Discovering the Soul of Java- Yogyakarta, Indonesia
"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." St. Augustine
6/11/202410 min read
Yogyakarta, affectionately called "Jogja" by locals, is a vibrant city on the Indonesian island of Java. This cultural heartland is a tapestry of ancient temples, historic sites, and tantalizing culinary delights. Here are some of the highlights from our 8 day stay.
Borobudur Buddhist Temple
Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Constructed in the 9th century, its intricate stone carvings and majestic stupas stand as a testament to Indonesia's rich heritage. The site, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic mountains, offers a serene and spiritual experience. From this complex you can see Mount Merapi (which is still active) in the distance. Borobudur Temple gets crowded fast and if you want to go to the top, you have to book tickets online before you arrive. They let 100 people to the top every hour and start at 0830. Tickets cost about $27USD and it includes a bottle of water, slippers to wear around the temple with a bag to carry your own shoes in, and a tour guide for the first 30 minutes of your visit, then the last 30 minutes you can walk around on your own.
Prambanan Hindu Temple
Not far from Borobudur lies Prambanan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 9th-century Hindu temple complex is dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The towering central temple, adorned with intricate stone carvings, is a marvel of ancient architecture and a symbol of Indonesia's historical religious diversity. There are many other smaller temple complexes in the area you can also visit. We arrived at Prambanan at 0650, which is 10 minutes before it opened. We were the first ones there and were able to walk around this amazing complex by ourselves for about 30 minutes.
Taman Sari
Known as the Water Castle, Taman Sari was once a royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Built in the mid-18th century, this site served as a retreat, a workshop, and a defense system. Today, its pools, waterways, and underground tunnels offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Javanese royalty.
Marlborough Street
While not as ancient as the temples, Marlborough Street is steeped in history. This area reflects the colonial past of Indonesia with its European-style buildings and historical landmarks. Walking along Marlborough Street feels like stepping back in time, providing a stark contrast to the traditional Javanese culture.
Culinary Delights: Kopi Joss and Bakso Soup
No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without sampling its unique culinary offerings. We spent some time at the local establishment called Kopi Joss (Jl. Ps. Kembang, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55271). When there, look for Bo- he took great care of us and taught us a lot about the local food.
Kopi Joss is also the name of a local coffee, that is served with a hot piece of charcoal submerged in the cup. This unconventional brewing method imparts a distinct, smoky flavor that coffee aficionados must try. We tried it with sweetener and it was absolutely amazing.
Equally enticing is Bakso Soup, a savory dish featuring meatballs served in a flavorful broth. Often enjoyed as street food, Bakso Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Luxurious Stay at Marriott Yogyakarta
Our stay at the Marriott Yogyakarta was nothing short of spectacular. Here's why this hotel should be your home away from home:
Sumptuous Breakfast and Stellar Food and Beverage Team
The hotel's breakfast spread is a culinary journey in itself, showcasing both local and international dishes. Rizky, the Senior Sous Chef, is a true ambassador of local flavors. His passion for Indonesian cuisine and exceptional interpersonal skills made every meal a delightful experience.
Exceptional M Club Lounge Service
The M Club lounge team, including Panji, Dina, Wulan, Alita, and many others, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. The lounge bartenders, especially Irfal and Angga, crafted exquisite cocktails. Don't miss their signature Smokey Old Fashioned – it's a must-try!
Gym/ Pool Facilities
For fitness enthusiasts, the hotel's gym is equipped with a great collection of cardio and strength training equipment, ensuring you can maintain your workout routine even while traveling. The pool is large and sectioned into relaxing/ wading, swimming, jacuzzi, and kid’s area. The pool can get busy on weekend mornings and evenings, but great loungers help you catch the sun and are abundant during the midday.
Rejuvenating Spa Services
The spa at Marriott Yogyakarta offers a serene escape with excellent services. Enjoy a fantastic 30% discount on treatments before noon. We highly recommend Rada for her incredible massages.
Outstanding Concierge Team
The concierge team was instrumental in making our trip seamless. They coordinated all our day trips at very reasonable rates. We were fortunate to have Yousef as our driver on our trips to both Borobudur and Prambanan Temples . His helpfulness, proactive nature, and local knowledge made him one of the best drivers we've ever encountered.
Yogyakarta is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern luxury. From ancient temples and historical landmarks to unique culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations, this city has something for every traveler. Our stay at the Marriott Yogyakarta, with its exceptional staff and world-class amenities, added a layer of comfort and indulgence to our adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just seeking a memorable getaway, Yogyakarta is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire.
Yogyakarta, affectionately called "Jogja" by locals, is a vibrant city on the Indonesian island of Java. This cultural heartland is a tapestry of ancient temples, historic sites, and tantalizing culinary delights. Here are some of the highlights from our 8 day stay.
Borobudur Buddhist Temple
Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Constructed in the 9th century, its intricate stone carvings and majestic stupas stand as a testament to Indonesia's rich heritage. The site, surrounded by lush greenery and volcanic mountains, offers a serene and spiritual experience. From this complex you can see Mount Merapi (which is still active) in the distance. Borobudur Temple gets crowded fast and if you want to go to the top, you have to book tickets online before you arrive. They let 100 people to the top every hour and start at 0830. Tickets cost about $27USD and it includes a bottle of water, slippers to wear around the temple with a bag to carry your own shoes in, and a tour guide for the first 30 minutes of your visit, then the last 30 minutes you can walk around on your own.
Prambanan Hindu Temple
Not far from Borobudur lies Prambanan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This 9th-century Hindu temple complex is dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The towering central temple, adorned with intricate stone carvings, is a marvel of ancient architecture and a symbol of Indonesia's historical religious diversity. There are many other smaller temple complexes in the area you can also visit. We arrived at Prambanan at 0650, which is 10 minutes before it opened. We were the first ones there and were able to walk around this amazing complex by ourselves for about 30 minutes.
Taman Sari
Known as the Water Castle, Taman Sari was once a royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. Built in the mid-18th century, this site served as a retreat, a workshop, and a defense system. Today, its pools, waterways, and underground tunnels offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Javanese royalty.
Marlborough Street
While not as ancient as the temples, Marlborough Street is steeped in history. This area reflects the colonial past of Indonesia with its European-style buildings and historical landmarks. Walking along Marlborough Street feels like stepping back in time, providing a stark contrast to the traditional Javanese culture.
Culinary Delights: Kopi Joss and Bakso Soup
No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without sampling its unique culinary offerings. We spent some time at the local establishment called Kopi Joss (Jl. Ps. Kembang, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55271). When there, look for Bo- he took great care of us and taught us a lot about the local food.
Kopi Joss is also the name of a local coffee, that is served with a hot piece of charcoal submerged in the cup. This unconventional brewing method imparts a distinct, smoky flavor that coffee aficionados must try. We tried it with sweetener and it was absolutely amazing.
Equally enticing is Bakso Soup, a savory dish featuring meatballs served in a flavorful broth. Often enjoyed as street food, Bakso Soup is a comforting and hearty meal that captures the essence of Indonesian cuisine.
Luxurious Stay at Marriott Yogyakarta
Our stay at the Marriott Yogyakarta was nothing short of spectacular. Here's why this hotel should be your home away from home:
Sumptuous Breakfast and Stellar Food and Beverage Team
The hotel's breakfast spread is a culinary journey in itself, showcasing both local and international dishes. Rizky, the Senior Sous Chef, is a true ambassador of local flavors. His passion for Indonesian cuisine and exceptional interpersonal skills made every meal a delightful experience.
Exceptional M Club Lounge Service
The M Club lounge team, including Panji, Dina, Wulan, Alita, and many others, went above and beyond to ensure our comfort. The lounge bartenders, especially Irfal and Angga, crafted exquisite cocktails. Don't miss their signature Smokey Old Fashioned – it's a must-try!'
Gym/ Pool Facilities
For fitness enthusiasts, the hotel's gym is equipped with a great collection of cardio and strength training equipment, ensuring you can maintain your workout routine even while traveling. The pool is large and sectioned into relaxing/ wading, swimming, jacuzzi, and kid’s area. The pool can get busy on weekend mornings and evenings, but great loungers help you catch the sun and are abundant during the midday.
Rejuvenating Spa Services
The spa at Marriott Yogyakarta offers a serene escape with excellent services. Enjoy a fantastic 30% discount on treatments before noon. We highly recommend Rada for her incredible massages.
Outstanding Concierge Team
The concierge team was instrumental in making our trip seamless. They coordinated all our day trips at very reasonable rates. We were fortunate to have Yousef as our driver on our trips to both Borobudur and Prambanan Temples . His helpfulness, proactive nature, and local knowledge made him one of the best drivers we've ever encountered.
Yogyakarta is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modern luxury. From ancient temples and historical landmarks to unique culinary experiences and luxurious accommodations, this city has something for every traveler. Our stay at the Marriott Yogyakarta, with its exceptional staff and world-class amenities, added a layer of comfort and indulgence to our adventure. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just seeking a memorable getaway, Yogyakarta is a destination that promises to captivate and inspire.
