Yogyakarta 
is both the name of a province Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), literally the Special Area Yogyakarta, and the name of one of DIY's 5 Districts, Kota (or city) Yogyakarta'. The other districts are Sleman on the slopes of fiery Mt Merapi to the North, Bantul all the way to the sea to the South, the hills of Gunungkidul to the East and the low lands of Kulon Progo to the West
One of Indonesia's few Special regions (another being Aceh), the Yogyakarta Special Region owes its special status to the sultanate of Hamengkubuwono, which has ruled the area since 1749 and steered the state through difficult times of occupation and revolution. When the central government tried to weaken the sultan's power by calling a direct election for the state leader, present sultan Hamengkubuwono X was chosen by an overwhelming majority.
Today's Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some 500,000 people and the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The town is a center of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourist facilities.
HOW TO GET THERE:
By plane
Yogyakarta's Adisucipto International Airport (JOG), 8 km east of town, is a small but busy domestic hub presently (2005) undergoing renovation and expansion. There are near-hourly connections on Garuda to Jakarta (50 minutes) and Denpasar, while other domestic airlines service major cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi.
There is a tourist information desk, ATM and taxi stand in the arrivals hall. A metered taxi to the city or direct to Prambanan costs about Rp 20,000. A departure tax of Rp 25,000 is charged for domestic flights.
Another option is to take a direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Solo (SOC) with the discount airline Air Asia. There are bus services connection Solo to Yogyakarta. A 
direct taxi costs around Rp 300,000.
* Bandar Udara Internasional Adisucipto (Adisucipto International AIrport), Jalan Solo km9, Yogyakarta 55282, +62 274 484261 (fax: +62 274 488155).
By bus
The main bus station is Giwangan, 4 km to the southeast of the center. There are regular services throughout the island, including Jakarta (9 hours), Bandung (6 hours), and Surabaya (8 hours).
* Terminal Penumpang Giwangan (Giwangan Bus Terminal). Jalan Imogiri, Giwangan, Yogyakarta 55163, +62 274 378288, 7482222 (fax: +62 274 7483333 
By train
Trains to Jakarta take between 7 to 12 hours from the main Yogyakarta station, commonly called Tugu Station. The Argo-class trains (Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga) are the best of the lot: most comfortable and fastest. Taksaka is almost as good. These expresses connect Yogyakarta and Jakarta in 7-8 hours, either at daytime or overnight. The line between Kroya and Prupuk, where the railway crosses the main backbone mountains of Java, is scenic.
Passengers to/from Bandung should take the Argo Wilis or Lodaya expresses which traverse a scenic part of Java during daylight hours, with rice fields and mountains. The fare is Rp155.000 including lunch.
Passengers to Surabaya are served by the twice-daily Sancaka service departing in the morning and afternoon.
Yogyakarta and Solo is connected by the five Prambanan Ekspres trains. Despite the name, the train does not stop at Prambanan, and even if it does make an unscheduled stop, the station is rather far from the temple complex of Prambanan.
* Stasiun Tugu (Tugu Central Railway Station), Jalan Mangkubumi 1, Yogyakarta 55232, +62 274 589685. The main central station, serves big city destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Solo.
* Stasiun Lempuyangan (Lempuyangan Railway Station), Jalan Lempuyangan, Yogyakarta 552224. Serves economy class trains and small city destinations.
Borobudur and Prambanan Temples Central Java Travel Guides
BOROBUDUR BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF CENTRAL JAVA
Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Central Java, Indonesia. The 
monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by seventy-two Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.
The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely, Kamadhatu (the world of desire); Rupadhatu (the world of forms); and Arupadhatu (the world of formless). During the journey, the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.
Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam.[2] It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.[3] Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage, where once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction
Etymology
In
Indonesian, temples are known as candi, thus "Borobudur Temple" is locally known as Candi Borobudur. The term candi is also used more loosely to describe any ancient structure, for example, gates and bathing structures. The origins of the name Borobudur however are unclear, although the original names of most ancient Indonesian temples are no longer known. The name 'Borobudur' was first written in the Sir Thomas Raffles book on Java history.[8] Raffles wrote about a monument called borobudur, but there are no older documents suggesting the same name. The only old Javanese manuscript that hints at the monument as a holy Buddhist sanctuary is Nagarakertagama, written by Mpu Prapanca in 1365.
The name 'Bore-Budur', and thus 'BoroBudur', is thought to have been written by Raffles in English grammar to mean the nearby village of Bore; most candi are named after a nearby village. If it followed Javanese language, the monument should have been named 'BudurBoro'. Raffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to the modern Javanese word Buda ('ancient') - i.e., 'ancient Boro'. However, another archaeologist suggests the second component of the name ('Budur') comes from Javanese term bhudhara (or mountain)
Location
Ap
proximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is located in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. According to local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain is a Javanese 'sacred' place and has been dubbed 'the garden of Java' due to its high agricultural fertility. Besides Borobudur, there are other Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area, including the Prambanan temples compound. During the restoration in the early 1900s, it was discovered that three Buddhist temples in the region, Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut, are lined in one straight line position.[12] It might be accidental, but the temples' alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick
-paved road from Borobodur to Mendut with walls on both sides. The three temples (Borobodur–Pawon–Mendut) have similar architecture and ornamentation derived from the same time period, which suggests that ritual relationship between the three temples, in order to have formed a sacred unity, must have existed, although exact ritual process is yet unknown.
Unlike other temples, which were built on a flat surface, Borobudur was built on a bedrock hill, 265 m (869 ft) above sea level and 15 m (49 ft) above the floor of the dried-out paleolake.[13] The lake's existence was the subject of intense discussion among archaeologists in the twentieth century; Borobudur was thought to have been built on a lake shore or even floated on a lake. In 1931, a Dutch artist and a scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwe
nkamp, developed a theory that Kedu Plain was once a lake and Borobudur initially represented a lotus flower floating on the lake.[10] Lotus flowers are found in almost every Buddhist work of art, often serving as a throne for buddhas and base for stupas. The architecture of Borobudur itself suggests a lotus depiction, in which Buddha postures in Borobudur symbolize the Lotus Sutra, mostly found in many Mahayana Buddhism (a school of Buddhism widely spread in the east Asia region) texts. Three circular platforms on the top are also thought to represent a lotus leaf. Nieuwenkamp's theory, however, was contested by many archaeologists because the natural environment surrounding the monument is a dry land.
Geologists, on the other hand, support Nieuwenkamp's view, pointing out clay sediments found near the site. A study of stratigraphy, sediment and pollen samples conducted in 2000 supports the existence of a paleolake environment near Borobudur,which tends to confirm Nieuwenkamp's theory. The lake area fluctuated with time and the study also proves that Borobudur was near the lake shore circa thirteenth and fourteenth century. River flows and volcanic activities shape the surrounding landscape, including the lake. One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, is in the direct vicinity of Borobudur and has been very active since the Pleistocene
History
Th
ere is no written record of who built Borobudur or of its intended purpose.[ The construction time has been estimated by comparison between carved reliefs on the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptions commonly used in royal charters during the eight and ninth centuries. Borobudur was likely founded around 800 AD.[16] This corresponds to the period between 760–830 AD, the peak of the Sailendra dynasty in central Java, when it was under the influence of the Srivijayan Empire. The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completed during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.
There is confusion between Hindu and Buddhist rulers in Java around that time. The Sailendras were known as ardent followers of Lord Buddha, though stone inscriptions found at Sojomerto suggest they may have been Hindus.[18] It was during this time that many Hindu and Buddhist monuments were built on the plains and mountain around the Kedu Plain. The Buddhist monuments, including Borobudur, were erected around the same time as the Hindu Shiva Prambanan temple compound. In 732 AD, the Shivaite King Sanjaya commissioned a Hindu Shiva lingga sanctuary to be built on the Ukir hill, only 10 km (6.2 miles) east of Borobudur.
Con
struction of Buddhist temples, including Borobudur, at that time was possible because Sanjaya's immediate successor, Rakai Panangkaran, granted his permission to the Buddhist followers to build such temples. In fact, to show his respect, Panangkaran gave the village of Kalasan to the Buddhist community, as is written in the Kalasan Charter dated 778 AD. This has led some archaeologists to believe that there was never serious conflict concerning religion in Java as it was possible for a Hindu king to patronize the establishment of a Buddhist monument; or for a Buddhist king to act likewise.[22] However, it is likely that there were two rival royal dynasties in Java at the time—the Buddhist Sailendra and the Saivite Sanjaya—in which the latter triumphed over their rival in the 856 battle on the Ratubaka plateau. This confusion also exists regarding the Lara Jonggrang temple at the Prambanan complex, which was believed that it was erected by the victor Rakai Pikatan as the Sanjaya dynasty's reply to Borobudur,but others suggest.
Rediscovery
Following the Anglo-Dutch Java War, Java was under British administration from 1811 to 1816. The appo
inted governor was Lieutenant Governor-General Thomas Stamford Raffles, who took great interest in the history of Java. He collected Javanese antiques and made notes through contacts with local inhabitants during his tour throughout the island. On an inspection tour to Semarang in 1814, he was informed about a big monument deep in a jungle near the village of Bumisegoro. He was not able to make the discovery himself and sent H.C. Cornelius, a Dutch engineer, to investigate.
In two months, Cornelius and his 200 men cut down trees, burned down vegetation and dug away the earth to reveal the monument. Due to the danger of collapse, he could not unearth all galleries. He reported his findings to Raffles including various drawings. Although the discovery is only mentioned by a few sentences, Raffles has been credited with the monument's recovery, as one who had brought it to the world's attention.
Hartmann, a Dutch administrator of the Kedu region, continued Cornelius' work and in 1835 the whole complex was finally unearthed. His interest in Borobudur was more personal than official. Hartmann did not write any reports of his activities; in particular, the alleged story that he discovered the large statue of Buddha in the main stupa.[26] In 1842, Hartmann investigated the main dome although what he discovered remains unknown as the main stupa remains empty.
The Dutch East Indies government then commissioned F.C. Wilsen, a Dutch engineering official, who studied the monument and drew hundreds of relief sketches. J.F.G. Brumund was also appointed to make a detailed study of the monument, which was completed in 1859. The government intended to publish an article based on Brumund study supplemented by Wilsen's drawings, but Brumund refused to cooperate. The government then commissioned another scholar, C. Leemans, who compiled a 
monograph based on Brumund's and Wilsen's sources. In 1873, the first monograph of the detailed study of Borobudur was published, followed by its French translation a year later. The first photograph of the monument was taken in 1873 by a Dutch-Flemish engraver, Isidore van Kinsbergen.
Appreciation of the site developed slowly, and it served for some time largely as a source of souvenirs and income for "souvenir hunters" and thieves. In 1882, the chief inspector of cultural artifacts recommended that Borobudur be entirely disassembled with the relocation of reliefs into museums due to the unstable condition of the monument. As a result, the government appointed Groenveldt, an archeologist, to undertake a thorough investigation of the site and to assess the actual condition of the complex; his report found that these fears were unjustified and recommended it be left intact.
.
PRAMBANAN HINDUS TEMPLE OF CENTRAL JAVA
Pr
ambanan is the largest Hindu temple compound in Indonesia, located in Central Java, approximately 18 km east of Yogyakarta.
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples.
History
It was built around 850 CE by either Rakai Pikatan, king of the second Mataram dynasty, or Balitung Maha Sambu, during the Sanjaya Dynasty. Not long after its construction, the temple was abandoned and began to deteriorate. Reconstruction of the compound began in 1918. The main building was completed in around 1953. Much of the original stonework has been stolen and reused at remote construction sites. A temple will only be rebuilt if at least 75% of the original stones are available, and therefore only the foundation walls of most of the s
maller shrines are now visible and with no plans for their reconstruction.
The temple was damaged during the earthquake in Java in 2006. Early photos suggest that although the complex appears to be structurally intact, damage is significant. Large pieces of debris, including carvings, were scattered over the ground. The temple has been closed to the public until damage can be fully assessed. The head of Yogyakarta Archaeological Conservation Agency stated that: "it will take months to identify the precise damage".[2] However, some weeks later in 2006 the site re-opened for visitors. The immediate surroundings of the Hindu temples remain off-limits for safety reasons.
The complex
The 
compound is assembled of eight main shrines or candis, and more than 250 surrounding individual candis. The three main shrines, called Trisakti (Ind. "three sacred places"), are dedicated to the three gods: Shiva the Destroyer, Vishnu the Keeper and Brahma the Creator.
The Shiva shrine at the center contains four chambers, one in every cardinal direction. While the first contains a three meter high statue of Shiva, the other three contain smaller statues of Durga, his wife, Agastya, a risi, and Ganesha, his son.
The shrine of Durga is also called the temple of Loro Jonggrang (slender virgin), after a Javanese princess, daughter of King Boko. She was forced to marry a man she did not love, Bandung Bondowoso. After long negotiations she eventually agreed to the marriage, under the condition that her prince should build her a temple ornamented with 1000 
statues, between the setting and the rising of the sun.
Helped by supernatural beings, the prince was about to succeed. So the princess ordered the women of the village to set a fire in the east of the temple, attempting to make the prince believe that the sun was about to rise. As the cocks began to crow, fooled by the light, the supernatural helpers fled. The prince, furious about the simple trick, changed Loro Jongrang to stone. She became the last and the most beautiful of the thousand statues.
The two other main shrines are that of Vishnu, to the north, and the one of Brahma, facing to the south. In front of each main temple is a smaller candis on the east side, dedicated to the mounts of the respective god - the bull Nandi for Shiva, the gander Angsa for Brahma, and Vishnu's Eagle Garuda, which serves as the national symbol of Indonesia (cf. also to the airline Garuda Indonesia).
The bas-reliefs along the twenty sides of the temple depict the Ramayana legend. They illustrate how
Sita, the wife of Rama, is abducted by an evil ogre. The monkey king Hanuman brings his army to help Rama and rescue Sita. This story is also shown by the Ramayana Ballet, regularly performed at full moon in front of the illuminated Prambanan complex.
The temple complex is surrounded by more than 250 individual temples of different sizes, called Pewara, believed to have been offered to the king as a sign of submission. The Pewara are arranged in four rows around the central temples, according to the rank of the people allowed to enter them. While the central row was accessible to the priests only, the other three were reserved for the nobles, the knights and the simple people respectively.
Not far to the west are found Candi Kalasan and Candi Sari, and to the south the Ratu Boko on higher ground. Each provides further clues and details of the
YOGYAKARTA TOUR PACKAGE
3 days / 2 nights
DAY 01 ARRIVAL
Arrive in airport Yogya, meeting service and direct transfer to hotel for overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 CITY TOUR - BOROBUDUR
Morning Borobudur tours included Pawon & Mendut Temple and than drive to Yogya proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Included Lunch at local restaurant. Return to hotel.
DAY 03 PRAMBANAN - OUT
Proceed Prambanan temple tour, Lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to airport for next destination.
YOGYA TOUR PACKAGE
3 days / 2 nights
DAY 01 ARRIVAL
Arrive in airport Yogya, meeting service and direct transfer to hotel for overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 CITY TOUR - BOROBUDUR
Morning Borobudur tours included Pawon & Mendut Temple and than drive to Yogya proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Included Lunch at local restaurant. Return to hotel.
DAY 03 PRAMBANAN - OUT
Proceed Prambanan temple tour, Lunch at local restaurant, then transfer to airport for next destination.
YOGYA SOLO TOUR PACKAGE
3 days / 2 nights
DAY 01 ARRIVAL - BOROBUDUR
Meeting services at airport and direct lunch local restaurant. After lunch, visit Borobudur temple including Pawon and Mendut temples. Overnight at hotel.
DAY 02 PRAMBANAN - SOLO
Drive to Solo for Solo sightseeing to visit Mangkunegaran Palace, Radya Pustaka Museum and Triwindhu Antique Market. Lunch at local restaurant. On the way back to Yogyakarta, stop at Prambanan temple. Return to hotel.
DAY 03 CITY TOUR - OUT
Proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Transfer to airport for next destination.
YOGYA SOLO TOUR PACKAGE
4 days / 3 nights
DAY 01 ARRIVAL YOGYA
Meeting service at airport and direct transfer to your hotel for overnight.
DAY 02 PRAMBANAN – SOLO
Then drive to Solo to proceed Solo sighseeing, visits Mangkunegaran palace, Triwindhu Flea Market and Radya Pustaka museum. Lunch will be served at local restaurant. On the way back to Yogya, stop at Prambanan temple. Back to hotel for overnight.
DAY 03 BOROBUDUR YOGYA SIGHTSEEING
Morning Borobudur tours included Pawon & Mendut Temple and than drive to Yogya proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Included Lunch at local restaurant. Return to hotel.
DAY 04 FAREWELL YOGYA
Free time until transfer time to airport for catch your flight.
YOGYA DIENG PLATEAU TOUR PACKAGE
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DAY 01 ARRIVAL - PRAMBANAN
Arrive in Adi Sucipto airport, Yogyakarta then direct lunch at local restaurant and continued to Prambanan temple, to see the most beautiful Hindu temple in central Java. Then transfer to hotel for overnight.
DAY 02 DIENG - BOROBUDUR
Early morning leaving for Dieng Plateau via Wonosobo passing through the beautiful countryside and vegetable plantation. Arrive in Dieng Plateau enjoying the oldesst Hindu temple complex in Java in elevation 6,000 feet. Lunch at local restaurant. On the way back to Yogyakarta visit Borobudur temple. Arrive at hotel for overnight.
DAY 03 CITY TOUR YOGYA
Proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure.
DAY 04 FAREWELL YOGYA
Free time until the transfer time to airport for catch your flight.
YOGYA DIENG PLATEAU TOUR PACKAGE
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
DAY 01 ARRIVAL - PRAMBANAN
Arrive in Adi Sucipto airport, Yogyakarta then direct lunch at local restaurant and continued to Prambanan temple, to see the most beautiful Hindu temple in central Java. Then transfer to hotel for overnight.
DAY 02 DIENG - BOROBUDUR
Early morning leaving for Dieng Plateau via Wonosobo passing through the beautiful countryside and vegetable plantation. Arrive in Dieng Plateau enjoying the oldesst Hindu temple complex in Java in elevation 6,000 feet. Lunch at local restaurant. On the way back to Yogyakarta visit Borobudur temple. Arrive at hotel for overnight.
DAY 03 CITY TOUR YOGYA
Proceed Yogyakarta City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Batik Home Industry and Silverwork at Kotagede. Lunch at local restaurant. Back to hotel. The rest of the day is free for your own leisure.
DAY 04 FAREWELL YOGYA
Free time until the transfer time to airport for catch your flight.
YOGYA - BOROBUDUR SUNRISE
2 days / 1 night
DAY 01 ARRIVAL YOGYA
Upon arrival in Yogya by GA 247 ETA 15.40, meet and reet by your guide and direct transfer to Manohara Hotel via Godean Villae (rice fields view, villages, etc). It will take about 1,5 hours on drive. Check in Manohara. Dinner at hotel.
DAY 02 BOROBUDUR SUNRISE - PRAMBANAN - CITY TOUR
Morning, climbing up the Borobudur tempe for welcoming the beautiful sunrise. Then, exploring the story of the Budha Gautama story on the relief (on walk). Back to your hotel for breakfast. After take a rest and breakfast, check out time and drive to Yogyakarta to explore the cty with visit Kraton Yogyakarta, Taman Sari, Batik Home Industry and Silversmith Industry with their processing and collection. Drive to nDalem nGabean (first priority) or similar for having Indonesia Buffet Lunch. After that, drive to Wayang Gallery for enjoying the short performance of Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppet Show) with its processing and collection. Our last tour is visiting Prambanan Temple - the most beautiful Hindu temple in Central Java. Then, terminated the tour to Adi Sucipto airport for flight home.
YOGYA & BEYOND TOUR - "EXOTIC TRIP"
5 days / 4 nights
DAY 01 ARRIVAL YOGYA
Upon arrival in Yogya airport, meet and greet by your friendly guide, then direct proceed Yogya City Tour visiting Sultan Royal Palace, "Ngasem" Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari), processing of batik at Batik Home Industry, and processing of silverware at Kotagede. Lunch at local restaurant (Indonesian Menu Buffet). PM. Prambanan Temple tour. Check in to your hotel. BATIK PALACE HOTEL.
DAY 02 BOROBUDUR SUNRISE - PRAMBANAN - CITY TOUR
After breakfast, drive for Borobudur temple via Godean villag passing through the morning life of people with their activity on the market, rice-fields, school, and others (it is possible to stop to admire them). After exploring the Buddhist temple of Borobudur with its tory of Budha on the relief, you will visit Pawon and Mendut temple to complete the story of Borobudur. Then drive for Wonosobo with lunch at local restaurant. Overnight at KRESNA HOTEL Wonosobo.
DAY 03 SUNRISE DIENG PLATEAU - TLOGO PLANTATION (BLD)
Early morning, drive to Dieng Plateau, and continued with a short trekking to one of the top hill welcoming the beautiful sunrise. Then, exploring the oldest Hindu temple complex in Java will be enjoyed and visited. Some still active craters and color lakes are the next visits. While taking a deep breath of morning fresh air, you could enjoy the morning life of Dieng's people starting their ork in their vegetable. Back to hotel for having breakfast. On the way to hotel, tit is possible to stop at thea plantation and traditional market. Freetime for your own leisure. PM, drive for Tlogo - a plantation of rubber and coffee lovated on the way to Solo. On the way to Tlogo, you will visit Ambarawa Railway Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Overnight and dinner at TLOGO AGRO RESORT.
DAY 04 SUNRISE DIENG PLATEAU - TLOGO PLANTATION
Early morning, drive to Dieng Plateau, and continued with a short trekking to one of the top hill welcoming the beautiful sunrise. Then, exploring the oldest Hindu temple complex in Java will be enjoyed and visited. Some still active craters and color lakes are the next visits. While taking a deep breath of morning fresh air, you could enjoy the morning life of Dieng's people starting their ork in their vegetable. Back to hotel for having breakfast. On the way to hotel, tit is possible to stop at thea plantation and traditional market. Freetime for your own leisure. PM, drive for Tlogo - a plantation of rubber and coffee lovated on the way to Solo. On the way to Tlogo, you will visit Ambarawa Railway Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Overnight and dinner at TLOGO AGRO RESORT.
DAY 05 TLOGO PLANTATION TOUR - DRIVE SOLO
Early morning, plantation tour. With the farmers, you will see the process in making rubber starting from taking the rubber oil till the processing in the factory. Also, feel how the farmers take a coffee fruit. Breakfast and lunch will be served at the guest - house. PM, enjoy the beauty of The Sindoro - Sumbing Valley, with coffee plantation and cascading rice terraces, as we drive up to Mt. Ungaran. Take a little exercise to get to Gedong Songo (9 buildings) temple on foot, where you can see hear, and feel Gedong Songo's tranquility. Drive for Solo, sightseeing with visit Kraton Mangkunegaran, Trindhu Flea Market, and Radya Museum. Lunch at local restaurant. Drive for Yogya. Terminated the tour to Adi Sucipto airport for next destination.
Solo/Surakarta - Java Island Travel Guide
Surakarta (its formal name; locally it is referred to as Solo) is an Indonesian city of approximately 500,000 people located in Central Java. It is some 65 km (40 miles) northeast of Yogyakarta, and 100 km (60 miles) southeast of Semarang. The city was a center of power during the 18th century Mataram Sultanate. It is also at times called Soerakarta.
KARATON SURAKARTA HADININGRAT
Since 
February 17, 1745, Susuhunan Pakubuwono II and his family had occupied the new palace or karaton located along the banks of Solo River, the longest river in Java. The former karaton in Kartosuro (10 km west of Solo) had been abandoned due to severe damages. It was not a proper karaton for the Susuhunan (king) anymore, after being ransacked on 1742 by the invaders. Pakubuwono II with all his family and subordinates made a day long royal procession from Kartosuro to Surakarta. The city of Surakarta could easily connected to east Java main coastal centers such as Gresik, Tuban via Bengawan (river) Solo. This 'river connection' was one the reasons to move the palace to Solo. Pakubuwono means 'center of the world' (paku : nail, buwono : the world).
The king sat on his royal wagon, Kyai Grudo escorted by high ranking officials, troops, regalia carriers, bringing the pusakas (heirlooms) and other important things to be used in his new palace. The convoy includes also the sacred gamelan, waringin (Banyan) trees, horses, elephants and a special chamber Bangsal Pengrawit. Upon arrival at the new karaton, he announced that starting from today the capital city of the kingdom was Surokarto Hadiningrat (suro : brave, valiant - karto : prosperous - Hadi : great, precious - rat : state).
Coming
from the north side of Jalan Slamet Riyadi through a thoroughfare (gladak), a visitor arrives in the North Square (alun-alun Lor). In the center of Alun-alun, there are two waringins (Banyan) trees symbolizing protection and justice.
Name
The local inhabitants are more familiar with and use the name of "Solo" or "Sala" for the city, rather than "Surakarta". "Surakarta" is however used in formal and official contexts. The city has similar name with neighboring district of "Kartasura", which the preceded capital of Mataram located.
Geography
The eastern part of the town is bordered by Bengawan Solo River, the longest river on Java. The river is the inspiration for the song Bengawan Solo, a 1940s composition by Gesang Martohartono which became famous throughout much of Asia.
Government
The royal head of Surakarta has the title Susuhunan.
Subdistricts
Surakarta is divided into 5 subdistricts (kecamatan): Banjarsari, Jebres, Laweyan, Pasar Kliwon, and Serengan.
Important Places
There are 2 major markets in the city, namely Pasar Klewer and Pasar Gede. Pasar Klewer is famous as the biggest textile market in the region.
History
This is the older of t
he two royal cities in Central Java (the other is Yogyakarta), and its ruling family can lay claim to being the rightful heirs to the Mataram dynasty. Like Yogya, Solo has two royal palaces and a number of museums, yet its tourist industry is nowhere near as developed. The city's main source of income is from textiles, and Solo has the biggest batik market on Java. Solo also makes an ideal base from which to visit the home of Java Man at Sangiran, as well as the intriguing temples Candi Ceto and Candi Sukuh.Founding The Dynasty
A series of wars and clashes between the Adipati (dukes) followed the death of the last Sultan of Demak Bintoro, the first Islamic kingdom in Java. One of the prominent powerful dukes was Jaka Tingkir, son-in-law of the late sultan. After defeating the last opponent duke of Jipang-Panola, Jaka Tingkir aka. Sultan Hadiwijaya claimed the throne and moved the capital to the city of Pajang, located about 8
miles from the present-day Surakarta. His adopted son, Sutawijaya, formed a conspiracy and killed him with the favour of an assassin. Then, he ascended the throne and once again, moved the capital to Mataram in the present-day province of Jogjakarta, and a new dynasty was founded. It was such an irony to find out that Sutawijaya was the man of the battle which fought against the duke of Jipang-Panola and killed the duke, gained the victory for Pajang.Pakubuwono II
Up until 1744, Solo was little more than a quiet backwater village, 10km east of Kartasura, the contemporary capital of the Mataram kingdom. But in that year the Mataram susuhunan (king), Pakubuwono II, backed the Chinese against the Dutch, and the court at Kartasura was sacked as a result. Pakubuwono II searched for a more auspicious spot to rebuild his
capital, and in 1745 the entire court was dismantled and transported in a great procession to Surakarta, on the banks of the Kali (River) Solo. It was said that the place he chose to be the new palace was sited on a small lake. It was also said by the "babad" or official record of court historians that the lake was drained by the favor of the mythical queen of the southern sea, Nyi Roro Kidul.However, the decline continued, and in 1757, after the kingdom of Mataram was divided into the Surakarta Sunanate (northern court) and the Jogjakarta Sultanate (southern court), another rival royal house of Mangkunegoro was established by Raden Mas Said aka. Pangeran Samber Nyowo (The Slayer Prince) right in the centre of Solo.
It marked the success of Dutch policies in East Indies, which were known as "divide et impera" (divide and conquer). Mataram held so much influence in Java, yet it remained nothing more than falling under the Dutch's hands. Thereafter, Solo's royal houses wisely avoided fighting and instead threw their energies into the arts, developing a highly sophisticated and graceful court culture. The gamelan pavilions became the new theatres of war, with each city competing to produce the more refined court culture. Wayang Kulit and Wayang Wong are some theatrical arts still performed today.Pakubuwono X
Perhaps the most significant ruler of the twentieth century, was Pakubuwono X. His relationship with the Dutch, and his large family, and his popularity contributed to perhaps the largest funeral procession that ever occurred in Solo. He had contributed large expenditure on the Royal Graveyard at Imogiri in the main sections of the graveyard, as well as towards the new section that he was buried in. In the era just prior to independence Surakarta had European, Chinese and Arab quarters.
Recent Developments
In the early 1980s, Abubakar Basyir and Husein Al Habshi established Pesantren Ngruki, an Islamic school in Surakarta. Their views are considered by some to be extreme and hard line, a threat to the pluralistic and democratic nature of Indonesian society.
In 1984-1985, an extreme Muslim group with connections to the Ngruki school began plotting violent actions. They planned to attack foreign tourists in the nearby Borobudur temple and on the island of Bali. However the bomb at Borobudur exploded prematurely early in the morning, and no one was hurt. The bomb sent to Bali exploded prematurely on the "Pemudi" bus on the way from Surakarta to Bali.
In 1985, Basyir and Habshi were arrested by the police.
They were sentenced to several years in prison. They appealed the sentence and during the appeal process, Basyir managed to escape to Malaysia and stayed there for 14 years. In Malaysia, Basyir and Sungkar established the "Jihad Islam" (JI) organization.In May 1998, there was a large scale riot in Surakarta, because of oil price hikes. A mob ransacked and burned the office of the Surakarta mayor and other nearby government buildings. The destroyed buildings have since been rebuilt. Additionally, rioters targeted the homes and businesses of the local Indonesian-Chinese, leading to widespread destruction.
In 1999, Basyir returned to Indonesia and established an Islamist group called Majelis Mujahiddin Indonesia (MMI) in Surakarta. This group often conducts sweeps against foreign tourists from the USA, the UK, Denmark, and Italy in Surakarta.
From 2002 to 2005, terrorists related to the JI group were blamed for bomb attacks against foreign tourist in various areas in Indonesia. Some believe most JI terrorists are alumni of "Pesantren Ngruki" in Surakarta. However since most of these Islamist radicals are still at large it is hard to say what their full history is.
Local dialect
Although people in Central Java use the same language named boso Jowo (Javanese), they have special characteristics which differentiate from which region they come. For example, for the word "cold" (dingin in Indonesian, especially for weather), people in Surakarta use the word adem, but people in Semarang use the word atis. The Javanese language of Surakarta and Yogyakarta is used as the standard for all Javanese speakers throughout the nation. However it should be born in mind that Indonisias official language is not Javanese, so this language is of less importance than its number of native speakers would suggest.
Mount Merapi Trekking - Central Java Travel Guides
Mount Merapi or Gunung Merapi in Indonesian language (bahasa), is a conical volcano in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the most active volcano in Indonesia and has erupted regularly since 1548. Its name means Mountain of Fire. It is very close to the city of Y
ogyakarta, and thousands of people live on the flanks of the volcano, with villages as high as 1700 m above sea level.
Several of its eruptions have caused fatalities. It was erupting from 1992 to 2002, and a particularly large explosion killed 43 people in 1994. It began erupting again in 2006, and scientists believe a large eruption is imminent. In light of the hazards it poses to populated areas, it has been designated a Decade Volcano.
Merapi is the youngest in a group of volcanoes in southern Java. It is situated at a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian Plate is sliding beneath the Eurasian Plate. It is one of at least 129 active volcanoes in Indonesia, part of the Pacific Ring o
f Fire - a section of fault lines stretching from the Western Hemisphere through Japan and South East Asia.
Stratigraphic analysis reveals that eruptions in the Merapi area began about 400,000 years ago, and from then until about 10,000 years ago, eruptions were typically effusive, and the outflowing lava emitted was basaltic. Since then, eruptions have become more explosive, with viscous andesitic lavas often generating lava domes. Dome collapse has often generated pyroclastic flows, and larger explosions, which have resulted in eruption columns, have also generated pyroclastic flows through column collapse.
Typically, small eruptions occur every two to three years, and larger ones every 10-15 years or so. Notable eruptions, often causing many deaths, have occurred in 1006, 1786, 1822, 1872 (the most violent eruption in recent history), and 1930—when thirteen villages were destroyed and 1400 people killed by pyroclastic flows.
A very large eruption in 1006 is claimed to have covered all of central Java with ash. The volcanic devastation is claimed to have led to the collapse of the Hindu Kingdom of Mataram, however there is insufficient evidence from that era for this to be substantiated.
Merapi continues hold particular significance for the Javanese: it is one of four places where officials from the royal palaces of Yogyakarta and Solo make annual offerings to placate the ancient Javanese spirits.
More like hers brother, Mount Merbabu is a favorite mountain for local and foreign mountaineers. The average temperature in its top is around 15 grade Celsius during the day, of course in the night, it’s biting cold. The magnificent Merbabu is in the middle of Central Java Province, comes from the word "Meru" means mountain and "Babu" means female or lady. For years it has been known as a sleeping mountain, but in fact it has 5 calderas, namely: Condrodimuko, Kombang, Kendang, Rebab & Sambernyowo. Mt. Merbabu last eruption was in 1968 which caused a lot of erosion. Usually it gives a tranquile atmosphere to its green beautiful environment.
MOUNT MERAPI & MERBABU- VOLCANO TREKKING
Duration: 05 DAYS / 04 NIGHTS
Start / Finish : Yogyakarta / Semarang airport
Grade: Moderate
DAY 01: ARRIVAL YOGYAKARTA - SELO
Upon your arrival in Yogyakarta. You will start your journey by charter the private vehicle to Selo village enroute to the Magelang regency. Normally it will takes for about 7 hours from Yogyakarta. Arrive in Selo village then you may have rest at Merapi Pass Restaurant as they have simple accommodation (NON STAR).
DAY 02: SELO - MOUNT MERAPI - SELO
Early morning, you have obligatory to check permit. Start trek to Shelter III through pass the village, vegetation field, tropical rain forest. Climb Mount Merapi will takes 8 - 9 hours from Selo then we suggest you to take return journey due to climb. Return to Selo village for rest of the day at local house with very basic facilities. (B,L,D)
DAY 03: SELO - BASECAMP MT.MERBABU
This morning, you have obligatory to check permit from Base Camp Selo village. Start trek to campsite through pass the village, vegetation field, tropical rain forest. Rest of the day at your own dome tent. (Cooking are preferable at campsite). (B,L,D)
DAY 04: MOUNT MERBABU - SELO - BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Early morning wake up (at 05.AM) for summit attack to see the beautiful sunrise at Mt.Merbabu peak. After obligatory take picture of magnificent scenery, descend to campsite for have breakfast and continue trek to Selo village for return drive to Borobudur temple. Stay at Manohara Hotel. (B,L,D)
DAY 05: BOROBUDUR TEMPLE - YOGYAKARTA / SEMARANG.
Early morning wake up (at 04.AM) for see the beautiful sunrise at Borobudur temple. After obligatory take picture of magnificent scenery, descend to Hotel for have breakfast then proceed to Yogyakarta or Semarang. Transfer to airport for catch your flight. (B,L)
Yogyakarta Hotels - Central Java Travel Guides
Yogyakarta: without question the cultural and intellectual heart and soul of Java. The translation of Yogyakarta from classic Javanese means “Peace without Conflict”. Besides being the name of this city it is an apt description of the Javanese character. Yogya's unhurried pace combined with it's historical & artistic significance and the genuine warmth of the inhabitants has made it popular with tourists the world over.
Below is the list of Accommodation in Malioboro Street of Yogyakarta:
Grand Mercure Yogyakarta 4 star / 143 rooms
Rates to be advised
Aptly named, the Grand Mercure Yogyakarta, has been restored with painstaking care from a historical building to emerge as an elegant boutique hotel. Strategically and conveniently located the Grand Mercure Yogyakarta has been designed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta together with personalised service that is relaxing and enchanting.
Hotel Mendut Yogyakarta 2 star / 58 room
Rates: Standard Rp 278,000 / Superior Rp 304,600 (include breakfast)
Just steps from the Tugu rail station, the Mendut Hotel has long been a favourite hotel for local businessmen and leisure travelers on a budget looking for simple and clean accommodation within Yogyakarta's historical district. Offering clean rooms in a traditional setting with friendly, family style service only minutes on foot from Jl. Malioboro at very reasonable rates makes Mendut Hotel an interesting option for those looking to stretch their travel dollar.
Ibis Malioboro 3 star / 147 rooms
Rates to be advised
Connected to the beautiful Malioboro Mall giving you direct access to all the excitement & attractions on Jl. Malioboro right at your doorstep, Ibis Malioboro puts you right in the heart of Yogyakarta's historical area with all the value for money that Ibis is known for worldwide. For anyone who wants to be on Jl. Malioboro at a reasonable rate and in a more modern setting the Ibis Malioboro is the place.
Melia Purosani Yogyakarta 5 star / 299 rooms
Rates: Deluxe US$ 79.00 / Grand US$ 94.00 (include breakfast)
One of Yogyakarta's favourite and most luxurious hotels, the Melia Purosani couldn't be better located. Situated at the corner at the corner of Jl. Suryatmajan and Jl. Suryotomo in the midst of the historic district of Yogyakarta, Melia Purosani gives you easy access to and from anywhere in Yogyakarta and is just a city block from Jl. Malioboro, the city's main shopping street and within easy walking distance to the Keraton. Staff is professional, warm and friendly.
Hotel Mutiara Malioboro 3 star / 120 rooms
With it's near perfect location smack in the middle of Jl. Malioboro, between the Tugu Train Station and Keraton, the Intan Mutiara is hard to overlook. Walking to anywhere in the historical district is a snap. Nice, clean rooms together with a friendly staff and reasonable rates the Hotel Mutiara Malioboro puts value conscious travelers in the middle of the action on Jl. Malioboro.
Inna Garuda Yogyakarta 4 star / 233 rooms
Built in 1908, the landmark Inna Garuda is as much a part of Jl. Malioboro as the Keraton. Formerly known as the Natour, the Inna Garuda's 233 rooms are comfortably furnished in a classical Indonesian style complete with the amenities of international star hotel. For those who wish to be right in the heart of the action on legendary Jalan Malioboro Inna Garuda is a has great rates.
Accommodation outside Malioboro Street of Yogyakarta:
Dusun Jogja Village Inn 2 star / 24 roomsRates: Deluxe US$ 75.00 / Suite US$ 100.00 (include breakfast)
The first boutique style hotel in Yogyakarta, the Dusun Jogja Village Inn has built its reputation by blending the warmth and gentleness of Javanese hospitality into a unique home style setting that showcases Javanese and Indonesian art and artifacts with charming effect. Just south of the historical district Dusun Jogja Village Inn is a nice choice for those wishing to explore Yogyakarta from a local point of view.
Novotel Yogyakarta 4 star / 200 rooms
Rates to be advised
Just around the corner from Jl. Malioboro and a short walk from the Tugu Monument on Jl. Sudirman is the very stylish Novotel Yogyakarta - one of Yogyakarta's favourite luxury hotels. As with all Novotels, the Novotel Yogyakarta offers all the service and facilities that today's international traveler expects in a fresh, contemporary setting and with friendly, professional service at very attractive rates.
Puri Artha Hotel 3 star / 62 rooms
Rates: Superior Rp 488,000 / Deluxe Rp 503,000 (include breakfast)
Tucked away down a small road just off Jl. Sudirman lies the very traditional Puri Artha. Offering 62 rooms and suites, the Puri Artha takes you back a step in time. Rooms and facilities are spick and span clean and the service is warm and graceful. With its down to earth rates, the Puri Artha has long been a favourite of locals, and is a good choice for anyone not needing all the bells and whistles of a international hotel or seeking to experience and learn a little about Yogya and its people.
Sahid Raya Yogyakarta 4 star / 127 rooms
Rates to be advised
One of many Sahid Hotels throughout Indonesia, the Sahid Yogyakarta has long been a favourite of local businessment by offering its unique blend of modern facilities and warm Javanese hospitality. With Sahid Raya Yogyakarta's central location on Jl. Adisucipto guests have easy access all around the city for either business or sightseeing as well as a wide choice of accommodation to make any visit special.
Saphir Yogyakarta 4 star / 208 rooms
Rates to be advised
With it's prime location along Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, the Saphir Yogyakarta is currently in the midst of a long term renovation and remodeling program that is putting a nice shine on this well thought of hotel. One of several Saphir Hotels in Indonesia, the locally owned and managed Saphir Yogya offers 208 comfortable, moderately priced rooms and suites that have developed a strong following by local businessmen who recognise value.
Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel 4 star / 129 rooms
Located in the University District midway between the airport and Yogya's historical district, the Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel (formerly known as the Radisson Hotel Jogja) is nicely positioned for easy access to and from anywhere in Yogyakarta or beyond. Offering 129 comfortable and tastefully furnished rooms, and friendly, professional service the Jogjakarta Plaza Hotel is a nice choice for leisure or business.
Rumah Mertua 2 melati / 9 rooms
Rates: Standard Rp 210,000 / Deluxe Rp 285,000 (include breakfast)
Located just to the east of Yogyakarta near Prambanan Temple, down a country lane and surrounded by rice paddies, Rumah Mertua does everything to make you feel at home (indeed, in Indonesian 'Rumah Mertua' translates to 'the home of my in-laws'). And an appropriate name it is - as soon as you enter the front door you feel at home. Rooms are comfortable and absolutely spotless with bamboo beds and decorated with Indonesian artifacts. For those that don't need all the amenities of a international hotel or want to be in an environment to learn a little about Yogyakarta, Rumah Mertua is an interesting choice.
Hotel Jayakarta Yogyakarta 3 star / 129 rooms
Rate: Standard $ 72.60 / Deluxe Garden $108.90
Hotel Santika Jogja 4 star / 148 rooms
Located on Jl. Sudirman, a few minutes walk just around the corner from Jl. "Malioboro", the Tugu Train Station and Keraton, the Hotel Santika Jogja is well situated to help you get the most out of your visit to Yogyakarta. The Santika Hotel Group operates a collection of elegant four star hotels throughout Indonesia and, as with all Santika Hotels, the Santika Jogja combines modern luxury with traditional Indonesian hospitality and a professional, attentive staff to provide very good value for money.
Inna Ambarrukmo Palace 4 star / 245 rooms
Rate: Deluxe Garden $165.80 / Deluxe Poolview $191.00
Yogyakarta's first luxury hotel and a landmark since 1966, the venerable Inna Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel has welcomed just about everyone who has ever visited Yogyakarta at one time or another. Located along Jl. Laksda Adisucipto, the Inna Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel provides easy access to and from downtown Yogya as well as to all the temples and other tourist attractions surrounding Yogyakarta. For those looking for a little history or nostalgia, the Inna Ambarrukmo awaits.
Quality Hotel Yogyakarta 4 star / 160 rooms
Quality Yogyakarta is an apt name for this very attractive hotel nicely situated mid way between Adi Sucipto Airport and Yogya's downtown commercial district. Its strategic location combined with a full range of international standard facilities and warm, personalize service has made the Quality Hotel Yogyakarta a favourite of business and leisure travelers alike. Rooms are comfortable, tastefully decorated with all the modern conveniences and amenities one requires. For those looking for a good value for money hotel to explore Yogyakarta - Quality Hotel is should not be overlooked.
Sejahtera 4 star / 130 rooms
Located off Jl. Adisucipto the Sejahtera Hotel & Apartment was originally designed as an apartment and as such offers rooms that are larger than most hotels. Close to the downtown area as well as university district the Sejahtera Hotel and Apartment offers facilities such as kitchenettes that are welcome by students and long staying guests to the area.
Sheraton Mustika 5 star / 241 rooms
Rate: Deluxe Garden $165.80 / Deluxe Poolview $191.00