Originally built as a private estate in 1918, this legendary building in the centre of Yogyakarta is cloaked in classical opulence. Today, suitably renamed The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – MGallery by Sofitel, this treasure of a hotel welcomes guests with…
The Merapi Mountain is an active stratovolcano located on the border between Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. Nevertheless, it is still quite safe to visit. With…
As a signature fabric of Indonesia, batik can be found in big as well as small cities across the archipelago. Tourists visiting each region can expect to find batik with many different motifs. Besides offering discounted products, batik kampungs also allow…
Not far from Borobudur is an interesting little village called Candirejo that is definitely worth a visit. For a break from “modern” life, designate a few days to watch, learn and experience life in this this quaint town, where ancient traditions are…
There will come a time when you have explored most of Yogyakarta, down to the tiniest temples, and have passed for the umpteenth time the tourist-packed street of Malioboro. And yet, you simply long for more. Yogyakarta filled with many…
Yogyakarta (Jogja) is the center 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…
Ideally located in the prime touristic area of Bantul, Tembi Village Guest House promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. Tembi village is located 8.4 km south of the Keraton. Visitors can stay here in a home stay with Javanese architecture…
For a city whose kingdoms are heavily patriarchal, it’s refreshing to find and explore a museum in Yogyakarta that is dedicated almost solely to the powerful feminine figures in the Javanese kingdoms. It was pure curiosity that pushed me to…
Jogjakarta is a small city. To illustrate this, for some Jogjakartans, 2 kilometers is considered very far. In the city, you can give your legs some exercise, ride andong/delman (cart carried by a/two horse/s), use the bus and public transportation,…
Away from the busy traffic and the pollution of the city you discover authentic traditional Javanese life. Cycling through the sugarcane- and rice fields, you enjoy the local rural scenery. In the villages you pass through, daily life goes on.…