Yogyakarta

My good friend, Niki, came to visit Brian and Me.  Niki and I traveled for two weeks across the island of Java (our island), Singapore, and Bali.  Being that I had previously been to both Singapore and Bali (two of my favorite places in SE Asia); I decided to blog about the third area we experienced, and my first trip to Central Java in a city called Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta (pronounced Joe-Jakarta) is known for a lot of landmarks; Sultan's palace, Mount Merapi (this is the active volcano that erupted in October 2010), Borobudur Temple, and Prambanan Temples.  Borobudur being one of the greatest and largest Buddhist monuments in the world.  Prambanan, Hindu Temples, in its original form was constructed of 250 large and small temples.

First off, let me comment on our hotel.  A 5-star hotel placed in the beautiful rain forest of Yogyakarta and the place that I will compare all hotels to.  The landscape, beauty, cleanliness, and hospitality made this my favorite hotel I have ever stayed at....EVER.  Oh, and did I mention this 5-star hotel only cost us $80 per night.  Here are some pictures of the landscape:

A view when you walk into hotel of lily pond, zen garden, and golf course

Our wonderful pool side beach chairs and view

The first day we did a sunrise hike to Borobudur Temple.  3:30AM wake up call...not so awesome.  But when you start walking up the temple stairs and the tour guide gives you the best seats in the house to watch the sunrise light up the temple..one word...AWESOME.

View from inside Borbudur. Look at those beautiful mountains

Watching the sunrise from Borbudur Temple

Walking back to hotel from Borbudur Temple

There is a hotel right next to the temple where they offer you a complimentary breakfast after your hike.  Best banana fritters ever.  

After the hike to Borbudur,  we made our way across town to view Mt. Merapi.  

Mt. Merapi will be the third volcano I have seen in this world, the second active volcano.  Although active, our tour guide got us pretty close so I could snap a few pictures....

Mount Merapi

A view of lava that ran into the city that now serves as walls from each side of the road

 Prambanan Temples are in the city center of Yogyakarta.  Not as large as Borbudur but still very fascinating.

Niki in front of one of the larger temples

ME!

A HUGE thank you to Niki for making the trip to see us.  We realize that it is such an expense, and time, and travel and we loved having you here with us.  Thanks for all the wonderful travels!

Please enjoy more pictures of our trip in Yogyakarta on shutterfly:
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