Yogyakarta

Embark

Yogyakarta was on top of the list of places to visit in Indonesia. Heard so much things about the place and giving it a miss was not an option. Plus I had a good friend who was there for a few months so that was a great excuse to go for a holiday.

And I wasn’t disappointed.

Streets of yogyakarta

If there was something that was common on the streets of yogyakarta, it was the graffiti everywhere. Most walls were not sparred. But it certainly adds colour to the streets. Even the electrical boxes were not given a clean slate. Telephone lines were sprawl all over at the top of our heads and its not a common sight in Singapore nowadays.

I had the most satisfying plate of Ayam Goreng there. It was so good till we went to the warung for dinner every single night. Its so nice that I have started a personal boycott on the Ayam Penyet restaurants in Singapore which are touted to be from Indonesia.

And a box of cigarettes cost $1. Figure that out.

Borobudur

Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its a stunning sight to behold once you enter. A buddhist temple, it is filled with the stupas housing a statue of buddha seated inside. It is also the world’s largest buddhist temple and what most people don’t know is it was put to the world’s knowledge by a certain familiar person in Singapore’s history. Sir Stamford Raffles was the one who was advised of its location by the locals.

mount merapi

It was the first time where I got an opportunity to visit a actual active volcano. But we took the easy way out where you can get on a 4WD and venture out. The views were breathtaking and at times I felt that Mad Max was shot here instead of South Africa. After going round a village that was affected by the last eruption and we went to take a few magnificent shots of the view. Right after we were brought to a place where there was a stream and it was amazing. The water was cooling and it certainly helped out for the weather. And our driver brought us along a 4WD course and my ass hurt after.

Prambanan

The Prambanan Temple Grounds, which is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a 9th century Hindu Temple. Its one of the biggest temple compounds in Indonesia and the centre tower is 47 metres in height! There are 8 temples in the grounds and yes, a lot of walking has to be done. But it was all worth it because it was awe-worthy. To top it all off, the sunset was beyond beautiful.

Beauty

If there one thing I learned in Yogyakarta, it would be money doesn’t buy you happiness. Didn’t spend a lot on this trip and on food but I came back a super happy man. Its the charm some countries have where you don’t have to spend to be happy.

Till next time,

Ashok Kumar