Visit Jogja Indonesia

Indonesia Climate and Clothing:
Draped over the equator, Jogja-Indonesia tends to have a fairly uniform climate - hot. It's hot and wet during the wet season (October to April) and hot and dry during the dry season (May to September). Temperatures climb to about 31°C(88°F) in coastal regions, dropping further inland. The best time to visit Indonesia is from April to October.

Indonesia Language: English, Javanese, Sundanese (especially in Jogja : Javanese)

If you are go to Indonesia you can buy or shopping: Favorite buys are batik cloth, woodcarvings and sculpture, silverwork, woven baskets and hats, bamboo articles, krises (small daggers), paintings and woven cloth. At small shops, bartering might be necessary. Shopping hours generally run Mon-Sun 1000-2100. Most local markets open either very early in the morning or at dusk.

Borobudur

THE ENCHANTMENT OF CANDIREJO VILLAGE dan MENOREH HILL

THE ENCHANTMENT OF CANDIREJO VILLAGE dan MENOREH HILL

To the south of Borobudur Temple, there is hill stretching hundreds kilometers from Central Java to the border of West Java. This hill is called BUKIT MENOREH. Based on geological research, thousands years ago this hill was an active range of volcano. On the slope and back of the hill stretches people's plantation and at the foot of it live communities that are divided into several villages.. One of them is Candirejo village. Most of people in Candirejo are farmers who rely their life on agriculture.

by timoho travel

Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau

Dieng Plateau (northwest of Borobudur, near Wonosobo) makes a marvelous outing if for no other reason than the beautiful drive. Tourists rarely make the day long trip from Jogja to the plateau and back, so chances are you will have it to yourself. A passage through deep valleys in the shadows of magnificent volcanoes studded with coffee, tea and tobacco leads to the rugged magnificence of the plateau, the surrounding earth steaming with geothermal activity.

Dieng Plateau is the site of some of the earliest known Hindu temples on Java, believed to have been built in the ninth century. Two other stops away from the temples are Goa Semar, a cave where the spirit of Semar, a character in the Hindu Mahabarata legend, is said to reside and Telaga Warna, the eerie Colored Lakes. A word of caution: Occasionally gases caused by seismic activity are present on Dieng Plateau. Use common sense and follow the lead of the local residents. If they begin evacuating the area, all visitors should too.

Yogyakarta and Central Java Tourist Attractions

Yogyakarta and Central Java Tourist Attractions

Yogyakarta (Jogja) and Surakarta (Solo) are the centers of classical Javanese culture, kept alive by the patronage of the royal families of the two cities. Gamelan orchestras, sultans’ palaces, graceful dancers, buffalo-hide puppets and batik decorated with spiritual motifs all play important roles in the lives of even the most modern Javanese.

The highlands of Central Java are rich with historical and archeological sites, and more ruins are uncovered each year, usually by farmers plowing their fields. The magnificence of Borobudur monument in Magelang is an unequaled example of Buddhist architecture.

In western Central Java, the cool mists of Dieng Plateau surround silent temple ruins, smoking volcano craters and steaming geothermal energy. In 1891, at Sangiran (near Solo), archaeologists discovered remains of one of mankind’s early ancestors, Java Man. There’s a small museum there housing bones and fossils.

Not largely promoted, but growing in popularity is the “other side” of tourism in the Yogyakarta / Central Java region: early-morning lava watching at Mount Merapi, volcano climbing, caving, river rafting, and bicycling through small villages. The south coast, shrouded in legends of the mystical sea goddess Nyi Roro Kidul, houses beaches where freshly-caught fish are cooked on-site to diners’ specifications. And off the north coast, in the Karimunjawa Islands, PADI certification and scuba diving are relatively undiscovered.

For the less adventurous, Yogyakarta and Central Java Provinces offer a wide range of starred hotels and resorts, spas, golf courses and fine dining. There are many fine language schools in Jogja, attracting students of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Jawa (Java) from around the world.

Yogyakarta and Central Java Tourist Attractions

Yogyakarta and Central Java Tourist Attractions

Yogyakarta (Jogja) and Surakarta (Solo) are the centers of classical Javanese culture, kept alive by the patronage of the royal families of the two cities. Gamelan orchestras, sultans’ palaces, graceful dancers, buffalo-hide puppets and batik decorated with spiritual motifs all play important roles in the lives of even the most modern Javanese.

The highlands of Central Java are rich with historical and archeological sites, and more ruins are uncovered each year, usually by farmers plowing their fields. The magnificence of Borobudur monument in Magelang is an unequaled example of Buddhist architecture.

In western Central Java, the cool mists of Dieng Plateau surround silent temple ruins, smoking volcano craters and steaming geothermal energy. In 1891, at Sangiran (near Solo), archaeologists discovered remains of one of mankind’s early ancestors, Java Man. There’s a small museum there housing bones and fossils.

Not largely promoted, but growing in popularity is the “other side” of tourism in the Yogyakarta / Central Java region: early-morning lava watching at Mount Merapi, volcano climbing, caving, river rafting, and bicycling through small villages. The south coast, shrouded in legends of the mystical sea goddess Nyi Roro Kidul, houses beaches where freshly-caught fish are cooked on-site to diners’ specifications. And off the north coast, in the Karimunjawa Islands, PADI certification and scuba diving are relatively undiscovered.

For the less adventurous, Yogyakarta and Central Java Provinces offer a wide range of starred hotels and resorts, spas, golf courses and fine dining. There are many fine language schools in Jogja, attracting students of Bahasa Indonesia or Bahasa Jawa (Java) from around the world.

Recreation and Leisure

Recreation and Leisure

Home to Indonesia’s largest university dedicated to the arts, there is always a selection of art exhibitions and dance performances available in Jogja. Several art spaces offer interesting programs for the public. Hours are usually 9 am-12 noon and 5-9 p.m. Exhibitions and discussions are generally free, but there may be a small charge for films. As exhibitions and opening times are continually changing, call for current schedules.

• Bentara Budaya: Jl. Suroto 2, Kota Baru. Tel: (0274) 560-404. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions.
• Cemeti Art House: Jl. D. I. Panjaitan 41. Tel: (0274) 371-105, Email: cemetiah@indosat.net.id. Fine art and modern art exhibitions, book discussions and performances.
• French/Indonesian Cultural Center (LIP): Jl. Sagan 3. Tel: (0274) 566-520. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions, performances, library.
• Kedai Kebun: Jl. Tirtodipuran 3. Tel: (0274) 376-114, Email: kkforum@indosat.net.id. Art exhibitions, performances, book discussions.

Tennis, swimming and fitness centers are found in large hotels, most payable on a per use basis. Sightseeing is also popular, as are language schools and batik courses. Nearby are river rafting, lava-watching, volcano climbing, trekking, caving and bird watching opportunities. Beaches to the south are not suitable for swimming because of strong undertows but are good for strolling and freshly-caught fish meals cooked to order. The Yogyakarta American Jeep Club holds off-road rallies and there is paragliding near Borobudur. A movie theater complex is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of 2005. And Jogja’s first bowling alley opened in 2005.

Jogja has two Hash House Harrier groups. Notices of the times and locations of their runs and contacts for the groups are listed in Jogja’s local newspaper, Kedaulatan Rakyat. One group even provides transportation, picking up on Jl. Mangkubumi and delivering to the site, if necessary. Alternatively, simply go to the site of the next run at the stated time and you can register on the spot.

Golf courses suiting a wide variety of skills and time limitations range from the 9-hole beginner course at Hyatt Regency Jogja to the 18-hole Merapi Golf Course, one of the best in the area, used for international tournaments. Others are Adisucipto Golf Club, 18 holes near the Jogja airport; and Tidar Golf Course in Magelang (near Borobudur), 18 holes.

Far more affordable than in western countries, spa and beauty treatments are on practically every expat’s leisure time activity list. Nearly all Jogja and Central Java spas incorporate traditional Javanese massage (with some offering European techniques too) and Javanese lulur, a body scrub once enjoyed only by royalty. Favored are the Hyatt Regency Jogja Spa and the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa at the Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta. Several of Java’s spas are owned or operated by companies specializing in jamu (traditional herbal beauty concoctions) and feature their products. One of the best known is Martha Tilaar, on Jl. Cendrawasih. Outside of Jogja, Hotel Puri Asri in Magelang also has a spa as does Losari Coffee Plantation Resort & Spa near Magelang.

Understand

Understand

Map showing the location of Yogyakarta within Indonesia

By plane to Jogja

By plane

Yogyakarta's Adisucipto International Airport (JOG), 8 km east of town, is a small but busy domestic hub presently (2005) undergoing renovation and expansion. There are near-hourly connections on Garuda to Jakarta (50 minutes) and Denpasar, while other domestic airlines service major cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. The "international" part of the name comes from Garuda's thrice-weekly direct services to Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Singapore.

There is a tourist information desk, ATM and taxi stand in the arrivals hall. A metered taxi to the city or direct to Prambanan costs about Rp 20,000. A departure tax of Rp 25,000 is charged for domestic flights.

Another option is to take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Solo (SOC) with the discount airline Air Asia. There is bus service connection Solo to Yogyakarta. A direct taxi cost around Rp 300,000.

Dining

Dining

A city of students looking for cheap meals, Jogja is filled with lesehan-style (“mobile”) eating spots that pop up on the sidewalks just before dusk. Seating is on floor mats, and they serve everything from noodles to steaks. Street musicians often provide impromptu entertainment in exchange for coins. International and Indonesian cuisine are served in upscale restaurants, particularly in the hotels. Two popular restaurants outside hotels are Gadjah Wong and Gabah. International fast food outlets include McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Pizza Hut.

Schools (Jogja and Central Java)

Schools (Jogja and Central Java)

Yogyakarta International School has 50 or so students, pre-kindergarten through 8th grade, with grades 9-12 opening beginning with the 2005 school year.

YOGYAKARTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Jl. Kaliurang Km. 5
Pogung Baru Blok A-18
Jogja 55284
(P.O. Box 1175, Jogja 55011)
Tel: (62-274) 586 067; 545 464
Fax: (62-274) 586 067
Email: info@yis-yog.sch.id
Website: http://www.yis-yog.sch.id

Mountainview International Christian School in Salatiga (two hours northeast of Jogja) has ±140 students, pre-kindergarten through senior high school. Semarang International School in Semarang, ±70 students, pre-school through junior high. Preschools are also available.

Shopping

Shopping

Jogja currently has two shopping malls (Malioboro and Galeria) with a growing number of internationally branded shops and many local ones. Two more malls are currently under construction, scheduled for completion in 2006. Matahari is the main department store and Hero the primary supermarket. The hypermarket Makro has recently opened on the north Ringroad. Shops carrying English language books include Gramedia and Periplus. Periplus in Malioboro Mall has a pleasant café attached.

The clothing found in Jogja shops is primarily sized for small Indonesians. There are a number of penjahit (tailors) who can make clothing to fit any size, but at the onset larger-framed foreigners should bring an ample supply of clothes from home.

With several golf courses nearby and a growing interest in trekking and camping among Indonesians, there are many specialty shops carrying goods aimed at these markets. Footlocker is one of several athletic shoe shops in Jogja, but again, the selection of sizes is geared toward smaller Indonesian feet.

Consulates

The nearest American Consulate is Surabaya. Tel: (62-31) 295-6400.

Honorary Consulate of France in Yogyakarta
Jalan Pandega Marta VI/4
Catur Tunggal, Yogyakarta 55281
Phone (0274) 560 663
Fax (0274) 560 663
Email consulat@azimuth-travel.com

Honorary Italian Consulate
Jalan H 1 Pogung Baru Catur Tunggal, Y
Yogyakarta 55281
Tel. (0274) 562-763 Fax (0274)562-763
Email flaviotommasi@jogjamedianet.com

Medical for Expat in Jogja

from www.expat.or.id

Medical

There’s a new Korean-owned medical center in Jogja with the incongruous name Happy Land. With state-of-the-art equipment, foreign trained doctors (some are specialists, others are general practitioners) and a 20-bed hospital, it is a clean and efficient choice for in-Jogja medical care. Happy Land Medical Centre, Jl. Ipda Tut Harsono 53 (Timoho), Jogja. Tel: (0274) 550-058; 550-060; Fax: 550-061; Email: happyland@tripillar-online.com, www.happyland.co.id.

Some expats are using Asia Medika Klinik. Dr. Paulus, who speaks English and has several years’ experience treating foreigners in Bali, can arrange medical evacuation to Singapore if the need arises. Asia Medika Klinik, Jl. Abubakar Ali No. 3, Jogja 53224. Emergency tel: (0274) 748-2100; 748-3100.

There are several other hospitals in Jogja but only three are recommended for expats. For hospital stays: Rumah Sakit Panti Rapih, a private hospital run by Catholics, is clean, has pleasant surroundings, nice nursing service and competent doctors. Offers acupuncture in its integrated medicine department. For emergency service: Rumah Sakit Bethesda, a private hospital run by a Protestant foundation, has the best emergency services. Also offers acupuncture and jamu (herbal medicines) as part of its integrated medicine regime. Prior to Happy Land, the most advanced, modern equipment could be found at Rumah Sakit Sarjito, a public hospital at University of Gadjah Mada. The drawback is that it’s known for poor nursing service, as the nurses are primarily students in training.

Many expats still prefer to go to Jakarta, Singapore or their home countries for elective care.

Expat living in Jogja

from www.expat.or.id

Expatriate Community

Jogja’s small expatriate community is largely comprised of artists, students, teachers, aid workers and exporters (i.e. furniture, handicrafts and natural fiber handbags). The largest group of foreigners is Koreans.

Opportunities for weekend and family activities abound. (See “Yogyakarta & Central Java Sites” below.) How expats choose to spend their evenings or where they hang out depends largely on their ages and lifestyles. Outside the hotels: for the young and young-at-heart there are many coffee shops serving somewhat average cups of “Java” and desserts, a growing number of “lounges” where alcoholic beverages are served, and one music club, Java Café, that’s popular with Westerners. In the hotels (international chains include Sheraton, Hyatt, Quality and Mercure, among others) are the usual bars and restaurants. Hotels frequently offer special foods, such as barbecue or Mexican food.

Ganesha Statue

The compound is assembled of eight main shrines or candis, and more than 250 surrounding individual candis. The three main shrines, called Trisakti (Ind. "three sacred places"), are dedicated to the three gods Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Keeper and Brahma the Creator.

The Shiva shrine at the center contains four chambers, one in every cardinal direction. While the first contains a three meter high statue of Shiva, the other three contain smaller statues of Durga, his wife, Agastya, his teacher, and Ganesha, his son. The statue of Durga is also called temple of Loro Jongrang (slender virgin), after a Javanese princess, daughter of King Boko. She was forced to marry a man she did not love, Bandung Bondowoso. After long negotiations she eventually agreed to the marriage, under the condition that her prince built her a temple ornamented with 1000 statues, between the setting and the rising of the sun. Helped by supernatural beings, the prince was about to succeed. So the princess ordered the women of the village to set a fire in the east of the temple, attempting to make the prince believe that the sun was about to rise. As the cocks began to crow, fooled by the light, the supernatural helpers fled. The prince, furious about the simple trick, changed Loro Jongrang to stone. She became the last and the most beautiful of the thousand statues.

The two other main shrines are that of Vishnu, to the north, and the one of Brahma, facing to the south. In front of each main temple is a smaller candis on the east side, dedicated to the mounts of the respective god - the bull Nandi for Shiva, the gander Angsa for Brahma, and Vishnus Eagle Garuda, which serves as the national symbol of Indonesia (cf. also to the airline Garuda Indonesia).

The bas-reliefs along the twenty sides of the temple depict the Ramayana legend. They illustrate how Sita, the wife of Rama, is abducted by an evil ogre. The monkey king Hanuman brings his army to help Rama and rescue Sita. This story is also shown by the Ramayana Ballet, regularly performed at full moon in front of the illuminated Prambanan complex.

The temple complex is surrounded by more than 250 individual temples of different sizes, called Pewara, believed to have been offered to the king as a sign of submission. The Pewara are arranged in four rows around the central temples, according to the rank of the people allowed to enter them. While the central row was accessible to the priests only, the other three were reserved for the nobles, the knights and the simple people respectively.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia, located in central Java, approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta (7°45′8″S, 110°29′30″ECoordinates: 7°45′8″S, 110°29′30″E). It was built around 850 CE by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya dynasty. Not long after its construction, the temple was abandoned and began to deteriorate. Reconstruction of the compound began in 1918. The main building was completed in around 1953, since it is next to impossible to find the original stonework, which has often been stolen and reused at remote construction sites. A temple will only be rebuilt if at least 75% of the original stones are available. Therefore only their foundation walls of most of the smaller shrines are visible and they will not be rebuilt.

Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.

THE BOROBUDUR DECLARATION

THE BOROBUDUR DECLARATION

The Borobudur Declaration initiated by Indonesian Government and it was declared on 28 August 2006 in Borobudur, Magelang, Center of Java. This is a form of friendship among the ASEAN nations such as: Indonesian, Kampuchea, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. They are the nations which are related to Buddhism of their history at the past.

The idea of the declaration is the background of the history and other similarity in cultural side. The content of it is the commitment among them to develop together the tourism through the management and promotion of the cultural heritage in a form of cooperation on pilgrimage tour and cultural tourism.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world. This colossal relic of Borobudur Temple was built by Sailendra dynasty between 750 and 842 AD; 300 years before Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, 400 years before work had begun on the great European cathedrals. Little is known about its early history except that a huge workforce - sculptors, plasterers, master masons, painters - must have been labored in the tropical heat to shift and carve the 60,000 Cu m of stone.

Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles revealed Borobudur Temple in 1814. He found the temple in wined condition and ordered that the site be cleared of undergrowth and thoroughly surveyed. The massive restoration project began from 1905 to 1910 led by Dr. Tb. van Erp. With the help of UNESCO, the second restoration to rescue Borobudur was carried out from August 1913 to 1983.