Yogyakarta Trip 5 - 9 Aug
There is something about Yogyakarta that made me fall in love with it. Perhaps it is because Yogya (pronounced as "Jogja") is the centre of Javanese culture that made the city so vibrant and culturally rich.
Besides the traditional shows such as Wayang Kulit, Gamelan music and Ramayana ballets, there are also street performances along Jalan Malioboro as well as a treat to a fashion parade akin to a mini-Mardi Gras of sorts.
There was great food to cherish as well, including the gudeg, sate, bakpia, cendol and other indonesian delights. The Bladok Restaurant and Via Via Cafe serves great western food too. And who would give up the chance to taste great Javanese coffee after a meal? Not me, despite not being a coffee drinker.
In terms of shopping, batik and jamu herbs would be one of the great buys but you probably need to hone your haggling skills amongst the numerous stalls in Pasar Beringharjo. The bird market at Pasar Ngasem was a delightful visit to see not just birds but also live reptiles, mammals and other curiosities.
While people come here basically to see Borobudur and the Prambanan temples, there were also sights within the city such as the sultan Keraton that is worth a look. The andung or horse cart ride was pretty affordable at 20,000 Rp per trip and a great way to travel along the roads of Yogya. And yes, I feel like a millionaire in Indonesia because 20,000 Rp is only S$3.
At the end of the day, there is the Javanese massage to sooth one's aching feet and body. Frankly, it is not as good as the Thai ones but who would complain if they are only 65,000 Rp or about S$10 for a 90-minute session.
Besides the traditional shows such as Wayang Kulit, Gamelan music and Ramayana ballets, there are also street performances along Jalan Malioboro as well as a treat to a fashion parade akin to a mini-Mardi Gras of sorts.
There was great food to cherish as well, including the gudeg, sate, bakpia, cendol and other indonesian delights. The Bladok Restaurant and Via Via Cafe serves great western food too. And who would give up the chance to taste great Javanese coffee after a meal? Not me, despite not being a coffee drinker.
In terms of shopping, batik and jamu herbs would be one of the great buys but you probably need to hone your haggling skills amongst the numerous stalls in Pasar Beringharjo. The bird market at Pasar Ngasem was a delightful visit to see not just birds but also live reptiles, mammals and other curiosities.
While people come here basically to see Borobudur and the Prambanan temples, there were also sights within the city such as the sultan Keraton that is worth a look. The andung or horse cart ride was pretty affordable at 20,000 Rp per trip and a great way to travel along the roads of Yogya. And yes, I feel like a millionaire in Indonesia because 20,000 Rp is only S$3.
At the end of the day, there is the Javanese massage to sooth one's aching feet and body. Frankly, it is not as good as the Thai ones but who would complain if they are only 65,000 Rp or about S$10 for a 90-minute session.