JAVA, INDONESIA - Ultimate TRAVEL GUIDE to Yogyakarta, BOROBUDUR & Prambanan

Join us on an exciting journey to Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, Indonesia. We explore the city's rich heritage, starting with the magnificent Prambanan temple complex, a Hindu icon dating back to 850 AD. We then immerse ourselves in the local culture, visiting the lively Malioboro Street and the Sultan's Palace, known as Kraton. A highlight is the traditional shadow play, showcasing Javanese culture. We also take a rickshaw ride and stay at the historic Phoenix Hotel. Our adventure continues with a visit to the world-renowned Buddhist temple of Borobudur, with its 72 smaller stupas symbolizing Buddhist enlightenment. The episode concludes with a teaser for our upcoming travels to Bali, Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands, and the majestic Komodo Island, promising more breathtaking experiences and natural wonders.

Takeaways

• 📍 Yogyakarta is the cultural heart of Java, Indonesia, and a great destination for travelers interested in history and culture.
• 🏨 Malioboro is the best neighborhood to stay in Yogyakarta, offering a mix of local and foreign cultures, shopping, and lively streets.
• 🏰 Prambanan Temple Compound is the largest Hindu complex in Indonesia, dating back to 850 AD, and is known for its architectural masterpiece and beautifully preserved sculptures.
• 🌏 Prambanan was severely damaged by an earthquake in 2006, but restorations are still ongoing, showcasing the resilience of the site.
• 🦌 Yogyakarta offers a variety of attractions, including a unique petting zoo and the kraton, the palace of the Sultan which is part open to the public.
• 🎭 Wayang Kulit, a traditional shadow puppet play, is a famous cultural performance that tells epic stories from Javanese culture.
• 🌳 The Royal Gardens, also known as Taman Sari, is a historical site for meditation and relaxation, featuring serene pools and bath houses.
• 🛺 Rickshaw rides are a fun and immersive way to explore the busy streets of Yogyakarta and experience the local culture.
• 🏨 The Phoenix Hotel is a five-star cultural heritage site in Yogyakarta, offering luxurious stays at affordable prices and has historical significance from the Indonesian revolution.
• 🏯 Borobudur is the most famous Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, located near Yogyakarta, and is known for its bell-shaped stupas symbolizing the Buddhist path to Nirvana.

Q & A

What is the cultural heart of Java known as?

The cultural heart of Java is known as Yogyakarta.

Which is the best neighborhood to stay in Yogyakarta?

The best neighborhood to stay in Yogyakarta is Malio Boro.

When did Yogyakarta briefly become the capital of Indonesia?

Yogyakarta briefly became the capital of Indonesia in 1946 when the country became independent from the Netherlands.

What are the two prominent religions in Yogyakarta?

The two prominent religions in Yogyakarta are Islam and Hinduism.

What is the significance of the Prambanan temple complex?

The Prambanan temple complex is the biggest Hindu complex in Indonesia and one of the most beautiful ancient temple complexes in the world, dating back to 850 AD.

What are the three main temples in Prambanan dedicated to?

The three main temples in Prambanan are dedicated to the Hindu gods Brahma (the Creator), Vishnu (the Preserver), and Shiva (the Destroyer).

How was the Sultan's Palace in Yogyakarta described in the script?

The Sultan's Palace, also known as Kraton, is described as a big open-air museum and a beautiful journey through time, located right in the city center.

What is the famous shadow play of Yogyakarta known as?

The famous shadow play of Yogyakarta is known as Wayang.

What is the significance of Borobudur temple complex?

Borobudur is the most famous temple complex in all of Indonesia, and it features a big stupa and 72 smaller stupas symbolizing the lives of Buddhists when they reach Nirvana.

Which former president of Indonesia stayed at The Phoenix Hotel?

Former president Sukarno stayed at The Phoenix Hotel during the Indonesian revolution in the 1940s.

What are the other destinations mentioned in the script for the continuation of the trip in Indonesia?

The other destinations mentioned for the continuation of the trip in Indonesia are Bali, Nusa Lembongan, the Gili Islands, and a visit to the world wonder Komodo to see manta rays and Komodo dragons.

Outlines

00:00

🌍 Exploring Yogyakarta: Culture and History

The paragraph introduces the audience to Yogyakarta, a city in Java, Indonesia, highlighting its cultural significance and religious diversity. The narrator stays in Malioboro, a popular neighborhood with a rooftop pool, and provides historical context, mentioning the city's brief status as the capital in 1946 and the prominence of Islam and Hinduism. The main attraction discussed is the Prambanan temple complex, an architectural marvel and the largest Hindu site in Indonesia, dating back to 850 AD. The paragraph also touches on the 2006 earthquake's impact on the site and ongoing restoration efforts. Additionally, the narrator shares experiences visiting a petting zoo and exploring the local neighborhood.

05:05

🏰 Discovering Yogyakarta's Royal Heritage

This paragraph delves into Yogyakarta's rich royal history, starting with a visit to the Sultan's Palace, known as Kraton, which serves as both a residence and a public museum. The narrator describes the palace as an open-air museum and a journey through time, comparing it to Beijing's Forbidden City. The paragraph also mentions a special performance of a traditional shadow play, unique to Yogyakarta. The Royal Gardens, once a place for meditation and bathing, are explored, emphasizing the peaceful atmosphere. The experience of riding a rickshaw is highlighted, and the paragraph ends with a mention of the narrator's stay at The Phoenix Hotel, a culturally significant heritage site with a notable past guest, former president Sukarno.

10:05

🏯 Unveiling the Temples of Borobudur and Yogyakarta

The final paragraph focuses on the narrator's visit to the famous Buddhist temple complex of Borobudur, located near Yogyakarta. Despite not being able to climb to the top due to restrictions, the paragraph emphasizes the temple's significance and beauty, describing the large stupa and smaller stupas symbolizing Buddhist lives reaching Nirvana. The use of a drone is mentioned to capture the temple's unique bell-shaped stupas. The paragraph concludes with a teaser for future episodes, promising a trip to Bali, Lombok, the Gilis, and a visit to the world wonder of Komodo, where the search for manta rays and Komodo dragons awaits.

Keywords

💡Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, often referred to simply as 'Yogya', is a city on the island of Java in Indonesia. Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, it is the center of Java's art, education, and economy. In the video, Yogyakarta is presented as the starting point of the traveler's journey through Java, showcasing its blend of modern city life and ancient traditions.

💡Malioboro

Malioboro is a popular neighborhood in Yogyakarta, known for its bustling streets, shopping centers, and local experiences. It is a vibrant area where visitors can immerse themselves in the city's daily life, interact with the locals, and explore the various markets and shops. In the context of the video, Malioboro is highlighted as the best neighborhood to stay in Yogyakarta, offering a true Javanese experience.

💡Hindu Icon

A Hindu Icon refers to a symbol or representation that is significant in Hinduism, often depicting deities or religious concepts. In the video, the Prambanan Temple Complex is described as a Hindu icon of the city, showcasing the architectural and cultural importance of Hinduism in Yogyakarta. The temple's intricate sculptures and religious significance make it a standout feature of the city's cultural landscape.

💡Prambanan Temple Complex

The Prambanan Temple Complex is a collection of Hindu temples located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the largest Hindu temple compound in the country and is famous for its architectural masterpiece and beautifully preserved sculptures. The complex was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to three main Hindu deities: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The video highlights the temple's historical and cultural significance, as well as its resilience after being affected by an earthquake in 2006.

💡Sultan's Palace (Keraton)

The Sultan's Palace, also known as Keraton, is a royal residence that serves as a symbol of the Sultan's sovereignty. In Yogyakarta, the Keraton is a significant historical site that is still inhabited by the Sultan but also open to the public. The palace acts as an open-air museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the royal history and culture of Java. The video describes the Keraton as a place that gives a sense of journey through time and showcases the unique blend of traditional and contemporary life.

💡Wayang Kulit

Wayang Kulit is a traditional Indonesian shadow puppet theater performance that is deeply rooted in Javanese culture. It uses flat leather puppets to tell epic stories, often derived from Hindu and Javanese mythology. In the video, Wayang Kulit is mentioned as a performance for which Yogyakarta is famous, highlighting the city's cultural heritage and its ongoing tradition of storytelling through this ancient art form.

💡Rickshaw Ride

A Rickshaw ride is a traditional mode of transportation in many Asian countries, including Indonesia. In Yogyakarta, taking a Rickshaw ride is an experience that allows visitors to explore the city in a unique and eco-friendly way. It offers a chance to navigate through the busy streets, interact with the local rickshaw drivers, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the city from a personal and intimate perspective.

💡The Phoenix Hotel

The Phoenix Hotel is a five-star hotel in Yogyakarta that is renowned for its cultural heritage and architectural significance. It offers affordable luxury and has a historical connection to the Indonesian revolution, as it once housed the office of former president Sukarno. The hotel is an example of blending history with modern comforts, providing visitors with a unique stay that reflects the city's rich past.

💡Borobudur

Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple complex located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is considered one of the world's most famous Buddhist sanctuaries and is renowned for its bell-shaped stupas and intricate stone carvings. The temple stands as a testament to the spread of Buddhism in Southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the video, Borobudur is depicted as a must-visit destination, offering visitors a profound spiritual and historical experience.

💡Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park is a group of volcanic islands in Indonesia, most famous for being the habitat of the Komodo dragon, one of the world's largest lizard species. The park is also known for its pristine beaches, diverse marine life, and the opportunity to see manta rays. It is recognized as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. In the video, the park is mentioned as a continuation of the traveler's journey in Indonesia, highlighting the country's natural wonders and unique wildlife.

Highlights

Welcome to the cultural heart of Java, Yogyakarta, a city that beautifully blends rich history with modern Indonesian life.

Stay in Malio, one of the best neighborhoods in Yogyakarta, featuring a rooftop pool and budget-friendly accommodations.

Explore the religious diversity of Yogyakarta, where Islam and Hinduism coexist and contribute to the city's vibrant culture.

Discover Prambanan, the largest and most beautiful ancient Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, dating back to 850 AD.

Admire the architectural masterpiece of Prambanan, with its exquisitely preserved sculptures and the tallest temple dedicated to Shiva.

Learn about the 2006 earthquake that damaged Prambanan and the ongoing restoration efforts to preserve this historical site.

Take a stroll through Malioborough Street and immerse yourself in the lively local markets and shopping areas of Yogyakarta.

Visit the Kraton, the palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, which serves as both a royal residence and a fascinating open-air museum.

Experience the traditional Javanese culture through the captivating wayang kulit, a shadow puppet play that narrates epic stories.

Stroll through the Royal Gardens, also known as Taman Sari, a serene historical site that was once a meditation and bathing area.

Embark on a rickshaw ride to experience the unique and traditional mode of transportation in Yogyakarta.

Stay at The Phoenix Hotel, a five-star cultural heritage site in Indonesia, for an affordable price and luxurious experience.

Visit Borobudur, the world-renowned Buddhist temple complex, located just outside Yogyakarta in the picturesque countryside.

Learn about the symbolism of Borobudur's stupas, representing the Buddhist journey towards Nirvana, even from a ground-level perspective.

Enjoy a nature retreat near Borobudur, where you can relax and connect with the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Continue the Indonesian adventure to Bali, Lombok, and the Gili Islands, and explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of these popular destinations.

Conclude the journey with a visit to the world wonder of Komodo, where you can encounter manta rays and the legendary Komodo dragons.