YOGYAKARTA (often also called Jogja, Yogya or Jogja) is located in middle of
Java Island - Indonesia, where everything is cheap. It's enough with $ 20
per-day, you are able to stay over, eat famous authentic delicious food, and
rent a vehicle to explore the pure beaches and thousands of years old ancient
temples.
While taking a walk, you can see closely the richness of authentic Javanese
culture, the life of friendly humble local people and artists who are making
the handicrafts items. For real, Yogyakarta is truly a traveling paradise with
a lot of fascination which have not been revealed. Begin your adventure now and
discover the treasures of Java.
Yogyakarta, is a popular destination
for both domestic and international tourists. It’s a special region located in
the island of Java. The city is full of five stars hotels to comfort your
sleep, top notch services to ease your travel, a haven for the shopping
fanatics and fancy restaurants to satisfy your tongue.
Yogyakarta or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java.
Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th
and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from
which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions. The city
itself has a special charm which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.
This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city
came into being in 1755, after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of
Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese
dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional
art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of
batiks, silver and leather work.
The Sultan's palace is the hub of Yogya's traditional life and despite the
advance of modernity, it still emanates the spirit of refinement which has been
the hallmark of Yogya's art for centuries. Next to the traditional,
contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society.
ASRI, the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogya itself has given
its name to an important school of modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best
personified by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.
Yogya is often called the main gateway to the center of Java where it is
geographically located. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean.
There is daily air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali as well as
regular train service and easy accessibility by road.
She is Jogja, a romantic, charming
place; she is the soul of Java Island. Her personality is attractive and
impressive, mesmerizing to many. It is no wonder that falling in love with her
is just irresistible.
Jogja is a talented teaser, capable
of enchanting the heart of anyone visiting her. In just a short time, many have
already fallen in love with her. There are reasons why people would refuse to
leave her-her simplicity, friendliness, arts and culture, culinary, to her
different kind of life rhythm. Jogja gladly witnesses the ups and downs of your
youth. She is also the home to thousands of people from across the nation
coming over in search for education. What's more, Jogja will also stands by
your side while you grow into adulthood and into older ages. Those are what
make you crazy in love with her. She is more than just being humble; she is
also open for anyone wanting to be part of her.
JOGJA IS HUMBLE AND FRIENDLY
The first impression you'll get
during your stay in Jogja is that the city is humble and friendly. She is a
lover who knows really good how to steal everybody's heart. Who wouldn't fall
for humbleness, especially when it comes with unconditional friendliness? The
two things are a matching collaboration growing since centuries ago and
continue to grow until present. She will never change, no matter how long
you've left her behind. She will always be friendly and humble, just like what
you've always known.
JOGJA IS FULL OF ARTS AND CULTURE
While strong influences from the outside world keep
permeating into the local culture, Jogja has never easily surrendered. She
always manages to preserve the arts and cultural values she has kept since
centuries ago. It may seem old-fashioned sometimes, but either you like it or
not, those are the two things that keep the life here balanced. Arts and
culture are part of Jogja's personality; one that cannot possibly fade away
through time.
JOGJA IS
PHOTOGENIC
Seen through cameras, Jogja is
always charming. Like a beautiful, photogenic photo model, she appears
attractive from any perspective. Her charm has never changed through days. The
truth is, as days go by, she looks even younger and younger. If this is the way
things are, how could one resist from falling in love with her?
JOGJA IS HOME TO INTERESTING PLACES
Almost every corner of the city is
just captivating. It is as if she were the mini version of Indonesia. Just
think about it: tens of beaches, temples, caves, shopping areas, and historical
places are spread around various locations. It is not surprising that exploring
these interesting places has been a must-do activity for those visiting Jogja.
JOGJA IS HOME TO SCHOLARS AND STUDENTS
Every year, thousands of scholars
and students keep coming to Jogja in search of education. Acclaimed
universities and high schools seem to be all in the city, being a home where
people from all over Indonesia grow into maturity. Years go by and, consciously
or not, we begin to be accustomed to everything going on here, be it the taste
for food, personality, to the rhythm of life-all that certainly are different
from where people come from. This is the place where scholars and students
learn to live independently, far from their parents, until the city eventually
leads them to find their true loves.
JOGJA IS MYTHICAL YET ROMANTIC
Anyone who had once resided in Jogja would undoubtedly heard myths
about the queen of the Southern Sea, who is believed to be so beautiful and
charming, or another myth about the sound of drum band breaking the silence
from nowhere at dawn. These myths have spread virally among the people that the
city feels mythical. However, behind all those myths, Jogja is romantic.
Stories of sunset at the Southern Sea or shopping in Malioboro sound so sweet
since they all happen in Jogja.
Jogja has been identified as the city of students since years ago,
making her a good friend not only for students but also for anyone living in
the city. Jogja is a comfy home for those with limited budget. Nothing deserves
your worry as you can eat well only with ten thousand rupiahs.
ALL IS AFFORDABLE IN JOGJA
People from outside Jogja often say, "Ah...everything tastes sweet
in Jogja; even plain rice tastes sweet!" This is unsurprising as they are
referring particularly to bakpia and gudeg. However, behind her sweet face,
Jogja is the center of spicy, hot culinaries-ones that will get your stomach
twisting. She also offers culinary from all over the nation, ones that will
cure you when you're homesick. Jogja is not just about sweet foods; she is so
talented and creative in producing unique foods that you can find probably only
here.
JOGJA IS THE PARADISE OF FOOD
It is not exaggerating to say that Jogja is a happy-go-lucky city,
where life goes on easily, unrushingly. The rhythm of life here is somewhat
slower and calmer, but steady. You wouldn't need to set off much earlier to
school or work-the streets are less crowded than other cities. You wouldn't
need to rush, either, as this is not where you get military training. You would
just need to do everything easily, normally.
JOGJA IS HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
Everyone, from whatever background, is welcomed with open arms in
Jogja-from creative children capable of inventing new things, hyperactive
children who cannot possibly sit still for just a minute, to those far less
active. They will all be given a place of equal comfort and properness. Jogja
welcomes everybody, with not a single exception. She is like a foster mother
who educates her children to be independent persons. She will never force you
to be a Jogjanese; you are the one who will happily take her as your second
home as she made you feel accepted and appreciated.
She is too Special to Forget
Be cautious my friend, for Jogja is just like a lover
who silently sows the seed of yearning in your heart. Her simplicity teaches us
to be a more mature human being, her hospitality comforts us, and her
romanticism will always be remembered.
People, or a person like you yourself perhaps, who have come and stayed in
Jogja will obviously agree that she is so special. Born with simplicity, she
has, without being noticed, become a caregiver for thousands of people and
helped them achieve maturity. Later on, at a certain point of time, at which
they have left Jogja for years, they will finally realize that she is too
special to forget. Jogja is a place that will never let you leave without the
desire to return again. Eating at an angkringan (traditional food
tenant), meeting humble and friendly people, enjoying the evening or simply
chatting about love and the sorrow that follows in coffee shops and affordable
24-hours cafes are fragments of the seeds of longing soaked into the joints of
your life without you ever realizing it. Ah... Joko Pinurbo was right after all
when he said, "Jogja is made out of yearning, a journey home and angkringan."
Eating at Angkringan
Almost every person who has visited Jogja knows exactly how delicious this
tiny and simple wrapped rice is. It's the one that saves people, regardless of
their social class, from hunger. It saves not only students running out of
monthly pocket money at the end of the month, or a starving pedicab driver, but
every single person who wish to feel a boundless simplicity in this town as
well. The flame from senthir (small-sized oil lamp) lighting upon gorengan
(deep fried foods such as tempe, tofu, etc.), various types of sate
(skewered meal, usually of meat), the smell of burning charcoals competing with
the fragrance of ginger, and pandan mats spread out next to the cart are the
pillars that sustain the life of angkringan. Angkringan is what
will make you want to return to Jogja to enjoy a little piece of boundless
simplicity.
Shopping
in Malioboro
Malioboro, a 1-km-long street, is the heart of the city of Jogja that keeps
pumping up the sense of yearning into your whole body. Rows of tenants selling
souvenirs, batik, and even antiques are some of the many things that
spoil your eyes. This is the place where you can buy various stuffs without
ever worrying of draining your pocket out of money. Shopping in Malioboro is
more than just shopping. It is also a form of enjoying the existing
romanticism. Rows of pedicab drivers, relentlessly offering their services and
old andong (a type of horse cart) running back and forth have become
inseparable parts of Malioboro. Those are why, for tourists and newcomers,
Malioboro is a must-visit place. It is the history, tale and memory that will
cling forever in the minds of those visiting Jogja.
Midnight
Gudeg
Gudeg, a sweet-tasteful food made from young Jackfruit, becomes
one of the signs implying that Jogja never sleeps. Every night at 9 pm, when
many other shops have closed, sellers at gudeg tenants start to arrange
the food on simple tables. Pandan mats are spread right outside the shops or on
sidewalks that are resting from their daily services. A bunch of people waiting
in line at night for a plate of gudeg to relieve their hunger is surely
a sight that can only be found in Jogja.
Southern Square and Wedhang
Ronde
Enjoying a bowl of warm wedhang ronde (hot beverage made of
brewed ginger) while sitting on top of pandan mats is the thing that perfects
your visit to the Southern Square. Colorful sparkles from various shaped odong-odong
(custom made carts designed to carry passengers for entertainment purpose)
circling the square, plus shouts of astonishment mixed with anger coming out
from those who could not successfully walk through ringin kurung (twin
banyan trees planted at the Southern Square) fuse into one perfect combination.
If you have once stayed in Jogja, then you might at least have experienced that
kind of situation and look forward to repeating it again someday.
Her Exotic Beaches
The Southern coast of Jogja is the paradise for those who admire the
beauty of the ocean. Be it black or white, the sands blend with the clear sea
water and gently caresses your feet. These exotic beaches have given you an
escape from your works, papers, and your thesis that keep haunting you. It might
have even been the place you want to be when you wished when you're feeling
blue.
Her Sweet Sunset
The sun almost falls into its slumber, and Jogja is just a little bit
quieter. The sky magically turns into something so romantic. Perhaps, sunset in
Jogja is one of the sweetest goodbyes that have ever existed. At a moment like
that, a smile so mesmerizing from a girl would make your heart pounds crazily
and everything would be more perfect. I’ll tell you the best sunsets in Jogja :
Kalibiru
Climbing the hanging ladder leading to a pine tree on the edge of the ravine
would allow you to see the unobstructed view of Menoreh Mountains. From the
wooden board we can watch the sun riding on the clouds to return home. Its ray
of lights reach out to the yellowing surface of the Earth, as if each of its
every steps leaves a golden traces behind. Meanwhile, a serene lake is visible
in the distance. Faithfully serving as a mirror for the sun to fit itself, the
lake reflects the glow of the glittering ray. In Kalibiru, the serenity will
expel any weariness. Enjoy every creeps of seconds as time would feel passing
by so slowly. Forget the urban life for a while, leave the thoughts of the
piling tasks, and enjoy the given view.
Glagah Beach
If you wish to see a dashing sunset, you should come to Glagah beach. The
sound of the Southern sea waves colliding with hundreds of tetra pods will be
the back sound for the drama where the bright blue sky turns to golden orange.
Pok Tunggal beach
Relishing the magnificence of Pok Tunggal beach would be incomplete if you
haven’t set aside a
little of your time to watch the sun sets behind the horizon. It is also fun to
spend the night here in a tent, while savoring the sea breeze and waves, after
appreciating the violet sundown.
Parang Endong Hill
Viewing the vast ocean stretches with its racing waves is the signature
treat of the highland on Parang Endog hill’s
yard. On this exact yard, the twilight view of the Southern sea is perfectly
captured. People are sitting in silence, witnessing as the most romantic
moments take place when the sun falls into the horizon’s embrace. Golden orange
light takes over the sky, reflected by the sea and captured by the eyes.
Indeed, it is hard to leave the place unless the darkness has completely
swallowed the beauty and replace it with lamps and moon light.
Nglanggeran Pond
Rock hills and green valleys framing a tiny pond in the foot of the ancient
volcano of Nglanggeran show the breathtaking view of twilight. The fascinating
moving silhouettes vigorously fit themselves there, resembling a giant screen
where the orange sky becomes the background. The twilight view belongs to the
Nglanggeran Pond, an oasis in the middle of the barren limestone hills.
King Boko Palace
Visiting the King Boko Palace will bring us through a passage of time. The
ruins of the magnificent palace built in the 18th century keep secret of the
most beautiful sunset on Earth. Walking through the ruins and seeing the
reflection of sun rays on what is used to be the bathing place for the
princesses will bring us to a romantic yet mysterious tale. Enjoying the
twilight sun seen through the gate is the climax of the expectation for the
most beautiful sunset. Ah, how glorious the palace must have been in the past.
Ijo Temple
It is always nice to sit on the edge of Ijo Temple’s yard while watching as the sun falls slowly to
the night. Twilight with the clear vast view of the Jogja city is dazzling. The
city might feel somewhat boring sometimes, but at Ijo Temple it reincarnates as
a remarkably alluring fair maiden. Meanwhile, the dashing silhouette of the
hundreds-years-old construction in the back is the comfortable place where
exhausted individuals, who escape from their tedious routine, could lean on.
Jogan Beach
Set up with a background of purple twilight sky staring off into the Indian
Ocean, watching as Poseidon throws rolls of waves that seemed ready to devour,
while behind our back we hear the deafening sound of a waterfall signifying the
heavy fall of water. Such is the exotic sunset view at Jogan, a beach with a
waterfall falling straight to the sea.
Prambanan Temple
Watching the silhouette of the 47-meters-tall Prambanan Temple exposed to
the golden sun light is an exotic view. No wonder, foreign tourists love to see
twilight here.
Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is famous for its romantic sunset scenery. There are many
activity you can do while watching sunset. Don’t
forget to bring your lover with you, because ‘the most beautiful sunset is when
you have it with your beloved one and the most beautiful sunrise is quite the
same’ said
Galine
Nelson.
Everything Is Cheap
For students, either university or high school, Jogja is a very friendly
city. Not only becoming a second home that is convenient to many people, she
has also become a good friend for those who do not have a lot of cash in their
pocket. Jogja is an everything-is-cheap city that will not make you starve
though your pocket money is not transferred timely. There are hundreds of burjo
(a franchised food stall) that sell intel (indomie-telor, instant noodle
with egg) and tante (indomie tanpa-telor, instant noodle without egg).
There are also angkringan that can be found almost in every alley with nasi
kucing (a tiny pack of rice with a portion that, many said, is only enough
to feed a cat, hence the name nasi kucing-rice for cats), gorengan,
and sate which are very tasty.
Coffee Shop And 24-Hour Cafe
Rows of countless coffee shops and 24-hours cafes have often witnessed
lively chatters between groups of best friends that look a lot like a
fellowship due to the high intensity of intimacy. These are the kind of place
where same old jokes are told over and over again, and yet still have enough
power to attract people's loud laugh. Perhaps you'd taken a girl you like and
introduced her to your friends, before it turned out that she, in fact, had
fallen in love with one of your very own buddies.
JOGJA
IS HAPPY-GO-LUCKY
It is not exaggerating to say that
Jogja is a happy-go-lucky city, where life goes on easily, unrushingly. The
rhythm of life here is somewhat slower and calmer, but steady. You wouldn't
need to set off much earlier to school or work-the streets are less crowded
than other cities. You wouldn't need to rush, either, as this is not where you
get military training. You would just need to do everything easily, normally.
JOGJA IS HOME TO EVERYONE,
FROM THE CREATIVE, THE HYPERACTIVE, OR THE LESS ACTIVE ONES
Everyone, from whatever background,
is welcomed with open arms in Jogja-from creative children capable of inventing
new things, hyperactive children who cannot possibly sit still for just a
minute, to those far less active. They will all be given a place of equal
comfort and properness. Jogja welcomes everybody, with not a single exception.
She is like a foster mother who educates her children to be independent
persons. She will never force you to be a Jogjanese; you are the one who will
happily take her as your second home as she made you feel accepted and
appreciated.
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