“It’s Jogja not Yogya!”, I’ve been corrected a hundred of times.
All throughout my stay in Central Java in 2013, I was at the receiving end of the generosity and kindness of Krido and his family. They did not only open their warm home to me, but they also took their precious time in bringing me to the best places there are in the area and endlessly feeding me with the delicious nasi gudeg and different varieties of sambal sauce to pair.
I used this colourful and historic city as my base in exploring three UNESCO World Heritage Sites nearby, namely: Borobudur, Prambanan (together with the Rotu Boko ruins), and Sangiran Early Man Site. The photos in this post, however, are those from Jogjakarta itself.
The historic Tugu Jogja, the most representative landmark of Jogjakarta
The Dutch-built Fort Vredeburg and its front moat. The fort was meant to intimidate the then reigning sultanate of Jogjakarta, hence it was constructed right in front of one of the royal palaces (locally called kraton) of the city.
Mirota Batik is a specialty shop along Malioboro Street, the main thoroughfare of the city. One of the highlights of this boutique is the live demonstration of batik-making. Indonesian batik is in the register of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
A wonderful artwork standing at the heart of Jogjakarta. The city center still has a lot of Dutch colonial-era buildings to boast.
the corridors of the Sumur Gumuling, the eccentric underground mosque inside the Kraton Jogjakarta complex.
The circular well with five staircases at the center of the underground mosque is considered to be a unique architectural feature of the Sumur Gumuling.
Modernity and Antiquity: inside Kampung Taman, the village adjacent to the kraton complex.
Taking a break from the hot weather outside: in an artsy nook in Kampung Taman.
Taman Sari, known to the Dutch as the “Waterkasteel”, used to be the royal bath of the Jogjakarta sultan’s family.
On top of the central tower of the Taman Sari is the former private chamber of the sultan. From here, would have been able to see everything that was happening inside the bath.
The stylized gable of the front gate of the Taman Sari.
One of the best hangout corners in town: Kalimilk, a truly Jogjakarta brand. Durian milkshake – checked.
We traveled more than thirty minutes out of the city (at 11pm!) to go to this eatery (locally called warung). Krido and his cousins told me that this one is their favourite.
Aunt Willy, my “supermom” in Jogjakarta. I felt so safe knowing that I was with her! 🙂
Krido’s mom and dad, who were also in town when I was there, gave me this traditional Indonesian sarong that is typical from their hometown in the Dieng Plateau.
To Krido – I appreciate the gift of friendship. Ours is indeed another proof that it is possible to cultivate deep and meaningful connections from online platforms such as Instagram. Thank you for being with me from my arrival at the Jogja airport, to the magnificent temples and far-flung dig sites we visited, until my day of departure up in Semarang!
Three years and counting 🙂
theberntraveler 