Travel to Jogjakarta

Jogja has become a popular tourist attraction in Indonesia, but unfortunately the chance to see unique-chalenging-extremes places in Jogja is not coming yet. This time I was only along to popular part of Jogja but it is not less interesting. 

Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive. All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. Burobudur temple actually located in Magelang, Central Java, but most people know as part of Yogyakarta.

Alun-Alun Kidul, backyard of the residence of the King of Yogyakarta is a place full of stories. The two most familiar folklor is about the existence of the palace that the back looks like the front so it does not back to the southern ocean which are guarded by Ratu Kidul. The second story is a myth passed Ringin Kembar with eyes closed. The game is named masangin (Masuk Dua Beringin). The rules are simple, we just have to close our eyes and walk straight about 20 meters from the front Sasono Hinggil towards the middle Ringin Kurung (two banyan trees in the middle of the square). That's it, but look, it's not easy apparently. Lots of people are trying to go straight but instead turned in different directions away from the goal. Only the one that has pure heart that can pass. In a broader sense, this game conveys the message that in order to achieve what they want, then we have to try hard and still maintain a beautiful heart. And luckyly I got through it in one try!!! hahaha. The place that was once used to train the soldiers of this kingdom, now transformed into a public space visitors. After playing games you can sitting on a mat while ordering a snack.

Parangtritis Beach is very closely related to the legend of Ratu Kidul (Queen of South). Many Javanese people believe that Parangtritis Beach is the gate of Ratu Kidul’s magical kingdom who controls the southern sea. The afternoon before sunset is the best time to visit this most popular beach in Yogyakarta. To see the whole area of Parangtritis Beach, southern sea, up to the horizon we can going up to Tebing Gembirawati.

People said rainbow is only visible after the rain, and it will be clear to the eyes only during the day. However, in Taman Pelangi, you wouldn’t have to wait for the rain to fall or the sun to shine, as the rainbows are visible every day even until the sun sets. Yup, they are not just ordinary rainbows; they were made of lampions. Taman Pelangi is the name given to the amusement park, which is located within the yard of Monumen Jogja Kembali. Designed to surround the park, numerous lampions in various shapes and colors are installed to decorate the yard