Last month I go to Indonesia. It was my first time to this country, and I feel very excited but also a bit nervous. Many people tell me about Bali, but I want try something different. So I choose Yogyakarta. I read that Yogyakarta is cultural city, with temples, nice peoples, and good food. I book my flight and hotel, and plan to stay just for weekend – two days and one night. Not very long, but I hope to see and feel many things.
I arrive at Adisutjipto Airport in Saturday morning. The weather is warm but not too hot. I take Gojek from airport to my hotel in Prawirotaman area. The driver is very friendly. He ask me where I from and say welcome to Jogja, that is how locals call Yogyakarta. I feel happy already.
My hotel is small but cozy. The staff smile and give me tea when I check-in. I like the decoration, it have Javanese style with wood furniture and batik pattern. I put my bag in room and quickly go out, because I don’t want waste time.
Visiting Borobudur
First I go to Borobudur Temple. I join a small tour, and we drive around 1.5 hour to the temple. The guide explain many things but sometime I don’t understand, but it’s okay. I just enjoy the view. Borobudur is very big and beautiful. There are many stone carvings and Buddha statues. I climb to the top, and take many photo. The sun is very strong, so I wear hat and drink a lot of water.
On the top, I sit for while and just look around. I feel peaceful. I try imagine how people many hundred years ago make this temple. It must be very hard, but the result is amazing. I also meet some local student who want to practice English with foreigner. They ask me few question and we take selfie together. It was cute and funny moment.
After Borobudur, we go back to city. I very tired, but I stop at local restaurant to eat lunch. I try nasi gudeg – they say it’s famous food from Yogyakarta. It made from young jackfruit, egg, chicken, and some sweet sauce. At first, I think it’s strange taste, but after some bite I like it very much. Also it’s not spicy, so I can eat easy.
Malioboro at Night
In evening, I walk to Malioboro Street. It is famous place in Jogja, full of shop and street food. The street is very busy, many people walking, shopping, and also street performance. I buy small batik scarf for souvenir, and also try bakso – Indonesian meatball soup. It was hot and salty, very good for night.
I see a group of musician playing angklung and singing traditional song. The sound is soft and happy. Some people dance, and I also clap hand. I feel like I’m part of the moment. I smile a lot, even though I don’t know anyone. I also see horse cart, called “andong”, and I ride it for fun. It’s little slow but good for see around.
When I back to hotel, my feet very tired but my heart feel full. I take shower and sleep like baby.
Sunday Morning at Prambanan
Next morning, I wake up early because I want to see Prambanan Temple. It’s another famous place near Yogyakarta. I take taxi this time, and arrive there around 8 AM. The sun is already shining strong. Prambanan is Hindu temple, different from Borobudur. The building is tall and look like tower. Very cool.
I walk around and take picture again. I try to read some information board, but the English is little difficult. But I learn that this temple also very old and have story about Rama and Sinta. There is small museum also, I go inside to see photo and old things.
I meet one local man who offer to be my guide. At first I not sure, but he is kind and speak slow, so I say yes. He explain about the earthquake before that damage the temple, and how they rebuild. He also tell me that many people come here to pray and watch Ramayana dance at night. I think next time I come, I want see that show.
Last Lunch and Going Home
Before I go to airport, I stop at small cafe near my hotel. I order kopi susu (coffee with milk) and toast with chocolate. I sit alone but feel happy. I look at my photo in camera and smile. Even it’s just short weekend, I experience so many new things.
Yogyakarta is not big city, but it have big heart. The people are warm and honest. They always smile and help, even when my English not so good. The food is tasty, the culture is rich, and the vibe is calm but also full of color. I think it’s very good place for solo traveler like me.
I wish I have more time. I want visit Taman Sari, see Merapi mountain, and maybe take batik class. But maybe next time. I already plan in my mind, maybe I come again next year. Maybe with friend, or maybe still solo.
Some Small Problem
Not everything perfect, of course. The traffic sometimes crazy, and it’s hard to cross road. Also, I forget to bring sunscreen so I got little bit sunburn. And one time, I lost my way back to hotel because I forgot name of street. But I ask local person, and they help me find it. So problem become small adventure.
Also I learn some Bahasa Indonesia. Just little. Like “terima kasih” (thank you), “maaf” (sorry), and “enak” (delicious). I think local people happy when I try to speak their language, even I say it wrong sometimes.
My Feeling After the Trip
When I sit in airplane back to my country, I feel little bit sad. Two days feel too short. But I also feel proud, because I go alone and not afraid. I meet new people, eat new food, and learn new things. Yogyakarta give me beautiful memory.
Travel is not only about see place, but also about feel the world. And in Jogja, I feel something special. I don’t know how to say it, but maybe it’s the soul of the city.
So, if you thinking about travel to Indonesia, please try visit Yogyakarta. It is simple but magic. I promise, your heart will thank you.
