TOP DESTINATIONS IN YOGYAKARTA

1. Visit the temples (Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko)

Though Borobudur temple is not located in Yogyakarta (its in Magelang; dont forget to
check out Kedung Kayang waterfall too), the temple however is one of the biggest reasons
why people visit Yogyakarta. Besides Borobudur, the other big famous temple that you need
to visit is Prambanan temple, which is a Hindu temple. In addition to these two temples, you
should also check out Ratu Boko temple for the great sunset (trust me it will be one of the
best places to watch the sun set if it is not cloudy).
Ratu Boko temple itself is an interesting complex. It has its own entrance gate, pavilion,
shelter, swimming baths and crematorium. If you are a kind of person who is really into
temples and history, you consider visiting some of the other temples around Yogyakarta.
There are plenty of them. Check here if you are interested in booking a join tour to temples
around Yogyakarta.
2. Explore the Kraton (Royal Palace)
The Kraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, better known as Kraton, is basically the
royal palace. It is where the king and his family stay. I have never explored the Kraton
museum, but from what I heard from my best friend it is a great place to visit and learn more
about Javanese culture (directly from people who keep the traditions alive every single day).
There are two entrances to the Kraton, one is from Tepas Keprajuritan and the other is Tepas
Pariwisata. There is a Javanese cultural show that you can enjoy almost every day (every day
there is a different performance) either at 9 or 10 am.
Besides exploring the Kraton, do not forget to wander around Taman sari (Taman sari water
castle). Though it needs improved maintenance, it is a great place just to wander around. Visit
early, explore and loose yourself around the villages little alleys, the mosque and
underground tunnels. Sometimes you will find local guides who explain this and that. These
guys will not do any harm, if you dont need them just say and they will stop following you.
Otherwise if you are keen to have a local guide explain the areas history, then agree on a
price before the guide service begin.
3. Hike a Volcano nearby Yogyakarta
The most famous one (and dangerous since it is one of the most active volcanoes in
Indonesia) to climb is Merapi. Read more about my experience hiking this volcano here.
Other than Merapi, there are Merbabu and Lawu. I am planning to hike Merbabu some time
next month. You can read my Lawu climb journey here. Btw, Feel free to let me know if you
are interested in arranging to climb, I have plenty of friends who love the trip and provide
guide services. If you are interested in climbing Merapi, you should check this page
Yogyakarta Tours.
4. Hang out at Alun-Alun Selatan Kraton!
If you are stuck for things to do in the evening I would recommend visiting alun-alun selatan
Kraton. Youll be surprised how busy this place can be at night (just like me, I was surprised

too!). You will mostly find Indonesian tourists and locals around alun-alun selatan. They will
be busy trying to do the twins Beringin tree challenge (see no. 6), enjoy the night breezy
weather, eat various local food or ride a super blink car.
Youll either giggle or be shocked when you see the bling-bling cars. They are peddle cars
and are about the same size as a smart car or VW Beetle. The cars are equipped with
hundreds of bright lights and loud music! Cars even come equipped with a small TV. A few
nights ago, my friends and I cycled in one of these cars while listening to Katy Perry. It costs
you 15,000 IDR for one loop (small car for 4-6 people).
5. Go to the Beaches in Gunung Kidul
I love the beaches around Gunung Kidul. They are a nice place to relax and are only a onehour drive from Yogyakarta. You can enjoy the view, relax and eat tasty, reasonably priced,
fresh seafood. At some of the beaches you can even swim! Check out my interesting beaches
and cave guide for the gunung kidul regency. Ah, dont forget to visit the ancient forest and
go caving at Jomblang. Though it is a bit expensive, it is worth every single penny.
6. Walk Between the Twin Beringin Trees
There are plenty of different myths about the beringin trees challenge. Some say that if you
can pass between the two trees with your eyes closed then whatever you ask for is going to
come true. Others says that people who succeed in passing between the two beringin trees
able to refuse reinforcements / any bad things that is being addressed to him or her.
I failed this challenge on my first attempt. I succeeded on my second. I was quite surprised
how hard it is to walk in a straight line with your eyes close. You can rent a scarf to cover
your eyes for 5,000 IDR or you can bring your own if you want.

TOP DESTINATIONS IN EAST NUSA TENGGARA

KELIMUTU
Mt. Kelimutu National Park is the smallest among six national parks in the stretch
between Bali and the Nusatenggara islands. Its size obviously does not matter much when it
offers one of the most spectacular wonders that nature has to offer. There are three lakes on
the mountain sharing the same name, Kelimutu, meaning the boiling lake. Each has its own
colors and a local name. But all are believed to be the resting place of departed souls.
Located some 66 km. from the town of Ende or 83 km. from Maumere, Lake
Kelimutu was discovered by a Dutch named Van Such Telen in 1915. It gained global fame
after Y. Bouman wrote in his notes in 1929 about the bizarre color-changing lakes.

LIANG BUA
Liang Bua is a cave in a limestone hill in Manggarai District, Flores. The local
community is familiar with this cave because of its huge size (50 meters long, 40 meters
wide, and 25 meters tall). Due to its size, it was once used as a religious worship place and
school.
Liang Bua is famous the world over following the finding of an ancient skull. The
skull was that of a short human called Homo floresiensis, found at a depth of 6 meters. Its
brain measured only 380 cc (compared to a minimum 1200 cc for a normal modern human
brain). Archaeologists are of the opinion that this skull originated from an era back in time
some 18,000 years ago.
In addition, in a depth of 10.7 meters, ancient animal bones were also found including
those of stegodon (an ancient elephant), komodo, turtles, and lizards.
DIVING AROUND KOMODO ISLAND
The sea around Komodo Island offers vibrant colors and exotic marine life which will
enchant divers and snorkelers alike as endless schools of fish ride the waterways rushing up
from deep sea vents, below them the seabed is covered with a thick carpet of florescent corals
and marine invertebrates, an underwater photographers paradise.
The waters that surround the island are turbulent and teeming with unparalled marine life. A
marine reserve has recently been established and this reserve is largely undocumented and
remains unexplored. Komodo National Park was established in 1980. It was declared as a
Man and Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site in 1986. KNP includes three major
islands - Komodo, Rinca and Padar and numerous smaller islands together totaling 41,000 ha
of land contains 132,000 ha of marine waters.

The corals in Komodo National park are pristine, with Mantas, sharks, turtles, dolphins,
dugong, many pelagics, to the tiny pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, frog fish, you name it
we've got it. The sites vary from gentle easy coral slopes to heart pounding adrenalin rides,
from the warm waters of the Flores Sea in the north to the chillier waters down south in the
Indian Ocean, the underwater terrain is so varied with sheer cliff walls, pinnacles, sandy flat
bottoms, underwater plateaus, slopes, caves, swim-throughs, channels, all with varying
colours, sizes and types of coral both hard and soft.
KANAWA
The island of Kanawa, only some 15 kilometers from the growing fishermens town
of Labuan Bajo on Flores, is fringed with a bed of coral reefs teeming with colorful fish all
around. Its turquoise water is exceptionally calm and clear. Swimming and snorkeling are
most poular family activities here. Dive down the sea from the jetty, and meet schools of fish
that cloud the stilts. Hours would pass so quietly as you are busy with all of these beach
activities.
The island of Kanawa has two bulging hills with fantastic panorama from its hilltop.
Covering only 32-hectare or less than 80-acre land, the island is a hideout from the hidden,
yet so close to the burgeoning harbor of Labuan Bajo. This could be the only resort class
service that fits the budget of backpackers.
KAMPUNG BENA, WHERE ANCIENT MEGALITHIC TRADITIONS CONTINUE
TO THRIVE
When travelling to the island of Flores, donot omit to put Kampung Bena, - or the
traditional village of Bena - on your must-visit itinerary. Located some 18 km from the town
of Bajawa, here time seems to have passed over Kampung Bena, where until today villagers
still faithfully follow megalithic traditions, where sincere friendliness to strangers comes
from the heart, where all around the village you will see vestiges of an age long gone when
large stone monuments to ancestors were an inseparable part of daily life. The megalithic
village of Bena is one of Indonesias rich living cultural heritage that can still be enjoyed to
this very day, but should also be carefully preserved.
Safely protected in the shadows of looming Mt. Inerie, the Village of Bena in the
district of Bajawa, is one of a number of traditional villages on the island of Flores that still
embrace the awe-inspiring megalithic culture until today. The town of Bajawa itself is
completely surrounded by mountains and a tourist attraction in its own right because of its
cool mountain air.
TRADITIONAL VILLAGE OF COMPANG RUTENG
A compang is a stone altar usually found in the yards of traditional homes of the Manggarai
community. The Compang is the center of traditional ceremonies, among which is the penti,
a ceremony to thank God for a bountiful harvest. Water buffalos and cows are tied to this
Compang to be subsequently sacrificed.
The Compang Ruteng is located in the center of the Ruteng Pu'u village in Golo Dukal subdistrict, Manggarai, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). The stone Compang and the yards
surrounding it are on higher ground than the local homes. A Beringin tree (Ficus Benjamina),

locally known as a Ruteng, once grew in the center of the Compang. The tree is no longer
there and is now replaced by a Dadap tree. To its east, the Compang has two local traditional
tall houses with sharp roofs.

TOP DESTINATIONS IN MALUKU

AMBON
The tiny islands of Ambon, Banda, Saumlaki,Ternate and Tidore - among the
thousands of islands in the Moluccas seas,- changed the course of world history from the 15th
century onwards. These islands were what triggered the European Age of Exploration.
For in search of the Spice Islands in the Far East, Christopher Columbus sailed west and
discovered America. Vasco da Gama sailed south and discovered the long route around
Africas Cape of Good Hope in 1498 to finally reach India after a long and perilous voyage.
Only later did the Portuguese finally discover the sea route to Banda and Ambon. These small
islands in the eastern deep seas of the Indonesian archipelago were for centuries the sole
producers of the fragrant nutmeg and mace in the world. At the time these spices fetched their
weight in gold in Medieval Europe.
THE BANDA ISLANDS
Since the first century AD, the Banda islands have been the sole producers of the fragrant
nutmeg and mace for which Chinese, Indian, and Arab ships traveled across the seas. These
precious spices could be sold at enormous profit in foreign markets.
The people of Banda thrived on their natural resources, but in later years suffered at the hands
of Dutch colonizers who wanted to dominate the worlds spice trade.
Despite such a big reputation, the fabled Banda islands are only a tiny cluster of islands,
composed of three large islands and seven smaller ones. The islands are perched on the rim of
Indonesia's deepest underwater gorge, the Banda Sea, where waters can reach depths of over
6,500 meters.

POMBO ISLAND ATOLL

Pombo Island is one of over a thousand islands in the Maluku Province, East Indonesia,
about 5 kilometers from Ambon, the capital city of Maluku. Pombo is a small, uninhabited
little island surrounded completely by a rocky, coral atoll, which is a circular shaped reef.This
charming little island spans only about 2 hectares, yet presents amazing underwater tours
with beautiful rocks, scattered tastefully with a colourful variety of ornamental marine
creatures, veiled beneath crystal waters. It is also home to several species of nesting birdsa
few of which are endemic to Pombo. Pombo Island is protected by law as a National Marine
Park and Nature Reserve.
Pombo Island Marine Recreation Park encompasses an area of 1,000 hectares of nothing
more than a stretch of sandy, white beaches and chunks of coral, sheltered by lush, green
foliage. Flocks of exotic birds of all shape, size and colour perch in the trees branches, while
rare fishes and molluscs roam freely about the coral-studded ocean floor. The far-out location
of the island, coupled with its protected state only enhance the allure of this natural, virgin
environment.
ORA BEACH
As the country with the second longest coastline in the world, Indonesia is home to countless
beautiful beaches, and has won numerous awards for such. One of these beaches is Ora
Beach, carefully hidden away on the North Coast of Seram Island. An exotic and extremely
remote destination, Ora beach is perfect for Eco-travellers and honeymooners alike. A row of
cozy, wooden cottages line the sandy, white beaches, overlooking the crystal clear waters of
Sawai Bay, and with a backdrop of limestone cliffs and majestic mountains, covered in lush,
tropical greenery. Seram island is most famous for its abundant bird life. Of 117 species
found on the island, 14 are endemic to Seram.
Seram is the largest island in the Maluku province, measuring approximately 16,000 square
kilometers, yet is home to a population of only about 170,000. It lies just north of the smaller
and more historically renowned island of Ambon. Maluku Province is located between
Indonesias larger islands of Sulawesi and Papua. Serams geographic location amidst several
tectonic plates, gives the island a remarkably complex terrain. A central mountain range runs
across the island, its highest mountain, Gunung Binaya, peaking at just over 3,000 meters.
The island is covered mostly in dense, tropical rain forests, bordered on one side by towering
cliffs and the other by sandy white beaches, and finally encircled by a crystal blue sea.

NGURTAFURS WHITE SAND BEACH IN THE KEI ARCHIPELAGO

Filled with charm and a sense of magic, from the beauty of the blue sky, to the endless
stretches of sea and sand. Historically recognized as the legendary Spice Islands, the
enchanting Maluku Province is home to much more than just mace and nutmeg.
Here in Southeast Maluku, on the tiny Warbal Island in the Kei island chain, lies a peculiar,
yet entirely captivating beach. Unlike most beaches which stretch along the coast of an
island, Ngutafur Beach extends out to sea. An unbroken sandbar of about 2 kilometers in
length, and 7 meters in width, Ngurtafur beach is a fine line of powdery white sands,
bordered on either side by a clear and almost impossibly blue ocean. Strolling down this
narrow beach is like taking a stroll through the ocean itself, with the added benefits of staying
dry.
NGURBLOAT BEACH
Picture yourself on an exotic beach surrounded by enchanting natural splendors with nothing
but vast stretches of white sands as soft as flour underneath you. No, this is not some
imaginary beach on a fantasy land; this is what awaits at Ngurbloat Beach at the Ngilngof
Village, Southeast Mauluku Regency, on Kei Island , in the province of Maluku.
Ngurbloat Beach is also known by locals as the Long Sands Beach, since it goes on and on
for 5 kilometers from Ngurbloat Beach in Ngingof Village all the way to Ngursamadan Beach
in Ohilir Village, Kei Kecil District. This swathe of white sand is also what makes this
beach so exceptional. The sands are so smooth and soft that the National
Geographic dubbed it as: the softest beach sands in Asia.