RSSThings to See in Jakarta and Yogyakarta
Apr 21
It’s not every day that one gets to travel half way around the world to Indonesia, but when you do, you will wish you had done it sooner.
It won’t be possible to visit all 17,000 islands in the archipelago but Sumatra and Java should be top of the list of the ones you do see. Java is the more developed of the two, making it a lot easier to explore, and there are endless things to do in its cities, as well as a large choice of accommodation and restaurants.
The primary arrival point is Jakarta’s airport but once you arrive, it won’t be long before you notice just how congested its roads are. Indeed, a typical Southeast Asian city like Jakarta is just as crowded as any but this should not put you off. In fact before you know it, you will find the traffic to be contributing towards the city’s charm.
The National Monument is one of Jakarta’s main sites, known comically as Suharto’s ‘last erection’, in reference to the Indonesia’s second president. This giant column gives you a kilometre-wide view of the city. The National Museum strives to preserve the geographical, ethnographic, historical and archaeological heritage and is known to be the finest museum in Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
There is no better way to travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta than by enjoying a soothing train ride along the snaking track, which takes you through luscious paddy fields. As you pass through, look out for the workers in their traditional apparel.
The city of Yogyakarta is a particularly popular stop on the west-eat route across Java. This beating heart of Indonesia’s artistic community has a wide range on show, such as elaborately primitive shadow puppets, or wayang. Keep an eye out for textile art, especially batik, and if you like art in a more kinetic form, you can enjoy a classical Indonesian ballet. The finest examples of these crafts, as well as admirable imitations, can all be bought in the stores lining Jalan Malioboro, the main shopping street.
But surrounding the city is where you will find Borobodur and Prambanam, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one Hindu and the other Buddhist. Borobodur is Indonesia’s single-most-visited tourist attraction and for good reason. Its stupas (bell-like monuments) are built onto six ascending platforms which overlook the plain in which it sits. Built in the ninth century, it is a true feat of human engineering and a breathtaking one at that.
Indonesian cuisine is commonly served from street stalls called warungs and will make your mouth water if you like your food quick, fresh and cheap, but also of a high quality. Whether you want to sample soto ayam (chicken soup), nasi goring (fried rice), sate (satay skewers), or beef rendang (slow-cooked beef in coconut), you will find them all here. The stalls have their own specialities and like to present their own takes on these dishes.
When it comes to finding accommodation, you should look carefully for a place within your price range. A perfectly decent room can be found at a very reasonable price, but look in the wrong place and you’ll be overcharged for a place you would prefer to avoid. However, with some careful budgeting, you should have no problem finding a room suited to your finances, especially if you try your hand at bartering with the owner.
Find the right travel insurance deals for a trip to Indonesia.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.