I travelled by train to Yogyakarta (pronounce Jogjakarta), or Yogya in short. The service was quite good and clean, though the wagons were not new. It’s Ok, comfortable with a/c. The 8 hour journey passed through villages, symmetrically divided vast lush green rice field, the terraces shored up according to the slope contours, with scarecrows' thatching sleeves hung on the bony frame. I was listening to Yanni, wonderful feeling.
Yogyakarta is said the most touristy city (other than Bali) in Indonesia. This statement misguided me somehow. It was not so attractive. The main draw – Kraton (Palace of Sultans) failed to impress me, only some exhibits of the previous sultans were displayed. The bird market was my pick in the city. Not bad, plenty of birds, roasters, lizards, dogs and cats for pets. The odd creatures like python, civets, bats, monkey were also found. Can't be sure some of them are illegally traded.
Due to the recent eruption of the nearby Merapi volcano, the most famous Borobudur Temple was partially close for ash cleaning and renovation. Tourists were only allowed to stay at the lowest platform though the entrance fees remain the same (EUR 10). Not fair… I skipped the visit this time.
I also planned to trek the highly recommended Bromo mountains. The authorities have banned the trekking due to some signs of eruption and the continuous rain pour lately. The risk had increased. I skipped again. Will definitely make it next time.
Without Borobudur and Bromo, there is no point to stay in Yogyakarta. I decided to leave to Bali, to try to recall some memories almost 8 yrs ago.
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I stayed in this Losmen (means Guesthouse) Tiffa, tucked in a very narrow lane nearby the train station. |
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| Shopping Mall, but not so big. |
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| I like Durian, but this Durian drinks I dare not not to try. |
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| Beringharjo Market, mostly clothing and textile tradings. |
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| Donation appeal for volcano eruption victims. |
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| It says "Learn to Give". |
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| Monument "Serangan Umum 1 Merat" |
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| A hall in Kraton - Sultan's Palace. |
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| Traditional musical instruments. |
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| Reception Hall, very simple. |
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| Keropok (snack), the guy was laughing when I snapped the photo. |
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| Mobile benzin seller. |
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| An ad outside a souvenir shop - From Djogdja (Yogya) With Love. |
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| Mural and a horse cart. |
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| Gamelan performance inside Kraton. |
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| A gift to the 9th Sultan from the Chinese community in Yogya. |
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| A view inside Kraton, quite small. Some historical artefacts, paintings, photos were displayed here. |
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| Rojak (mix fruit and vegetable) is similar to Malaysian style but different sauce is used and they put more sugar. Malaysian's rojak taste better. |
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| In the bird market. The spot gecko is a popular pet. |
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| Colourful chics. The colour will fade when growing. I have doubt if they are safe for consumption. |
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| Who will buy the python? To be kept as pet or for the meat and skin? |
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| This lizard looks rare. |
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| Owls are commonly available. In Malay, it is called "Ghost Bird". |
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| Plenty of birdcages, plenty of birds losing their freedom. |
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| Bats and rabbits were also traded here. |
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| Huge tray of maggots, foods for the birds. |
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| The rickshaw of HK's superstar - Aaron Kwok (his name was printed on the wheel). |
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| Beef noodle soup. Not so delicious. |
