The Archaeological Tour while in Yogyakarta
I would like to share our itinerary when we were in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, this summer. We stayed for four nights in Yogyakarta and the main highlight is to visit Candi Borobudur and Candi Prambanan. Here we go:
Day 1
We started the day with a visit to Candi Borobudur in Magelang, Central Java province.
![Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
There is a conflicting information as to when Candi Borobudur is built. According to Google and Wikipedia, it was built in the 9th century. But our guide said that it was in the 8th century. Probably some parts of the Candi was older than the other parts, for example some of the relief. Hence both information is correct.
![Candi Borobudur in a countryside setting](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Camdi-Borobudur-in-a-countryside-setting-595x446.jpg)
Candi Borobudur is a Buddhist temple built by the Sailendra Dynasty (or Wangsa Sailendra). Our guide told us that there are three tiers of the Temple. First tier is Kamadatu, which is the lower tier, located in the ground area, which are dedicated to ordinary people, where people are still bound by desires. Second tier is Rupadatu, the middle area which is dedicated for teaching and lecturing as humans are free from desire but still bound by forms. It is located on higher steps and where you can find statues of Buddha teaching and lecturing. And the third tier or the highest tier is Arupadatu, which means formlessness where human are freed from desires and forms. It describes by stupas of Buddha meditating trying to reach Nirvana.
Here are some reliefs from the first tier or the lower area which represents common people. There is Karmawibangga, or we probably know as Karma.
![Karmawibangga](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Karmawibangga-595x446.jpg)
![Karma relief maybe gossiping](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Karma-relief-maybe-gossiping-595x446.jpg)
![Gossiping as Karma relief](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gossiping-as-Karma-relief-595x446.jpg)
![Not sure why this is Karma](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Not-sure-why-this-is-Karma-595x446.jpg)
![Relief on the right doing no good](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Relief-on-the-right-doing-no-good-595x446.jpg)
![The ground area is for ordinary people](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-ground-area-is-for-ordinary-people-595x446.jpg)
You may see various colour of stones, but rest assure that they are all from the ancient 9th century stones.
![Various colour of stones but they all old](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/various-colour-of-stones-but-they-all-old-595x446.jpg)
![Is this tounge stairs](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Is-this-a-tounge-stairs-595x446.jpg)
![Tree relief in Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Tree-relief-in-Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
![Elephant with a bell](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Elephant-with-a-bell-relief-595x446.jpg)
Some of the reliefs are very detailed and wonderful. Remember that they are comprised of some stones which are interlocked with each other.
![Candi Borobudur Relief](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Borobudur-Relief-595x446.jpg)
![Very detailed relief in Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Very-detailed-relief-in-Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
Some reliefs detailed the everyday lives of the people.
![A women being carried in a cart - is this a wedding](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/A-women-being-carried-in-a-cart-is-this-a-wedding-595x446.jpg)
Then we climb to see the second tier, the Rupadatu, where we can see some statues of Buddha teaching and lecturing.
![The teaching Buddha](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-teaching-Buddha-595x446.jpg)
![A teaching Buddha relief in Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/A-teaching-Buddha-relief-in-Candi-Borobudur-595x793.jpg)
![various Buddha position in Candi Borobudur relief](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/various-Buddha-position-in-Candi-Borobudur-relief-595x446.jpg)
![This maybe a teaching or learning relief](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/This-maybe-a-teaching-or-learning-relief-595x446.jpg)
![There is relief of the temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/There-is-relief-of-the-temple-595x446.jpg)
![Maybe these are people bringing gifts to worship in the Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Maybe-these-are-people-bringing-gifts-to-worship-in-the-Temple-595x446.jpg)
![Relief - they maybe praying](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Relief-they-maybe-praying-595x446.jpg)
![Beautiful relief with many sitting Buddha](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-relief-with-many-sitting-Buddha-595x446.jpg)
![One of the complete relief of Budha](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/One-of-the-complete-relief-of-Budha-595x446.jpg)
![Budha stone in Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Budha-stone-in-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
![relief in the corner](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/relief-in-the-corner-595x446.jpg)
![Guardian lion](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Guardian-lion-595x446.jpg)
![Beautiful stairs in Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-stairs-in-Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
![Beautiful Borobudur in a mountainous background](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-Borobudur-in-a-mountainous-background-595x793.jpg)
Then we arrive at the highest tier, the Arupadatu, which consists of 72 stupas. Arupadatu has three layers. The first layer has 32 stupas, the second layer has 24 stupas, and the third layer has 16 stupas. The difference is eight – I think a special number too in Chinese belief. Our guide says 8 is like a symbol of infinity.
![Arupadatu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Stupa-of-Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
![Buddha inside the stupa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Buddha-inside-the-stupa-595x446.jpg)
![Stupa close up](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Stupa-close-up-595x793.jpg)
![32 and 24 and 16 stupas](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/32-and-24-and-16-stupas-595x446.jpg)
![Breathtaking view of Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Breathtaking-view-of-Candi-Borobudur-595x793.jpg)
![Arupadatu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Second-area-as-in-higher-ground-595x794.jpg)
![Inside of stupa there is Buddha](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Inside-of-stupa-there-is-Buddha-595x793.jpg)
![Buddha inside the stupa in Borobudur Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Buddha-inside-the-stupa-in-Borobudur-Temple-595x793.jpg)
![Among the 72 stupas of Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Among-the-72-stupas-of-Candi-Borobudur-595x793.jpg)
![Some staff inspect the Candi](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Some-staff-inspect-the-Candi-595x793.jpg)
Then there are the highest stupa which is the biggest and the mightiest one, sitting on the very top.
![Steps in Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Steps-in-Candi-Borobudur-595x793.jpg)
![Stupa and the highest stupa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Stupa-and-the-highest-stupa-595x794.jpg)
![The highest stupa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-highest-stupa-595x793.jpg)
![The highest stupa represents Buddha reaches nirwana](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-highest-stupa-represents-Buddha-reaches-nirwana-595x793.jpg)
From what I read, it represents Perfection, and it is basically empty, because Buddha has reached nirvana.
![Buddha reaches nirwana - Stupa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Buddha-reaches-nirwana-Stupa-595x793.jpg)
Well, they are quite beautiful pictures of Borobudur, aren’t they? Remember to credit my website, if you copy or using my pictures.
When entering Borobudur, there are two queues. One is for Indonesians, and the rest is for foreigners. The single entry ticket price for foreigner, as of July 2018, is IDR 350,000. Then you can hire a local guide – very recommended as he will show you the effective way to explore Borobudur and he will explain the reliefs too. Two hours tour-guide is the perfect one as Borobudur is huge and we want to understand every detail of it. The guide will also show you the quick way-out without visiting the shops. But it is not a problem if you want to shop, as the price of the souvenirs are cheap, or if you want to sit for a while, there are warung (small cafe) for you to enjoy a real coconut fruit drink.
![ovely countryside of Magelang](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Lovely-countryside-of-Magelang-595x446.jpg)
After about three hours in Candi Borobudur, we then visit a nearby restaurant to have lunch. Our lunch is at Bale Kambang restaurant. I really enjoy the orange juice at this restaurant. Fresh and tasty, very recommended!
![Bale Kambang restaurant near Candi Borobudur](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bale-Kambang-restaurant-near-Candi-Borobudur-595x446.jpg)
![Rumah makan bale kambang](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rumah-makan-bale-kambang-595x446.jpg)
After lunch, we then visited St. Mary’s grotto called Sendang Sono. Recommended if you want to say a prayer to St Mary.
![Maria Grotto in Sendangsono](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Maria-Grotto-in-Sendangsono-595x793.jpg)
You can buy candle and light it.
![Goa Maria Sendang Sono](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Goa-Maria-Sendang-Sono-595x793.jpg)
After Sendangsono, we visited Ansor’s silver. The price of the silver there is too expensive. I did not buy a single thing. My Mum though bought a brooch.
![Ansor silver](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ansor-silver-595x446.jpg)
![Ansor silver is expensive](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ansor-silver-is-expensive-595x793.jpg)
Nice view though from outside the shop. I think there is another gallery too but we did not visit it.
![Gallery near Ansor silver](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gallery-near-Ansor-silver-595x446.jpg)
Disappointed by the price of silver, we then decided to check out Moesson Antiques Gallery.
![Moesson Antik](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Moesson-Antik-595x794.jpg)
We love the collection of antiques there. I think we spent about 2 hours just to browse the antiques.
![Moesson Antik Gallery](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Moesson-Antik-Gallery-595x793.jpg)
![Moesson Antiques Gallery](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Moesson-Antiques-Gallery-595x446.jpg)
My husband and I decided to buy a small Chinese bone water pipe. He also got two pieces of nice Indonesian vintage silver-plate items.
![Antique shop in Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Antique-shop-in-Yogyakarta-595x794.jpg)
Please see here for the water pipe that I acquire from Moesson Antik.
![Moesson Antik Prawirotaman](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Moesson-Antik-Prawirotaman-595x793.jpg)
![Antique Wayang Kulit and Loro Blonyo](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Antique-Wayang-Kulit-and-Loro-Blonyo-595x446.jpg)
![Real Tusk Antique](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Real-Tusk-Antique-595x794.jpg)
![Antique Ship Bell](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Antique-Ship-Bell-595x794.jpg)
At dinner time, we tried Jogja speciality food called Gudeg.
![Gudeg](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gudeg-595x446.jpg)
We tried our gudeg at Gudeg Wijilan Bu Hj. Widodo. It is really cheap. My husband loves the taste too. I love the krecek and the egg.
![Gudeg Wijilan Bu Hj Widodo](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gudeg-Wijilan-Bu-Hj-Widodo-595x446.jpg)
Day 2
We started our tour today by visiting Keraton Ngayogyakarta. It is the residence of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono, the Sultan of Yogyakarta.
![Keraton Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Keraton-Yogyakarta-595x446.jpg)
Inside, we see a glimpse of Wayang Golek performance by Abdi Dalem.
![Wayang Golek Performance at Keraton](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Wayang-Golek-Performance-at-Keraton-595x446.jpg)
Abdi Dalem are special people who dedicate their lives for Sultan and the Keraton.
![Abdi dalem play Gamelan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Abdi-dalem-play-Gamelan-595x446.jpg)
![Abdi Dalem](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Abdi-Dalem-595x446.jpg)
![Watching wayang golek performance](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Watching-wayang-golek-performance-595x446.jpg)
![Wayang Golek in Keraton Nyayogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Wayang-Golek-in-Keraton-Nyayogyakarta-595x446.jpg)
We also explore inside the Kraton.
![Alun alun Keraton Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Alun-alun-Keraton-Yogyakarta-595x446.jpg)
After visiting Keraton, we then go to see another important Temple: Candi Prambanan.
As with Candi Borobudur, there are two different queues at Candi Prambanan. The queue for locals (Indonesians) and for foreigners. As for July 2018, a single ticket price (non-combination) to Candi Prambanan for foreigner is IDR 350,000. You can also hire a guide, it is very recommended! I will mention it again – somewhere below – why it is important to hire a guide in Candi Prambanan.
![Candi Prambaban in Central Java](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Prambaban-in-Central-Java-595x446.jpg)
Unlike Candi Borobudur, Candi Prambanan is basically a Hindu Temple. It was built at 856 AD.
![Two Candi in Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Two-Candi-in-Candi-Prambanan-595x446.jpg)
![Candi Prambanan is a Hindu Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Prambanan-is-a-Hindu-Temple-595x794.jpg)
Prambanan has several Candi: Candi Brahma, Candi Wisnu, Candi Siwa, Candi Angsa, Candi Garuda, and Candi Nandi.
![All temples in Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/All-temples-in-Candi-Prambanan-595x793.jpg)
I think we only see two candis: Candi Siwa and Candi Nandi. Candi Siwa is the main temple.
![Candi Siwa on the right](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Siwa-on-the-right-595x446.jpg)
Inside Candi Siwa, if I am not mistaken, we saw four Hindu Gods:
The first one is Agastya. I don’t remember much of what our guide told us about Agastya.
![Agastya is like Guru](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Agastya-is-like-Guru-595x794.jpg)
The second one is Ganesha.
![Ganesha](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ganesha-595x794.jpg)
The third one is Durga or what the Indonesians know as Roro Jonggrang.
![Durga](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Durga-595x794.jpg)
![Durga or Roro Jonggrang](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Durga-or-Roro-Jonggrang-595x793.jpg)
And the highest one or the main arca (statue) is Siwa Mahadewa (Siwa the Great God).
![Siwa Mahadewa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Siwa-Mahadewa-595x794.jpg)
![Inside Candi Siwa is Siwa the Great God](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Inside-Candi-Siwa-is-Siwa-the-Great-God-595x793.jpg)
Some reliefs on Candi Siwa told us about the Ramayana. I think the one below told us about Sinta who is under a protected circle. Someone told Sinta not to go outside the circle. But one day, Sinta saw a poor deer and she felt pity. She wanted to help the deer so she stepped outside her circle, but she didn’t realise that it was an evil pretended to be a deer. Not sure how the story ends, did someone arrow the deer?
![This relief is probably from the epic Ramayana](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/This-relief-is-probably-from-the-epic-Ramayana-595x446.jpg)
![Relief in Prambanan Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Relief-in-Prambanan-Temple-595x446.jpg)
![Ramayana](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ramayana-and-Kresnayana-relief-595x446.jpg)
![Relief in Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Relief-in-Candi-Prambanan-595x446.jpg)
![Beautiful relief of Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-relief-of-Candi-Prambanan-595x446.jpg)
![Candi Prambanan relief](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Prambanan-relief-595x446.jpg)
![Steps to Candi Siwa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Steps-to-Candi-Siwa-595x793.jpg)
![Candi Siwa, as it is named on the bottom stairs.](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/It-is-named-at-the-bottom-of-the-steps-Candi-Siwa-595x446.jpg)
![Statues on the bottom steps](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Statues-on-the-bottom-steps-595x793.jpg)
We also see Candi Nandi.
![I think the left one is Nandi Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/I-think-the-left-one-in-Nandi-Temple-595x793.jpg)
Inside Candi Nandi is Nandi the God who is represented by a Holy Cow/Bull.
![Inside Candi Nandi is Nandi the God](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Inside-Candi-Nandi-is-Nandi-the-God-595x446.jpg)
Behind Nandi are Surya and Chandra.
![Surya or God of Sun](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Surya-or-God-of-Sun-595x794.jpg)
![Candra God of Moon](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candra-God-of-Moon-595x793.jpg)
Outside Temples, we also see some reliefs of bird with human head.
![Beautiful relief of bird with human head](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-relief-of-bird-with-human-head-595x446.jpg)
![Is this the Lionguard](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Is-this-the-Lionguard-595x446.jpg)
At the corner, we also see pretty carved stones for water droppers.
![Pretty water circulation at the corners](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pretty-water-circulation-at-the-corners-595x446.jpg)
I think this water dropper is to circulate the rain.
![Water dropper - closed up](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Water-dropper-closed-up-595x446.jpg)
![Magnificent Prambanan Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Magnificent-Prambanan-Temple-595x446.jpg)
![A view of one of the Candi](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/A-view-of-one-of-the-Candi-595x794.jpg)
It is good to note that Candi Prambanan precedes Angkor Wat by almost 300 years. Candi Prambanan itself is a complex of temples. It has a total of 240 temples, though I am not sure how many that are fully re-constructed today (I think about eight). Judging from the age and size, Candi Prambanan is therefore has its significance in term of civilisation and archaeology.
![The explanation about Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/The-explanation-about-Candi-Prambanan-595x793.jpg)
You can see the remains of the temples below.
![Candi Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Prambanan-595x446.jpg)
After a splendid tour in Candi Prambanan, our guide also brings us to see Candi Sewu. Remember on my writing above of why it is important to hire a guide? Because the guide can show us a way from Candi Prambanan to Candi Sewu. I think if you want to walk, it is quite a long walk, and by using a guide, it saves you time, and give you an indication that you are under an official guide, so they may let you in into Candi Sewu, because from what I observe, not many visitors can access Candi Sewu. So together with our guide and our driver, we then go from Candi Prambanan to Candi Sewu by car.
![Sewu Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sewu-Temple-595x446.jpg)
![Breathtaking view of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Breathtaking-view-of-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
It is best not to missed Candi Sewu. As it is equally splendid as the other Candi that we have seen.
![Ruins are still visible](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Ruins-are-still-visible-595x793.jpg)
Candi Sewu is basically a Buddhist Temple. Although the location is closed to Candi Prambanan, Candi Sewu is not a Hindu Temple. One may want to know which one is built earlier. Apparently Candi Sewu is built earlier than Candi Prambanan. It is built circa 8th century AD. It may well be built earlier than Candi Borobudur too.
![Explanation of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Explanation-of-Candi-Sewu-595x793.jpg)
There are 249 temples in Candi Sewu. Only a few that are fully reconstructed. So we can still see many ruins available. Our guide told us that the stones have to lock each other. It is like playing a jigsaw puzzle. So one can imagine how hard it is to re-construct a single temple, with these heavy stones that have to connect each other.
![Real 8th century stone ruins of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Real-9th-century-stone-ruins-of-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
On the entrance to the temple, you will see the mighty Dwarapala – or the Gate Guardian. Two in each entrance.
![Entrace of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Entrace-of-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
In total, there are 8 Dwarapala.
![There are eight Dwarapala](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/There-are-eight-Dwarapala-595x793.jpg)
![Dwarapala](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Dwarapala-595x446.jpg)
![Close up of Dwarapala](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Close-up-of-Dwarapala-595x793.jpg)
![Dwarapala in the gate to Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Dwarapala-in-the-gate-to-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
We did not really go inside any temple in Candi Sewu.
![Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Sewu-in-Central-Java-595x793.jpg)
![Candi Apit in Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Apit-in-Candi-Sewu-595x794.jpg)
Some reliefs are beautiful!
![Close up relief in Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Close-up-relief-in-Candi-Sewu-595x794.jpg)
![Some reliefs of the Perwara Temple](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Some-reliefs-of-the-Perwara-Temple-595x446.jpg)
![Candi Perwara of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Perwara-of-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
![Buddhist temple of Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Buddhist-temple-of-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
![Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
![Beautiful Candi Sewu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Beautiful-Candi-Sewu-595x446.jpg)
Don’t forget to credit my website if you are about to use my pictures.
After a long archaeological tour, we finally had our lunch.
This time we ate at Sendang Ayu restaurant. What I love is that this restaurant serves real coconut fruit!
![Rumah Makan Sendang Ayu](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Rumah-Makan-Sendang-Ayu-595x446.jpg)
![Real Coconut](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Real-Coconut-595x446.jpg)
The food is also delicious! The gurame and the fried cumi (calamari) is yummy! What I don’t really love is the cashier. I think she is rather untrustworthy. When I pay, she said that the money I gave her is rather short – while I am sure it is not the case. But anyway, we are quite happy because we can cross the pond too with a small boat.
![Sendang Ayu near Prambanan](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sendang-Ayu-near-Prambanan-595x446.jpg)
After lunch, we decided to go back to hotel to take a rest. Haven’t I told you about the hotel?
The Hotel
We stayed four nights at this lovely Santika Hotel at Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Yogyakarta.
![Javanese feel at Hotel santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Javanese-feel-at-Hotel-santika-595x446.jpg)
The lobby is very grand, and we got a welcome drink, which is lovely. My husband loves the Wayang signature in the welcome drink, and he wanted to take it home!
![Santika Yogya Lobby](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Yogya-Lobby-595x446.jpg)
![Gamelan player at Hotel Santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gamelan-player-at-Hotel-Santika-595x446.jpg)
The bedroom is modern, clean, and new. We like it very much.
![Santika Hotel](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Hotel-595x447.jpg)
![Santika Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Yogyakarta.jpg)
![Santika Toilet](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Toilet.jpg)
![Santika Shower](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Shower.jpg)
![View from Our Hotel Santika Room](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/View-from-Our-Hotel-Santika-Room-595x446.jpg)
At dinner time, we opted for a dinner at Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito. The restaurant is busy and has a lively feel.
![Bakmi Jowo](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakmi-Jowo-595x446.jpg)
![Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakmi-Jowo-Mbah-Gito-595x446.jpg)
The decoration is like an old Javanese shed.
![Bakmi Jawa Mbah Gito](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakmi-Jawa-Mbah-Gito-595x446.jpg)
This is my bakmi Jawa – so yummy!
![Bakmi Jawa](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakmi-Jawa-595x446.jpg)
I also love my Es soda gembira – though I think I had a stomachache after drinking this.
![Es Soda Gembira](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Susu-Kental-Manis-595x446.jpg)
![Bakmi Jawa Mbah Gito Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakmi-Jawa-Mbah-Gito-Yogyakarta-595x446.jpg)
Day 3
Day three, we as always, starting the day by breakfasting at Hotel Santika. I would like to share my yummy breakfast experience at Hotel Santika Premier.
![Pandansari Restaurant at Santika Hotel](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pandansari-Restaurant-at-Santika-Hotel-595x446.jpg)
![Santika Breakfast](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Santika-Breakfast-595x446.jpg)
![Yummy Indonesian breakfast at Hotel Santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Yummy-Indonesian-breakfast-at-Hotel-Santika-595x793.jpg)
![Siomay](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Siomay-595x794.jpg)
There are various menu to choose. Aside from the buffet hot food (rice, egg, meat, vegetable), there are also many choices such as gudeg, siomay, Bakmi Jawa, bubur ayam, and so on (can’t remember them all).
![Pandansari Santika hotel breakfast](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pandansari-Santika-hotel-breakfast-595x446.jpg)
![Buffet Breakfast Hotel santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Buffet-Breakfast-Hotel-santika-595x793.jpg)
![Gudeg at Hotel santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gudeg-at-Hotel-santika-595x446.jpg)
Drinks also have a variety of juice and you can ask for Jamu as well. There is also a little gamelan music played through-out which is a lovely touch.
![Drinks at Breakfast Hotel Santika](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Drinks-at-Breakfast-Hotel-Santika-595x793.jpg)
After breakfast, we then started the day to visit the Southern Yogyakarta beach. The area is called Gunung Kidul.
![Gunung Kidul Beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gunung-Kidul-Beach-595x446.jpg)
We visited Pantai Indrayanti or Pantai Pulang Syawal.
![Pulang Syawal Beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pulang-Syawal-Beach-595x446.jpg)
It is absolutely beautiful with white sandy beaches and clear water. However the tide is so high.
![Pantai Indrayanti](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pantai-Indrayanti-595x446.jpg)
![High Tide at Pantai Indrayanti](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/High-Tide-at-Pantai-Indrayanti-595x446.jpg)
We did not stay very long at the beach, because the tide was very strong. The locals say it is only happened once a year (high tide) and unluckily it was happened when we were there.
![Pantai Indrayanti Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pantai-Indrayanti-Yogyakarta-595x446.jpg)
It is rather sad, because the beach is pristine.
![High Tide Indrayanti beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/High-Tide-Indrayanti-beach-595x446.jpg)
And the sky is blue too.. But the tide.. Oh well..
![Southern Java beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Southern-Java-beach-595x446.jpg)
It is quite a pity because it takes us 2.5 hours by car to get into the beach. And another 2 hours to go back to Yogyakarta.
![Pantai Pulang Syawal](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Pantai-Pulang-Syawal-595x446.jpg)
Southern Java Sea usually has strong waves as it connects directly to the Indian Ocean. It is prohibited to swim anyway in this beach.
![High Tide Southern Java Beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/High-Tide-Southern-Java-Beach-595x446.jpg)
We were about to sit and eat something by the beach, but we were so afraid by the tide, we decided to eat elsewhere far from the beach.
![Indrayanti Beach](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Indrayanti-Beach-595x446.jpg)
We finally found a place to have lunch. The food is so-so but it is better than nothing as we were quite hungry. And I got my crab (hurray!)
![Seafood near Pantai Indrayanti](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Seafood-near-Pantai-Indrayanti-595x446.jpg)
On our way back, we stopped to buy local delicatessen (Bakpia) and we also visited a Batik shop in Malioboro. In a Batik shop, they also sell old Indonesian currencies.
![Old Indonesian currency](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Old-Indonesian-currency-595x446.jpg)
![Nederlandsch Indie 1921](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Nederlandsch-Indie-1921-595x446.jpg)
![Nederlandsch coin](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Nederlandsch-coin-595x446.jpg)
And we even popped into a local fruit shop too.
![Local fruit shop in Jogja](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Local-fruit-shop-in-Jogja-595x446.jpg)
![Local fruitshop](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Local-fruitshop-595x446.jpg)
At dinner time, we ate at Gubug Mang Engking.
![Welcome at Gubug Mang Engking](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Welcome-at-Gubug-Mang-Engking-595x446.jpg)
![Restaurant Gubung Mang Engking](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Restaurant-Gubung-Mang-Engking-595x446.jpg)
Lovely delicious seafood! I think we tried udang bakar madu (grilled honey king prawn), so yummy!
![Food at Gubug Mang Engking](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Food-at-Gubug-Mang-Engking-595x446.jpg)
![Gubug Mang Engking Yogyakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gubug-Mang-Engking-Yogyakarta-595x794.jpg)
![Fish Therapy at Gubung Mang Engking](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Fish-Therapy-at-Gubung-Mang-Engking-595x446.jpg)
The only downside is that the waitress (or the inputer in this case) didn’t take my order properly. I think she may had missed one of my cumi order and delivered the wrong juice (I think I ordered melon or guava juice, but the one that came was orange juice, surprise!).
![Gubug Mang Engking Yogyakarta Restaurant](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gubug-Mang-Engking-Yogyakarta-Restaurant-595x446.jpg)
Day 4 is our day to get back to Jakarta. Surely it has been an unforgettable memories. See you again Jogja! We maybe back to see more Candi.
![Garuda from Jogja to Jakarta](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Garuda-from-Jogja-to-Jakarta-595x446.jpg)
![Adisucipto Airport](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Adisucipto-Airport-595x446.jpg)
P.s. I have even got a time to eat Bakso in the airport. And my husband eat another Gudeg!
![Bakso at Airport](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Bakso-at-Airport-595x446.jpg)
![Gudeg at Airport](https://mariabristoll.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Gudeg-at-Airport-595x446.jpg)
I hope my writing is helpful. And please credit my website if you use my pictures. We maybe come back to Indonesia for another archaeological experience.