The Weekend Runner: Yogyakarta Adventures

After unpacking from my trip in Yogyakarta, I realised that most of my dirty clothes are covered in either volcanic ash or sand. If my clothes could talk, they would probably say “Phew, what an adventure!”. They have seen it all on this trip: noisy markets, mountains, beaches, and many more. If you expect a relaxing, slow paced trip then Yogyakarta is not the place for you. Just like it’s locals, Yogyakarta is bold, resilient, and adventurous, not exactly a place for the faint-hearted.

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I tagged along with a few friends on this trip and they are absolute history buffs. Steeped in rich heritage, culture, and mystical believes, Yogyakarta proved to be the perfect place for them. Therefore, temple tours to Candi Prambanan and Candi Borobudur is a must. Each temple has its own unique features to be explored, so we walked and even climbed a few kilometers to cover the elaborate temple complex. Luckily, I brought along my favourite Jazri Riada tops because they are light, comfortable, and cool. Plus, no sweat marks in photos because they evaporate sweat too!

 

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Jazri Riada is made for exploring! I brought along my both of my favourite colours.

IMG_0302Candi Borobudur is best viewed during sunrise. To get to the viewing point, we had to do a short hike up Punthuk Setumbu. The view at the top is all worth the work out.

11889600_10207356714225912_6603914117845254114_n11960156_10203312878421521_3779639741325860584_n11896004_10207356716985981_6713033447156715573_nThe famous Candi Borobudur. I can recall some of these pictures from my secondary school textbooks.

 

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Candi Prambanan. As opposed to the Buddha influences in Candi Borobudur, this temple is actually a Hindu temple.

 

Besides temples and historical sites, Yogyakarta is also well-known for its natural attractions. It’s diverse landscape ranging from volcanoes, mountains, rivers, and beaches proves to be a giant playground for outdoor enthusiasts. However, since we are pressed for time, we managed to squeeze in a volcanic tour around Mount Merapi which is still an active volcano, and sunset by Parangtritis Beach.

IMG_0407One of the many active volcanoes looming ahead. Powerful, omnipresent, and highly respected by the locals.

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A trip to Yogyakarta will not be complete without a trip to the volcanic site. This is still an active volcano so the tour will not take you directly to the active site.

 

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11960105_10207360480960078_4400998598969834602_nYou need to rent a jeep and a guide because most roads are not accessible by cars. 

11921634_10207360484320162_8078637467946233065_nIn Malaysia, sandy beaches are usually white (if not polluted). However, Parangtritis beaches have black sand because of the surrounding volcano.

11947658_10207360485720197_7771330899787980101_nI wish I brought along a swimsuit!

11924765_10207360486640220_3419597861974654023_nSunset by the beach

 

At the end of this trip, my mind lingers to a popular quote that goes “Travelling is the only thing that you buy to make yourself richer” and I can’t help but to agree with that saying. Yogyakarta has left me with a deeper appreciation for other cultures, Mother Nature, and God’s almighty powers. So, where will my next adventure be?

 

Until next week,

The Weekend Runner.