What I Did in Yogyakarta (aka: 48 Hours of Temple-Hopping & Sweating)

6:00 PM

Confession: I’ve flown overseas but barely explored my own backyard.

Someone asks “How’s Indonesia?” and my brain goes, “I live in… Bali?”

#tolong #digebukinorangindo

So I fixed it (a little).

I had a quick work trip to Yogyakarta and squeezed in temples between chaos.

In-flight fuel

Grabbed a roasted chicken rice at the airport (±IDR 40). Looked like the photo (!!) and tasted best while still warm. Heavy-eater starter pack: secured.

First stop: Candi Prambanan → Ratu Boko (speed run)

Bought the combo ticket with the shuttle that loops Prambanan ↔ Ratu Boko every few minutes. It was Friday, so I gave Ratu Boko a lightning visit (30 mins before shalat Jumat pause).

Ratu Boko: still under some construction, but the view? Chef’s kiss. You can sit on the grass and spy the city from above. I wanted to linger and write poetry (I ate crackers instead).

Back to Prambanan, sprint-photo mode on:

It was panas sekali. Bring/ rent an umbrella, wear SPF, save your skin.

Candi Prambanan

Hindu temple complex with Trimurti (Brahma–Vishnu–Shiva). Relief panels tell stories, very likely from the epics (Mahabarata/Ramayana).

I kept having flashbacks to elementary school history… and realizing I’ve forgotten 70% of it.

Still, the stonework is ridiculously detailed.

How did people carve all that without rage-quitting?

Honorable mention

Yes, I made it. But I’ll spare you a photo dump. Just know: sunrise there makes your brain quiet for a full minute.

That’s a record for me.

Quick takes & tiny tips

Soundtrack: the traditional music at YIA airport instantly sets the mood. Felt the same “culture high” I had when I first landed in Bali.
Logistics: the Prambanan–Ratu Boko shuttle saves time. Friday schedules get quirky—plan around prayer time.
Heat survival kit: umbrella, SPF, water, mini towel. Thank me later.
Time reality: Yogya deserves days. I gave it hours. Don’t be me.

I’ll be back for a slower, smarter route (and actual notes on the relief stories). For now: shower, snacks, and a Saturday night I haven’t had in ages.

Have a good weekend!
ikkeru

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