ITS EASY TREKKING PROGRAMS
Some Jogja tour operators offer volcano and mountain climbing and also provide equipment. Mount Merapi tours are the most popular. They vary in difficulty ranging from gazing at spectacular lava views on short treks to an observation point in Kaliurang to getting up in the pre-dawn areas to climb for a closer view. Leisurely strolls or hearty treks through friendly villages and plantations can be done by anyone with a yearning to walk but can also be arranged by travel agents.
The Tourism & Culture Authority of Magelang Regency offers Borobudur Sunrise tours and an Exploring Borobudur & Surrounding Area by Becak (pedicab) tour. Also white water rafting, bicycling, volcano trekking, outbound management training, team building and elephant trekking, along with other cultural courses and programs. For more information, visit their website at www.borobudurcorner.com.
Dieng Plateau
Near Wonosobo, there are remote trails at Dieng Plateau far away from the tourist crowds. Active craters, geothermal energy, lakes, caves, temples and cool mountain air are the main attractions.
Kaliurang Hills
Located 27 km north of Jogja or only an hour by car, Kaliurang lies at the foot at Plawangan hill and is an ideal place to escape the heat and humidity of the city or for getaway retreat. It is a tranquil place in the middle of lush, green, tropical splendor and affordable villas, bungalows, and a range of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and a playground. Those who like hiking can climb Mount Merapi from here, staying overnight in Kaliurang then starting the hike very early in the morning via Kinahrejo village, descending again at noon.
Visitors can enjoy casual walking and bird watching at Pronojiwo forest. At the end of the forest track is Tlogo Muncar waterfall. The local people believe the waterfall is sacred and can make believers look younger. The artificial swimming pool at Tlogo Putri is favored by families. At Tlogo Nirmolo are 22 artificial caves used by the Japanese during World War II. Incredible gas clouds (wedhus gembel) with temperatures up to 600 °C and molten lava from Mount Merapi can be viewed at Boyong observation post. Small entrance fees are charged when entering these places.
Mount Merapi
r />Mount Merapi, the eternally smoking giant, is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia and is cloaked in a sleepy, dense forest. Beyond this are vast stretches of deserted land lying deep in the steep valleys trailing amongst the hills. Sibilant pines and wild grass are the dominant vegetation, adding to the breathtaking panorama. During its resting time between volcanic activities, keen hikers and nature lovers can climb the mountain to experience its abundance of flora and fauna.
Located 27 km north of Jogja, Mount Merapi is 2,920 m above sea level with an average temperature of about 10° C. The difference in temperature between noon and night is approximately 15-16 degrees. There are two hiking tracks to climb Merapi. The first is through Jogja from the south; the second is from the north through Selo village, Boyolali.
To climb from the south, go 27 km north of Jogja to Kaliurang, a small resort town, elevation 1,300 m, then continue to Kinahrejo, the last village at the top of the mountain. Guides, supplies (such as water and snacks) and information are available here. Normally, it takes 6 hours of climbing to reach the peak.
For the northern route, Selo village is 40 km northwest of Solo and is a cool, hilly village (1,500 m) wedged between the north slope of Mount Merapi and the southern slope of Mount Merbabu. Climbers can buy supplies in Selo, where there are also some nice accommodations. To reach the peak should take 6 hours, returning to Selo in approximately 4 hours.
There's an observation post on Plawangan hill reached via a forest trail from Kaliurang for incredible views of molten rocks, bubbling mud and occasionally hot lava pouring forth and leaving long trails of smoke. Another observation post is at Ketep, 30 km east of Magelang. It includes an observation platform, a documentary film and a photo gallery tracing the history of Merapi eruptions. The newest observation post is at Trumpon, Tempel, 17 km north of Jogja. Trumpon has an observation tower, children's park, artificial lake, and a running track.
Mount Merbabu
For those who prefer to view volcanoes in the air-conditioned comfort of a car, there are breathtaking sights of Mount Merbabu (3,150 m) and Mount Merapi on the Selo Pass, to the west of Boyolali. An excellent route to take if visiting Dieng Plateau.
Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour
This ancient palace is 20 km east of Jogja or 3 km south of Prambanan temple.
Amazing trekking through isolated villages, breathtaking views of mysterious landscapes, and a chance to experience the local people's way of life are part of the Ratu Boko Adventure and Cultural Trekking Tour. The highlight of this unforgettable tour is the tremendous silky sunrise overlooking colorful rice fields viewed from Tugel hill.
The trekking starts from the headquarters of Keraton Ratu Boko at 3:00 pm and returns at 9:00 am. Having traced the hills of Ratu Boko up to Tugel hill (or Gunung Pegat), if the weather is fine, participants enjoy sunset while having a rest. The trekking then continues to Candi Ijo, the nearest temple, and overnights in tents, cottages, or in the homes of villagers. Here, visitors can continue to watch superb sunsets and lava flows from Mount Merapi. On the way back to Ratu Boko, breakfast will be served in a small bamboo hut on top of the hill, viewing the towering Mounts Sumbing, Sindoro, Merapi and Lawu and enjoying the ambience of the countryside.
To book sunrise or sunset trekking tours contact PT. Taman Wisata Ratu-Boko, Jl. Raya Prambanan - Piyungan. Phone: +62 (0274) 496-510.
Siung Beach, Gunung Kidul Regency
In Purwodadi village about 35 km southeast of Wonosari town is an asphalt road leading to Siung Beach. The beach lies between two cliffs that are heavenly for climbers because there are at least 250 ways to climb amidst beautiful sea panoramas, rumbling waves and fresh ocean air. The Asian Climbing Gathering that took place here drew 80 participants from 15 Asian countries. There is terraced rice farmland nearby surrounded by a habitat of local monkeys.
CAVING
Very few of the caves burrowed into the hills and mountains surrounding Jogja have actually been explored. However, some have been made easily accessible for visitors, while others remain adventures for “extreme” adventurers.
KULON PROGO
Kiskendo Cave
Kiskendo Cave is located 30 km west of Jogjakarta in the foothills of the Menoreh hills in Girimulya village, Kulon Progo Regency overlooking the Progo River. Surrounded by hills and valleys that create spectacular panoramic views, the park offers camping and hiking. Inside the cave, visitors can see spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
Kiskendo's treasure is a relief at the front of the cave depicting a legend from the Ramayana epic – popularly portrayed in many kecak dances in Bali – of the brothers Sugriwa and Subali waging battle against their enemies. Some of the cave's chambers are said to have been where the fighting took place. This cave is often used by dalangs (“puppet masters”) and their gamelan musicians to achieve spiritual tranquility.
Sumitro Cave
Also located in the Menoreh hills is Sumitro Cave, said to be where the son of Arjuna, a Mahabharata hero, meditated.
DIENG PLATEAU
Semar, Sumur, Jaran & Kawah Sikidang Caves
At 2,000 m above sea level, these caves are primarily used for meditation. Also in the area are colored lakes, geothermal activity and temples.
IMOGIRI
Cerme Cave
Cerme Cave is located in Srunggo village, Selopamioro, Imogiri about 22 km southeast of Jogja. The cave stretches 1.2 km and its floor is covered by an underground current, averaging a depth of about 1-1.2 m. At the end of the cave is a pool in Panggang village, and in addition to the main cave, there are other caves used for meditation: Dalang, Ledhek, Bandhut, and Kaum. To reach the front gate of the cave, visitors must climb up 759 steps.
At night time the view of Jogja to the north appears to be not much more than a thousand sparkling lamps, serene and sleepy. The word cerme is taken from ceramah, or 'lecturing'. In the 15 th century, nine Javanese Islamic apostles known as the Wali Songo, met here to discuss the establishment of the Great Mosque at Demak. Visitors are advised to bring a flashlight, rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping and falling, and dry clothes and shoes for the trip home.
Pegunungan Seribu (Thousand Mountains), Bantul & Gunung Kidul
The karst Pegunungan Seribu (Thousand Mountains) range, which spans Central and East Java, contains hundreds of caves. Some are easily accessible; others are for those who love a challenge.
Selarong Cave
Selarong Cave is located about 14 km south of Jogjakarta in Guwosari village, Pajangan subdistrict. The hill is planted with many klengkeng that characterize the location. Between 1825-1830 this cave was used as the headquarters of Prince Diponegoro's army in the struggle against the Dutch colonial government.
There are also several other interesting sites in the area: Kakung Cave , Putri Cave, a waterfall, Manikmoyo water spring, and villages which make wooden crafts such as statues and masks.
Other caves in the Pegunungan Seribu mountain range are:
Gajah & Jaran: Five-star. Beautiful ornaments.
Grubug: 125 m deep. At the bottom is a river which flows into the Indian Ocean.
Jomblang: Caves with depths of 25-90 m. In some places, connecting tunnels.
Lawa: Bat cave. Popular with guano collectors, who sell it to fertilizer manufacturers.
Sengok: Hippopotamus and human fossils have been discovered here. Believed to be a center of prehistoric life.
Tabuhan (Pacitan, East Java): Has stalactites whose musical tones, when struck, resemble gamelan orchestra musTOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Jogja City | Outside Jogja | Temples & Monuments
The Tourism & Culture Authority of Magelang Regency offers a variety of tours and courses ranging from outdoor activities to culture - including cooking, dance and gamelan classes - and village tours by andong (horse-drawn cart) and becak (pedicab).
For more information, visit their website at www.borobudurcorner.com.
JOGJA CITY
The Keraton (Sultan's Palace)
Jl. Rotowijayan 1, Jogja. Phone: +62 (0274) 373-177.
Keraton Tours: Monday-Sunday
8:00 am - 2:00 pm, Friday 8:00 am - 11:00 am.
HB IX Museum & Keraton Batik Museum (inside the palace):
Open daily: 10:30 am – noon.
Museum Kereta (Royal Carriages Museum),
Jl. Rotowijayan, west of the Keraton: Open daily: 10:30 am – noon. Entrance fees charged.
Daily Activities at the Keraton
All performances are held at Sri Manganti Pendopo, inside the Keraton.
Monday: Javanese Gamelan Music – 10:00 am – noon
Tuesday: Javanese Gamelan Music – 10:00 am – noon
Wednesday: Golek Menak (Wooden) Puppetry (abbreviated performance) - 10:00 am – noon
Thursday: Javanese Court Dance – 10:00 am – noon
Friday : Javanese Poetry Recital – 9:00 – 11 am
Saturday: Wayang Kulit (Leather) Puppetry (abbreviated performance) 9:30 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Wayang Orang (Human performers) – 9:30 am – noon
Built in 1756 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, today the Keraton is the residence of Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and his family as well as a center of Javanese traditional arts and culture. All the buildings, courts, carvings and trees and even their locations within the 14,000 sq. m. Keraton have deep philosophical meanings and are symbolic of human life. The palace, the Tugu Monument and Mount Merapi are positioned in one line, forming a sacred axis. In the old times, the Sultan concentrated his mind along this axis before leading meetings, making decisions or giving orders to his people.
Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Keraton as it was centuries ago. Daily activities open to the public include gamelan music, Javanese poetry readings, court dances, and puppet shows designed to preserve the ancient arts. Many sets of gamelan instruments, antiques, batiks and heirlooms make the Sultan's Palace one of the most interesting tourist sites in Jogjakarta.
During the May 2006 earthquake, several Keraton buildings were damaged: Trajumas building, Tarub Agung building and Mentog Baturana. All other areas have been repaired and are open to visitors.
Puro Pakualam (Pakualam Palace)
Jl. Sultan Agung, Jogja. Phone: +62 (0274) 554-030; 372-161.
Museum open Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Entrance fee charged.
Daily Activities
All performances are held at Sewotomo Pendopo.
Monday: Gamelan & dance training – 5-7 pm
Thursday: Gamelan & dance training – 5-7 pm
Eve of Saturdays Paing (Friday night Legi): Gamelan orchestra – 9:30 pm-midnight
Jogja's “second palace”, Puro Pakualam is located between the Progo and Bogowonto Rivers, about 2 km east of the Keraton. In 1812, in an attempt to stabilize uprisings in central Java and counterbalance the strength of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I, British Lieutenant Governor General Sir Thomas Raffles created a principality within the Keraton Yogyakarta Sultanate and awarded it to one of the Sultan's sons, Prince Notokusumo. The brilliant Prince Notokusumo became Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (K.G.P.A.A.) Paku Alam I and his palace, Puro Pakualam, was completed on March 17, 1813. Today it is the official residence of Prince Paku Alam IX and family.
Puro Pakualam is a magnificent and well-preserved palace, designed by K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam I, who was also an expert in culture and literature. The 5,400 sq. m. compound is a center of Javanese culture where gamelan and dance instructions are held weekly. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful architecture, museum, royal heirlooms and heritage, holy ancestor's culture, tradition, and way of life during the times of the Mataram kingdom.
Taman Sari (Water Castle)
Jl. Taman, Jogja. Open daily 9 am – 3 pm. Entrance fee charged.
Taman Sari, means “fragrant garden”, named for the delicious fragrance emitted by 18 lavish gardens planted with flowers, vegetables and fruit trees that once were part of the compound. It was nicknamed “Water Castle” by the Dutch because of its imposing two-story mansion of Portuguese-Javanese design, now in ruins, which once stood at the center of a huge, man-made lake. Access to the castle was by means of ingenious underwater passageways with small towers placed at regular intervals providing light and ventilation.
Built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I beginning in 1758 and completed in 1765, it was abandoned after his death. In its heyday Taman Sari also included sunken bathing pools, secluded meditation chambers, royal sleeping quarters, rooms for wives and concubines, and a mosque. It is said that the stone block supporting the mosque was taken from the ruins of Kerta, the early 17 th century palace of Mataram's Sultan Agung.
Behind the ruins of the mansion, a tunnel leads to a complex of three partially restored bathing pools, Umbul Binangun. The two larger pools were used by queens, concubines and princesses, while the small southernmost pool was reserved for the Sultan and his chosen partner. Gapura Agung, the western gate, is decorated with reliefs of birds collecting pollen. Sumur Gumuling (“Coiled Well”) is one of the marvels of the complex. Once only reachable by an underwater passageway, it is a circular atrium that is partially open to the sky with galleries on two levels all around. At the bottom of the atrium is a small pool that was once a well. Four staircases extend forming a platform suspended over the well through which the Sultan and his guests could see just above the surface of the surrounding lake. It is believed that this building was once used as a mosque, but it's more likely that it was a meditation retreat reminiscent of the undersea castle of Kangjeng Ratu Kidul, the Queen of the South Sea.
Jl. Malioboro (Malioboro Street), downtown Jogja.
Stores and stalls open 9 am – 8 pm. Food stalls open 5 pm - midnight.
Jl. Malioboro, in the heart of Jogja, is the city's main street and stretches from north to south. It is known as one of the most vibrant tourist attractions in Jogja because the street is flanked on either side by hundreds of street vendors selling a stunning array of souvenirs, handicrafts and accessories.
Jl. Malioboro is also well known for lesehan eateries which pop up along the street at night. Especially popular with the local people, diners sit on mats to have meals or drinks while discussing the events of the day. Favored dishes are nasi gudeg (young jackfruit simmered in coconut milk and spices), sate (skewered, grilled meat served with a sweet peanut sauce) and other specialty foods of the region. Jl. Malioboro is a beehive of activity day and night and is not to be missed when visiting Jogja.
At the southern end of the street is a busy traditional market, Pasar Beringharjo, or Pasar Gede (big market), where local people go to buy handicrafts, traditional foods, batik, clothes and daily needs. To the west of Jl. Malioboro along Jl. Mataram is an area called Pathuk where visitors can find a traditional snack known as Bakpia Pathuk (pastry filled with mung beans, chocolate or black beans) and facilities such as a shopping center, restaurants, hotels and supermarkets.
The Grand Mosque
Jl. Pekapalan, Jogja. Donation appreciated.
This is the royal mosque to the west of the Keraton built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1773 It was designed using Javanese traditional architecture with 36 pillars and unique inlays and is a reflection of the Islamic influences during the glory of the Jogjakarta Sultanate in the past. Today, the Grand Mosque remains a place for praying and holding religious ceremonies such as Idul Fitri (the end of the Muslim fasting month) and Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice). Idul Fitri is celebrated on the 1st of the Javanese month Syawal and Idul Adha is held on the 10 th day of the Javanese month Besar.
Traditional ceremonies are also held here. Every year at Gerebeg Keraton guards carry gunungan, yellow rice in the shape of a mountain, in a procession from the Sultan's Palace to the courtyard of the Grand Mosque. Gerebeg is taken from the Javanese word meaning “noisy”, indicating the activity of visitors and the footsteps of the Keraton guards. The Gerebeg ceremony is held on the 12th day of the Javanese month Maulud commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
Vredeburg Fort & Benteng Budaya Museum
Jl. Jend. Ahmad Yani No. 6, Jogja. Tel: (0274) 586-934, 510-996. Open Tuesday – Thursday 8.30 am - 2.00 pm, Friday 8.30 - 11.00 am, Saturday – Sunday 8.30 am – noon. Entrance fee charged.
Located north of the Central Post Office (built in 1910), Vredeburg Fort was built by Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I for the Dutch in 1760. It was reconstructed by Dutch colonial Governor WH Van Osseberch in 1787 and renamed ‘Rusternberg'. In 1867, an earthquake caused extensive damage. Following further restoration the name was changed back to ‘Vredenburg', meaning the fortress of peace. It was used as a military headquarters during the Dutch, English, and Japanese occupations and included barracks, officers' quarters, a hospital warehouse and a jail. From 1945 until 1947 it functioned as the Indonesian military headquarters. Within the complex there's an entrenchment connected by a little bridge, and the main gate leads to the inner complex where 13 buildings including a bam, houses, and halls. The old fort now houses a museum showing the history of Indonesian independence with dioramas, replicas, photos, and paintings. The old barracks have been converted into exhibition halls which frequently display visual arts.
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