Ada Apa Dengan Yogyakarta?

From the misty sunrise at Panguk Hill to the majestic height of Merapi... from the charm of Mangunan Pines Forests to the iconic Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta has been pure magic.

The adventure begins once we set our foot in Yogya. What we did not expected was the amount of jeep rides we need to handle. Not once or twice, but thrice! Every day, in every attraction, we need to experience different jeep rides with different kind of tracks.

Warning: Yeap, this off-road tour is definitely NOT for any pregnant ladies, family with babies or small kids, senior citizen or those with backpain. NOT for those who acrophobia (fear of height), and NOT for those indoor person. because there's a lot of walking and climbing the (steep) stairs.

To be honest, that’s not what we expected at all when we planned for our ladies trip. 

Since there’s NO safety features at most photo-spot (especially at the Panguk Hill, Tembelan Cliff and Timang Beach), it’s best to purchase a Travel Insurance. 

And don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Apart from the scorching weather (seriously, it was too hot to handle) for the whole 4-days trip, but surprisingly there was one time.. it wasn't. It was the day we woke up at 3am and went to Panguk Hill for the sunrise. but unfortunately.. it was slight rain and cloudy that morning. Not the kind of view we were expecting. Better luck next time!

Bukit Panguk at 5:12am (local time), 26th October 2024

Mineral water, hat and sunglasses are the must items to bring.. anywhere.. anytime. Actually, we have prepared some raincoats and shoes covers from Malaysia, just in case we get soak while riding the gondola at Timang Beach. But it was a low tide season with no big waves. 

However, little that we know, the Merapi Tour is the one can caused us wet splash. We forgot to bring the raincoat with us that day and luckily there’s a local lady selling raincoat for 10,000 rupiah only (cheaper than the one I bought at Caring Pharmacy). Very much appreciated it as we didn’t bring any extra clothes. We travel light this time. Those who loves water-based kind of adventure, you may try tubing at Pindul Cave. 

Apart from all the adrenaline rush and body sweating tours, we also amazed with the Yogyakarta new big clean modern airport, Kulon Progo (YIA) Airport that located by the sea. 

And not to forget the newly opened complex with new system at the Borobudur Temple. It surely looks organise and cozy. As the world's largest Buddhist temple, the Borobudur area is very huge.. synonym to it’s “symbol of Power”. From the parking area, we need to walk a bit, passing thru the souvenir shops to get to the tram stop. From there, the tram brought us to the ticketing centre. Surprisingly the ticketing centre itself is air-conditioned, using the displayed numbering system, and have the body scanning machine.

We took the one-hour guided tour for 455,000 rupiah. The rate includes a pair of slippers, mineral water, and a non-woven bag to keep our shoes. After collecting the ‘door gift’, we need to wait for our group turn at the designated (seated) area. The guided tour is available every hour for maximum 30 pax only per group. Ours is at 2:30pm.

 

Although the rate is quite expensive, but it’s totally worth and it was an eye-opening tour. We glad that we booked the guided tours at most places we went.

In Merapi, our jeep driver took us to the Bunker & the Merapi Museum. His services (as a driver, cum as a guide and photographer) already included in the package, just pay him some tips for courtesy. While in Tamansari, we added the guide services for 50,000 rupiah. 

The guide is mentioning the King's looong name in one single breath

It’s good to have the local guides to explain the history of those places. Else, you only see an old building just an old building without knowing the story behind it. 

In total, I’ve spent RM 2,500 only. Our package price is at RM 1,880 with return flight ticket on Air Asia. The rest is on the meals, shopping, entrance tickets, guide services, photographer services, tips, 1-hour local massage, roaming, and travel insurance.

Gondola Pantai Timang          200,000 rupiah

Candi Borobudur + guide       455,000 rupiah

Gereja Ayam + tuk tuk ride       40,000 rupiah

We didn't get a chance to shopping at the famous and bustling Malioboro Street. However, we found that shopping at the souvenir store at Rhema Hill (Gereja Ayam) is quite interesting. The affordable range of prices comes with up-to-date design and quality. The store is called Daun Bukit - Oleh Oleh Burubudur. The fridge magnet here is cheaper than the one sold at the Borobudur Temple. 

For me, the best buy was the massage rock made from the black lava we purchased at Mount Merapi. From 20,000 rupiah, I managed to bargain up to 15,000 rupiah each. 

As for the F&B, in total we (a small group of 4) have spent 2M rupiah for 4 days trip. Average of RM 20 only per meal. Soooo cheap! It's almost unbelievable.

The most expensive one was at the Pak Sis Timang Lobster Restaurant at Timang Beach. We took the 1kg lobster with one plate of fried squid, some vegetables and drinks for 700,000 rupiah. But it's a great value of the price for the fresh seafood. And 1kg is more than enough for 4 ladies.

In Jogja city, the best restaurant we went is the Zona Seafood Jogja, Jl. Abu Bakar Ali No.2, Gowongan, Kec. Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224, Indonesia.
Love the deco and the rooftop ambience. All of this, only at 260,000 rupiah.

There are 2 good restaurants I can recommend you are travelling between Yogya Airport & Yogya city:

- Pondok Makan Bu Hartin, Jl. Ki Josuto No.18, Area Sawah, Wates, Kec. Wates, Kabupaten Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55651, Indonesia. Love the paddy/ corn field view. 270,000 rupiah.

 

- Special Sambal “SS” Waroeng. There’s a lot of “SS” outlets in Yogya and more than 100 outlets in Malaysia. They have more than 10 types of "sambal". 180,000 rupiah.

Near to Borobudur Temple, we had our lunch at Rumah Makan Padang Uni Yani, No, Jl. Balaputradewa No.3, Dusun 1, Wanurejo, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56553, Indonesia. Unfortunately, no 'dendeng'. 225,000 rupiah.

But in case you are on a tight budget, you can try Bakso Balungan, Jl. Suryowijayan No.28, Gedongkiwo, Kec. Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55142, Indonesia. 101,000 rupiah.

Or Raja Sate & Soto, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan No.61a, Pandeyan, Kec. Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55161, Indonesia. 116,000 rupiah.

Last but not least, you can redeem and enjoy your free "Ubi Rebus" at Kedai Bukit Rhema. And if you come early and if you are lucky, you can see the Borobudur Temple and the tip of Mount Merapi.

If I have another chance to travel to Jogja ever again, I want to cover Pule Payung, Heha Sky View, Pinus Pengger, Candi Plaosan, Candi Prambanan and the Obelix Hills. Till next time~