Four days in Yogyakarta (Part 2)...

Sari Temple




Prambanan Temple








Sewu Temple




Plaosan Temple




(...continuation...)

At the arrival area, we were met by Medi, a forty-something chatty and friendly guy who would be our tour guide and storyteller for the next few days.

A quick bite from a fastfood restau and after having some dollars exchanged to local currency, we boarded the car and began with our itinerary. Our agenda for the afternoon was Sari Temple, Plaosan Temple, Sewu Temple, and Prambanan Temple. Our first stop was Sari. The architecture was somewhat similar to the temples in Angkor. The wall carvings were familiar. From Sari, we drove next to Prambanan and Sewu. Both temples are located in a huge complex that, I'm happy to see, was well-maintained and cared for. From the visitor information center, one had to walk for a few minutes before the temples come into sight. I'm not sure if they designed it that way to build the excitement for the traveler. Whether it was intentional or not, I have to say I couldn't help but be wowed upon seeing the towering structures from afar. Throughout the tour, Medi shared the history of each temple. It was interesting, but I had difficulty remembering everything. Hehe!

Day 2 was a long day. Four hours on the road out of Yogyakarta to drive to Dieng Plateau where the Arjuna Temple is, as well as the Sikidang Crater and the Color Lake. The drive to Dieng Plateau reminded me of the trips I made to the northern mountain provinces of the Philippines. The landscape was almost very similar. The hectares and hectares of green fields, the long winding road, a view of a town surrounded by greens, a cool temperature - it was very much like going to Sagada or Baguio.

I was brought back to reality once we made our way to a garden that led to the Arjuna Temple. The time of our visit to the temples coincided with the time for Muslim prayers. Standing in the temple with the lush green landscape in sight and the solemn sound coming from the nearby mosque calling on people for the prayers provided a conducive backdrop for reflection.

Not too many tourists head out to Dieng Plateau, I think (or maybe there weren't that many tourists on the day we went?) but the area is worth a visit if you have an extra day or two.

Up next, Borobudur...

(To be continued...)