It's been a long time since I've travelled and now I've got the chance to - with another mission: my parents' buddhist exploration, and to relive my memories 14 years ago! We arrived at the Batik town Yogyakarta!
Day 1
--- Streets of Malioboro
The first day was spent touring around Malioboro, a street full of Jogja's specialities like Batik souvenirs, shirts/ accessories, food and transports like becak or delman. I bought a really beautiful traditional Batik fan as it was too hot (the wind flap was real good) but ended up losing it while running about the next day :( and when I went back to the store at night, it was closed - where art thou my fan.
--- Gudeg Yu Djum, Malioboro
The food speciality of Jogja! This was said to be one of the famous brands in Jogja, and since its quite near from our hotel, we decided to eat there after checking in. This is my first time to try Gudeg, I guess I was too hungry so everything tasted good to me, I even ate 2 portions of it! After that day I did not enjoy it as much. We then continued our food journey by eating dessert nearby the Gudeg stall! Although my family generally calls it Sekoteng, it is more widely known as Wedang Ronde - Rice balls, bread, nuts, attap fruit in ginger soup.
--- Bakpiapia, Malioboro
Found another food specialty while walking, Bakpia! Read that this one brand to try in Jogja, but I found another brand which tastes better on our last day... Bakpia Pathok 25 (didn't get to take any pic of that brand though, but tastes much better.)
Day 2
--- Borobudur Temple, Magelang
I don't remember how long was the journey to Borobudur from our hotel as I was sleeping most of the time. The purpose of this trip was actually to visit this! I thought it would take half a day for us to stay there to take pics but it took us only around an hour or so and that's the end... BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY... I GOT TANNED!!!! I really, really hate being tanned :(
In the midst of meditating for the 3 rounds around the main stupa.
--- Mendut Temple, Magelang
--- Prasadha Mandala Bhakti, Parakan
With a traditional chinese interior, its an architecture treasure that it can last till now. This place is usually used for buddhist retreats.
--- JeJamuran
We made our dinner stop at JeJamuran, a resto which specializes in mushrooms~~~~~~~~~~
I would say its just so so, maybe it will be better for vegetarians but not me. Its just mushrooms flavoured with whatever you want. For example, its mushrooms covered in satay sauce, so it didn't really feel "real". I'll just stick to eating meat thank you. :)
Day 3
--- Prambanan Temple
Its like everyday that I went to visit temples in Jogja, but this is my favourite... The beauty of these temples is not just in the architecture but also the stories and legends behind it and to say because I do not need to climb alot, plus the place is picturesque. *A jump shot is a must in every trip! :) *
--- Plaosan Temple, Prambanan
A twin temple
--- Day Out with Laura!
Whoahoo met up with this dear girl whom I've known since secondary 1!!! Since I'm in her hometown she was my tour guide for that one day! Seeing at how my friends all started driving, I should really learn soon....
--- Plaza Ambarukmo
Went to get a light lunch at Jco and did a little shopping at one of the three malls in Jogja! Ohh one thing that I can't take was how many people in the mall smoked, almost half maybe? I mean its fine if you smoke outside, but I smelled smoke everywhere I went in Jogja, from streets to restaurants and even to malls... As in Jakarta is a better place to live now that I saw the environment there.
--- Milas, Prawirotaman
An outdoor vegetarian cafe concept, and I would say its the best meal I've ever had in Jogja... We ordered Toast with Guacamole, Steak Tempe, Fetato and Pisang Goreng with honey. But what makes it so yummy is probably the warm Bandrek, a drink mixed with ginger, lemongrass, cinnamon and other ingredients which makes your body warm. I'm craving for it even now. Took a little break by visiting Laura's house (I'm the first guest!) and really amazed at her make up collection! and spent the rest of the day walking around the area after our meal to buy Chocolate Monggo, which I already finished a whole bar now and looking at cafes. Ohh I need to diet real soon...
Last Day
--- Off-road Mount Merapi
This road can only be ridden by a jeep and so the bumpy ride continues for around 30 minutes!
--- House of Raminten
This is our last meal before we leave Jogja, and its kind of the worst experience we had. We arrived at around 12 noon with hungry stomachs and when we arrived there we are asked to wait outside. However after waiting for around half an hour we went to ask the counter if there are any seats inside already and they said that its empty but they're waiting for 77 people to come at 1pm. What kind of nonsense is that we aren't allowed to eat inside, and 1 hour is pretty much more than enough to eat our lunch. We had no choice than to eat outside, finally starting our meal nearly at 1.30pm, more than an hour later after we arrived at the resto. The food was just so-so, really disappointed at both the service and the place itself, and we had to pay for the chili (hello its supposed to be free everywhere?!).
And so I bid farewell to Yogyakarta... a town really different from what I'm used to. Next time I'll try more of the local food there! I haven't tried Mie Jawa or Mie Godog yet!!
