PM at open massage parlors.
Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta
Malioboro Street by night
BYE BYE JAVA!..