I never thought I'd have one last out of the country trip before the year ends. I was starting to feel sad. Haha! But a few weeks ago, I surprisingly received an invitation for a 5-day media familiarization tour in *drumroll please*...Yogyakarta, Indonesia!!! I have always wanted to visit "Jogja" after seeing beautiful photos of the Borobudur temple-- and if you know me, you know I LOVE temples and historical sites. I did this trip with Cebu Pacific, Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism, Stratworks and a few media friends and I'd say, it has become one of the highlights of my year! :) It was my first time in Jakarta (briefly so I will be back) and Yogyakarta and it was truly an epic adventure. Read on to know more about our wonderful trip including tips on where to go, where to stay and what to do in the beautiful city of Yogyakarta!
There are no direct flights to Yogyakarta, so we had to take a 4-hour flight to Indonesia's capital & largest city, Jakarta. Cebu Pacific offers daily direct flights between Manila and Jakarta with lowest base fares starting at P1,988!!! Sweet!!! :)
I brought my favorite World Traveller luggage with me that I checked in (could also be handcarried!)
Boarding! Right on schedule!
Yogyakarta Gang! (From Left to Right) Ailene of Stratworks, Gama from the Indonesian Embassy, Gretchen of FilipinaExplorer.com, Christine of Jovial Wanderer, Michelle of Cebu Pacific, Zarah of Windowseat.ph and Kuya Melo of OutofTownBlog.com!
Thanks Kuya Melo for this photo!
Killed time watching Netflix on my RealMe C1 phone using my JBL Reflect Mini BT wireless earphones while eating Cebu Pacific's famous Mini Choco Chip Cookies (sobrang sarap guys!)
We were immediately greeted by these gentlemen at the Soekarno–Hatta International Airport!
We breezed through immigration
Our service was already waiting for us when we stepped outside!
Yogyakarta Gang with our hosts & guides Nuri and Risky!
We boarded the bus, settled in our chosen seats while Nuri gave her welcome remarks (miss you already, girl!) and distributed our sim cards and hotel keycards. So convenient that they already checked us in even before our arrival. Only a few hours in Indonesia and we're already feeling like Queens and Kings! I was sleepy and tired yet full of excitement. We arrived at our first destination shortly...
ARYADUTA HOTEL, JAKARTA
If you're in Jakarta and you want to stay in a comfortable hotel that is just a few minutes walk to Gambir Station (where you could ride a VIP or Executive train going to Yogyakarta or nearby provinces) then book a room in Aryaduta! :) We only stayed there for a few hours but it felt like home! Even though the room was super cozy, I was not able to sleep due to excitement. I thought, I'd just catch up on lost sleep during our 8-hour train ride to Yogyakarta. So anyway, here are photos of my room!
This is their 32 square meter Superior Room!
We were all given our own rooms! Yipee!
Had this king-sized bed all to myself!
Marble bathroom with bathtub and toiletries! Ang bango ng shampoo and bath gel!
Address Jl. KKO Usman & Harun 44-48, Jakarta 10110, Indonesia
T. +62 21 2352 1234 F. +62 21 2351 8600
reservation.jakarta@aryaduta.com
T. +62 21 2352 1234 F. +62 21 2351 8600
reservation.jakarta@aryaduta.com
Good morning, Jakarta!
Didn't get to know you fully, so I'll be back soonest!
Grateful to be here!
Skipped breakfast because we had to leave early for our morning train ride to Yogyakarta!
Headed straight to the VIP entrance in Gambir Station
Our VIP ids!
How do you get to Yogyakarta by train?
* VIP Train - departs from Gambir Station and arrives at Tugu Yogyakarta Station. If you follow me on IG and watch my stories, then you might have seen numerous videos I posted about our epic 8-hour train ride to and from Yogyakarta! We rode the Kereta Wisata Sumatera/Sumatra private coach train and it was awesome. I was told that top government officials, VVIPs, dignitaries and even the President ride this train. I feel so special! You can check this link for rates: http://indorailtour.com/tarif
* Executive - departs from Gambir Station and arrives at Tugu Yogyakarta Station. I had a peek of the executive coach and it looked comfortable too! Seats were spacious and could be reclined. Would love to experience this too in the future! Fare is 325,000 IDR or P1,200 (fare changes depending on season)
* Executive - departs from Gambir Station and arrives at Tugu Yogyakarta Station. I had a peek of the executive coach and it looked comfortable too! Seats were spacious and could be reclined. Would love to experience this too in the future! Fare is 325,000 IDR or P1,200 (fare changes depending on season)
* Business/Economy - departs from Pasar Senen station. Fare is cheaper but trains stop at more stations so trip is a bit longer (less than an hour). Fare ranges from 120,000 - 170,000 IDR.
Executive train
The Executive Class has individual reclining seats. Affordable meals are sold on the train. :)
Business and Economy class has no seat division, but still comfortable (rightmost photos). Both air-conditioned with food available on board for purchase. (photo: https://www.seat61.com/Indonesia.htm)
Waiting for our ride!
Now sharing with you photos of our sweet ride to Yogyakarta-- the VIP SUMATRA TRAIN!
Class pic muna
This VIP private coach (used by the President, government officials and VVIP guests) could be rented for more or less $1600! Up to 22 pax.
What a fun bunch! :)
There are couches, flat screen TV, karaoke, dining area/table, mini bar, kitchen, toilet, movie room
Napped here hehe
And here on our way back to Jakarta hihi
Feeling VIP hehe
The train ride was pleasant and I didn't even notice the hours passing by. I just ate, napped and chatted with everyone along the way. We were also served coffee, tea, snacks, hot/cold towels by the kind staff members on board. Of course, I also didn't miss the picturesque views of the Javanese countryside. The scenic landscape was beautiful! After 8 hours, we finally arrived in Yogyakarta! The VIP train stops at Tulu/Yogyakarta Station which is located in the heart of the city near Malioboro.
Touchdown Tugu Yogyakarta Station!
Our pink shuttle bus was already waiting for us outside!
"Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization in Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Yogyakarta was known with its slogan “Jogja: The Never Ending Asia“ for its endless appeals. Today, it is also renowned as “Jogja Istimewa“, a tagline that elaborates its special values. This city could be described as the cultural heart of Indonesia.
As the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy, Yogyakarta is regarded as an important center for classical Javanese fine arts and culture such as ballet, batik textiles, drama, literature, music, poetry, silversmithing, visual arts, and wayang puppetry. Renowned as a center of Indonesian education, Yogyakarta is home to a large student population and dozens of schools and universities, including Gadjah Mada University, the country's largest institute of higher education and one of its most prestigious."
Source:
From Tugu Yogyakarta station (near Malioboro), it took 1 hour to get to Plataran Heritage Hotel which was perfect because I was able to nap some more. Yey.
PLATARAN HERITAGE Hotel
Plataran Heritage's Entrance
Hotel's exterior
Calming paddy field in front
Javanese decors everywhere
Architecture is a mix of cultivated elegance and colonial charm
Nice spot for a nice dinner date maybe?
Like a painting!
Love the lobby!
Now time for a room tour!!!
This is my beautiful Deluxe Room! For 1,350,000 to 1,800,000 IDR a night, it's totally worth it for such a beautiful hotel!
Deluxe Rooms has a balcony overlooking the pool. Each room features one double bed or two single beds and bathroom with glass shower. Toiletries provided.
Bed was super cozy I wish we could have stayed longer hihi
Balcony overlooking the pool area
Beautiful interiors
We had dinner (and buffet breakfast the next day) at Menoreh Restaurant located inside the hotel near the pool area.
"Menoreh restaurant satisfies all palates with breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets packed with the flavours of international, Indonesian and pan-Asian fare. Savour every delicious moment amid the elegant, inviting environment of its indoor and outdoor dining areas with a delightful view of the pool." Restaurant is open from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Our much awaited dinner! So delish!
After dinner, we were immediately escorted to the hotel's top floor where the spa is located. We were treated to an hour or so of their super relaxing and rejuvenating massage. I didn't want it to end. Haha. I felt super calm and sleepy after. Just what we all needed after a long day. We also had a very early call-time the next day.
Top floor
We were asked to choose an oil. Chose eucalyptus!
Kuya Melo choosing his
My private massage room!
One of the best massages I had in my life. :)
Address: Dusun Kretek, Karangrejo, Borobudur,
Magelang Central Java 56553, Indonesia
T.+62 293 3301888
Magelang Central Java 56553, Indonesia
T.+62 293 3301888
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Went through this gate and then continued walking until we reached the temple ground
Woke up at 3am the next day for our Borobudur Temple Sunrise Tour. I'd be honest, I'm more of a sunset kind of girl (I'm nocturnal and I have insomnia thus not a morning person) so this was a first for me. But what's a simple sacrifice in exchange for such an awe-inspiring and unique experience right? In the end, it was all worth it! We left the hotel at around 4:15 am and reached the top of the temple before 5 am. We mapped out our photo spots while waiting and then reveled in the beauty of the first morning light as it gently wrapped its arms around the world's largest Buddhist temple and the stunning city. It was my first time to do a sunrise tour and my first time in Borobudur Temple and it was an experience I will never forget. :)
Tour and ticket prices. Our tour was 475,000 IDR or P1,700
First morning light with this beautiful view. Worth it.
Thank you Kuya Melo for taking my photos!
"Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple design follows Javanese Buddhist architecture, which blends the Indonesian indigenous cult of ancestor worship and the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. The temple demonstrates the influences of Gupta art that reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. The monument is a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The pilgrim journey begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument, ascending to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades. Borobudur has one of the largest and most complete ensembles of Buddhist reliefs in the world." (source: Wikipedia)
In between the stupas
Group pic!
Wish we had more time to explore
We wore colored outfits (well, I planned mine) so it would would pop in the photo! Hihi. Since it's a temple, we were asked to dress appropriately (I was only able to remove my jacket because it was super early in the morning)
Borobudur Temple from the ground
Address:
Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
ANDONG VILLAGE TOUR
After the temple tour, we were escorted to these waiting horse carriages called Andong, Yogyakarta's traditional means of transportation. It's also similar to our "kalesas". It was a nice and unique way to see and explore the villages around Borobudur! The tour lasted for almost 2 hours. Scroll down below to see the places we visited!
TOFU MAKING
We made a quick stop at this house along the road to see how tofu or "tahu" is made. I first thought it was the same as our "Taho", Manila's sweet local breakfast snack we've all grown to love. Turns out, it's actually tofu! YUMMM. Tahu is one of Indonesia's traditional and staple food. You would see street vendors selling snacks made out of it everywhere.
PAWON TEMPLE
Pawon (known locally as Candi Pawon) is a Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia. Located between two other Buddhist temples, Borobudur (1.75 km to the northeast) and Mendut (1.15 km to the southwest), Pawon is connected with the other two temples, all of which were built during the Sailendra dynasty (8th–9th centuries). It is said that Pawon is slightly older than Borobudur. It's strategic location was said to be intentional, serving as a place to purify the mind prior to ascending Borobudur.
A few steps away from the temple is this local village where locals make traditional brown sugar and other delicacies.
We went inside this traditional house/hut
The owners were pretty shy and they just let us take photos inside
Traditional Jogja house in the village
Thank you Nuri for this photo!
PAWON LUWAK COFFEE
Across the street is the The Original Pawon Luwak Coffee Shop. One of their staff explained to us how coffee is made out of Civet cat droppings, and it's not that icky as I thought it would be! Hihi. We were then led inside to see the adorable Civet cats! If we had the time, I'd probably stay here for a few hours sipping a cup of coffee (or maybe tea hehe) while reading my favorite book. Next time! :)
Such a cutie!
Didn't know Luwak coffee could be life-changing!
So anyway, Luwak coffee is also available for purchase in the café. You could choose between Arabica and Robusta. It's a bit pricey (price ranges from P900-P1500) so I squealed a bit when we were all handed a bag with Arabica coffee inside. Thank you Cebu Pac and Indonesia Tourism! ;)
Headed back to the resort after our Luwak coffee experience!
Beautiful scenic landscape along the along the way on our way back to Plataran Hotel. Even saw Borobudur Temple from afar! :) Can you see it?
PLATARAN BOROBUDUR RESORT & SPA
After our morning tour, we headed back to Plataran Heritage, ate breakfast and then checked out of our rooms. Leaving was bittersweet! I've already fallen in love with my beautiful and cozy room. And so we left the hotel and toured inside two of the most beautiful resorts in Borobudur. First up, PLATARAN RESORT & SPA!
The resort was huge! This is the reception area.
Beautiful view! You could even see Borobudur Temple from afar
We first visited the luxurious PADMA Spa and it was AMAZING.
Price list! :) Price ranges from 600,000 IDR or P2,000 to 1,650,000 IDR or P5,400.
Quite pricey but I think it's totally worth it if only for the amazing view and opulent experience.
The best room! What a view!
Imagine spending hours in here with that beautiful lush green view and a glimpse of the Borobudur Temple.
Here's a peek into the resort's ROYAL SUITE or ROYAL POOL VILLA
"Experience the majesty of the Royal Pool Villas, available in contemporary or traditional Javanese Joglo style. The generous space is furnished with a king-size bed, spacious bathroom with rain shower and bathtub, and a separate living/dining area in selected villas. Immerse in a private outdoor terrace and pool for wondrous relaxation amid lush tropical views."
What a beautiful villa!
Book this room for 4.4M - 6M IDR a night, that's P16,000 to P21,500!
Love this cabana
Click this link to check out or book the resort's other villas:
https://www.plataran.com/hotels-resorts/plataran-borobudur/villas
https://www.plataran.com/hotels-resorts/plataran-borobudur/villas
Cute spot in the resort
Lunch at STUPA Restaurant which is located near the pool area of the resort.
The one on the left is an apple drink, the other one is tamarind with strawberry.
Our delicious lunch spread!
Food coma hehe
Pool area near the restaurants
Click here to know more about the resort:
Address: Dusun Tanjungan, Borobudur,
Magelang Central Java 56553, Indonesia
T. +62 293 788 888
Magelang Central Java 56553, Indonesia
T. +62 293 788 888
VILLA BOROBUDUR
This charming, luxury resort located in the cultural district of Magelang, Borobudur showcases beautiful traditional Indonesian villas and offers authentic Javanese experience. It overlooks rice fields, rivers and the majestic volcanoes of Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu.
Beautiful pool area!
Siddharta Suite
Villa Mahayana has two large hand carved teak wooden joglos; the pendopos (living rooms) of Villa Mahayana. In these pendopos you can relax in comfortable benches and chairs, it has several dining areas and lounge beds. In one of the pendopos the 'Bambu bar' is located where you can enjoy a beer, glass of wine or cocktail, or a Javanese herbal drink (Jamu).
Love the interiors!
Here's a peek inside the Borobudur Suite
King-sized bed
You can check out their other rooms and villas here:
Address:
Borobudur 56553
Magelang Central Java Indonesia
T +62 851 0052 5520
E info@villaborobudur.com
ROYAL AMBARRUKMO
What once served as the Yogyakarta Royal palace and gardens stand today as one of the city’s finest 5-star luxury hotels. A peaceful and serene oasis in the heart of Jogja, the Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta hotel is integrated with Plaza Ambarrukmo shopping mall and walking distance to the city’s historic and cultural districts. The hotel is less than ten minutes from Adisucipto International Airport and minutes away from the city center.
Meticulously renovated, Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta infuses authentic royal tradition, glamour and grace with 21st century modernity and sophistication.
ROOM TOUR!
This is my private sanctuary for 2 nights, their DELUXE DOUBLE ROOM.
My huge toilet
Robes, slippers and they have a clothes iron!
Terrace
My lovely room! I also enjoyed their buffet breakfast! Didn't miss it for 2 days. Hihi.
Click link below to see other rooms:
Address:
Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 81, Yogyakarta 55281 - Indonesia
T: +62 274 488 488
F: +62 274 488 789
Email: info@royalambarrukmo.com
Dinner at IGA SAPI BALI Restaurant
Best Beef Ribs in town!
Okay, I loved the ribs!!! So good. It's so juicy and tender.
This one is Ayam (Chicken) inside a pot. Tastes like green curry, very spicy! Love it.
Ate so much hihi.
T: +62 274 488 488
F: +62 274 488 789
Email: info@royalambarrukmo.com
Dinner at IGA SAPI BALI Restaurant
Address:
Jl. Umbul Permai, Wonorejo, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55581, Indonesia
Phone: +62 851-0085-8938
RARA DJONGGRANG BATIK FACTORY
Our day started early on our last day in the city. Our schedule was PACKED, so much to see so little time! Hehe. Our first stop was this batik factory a few minutes away from the hotel. It's a shop in front but there's traditional batik workshop at the back. Batik making has been a century old Indonesian culture and tradition. Indonesian batik made in the island of Java has a long history of acculturation, with diverse patterns influenced by a variety of cultures, and is the most developed in terms of pattern, technique, and the quality of workmanship.In October 2009, UNESCO designated Indonesian batik as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
My first time in a batik factory. Now I understand why these handmade works of art are priced like that.
Batik making process numbered guide
It was my first time to actually see how handmade batik cloths are made and it was such a unique and immersive experience! Scroll down below for the process...
Capping - printing the pattern on a large cloth using a copper stamp made of intricate designs dipped in hot colored dye
Capping stamps
Instead of stamping, designs could be drawn manually
Canting- traditional batik hand tool
Manual coloring
After coloring, they leave it to dry
It is then submerged in hot water to remove the wax
And then dipped here in a solution to enhance the color
Washing
Art Shop where you can purchase handmade or machine made batik items
Prices of handmade batik items could reach as high as 15M IDR or P50,000 like these scarves!
Or this beautiful shirt that is 7M IDR or P25,000. But kasi naman look at the print! Can't imagine how much hard work and effort were exerted into making this.
Address:
Jl. Tirtodipuran No.18, Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55143, Indonesia
Phone: +62 274 375209
After the batik factory, it was time for some souvenir shopping at MALIOBORO!
you could buy handmade accessories from the streets
Dutch colonial architecture line the street. So beautiful.
Finally, MALIOBORO Shopping Street!
Jalan Malioboro is an iconic street and shopping destination at the heart of Yogyakarta. You will find everything here-- from souvenir to branded items. It's like a big craft market where you could find handmade or machine made batik items, sarongs, bags, shoes, food and many more local products. Don't forget to bring your bargaining skill coz it will come in handy! I suck at it, good thing Nuri was with me to help me out. Thanks Nuri! :)
Went inside the market and was able to score some awesome finds like batik pants, dresses, polos! Continued shopping inside an air-conditioned store where I went crazy and bought so much haha.
So many nice batik cloths!
Bought all of these and more
We still had a lot of places to go to after, mostly temples, and it was scorching hot that day (it was a mistake to wear a long sleeve polo haha) so I decided to use some of the clothes I bought. Best decision! Scroll down below to see my outfit #2 that day hihi.
ROYAL SULTAN PALACE
Gamelan performance
As I mentioned above, Yogyakarta is the only city in Indonesia that is still being ruled by monarchy. The city is currently ruled by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Sultan of the historic Yogyakarta Sultanate in Indonesia, and is also the Governor of the modern Yogyakarta Special Region. The royal family reside in Keraton Yogyakarta or Royal Sultan Palace which is also open to the public for just a very minimal entrance fee (more or less P50).
Tourist entrance
The Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is a palace complex in the city of Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. It is the seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family. The complex is a center of Javanese culture, and contains a museum displaying royal artifacts. It is guarded by the Yogyakarta Kraton Guards. Aside from interesting artifacts, you will see royal palace servants in traditional Javanese clothes roaming the palace grounds.
(see more here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kraton_Ngayogyakarta_Hadiningrat)
That house you see is where the royal family lives. Ground is off-limits though. Tourists can't go beyond that green sign.
This pavilion is off-limits too. We could only take photos from outside.
Love this spot! Can't step on the 2nd level though. Bawal. Hihi.
My new outfit from Malioboro market. Hehe. Anyway, love the main pavilion's ceiling!
Address:
Jalan Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Lunch at Bale Raos
We had lunch at Bale Raos, a nice local restaurant within the palace walls that serves favorite dishes of present and past Kings. You could choose from a wide variety of traditional Javanese dishes prepared using secret palace recipes. It's quite a unique and historic gastronomic experience! It was also explained to me that compared to Balinese cuisine, Javanese dishes are mostly sweet. And I agree! However, it can't be denied that Indonesian dishes are all very tasty regardless of its origin. Love it.
I really enjoyed our main course especially the Tofu Balado (lower right)!
Dessert was Rondo Kepomo which tasted like leche flan/caramel pudding. Delicious but too sweet for me.
Address:
Jalan Magangan Kulon No.1, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55131, Indonesia
Phone: +62 274 415550
PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
After our sumptuous lunch, we next visited the biggest (in Indonesia) and one of the world's largest Hindu temples-- PRAMBANAN! Prambanan or Rara Jonggrang is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound dedicated to the Trimūrti, the expression of God as the Creator (Brahma), the Preserver (Vishnu) and the Transformer (Shiva). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple compound is characterized by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu architecture, and by the towering 47-metre-high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.
For more details click link below:
Entrance fee is $25 per person
Temple complex is huge! Reminds me so much of my favorite Angkor Wat. :)
Amazing details
Candi Sewu is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia with Borobudur as the largest.
Address:
Jl. Raya Solo - Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55571, Indonesia
RATU BOKO Archeological Site
Our last stop that day is Ratu Boko Temple/Palace. According to my research, this place is more of a settlement or an archeological site rather than a temple. It's one of the best places to see the sunset in Yogyakarta with the panoramic Prambanan Plain and Mount Merapi on the background. We were running around the whole day so it was a nice way to cap off our day, just lying on the ground watching planes fly by while waiting for the beautiful sunset. It was perfect. :)
Entrance fee is also $25
According to Lonely Planet: "Kraton Ratu Boko (Palace of King Boko) is a partly ruined Hindu palace complex dating from the 9th century. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Prambanan, it is believed to have been the central court of the mighty Mataram dynasty. There's a large gateway and the platform of Candi Pembakaran (the Royal Crematorium), as well as a series of bathing places staggered on different levels leading down to the village. The sunset view over the Prambanan Plain is magnificent."
While the others were busy exploring the 16-hectare ruins, I decided to take my time and just relax on the grass. I love it.
It's mostly ruins and remains
We were like this the whole trip! Tawang tawa lang sa life. Hahaha!
Airplanes, history and sunset. Best combination.
Afterwards, we ate dinner at some fancy restaurant where we feasted on more delicious Javanese dishes and shared more stories. It was already our last night in Yogyakarta but it felt like I was only starting to know the place. Honestly, I wish we had more time for immersion and discovery. Would have loved to just stroll around, eat more local dishes in Warungs (their version of carinderia), go people watching, etc. Well, why not? I must plan my return trip soon! :)
Woke up early the next day to catch our train ride back to Jakarta!
Rode the same VIP train back to the city
Yogyakarta station's VIP room. So cozy!
From the train station in Jakarta, we were then transported directly to the airport via a private shuttle bus. And then we took a late night Cebu Pacific flight back to Manila!
Until now, I still vividly remember our super fun Jogja adventure. The place has its own charm that just creeps on you, leaving anyone who steps in and out of there completely enamored. It was my first time and while at first it was a huge mystery, I love how it beautifully unraveled day after day. It's an incredible experience I will never forget. Thank you Cebu Pacific and Indonesia's Ministry of Tourism for making one of my travel dreams come true! :) Go na guys, book that flight and go on that trip. It's worth it. Maybe stay a bit longer if you can? And if you've already been there, share with me your stories? Would love to hear them! It might also help those who are currently planning their Yogyakarta escapade. Anyway, thanks for reading and as always, safe travels! :)
Want to see Yogyakarta or Jakarta? Book a flight here now:
Special thanks to:
Cebu Pacific
Stratworks
Nuri & Risky
Nuri & Risky
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