Indonesia 2008: Jogjakarta and Solo Trip

"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him..." - James D Miles

(Wooden dolls - A traditional dancers)

Jogjakarta & Solo Trip

(28 May - 1 June 2008)

Hubby and I joined the BNM Puspanita Kijang group, for a journey to Jogjakarta dan Surakarta.

(The Ardent Travelers)

Jogjakarta and Surakarta weren’t just any destinations. They had always been on my travel list - Places that evoked images of ancient temples, shadow puppets, and timeless Javanese grace. When I finally set foot in this cultural heart of Indonesia, I felt an instant connection. There was something deeply soulful about the city - the way the morning mist lingered over the rice fields, the calm faces of the locals, and the gentle rhythm of life that seemed untouched by time. My days here were filled with wonder, from exploring centuries-old temples to wandering through lively markets where tradition and creativity meet.

It was an experience that quietly spoke to the heart.

(The Puspanita Kijang)

Jogjakarta/Surakarta Itinerary:
Day 01: Jogjakarta -The Journey Begins...
Day 02: Jogjakarta - Exploring the Spirit of Jogja...
Day 03: Jogjakarta - The Mountain of Fire and the Temple of Light...
Day 04: Surakarta - The Royal City...
Day 05: Surakarta - Goodbye to a beautiful adventure...

2008 Jogjakarta: 01 The Journey Begins...

“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams...” - Dr. Seuss

(Characters in Shadow Puppetry)

Day 01: Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Route: KL - Solo - Jogjakarta

Hotel: Hotel Mutiara, Jogjakarta

We started the day before dawn, our cab arriving at 3.30 a.m. to take us from the apartment to KL Sentral. From there, the familiar LCCT bus awaited, ferrying our sleepy but excited group toward the airport. The check-in went smoothly under the capable hands of our tour agent, Nazran, who would be accompanying us throughout the trip.

(Crossing the tarmac at Solo Adisumarmo Airport)

 
Our flight landed safely at Adisumarmo Airport, Solo, where we were greeted with warm smiles from Pak Kiki, our local guide. Soon after, we boarded the tour bus bound for Jogjakarta. Halfway through the journey, however, the bus unexpectedly stalled - a reminder that even the best-laid travel plans come with surprises. We spent nearly an hour by the roadside waiting for a replacement bus, chatting, laughing, and watching the world go by as the morning sun rose higher.

(A cramped mini-coaster)

By the time we reached Hotel Mutiara, we were ready for a rest. Some of the group headed straight out to Malioboro Street, the bustling heart of Jogja’s shopping scene, lined with rows of lively stalls and sidewalk vendors. I chose instead to take a short nap, letting the fatigue of travel melt away.

 

(Refreshed after a long cool shower)

As evening fell, we hopped on an andong, a traditional horse-drawn carriage, and rode through the city’s charming streets to the Royal Restaurant for a buffet dinner. The air was cool and fragrant, filled with the rhythmic clip-clop of the horses. Dinner was a pleasant mix of local dishes and laughter shared among new friends. Later that night, I ended the day with a soothing traditional Javanese massage at the hotel spa - the perfect way to unwind after our long but memorable first day in Jogjakarta.

(Riding the Andong around town)

(Royal Garden Restaurant for dinner)

2008 Jogjakarta: 02 Exploring the Spirit of Jogja...

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals...” - J.K. Rowling

(Batara Kala, the Hindu-Buddhist God)

Day 02: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Route: Exploring Jogjakarta
Hotel: Hotel: Hotel Mutiara, Jogjakarta

Morning came gently over Jogjakarta, with soft rays of sunlight spilling through the curtains. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the heart of the city - a place where history and daily life still intertwine beautifully.

Our first stop was the Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace, a living symbol of Javanese culture and heritage. Situated right in the centre of Jogjakarta, the Kraton isn’t just a palace - it’s a community where royal traditions continue to thrive. Within its walls, we walked through grand courtyards and open halls, listening to the faint sounds of gamelan music echoing from afar. It felt as though time had slowed, allowing us to step back into a more graceful age.

(The Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat) 

(Dwarapala statues, giant gatekeepers)

(Bangsal Mandalasana, a bandstand within the palace)

(Intricate carvings and decorations of the Kraton)

(A group of Abdi Dalem, servants of the Kraton)

(Visiting the Kraton's Museum)

Just nearby stood the Taman Sari, or Water Castle - once the royal garden where the sultan and his family came to rest and reflect. Although many parts of it have been reclaimed by time, the charm remains. The moss-covered walls, hidden passageways, and tranquil pools whispered stories of a bygone era.

(The entrance to Taman Sari, the Water Castle)

(Intricate carvings on the wall)

(Built in the 18th Century, a blend of Javanese and Portuguese)

(The Sumur Gemuling entrance, an underground mosque)

(Dragon statue at Taman Sari)

(A holiday castle for the Royal family)

(The private swimming pool in the Water Castle)

(Leaving Taman Sari via Gedhong Gapura Panggung gate)

We passed by the lively bird market, where colourful cages filled the air with cheerful chirps and chatter, before heading to Kota Gede, famous for its intricate silverwork. The delicate craftsmanship on display was simply captivating - every piece told its own story in shining detail. We also made a brief stop at Kampung Kasongan, a small artisans’ village known for its pottery and handmade souvenirs.

(The silverwork shop)

Lunch was served at a lovely local restaurant overlooking a stretch of lush paddy fields. The gentle breeze carried the scent of the earth and the soft rustle of rice stalks - a simple but peaceful moment that remains vivid in my memory.

(A restaurant with scenic paddy fields view)

(A neat rows of paddy plants)

In the afternoon, we travelled south to Parangtritis Beach, a vast stretch of black sand where the waves of the Indian Ocean crash endlessly against the shore. The day was hot and windy, and as we stood watching the rolling surf, I could feel both the power and calm of nature blending in perfect rhythm. From there, we stopped at Kampung Manding, a small village known for its leather goods, before heading back to the city.

(A beautiful black sand beach)

(A hot sunny day at the beach)

(Riding the dolman, a traditional 2-wheeled horse drawn carriage)

Dinner was at a local Nasi Padang restaurant, where dishes were served in generous portions and bursting with flavour - spicy rendang, sambal, and fragrant rice that filled the table. The night ended with an easy stroll along Malioboro Street, soaking in the energy of the crowds, street musicians, and glittering shopfronts. We wandered through Matahari Mall for some window shopping before returning to the hotel - our hearts full and our feet pleasantly tired from another beautiful day in Jogjakarta.

(Resto Kapau Melawai - a Padang restaurant)

(Shopping for souvenirs)

2008 Jogjakarta: 03 The Mountain of Fire and the Temple of Light...

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel...” - Maya Angelou

(The Gamelan - Traditional music of Java)

Day 03: Friday, May 30, 2008

Activity: Mount Merapi - Borobudur

Hotel: Hotel Mutiara, Jogjakarta

The morning began with a sense of quiet excitement. After breakfast, we boarded the bus and headed north toward Kampung Kaliadem, a small village that offers one of the most breathtaking views of Mount Merapi - Indonesia’s most active volcano.

Rising majestically into the sky, Merapi lives up to its name, which means Mountain of Fire. Its slopes were serene that morning, yet beneath the calm lay a constant reminder of its power. Smoke drifted lazily from the summit, and the guide told us that Merapi remains active nearly all year round. Standing there, surrounded by nature’s silence and the soft whisper of the wind, I couldn’t help but feel humbled - a quiet awe before something both beautiful and fearsome.

(The still active Gunung Merapi)

(Ruins near the base of the mountain)

(The mountain is covered with clouds and smoke)

(Surrounding barren land) 

On the way down, we stopped at Kampung Turi, where stalls were filled with piles of the curious salak fruit, known as snake fruit for its reddish-brown scaly skin. We tasted a few - sweet, crisp, and slightly tangy - before continuing our journey toward Magelang Province.

(The famed Salak Pondoh of Jogjakarta)

(Baskets full of salak fruits)

(Waiting in line to buy the salak fruits)

By midday, we arrived at the magnificent Borobudur Temple, one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nothing quite prepares you for that first sight - the vast, symmetrical stone structure rising like a mountain of quiet devotion from the green plains. Built in the 8th century from over 55,000 square metres of volcanic stone, Borobudur is both an architectural wonder and a spiritual sanctuary.

(The magnificent Borobudur from far)

(A UNESCO World Heritage Site)

(The start of the climb)

(Taking a breather before climbing to the 9th level)

(The panoramic view from the top)

(The famous Buddhist Temple of Borobudur)

 
We climbed its steep terraces slowly, each level revealing panels of intricate carvings that told ancient stories of Buddha’s life and teachings. At the summit, the air was still and pure. Rows of bell-shaped stupas surrounded a single large dome at the centre, symbolising the path to enlightenment. Standing there, I felt a deep calm wash over me - a moment of peace that words could hardly capture.

(Photos at various levels)

(Statues of Buddha inside the bell-shaped stupas)

(1400 stone relief panels of Borobudur)

 
Before returning to the city, we also stopped by the smaller Pawon and Mendut temples, aligned perfectly in a straight line with Borobudur - an arrangement that still fascinates historians and visitors alike.

 
Our day ended with a visit to a batik factory, where we watched skilled artisans bring colours and patterns to life using traditional wax-and-dye techniques. Of course, a few of us couldn’t resist bringing home some beautiful fabrics as souvenirs.

Dinner that evening was something different - a lively teppanyaki meal at the mall, where chefs dazzled us with their speed and flair. Back at the hotel, we treated ourselves once again to a gentle traditional massage, easing the aches from the day’s adventures. It was the perfect ending to a day filled with wonder, history, and quiet reflection.

2008 Solo: 04 The Royal City of Surakarta...

“I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying...” - Oscar Wilde

(Wayang kulit)

Day 04: Saturday, May 31, 2008
Route: Jogjakarta - Solo
Hotel: Hotel Riyadi Palace

Our last morning in Jogjakarta began quietly. After breakfast, we packed our bags and checked out of Hotel Mutiara, ready to continue our journey eastward to Solo, officially known as Surakarta - a city often described as Jogjakarta’s twin in culture and royal tradition.

As our bus rolled through the streets, we passed by Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia’s oldest and most prestigious university. The campus, with its leafy avenues and proud academic halls, seemed to embody the intellect and modern spirit of the nation. A short while later, the outline of the Prambanan Temple complex appeared on the horizon - another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most magnificent Hindu temples in Southeast Asia.

(The Prambanan Temple, the 9th century Hindu Temple)

 
Even from afar, Prambanan’s tall, pointed spires were breathtaking. Dedicated to the Trimurti - Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer - its architecture felt both powerful and poetic. As I gazed up at the towering central shrine, I thought of how faith and artistry have always intertwined so beautifully in Java’s landscape.

 

(The temple is under major renovation)

From there, the drive toward Solo revealed a different rhythm of life - calmer, more traditional, yet just as captivating. We stopped at Busana Muslim and a few local shops to browse through colourful fabrics, batik, and local delicacies. The group’s energy was infectious; every stop seemed to end with laughter and shopping bags filled with souvenirs.

(A local scene - horse carriage on the street)

(Pusat Oleh-oleh for snacks souvenirs)

(Karita Muslim Square - the ladies favorite)

By afternoon, we checked into Hotel Riyadi Palace, an elegant old hotel that seemed to hold echoes of royal stories within its walls. Later, we took a trishaw ride to Solo Mall, enjoying the easy pace of the ride through the streets as evening lights began to glow.

(Riyadi Palace Hotel, Solo)

(A comfortable cozy room)

(A trishaw ride to Solo Mall)

Dinner at the hotel restaurant was simple yet satisfying, followed by a session of traditional body massage - something of a ritual for us by now. The skilled hands of the masseuse worked away the day’s fatigue, leaving us refreshed and relaxed. That night, I slept deeply - the kind of rest that only comes after a day filled with discovery and contentment.