10 Things to do in Jogjakarta

Jogjakarta is one of 33 provinces in Indonesia that is well-known as the culinary centre. It is located in Java Island with Central Java and east Java surrounding it and it’s facing Indian Ocean.

Most of the listed places below are not located exactly in this province, but in the border cities of Central Java like Solo. And instead of going to Central Java, tourists usually choose to come here because it is close to the touristic area.

Here are some of the “Must-see-places” in Jogjakarta. 

1.     Prambanan Temple

The entrance fee is 35.000IDR for local citizens and US$20 for foreigners. The best time is in the morning before the sun goes higher. 

 

2.    Borobudur Temple

The best time to come here is in the morning so you get a chance to enjoy the view before it gets crowded when the group of students coming for field trip. Also, it has lots of stairs to reach the highest part of the temple, so it’s better to come when the sun is still not too high. The entrance fee is the same with Prambanan.

In these two temples, there are many locals, mostly young age, approach the foreigners for a picture. It can be cute sometimes when they all take a picture together, but not when there are more than 10 students and each of them wants to take individual picture with the “bule”.

3.    Pindul Cave (Cave Tubing and Rafting)

It costs only 30.000IDR per person, it is included the equipment and tour guide. The local people here still believe that they should respect the spirits who live in that cave. So, they forbid any kind of swear words while we are in the cave.

You can bring your camera into the cave, but you will be in charge of it and make sure it doesn’t get wet, which is quite impossible as 80% of your body will be wet. Or, you can hire a guy who can help you taking pictures with your own camera for 100.000IDR.

4.    Sri Gethuk Waterfall

This waterfall is on the same area to Pindul Cave, around 30minutes by car. So make a visit here right after Pindul Cave. 

 

5.    Malioboro Street

 

This 24-hours street is well-known as the place to buy cheap handicrafts. So shop till you drop! Also you can find street painters, street musicians, and other street artist along the way. 

6.    Kampung Ramadhan (Ramadhan Fasting Village)

If you come during the Muslim Fasting month, you should visit this place in Malioboro Street. In this small alley you can find authentic and cheap Jogja food. This place opens at 4pm and closes sharply only 10 minutes after break fasting. So, don’t be late.

7.    Beach

The beach in Jogjakarta is directly facing Indian Ocean. Far away from the city centre around 3hrs by car but it is worth of visiting for its beautiful view. 

8.    Mount Trekking

Jogjakarta is surrounded by many mountains such as Lawu Mount, Merbabu Mount and even the most active volcano in Indonesia, Merapi Volcano. But sadly, this activity is the least attractive place for tourist as you know it is more tiring and challenging compare to selfie pictures session using selfie-stick in front of the other touristic places. (you know what I mean J) Come here in a group and with a person who is familiar with the trekking so you won’t get lost. The scenery is worth it of hours of hiking! 

9.    Star Hill

Come here at night to see the night view of Jogjakarta up from the hill. And enjoy Jogja’s drinks served hot, Wedang Uwuh, a mix of various kinds of herbs that is good for your health.

10.  Alun-alun / City Square

Last but not least, end your holiday in Jogja visiting City Square. You can find many street food with affordable price and get to see people playing kites. As the day gets dark you can find old cars that have been modified with light and loud music and even TV! These cute cars will bring you around the Alun-alun

                                                                   Danya

12 reason why you should enjoy being single in your 20s

When you first read the title, you probably think how miserable it is to be single in your 20s. Seeing couples holding hands on the street or a girl walking with a bucket of flower on her hand, how could you really enjoy being single?

That what I thought so before I read the similar article. And honestly I am surprised of what I never thought I can and experience at this moment. So I decided to list 20 reasons why we should enjoy being single in our 20s.

1.      You can flirt with almost anyone you like.

From a hot ‘Chris Pine twin’ co-worker to a cute tattooed guy you meet while queuing for an ice cream or even a sexy cute waiter who is apparently too young for you, go flirt as much as you want, girls! You don’t have to be worry about a pair of jealous eyes of  your partner.

2.      You can make a decision based on what you like and what you want to do.

Whether you are still a college student or a full time worker, you can make a decision or change planning. From continue studying, find a new job, quit your job, volunteer, travel, move to a new apartment or city or even country, you can do what you want to do in your life based on what you really want to do, without having to consider what your partner will think.

3.      You can laugh out loud.
 

Thing that you probably won’t dare to do in front of your boyfriend is to laugh out loud because you don’t want him to find you ugly. But hey, you can do that now!

4.      You can spend time with your family and friends.

Though it sounds pathetic spending Saturday night with family or friends instead of your boyfriend, but to be honest it can be a bit of a fresh air for you who used to stick with your guy almost every night.

5.      You don’t have to inform anyone if you are going home late or staying over at friend’s house.

6.      Travel.

7.      You are the “Starfish Queen” on your bed.

8.      Trying out new things.

Make a list of things that you never thought you would do: “diving, cooking, basking, mount hiking, beach camping, cave tubing,…” Go ahead, do it girls! You will be surprised to find yourself enjoy doing those new things.

9.      Have I mentioned travel?

10. For the first time in your life, you’re only accountable to yourself: no boyfriend or parents to stop you from doing what you want.

 
11.  Take care of someone else? Hmmmm I am still trying to figure out how to takecare of myself.

12. You will finally realize that it’s better to be single and happy than to be in a shitty relationship.

       And right now I choose to enjoy being single to the max!

       and hope you too :)

                                                    Danya