Meeting at 5:00am / Flyting to Jogjakarta at 6:00am!

Got up at 4:00 in the morning and arrived at the airport at 5:00. A domestic flight is required to check in one hour before the flight. Normally the guide picks you up at hotel.	At first, baggage inspection. It is convenient to pack the stuffs into a small back to bring to the airplane.	Recieve a ticket at Lion Air counter.
There is Garuda Indonesia counter next to Lion Air one which also has flights to Jogjakarta.	Here's my ticket. 27B.	IMPORTANT NOTICE!! We pay the airport tax, Rp. 40,000 (July, 2011). All the customers bear it by themselves, so please don't forget it!
After paying the tax, they gave this sticker.	Check the boarding board! The flight to Jogjakarta at 6:10 is Gate 15.	It took only 15 minutes to finish checking in, so we killed some time drinking coffee at cafe.
The gate changed from 15 to 18 which normally happens.	Getting into the plane on foot is Bali style!	About 250 passangers can be in the medium-sized plane which has 3 seats for each side.
The seat is so narrow, but deal with it only for 1 hour! Flying to Jogjakarta!	The inside of the plane was freezing! Don't forget to bring Jackets!! This is Jogjakarta!	Even though the airport is small, it is more modern than Bali! The escalator made me excited!!
The guides with yellow shirts were waiting for us!	We had 4 people in our group, so the tour car was ELF!	POINT!! The tour is by Private Car!

Breakfast Buffet at Hotel

POINT!! HIRO-Chan Tour includes Breakfast Buffet at hotel!	The 4 star hotel is only 5 minutes from the airport. The lobby inspired by white has classy atmosphere.	Off to the restaurant, Serayu Chinese Restaurant!
There were many guests even though it was 6:30 early in the morning!! They had a big meeting in Jogjakarta the day before.	My favorite Indonesian food "Bubur Ayam". You can choose any ingredients you want!	Here's my original Bubur! It was super delicious! I had another bowl for a refill.
They cook an omlet in front of us! I had an omlet and scrambled egg!	They have both Indonesian and Western breakfast!	My breakfast. I had too much!
We left early in the morning, so this breakfast was a nice break to bring my energy back!		The restroom at the hotel was clean! The 1 hour transfer was next, so don't forget to go to the restroom here!

The VIP Enrty through Manohara Hotel

It takes 1 hour (42km) to get to Borobudur through the city.	We could see the damage of the flood due to an eruption of Mt. Murapi in 2010.	There is the stupa on the way! Borobudur is close!
The 1 hour drive went fast by enjoying the sights. We arrived at Borobudur!	Here's a regular entrance that you have to walk 1km to get to the heritage.	POINT!! The guests of HIRO-Chan Tour can use the special entrance for the guests staying at Manohara hotel which is much closer to the heritage!
It is required to wear a sarong to go inside of the temple.	POINT!! There is a video lecture about the heritage for 20 minutes. It will be more interesting with the basic knowledge, so watch it carefully!	The temple doesn't have restrooms, so don't forget to use the clearn toilet in the hotel.

Reliefs of Buddhism Temple, Borobudur!

After going through the hotel, Borobudur Heritage appeared! How big it is!!!! I got so excited!	Entering the heritage from the left side of the special entrance of the Manohara hotel. It takes only 5 minutes to the heritage. There weren't people around, so it was very quiet.	The guide givus you explanations such as history of the temple and a religious background.
Arriving at the temple by taking the stairs. It is too big to take a photo of all at once!	The East entrance leads us inside of the temple. Facing against the entrance has this view of the long sidewalk that people from the regular entrance walking along.
The temple looking from the East entrance. The 3 levels of the temple is a square shape and has each side of it is 115m long. By walking from the bottom to the top which means going through each world, the spirit will be purified. <From the bottom level to the top level> ● The World of Formlessness (Arupadhatu): Where only operation of the mind spiritul exists and belongs to "Buddhistic Meditation". ● The World of Forms (Rupadhatu): Where a sentient being which is caught by material conditions (color) exists. ● The World of Desire (Kamadhatu): The world until Hell Realm including from the six domains to Human Realm.
The No.1 highlights of Borobudur is RELIEFS! The ones in the first to forth levels in the World of Forms are must to check! I wanted to see "the life of the Buddha" which is from the upper step of the first level.		What we learned in the video lecture and the explanation by the guide helped me to understand the story well.
		"The Life of the Buddha" is expressed on each relief such as being in the heavens, coming down to the earth, being born, becoming a priest and being spiritually awakened. ←The beginning of the story. The Buddha coming down to the earth.
		←It is said that Queen Maya who married Prince Siddhartha had the Buddha by having a dream about an elephant with 6 tusks coming into her womb.
		←Maya visiting Lumbini garden one the way back home.
		←The Buddha was born when Maya was trying to reach a branch of the asoka tree in Limbini garden. This is a relief of the Buddha being born and walking on flower of the lotus. The asoka tree is known as "the three biggest holy tree of Buddhism" with the Indian bodhi tree at the place the Buddha being spiritually awakened and the sal tree where Buddha died.
Going to the top by taking the steep stairs.	Here is the toppest level of the World of Forms above the fourth level! This is an important border of the World of Formlessness.
INFO!! Due to the repair, the level of the World of Formlessness is not allowed to enter. (July, 2011)	It was probably a message from God that it is too early for me to visit the World of Formlessness! There are other spots you cannot miss! "The Lucky Stupa" is the first circle platform of the bottom level. If you touch the statue in the stupa, it brings you luck!
		The Buddha was standing from the stupa with calm smile. There are 2 types of the holes on the stupa, diamond (anxiety) and square (stable) shapes.
Here is a view from the the circle platform. Unfortunately, we couldn't go in there this time. It will be available in near future.

Mendut Temple after the break

Coming back to Manohara hotel after spending 2 hours at Borobudur Temple.	Let's take a break! We were tired from the strong sunshine and walk.	The short break with ice tea and pisan goreng was nice!
We stopped at Mendut Temple which is about 5 minutes by car from Borobudur.	The greatest Java art, the statue of the Tathagata inside of the temple (3m in height).	There is Chinese Banyan which is famous as power spot!

Upgraded lunch at Amanjio!

Amanjioooooo!!! I was really looking forward to this lunch! After the 20 minutes of the drive, we arrived at the rich nature resort surrounded by mountains!	The building was like a palace in the Greek myths. There is the restaurant after passing the building and the lobby.	It has very comfortable atmosphere with the perfect combination of the sunshine and the darkness inside of the palace.
It also has a great view of Borobudur!!!! We could see the silhouette of the stupa!! The stupa in the sky was fantastic.		The building looks circular from outside.
Choice of lunch. Indonesian Lunch (apptizer: local salad, main dish: fried chicken with coriander, dessert: kue lupis).		The flower on the table was gorgeous as well! The interior is based on gold and begie.
Western Lunch (appetizer: gazpacho, main dish: cold roast calf, dessert: fresh homemade sherbet). I could try all the menus and have nothing to say! This is my NO.1 recommendation in the tour! Enjoy the great lunch! Do you want Indonesian or Western?
Koni's special recommendation!
Fried shrimp with chilli and garlic	Local salad	Chocolate cake (none flour)
※ The schedue on the report is dufferent from the actual tour schedule. ※ The details of the tour might be changed without any notice. ※ Please, take the information on the report as reference.

Visiting a silver shop

After the gorgeous time at Amanjio, we stopped at Ansor Silver	All the silver items are handmade. You can watch the process of making the items in the workshop.	"Gamelan ball" is the most popular item. The chain is little bit expensive, so it might be better to buy just a pendnt.
On the second floor, there are so many silver accessories in the show cases such as necklaces, rings, brooches, earrings, bracelets, key chains, interior items and so on. They have some Javanese souvenirs on the first floor.		Even though I didn't buy anything, they gave me a small gift, silver paper knife. Thank you very much!

Checking-in at Hyatt Regency Hotel

It took about 1 hour to come back to Jogjakarta city. We stayed at a 5 star hotel, Hyatt Regency.	The guide did all the checking in procedures for us while we were enjoying the welcome drink.	The hotel has a large garden, pool and golf courses.
		（photo provided by hotel） Standard Room
		（photo by Koni） Here is a photo of the standard room I stayed on the third floor. The tropical green view was nice. It is far away from the busy area, so the time seemed passing slower. The room is not really big, but perfect for single or 2 guests with great amenities.
Facility Check! The bathroom has a hair dryer, a bottle of mineral water, a toothbrush, a razor, cotton and so on.	The bathtub is a normal size that I could stretched my both legs. A mattress to prevent slipping is on the floor.	Shampoo, conditioner, body wash and soap are also in the bathroom.
A thin smooth gown is inside of the closet.	Safty box with number key lock.	Bottles of mineral water and a hot-water heater to make coffee and tea.
		（photo provided by hotel） The breakfast buffet next morning was at Kemangi Bistro on the first floor. They had many varieties of the food which were all tasty, especially Indonesian chicken soup, soto ayam!!
The checking in will be in the early evening for the Overnight Tour. Enjoy spending time at the tropical garden and poolside.

Romantic dinner at Sasanti

A stylish restaurant, Sasanti next to Hyatt hotel has a gallary as well.	The building with one roof style gives Indonesian resort atmosphere. Inside of the restaurant is dark and it has a rectangular pool.	The candlelight was very beautiful. The staffs made a good impression to me.
The dinner was Indonesian Jogjakarta style! The food were on the small 6 plates. Here are the food for 5 people.		They had 3 kinds of rice, white, red and turmeric. Very colorful!
Each person served the food on the plate.	It also includes elcome drink, appetizer, soup, dessert and coffee after the meal.
There are many types of the tables. This is an outside table with candlelight.	This long table inside is for a group.	The dinner is normally at an inside table.

City sightseeing and Kraton Palace on the second day!

The first spot to visit on the second day was Kraton Palace which was built by Hamengkubuwono I in 1755.	The huge two statues welcomed me. Touching the one on the left will bring you luck!	The palace was used to be a center of the politics and now famous as tourist spot.
The gogeous ornaments are mixed of Hindu, Muslim and Christian.	The guide told me that the long line of kings opened for foreign culture.	The wooden chairs look very beautiful, but are these really confortable to sit?
		Here are Gamelans which have been used for ceremonies. Balinese one has various sizes, shapes and colors, and the sound is strong and manly. On the other hand, the sound of Java one is sensitive and high.

The water palace, Taman Sari

The another palace, Taman Sari is behind Kraton Palace.	It was also buit by Hamengkubuwono I in 1751.	It is famous as a gogeous water palace. You can see many carvings on the white walls.
There is a bathing area in the back that female servants working in the palace took a bath under the king's observation. There are complicated passageways like a maze under ground that the worriors used. The king was always preparing for the battle.

The old-established Batik factory

We visited "Batik Plentong" that has been 60 years since the foundation.	The process of Batik making was interesting. Here is a photo putting a cloth into the hot water to make the wax melted. You cannot imagine how hot this place was!	They print the designs by hand or embossing. Of course, the handmade is more expensive!
The shop has so many Batik clothes. You can use it as sarong or have skirts or bags tailored back in your country.	The dresses have many kinds of the designs, but some of them are "unique" LOL.	Hankerchiefs are Rp.20,000 -. They had clothes more than accessories.

Lunch at Omah Dhuwur Restaurant

Omah Dhuwur is about 10 minutes by car from the Batik factory. Restaurant Official Website	The two-story building has an open space in the back.	You can see the Asian garden and Jogjakarta city from the table.
You can choose the lunch from 3 kinds. Here is Fish Set with snapper.
Beef Set. All the 3 menus have same appeetizer and dessert.
Chicken Set. It includes coffee or tea after the course! The tour has great meals such as morning buffet and this set course!

Visiting quiet Sambisari Temple

Before heading to Prambanan, we stopped at Sambisari Temple which is about 30 minutes by car driving through the town and rice terraces.
The temple was burried by volcanic ash of eruptions of Mt. Merapi and was found 5m depth of the underground. We took down the stairs to go inside.		There were no other tourists, so the temple was so quiet. Some local kids were playing around.
The inside of the temple has this linga which is a symbol of male genital organ in Hindu and is said to bring luck.	There are the stone statues of Shiva's wife, Parrati and son, Ganesha.	INFO!! The Indonesian toilet in the temple is not clean at all!!! I recommend using the one at the restaurant or in Prambanan.

Hindu Temple, Prambanan

Prambanan is 20 minutes by car from Sanbisari. Here's a reception at the temple.	Free coffee and water are available, so drink it enough to prepare for the temple visit. There's no shade in the temple.	The restroom is clean!
It is not too far from the reception to the temple.		This is the best photo spot! You can see the temple behind the board.
This is the innergarden of the temple which has Trimuti, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. There are also three small temples where animals Gods ride such as Shiva's Nandy (bull), Vishnu's Garuda (eagle) and Brahma's Hamsa (swan).
The quadratic area is 110m×110m which is about same size with Borobudur. The outer garden is 220m×220m.		It is easy to see the sculptures from a distance.
This is Garuda Temple has Vishnu's ride, Garuda (eagle).	The ratna which fell apart when the earthquake happen was still on the ground.	The guide explaining Hindu Gods in front of Shiva Temple.
Brahma Temple. The repair was done , so now available to go in.	What is Brahma who presides over the creation of the world like?	This is Brahma who has four faces and four arms. He is holding a rosary, a small pot, a scepter and Veda on his hands.
The statue of Vishnuhas with four arms has Chakram and a cudgel in his right hand, and a conch and a lotus flower in his left hand.	The threee temples have a corridor on the firts step of the stairs. You can take a look at the sculptures on the walls in better condition than Borobudur.
I like the relifs at Prambanan more than the one at Borobudur. The detailed and lively sculptures are very interesting to look at. It will be more enjoyable if I understand the story. INFO!! A guide book says that Shiva and Ganesha are offered inside of the Shiva Temple and the reliefs at the corridor are must to chek! However, it is not allowed to go inside due to the repair (July, 2011). I will definately come back to see them!!!!!
On the way back, we walked through the street which had souvenior shops. Many locals at the shops will ask you to take a look!	Clothes, Batik, leather bags and miniatures of the Buddha and Prambanan.	There are many Asian goods! The price will be decided by negotiation, so ask your guide to help you!

Footmassage to ease the tiredness

A famous spa, Griya Bugar has a shop in Tuban, Bali as well.	They are more like a casual massage instead of spa.	After the short break at the small lobby, the massage began!
This is the massage room with 4 beds.	After washing foot...	the heavenly massage began. I fell asleep.

Buying Jogjakarta pastries and off to the airport

I wanted to buy some souvenirs for my coworkers, so we stopped at a shop on the way back.	"BAKPIA PATHOK" is a famous souvenir. (Rp.25,000)	Small round-shaped Indonesian pastries. The outside is like a pie and sweet pasted beans is inside.
There were many boxes of "Yanko Aneka Rasa SML" (Rp.25,000).	"MANCHO" (Rp.20,000). I have no idea what it is. It was just fun to see many unique sweets.	Candy?? The coloful ones were very cheap, so I couldn't make up my mind which ones I should buy.

I'll be back! Thank you, Jogjakarta!!!!!!!!!

Say good bye to the guide and driver! Thank you very very much for guiding us in respectful way!	IMPORTANT NOTICE!! We pay the airport tax, Rp. 35,000 (July, 2011). All the customers bear it by themselves, so please don't forget it!	All the shops were closed around 8:00pm, but a cafe was open. Enjoy tea or last Jogjakarta dish!
The plane was delayed for one hour. Unexpected happenings are normal!	The seats are so narrow! Time will fly, so be patient!	Bali time is one hour ahead. The guide with yellow shirts will be waiting for you and drive to your hotel by private car!

The first trip to Jogjakarta. Full of different attractiveness from Bali

	It was my first time to visit other area of Indonesia except Bali. The World Heritage, Borobudur and Prambanan were more amazing than I expected. I could feel the role of religion in Indonesia.
It was fun to look at the reliefs at Borobudur, because I researched about life of the Buddha before the trip. However, it would be more enjoyable with the knowledge of the sutra of the Buddha and Buddhism.		I learned that each item that Vishnu and Brahma have at Prambanan has a meanning after I came back home which made me want to visit there again! You will never get tired of looking at the impressive building and reliefs for hours!
	The water palace is my favorite sopt in the city sightseeing. The many secret episodes make the palace more beautiful.
All the meals in the trip were high quality and has enough volume! Especially the lunch at Amanjio was unforgettable!		This 2 days trip gave me the great opportunity to learn and feel history of Jogjakarta and the region. Where you go and who you go with are a key for a trip. Of course, traveling alone is fun! Borobudur is a place with someone special or come to be lost in deep thought alone. You might think Jogjakarta is similar with Bali, but it has own special attractiveness. Koni (August 5, 2011)
※ The schedue on the report is dufferent from the actual tour schedule. ※ The details of the tour might be changed without any notice. ※ Please, take the information on the report as reference.