aprilliano
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2016
- Messages
- 6
Although the longest stay I had in Jogja was hardly more than 3 months I'd like to take the chance and write a couple of lines about the sultan's city. The post may stay brief for now, but I plan to extend and update it bit by bit.
How to get there
How to get around
Geography
Jogja is close to, but not by the sea, which means it takes you about an hour to visit the seaside in the south, so I'd rather recommend this tour as a day trip. Northbound is mount Merapi, you can pick one of the many hotels located here for an escape from the heat of the city. There are jeep tours offered, but I never tried that, instead I rather visit one of the few children playgrounds of Jogja there instead.
Sightseeing and what-to-do
The two biggest Hindu and Buddhist temples of the region are here, Prambanan and Borobudur. I'm going to spare any further words on these, you will find plenty of information online anyway. What you also might want to visit is the kraton, one of the museums (where I haven't been so far, shame on me), the Jogja kembali monument or the local market in jalan Gejayan. If you have children, you may like the hotel Galuh with a big outdoor pool and playground, you can also go there without being guest of the hotel. Another pool is located on the road towards Solo, I will need to add the exact location another time. What you also may want to see is jalan Malioboro, the shopping lane. I must admit that I'm rarely there though, if it's not for gifts to bring along to Europe. If you're into shopping, you may as well try the malls of the city. Hartono is the newest and largest, but I haven't been there so far, other options are Amplaz and Galeria - but then again, that's not my cup of tea, as I'm usually put off by the blaring music.
Hotels and Restos
As a first-stay hotel, as mentioned above, I would recommend the grand quality simply for it's accessibility. Once you're there, you can still look around for better options. I've been staying there briefly, and another time at the also mentioned Galuh close to Prambanan (a bit off from city centre and airport). For dining there's an area full of restos in the north of the city (again, better directions will follow).
Medical treatment
The rumah sakit Panti Rapih is a catholic hospital that I've been comfortable with whenever we went there, which was mostly for the child doctor.
How to get there
- The airport is right inside the city, so if you are looking for a place to rest on arrival, hotels are not far away, e.g. the grand quality. I suggest that you do not walk right out the terminal towards the pack of taxi drivers but rather order and pre-pay the taxi inside the airport taxi office. It may be higher than the best wage you can negotiate, but less hassle.
- The station is just next to the airport, so basically the same applies here. As far I know, you can basically travel to most major Javanese cities (e.g. Bandung, Solo), but I have never tried it. I intend to take the train instead of the plane from Jakarta to Jogja one day though.
How to get around
- Taxi is the obvious way to travel around. Most drivers I met so far are nice, only one had a mysteriously fast running meter, since that day I avoid yellow taxis - but I guess that can happen in any taxi company. If you encounter a driver you are comfortable with and you know you're going to need a taxi again soon, consider asking for his card and if you may call him directly.
- TransJogja is the urban bus system which works quite well if you bring some time. Google for the route map so you get an idea where you want to hop on and off. You pay the fee (a few thousand rupiah) on entry of the bus stop regardless of where you need to go, you wait for the bus (which can take a while, so bring something to read) and you simply get off where you want to. Usually the operators are nice with foreigners and sometimes ask for the designation so they wouldn't miss their stop.
Geography
Jogja is close to, but not by the sea, which means it takes you about an hour to visit the seaside in the south, so I'd rather recommend this tour as a day trip. Northbound is mount Merapi, you can pick one of the many hotels located here for an escape from the heat of the city. There are jeep tours offered, but I never tried that, instead I rather visit one of the few children playgrounds of Jogja there instead.
Sightseeing and what-to-do
The two biggest Hindu and Buddhist temples of the region are here, Prambanan and Borobudur. I'm going to spare any further words on these, you will find plenty of information online anyway. What you also might want to visit is the kraton, one of the museums (where I haven't been so far, shame on me), the Jogja kembali monument or the local market in jalan Gejayan. If you have children, you may like the hotel Galuh with a big outdoor pool and playground, you can also go there without being guest of the hotel. Another pool is located on the road towards Solo, I will need to add the exact location another time. What you also may want to see is jalan Malioboro, the shopping lane. I must admit that I'm rarely there though, if it's not for gifts to bring along to Europe. If you're into shopping, you may as well try the malls of the city. Hartono is the newest and largest, but I haven't been there so far, other options are Amplaz and Galeria - but then again, that's not my cup of tea, as I'm usually put off by the blaring music.
Hotels and Restos
As a first-stay hotel, as mentioned above, I would recommend the grand quality simply for it's accessibility. Once you're there, you can still look around for better options. I've been staying there briefly, and another time at the also mentioned Galuh close to Prambanan (a bit off from city centre and airport). For dining there's an area full of restos in the north of the city (again, better directions will follow).
Medical treatment
The rumah sakit Panti Rapih is a catholic hospital that I've been comfortable with whenever we went there, which was mostly for the child doctor.