√Travel Date: August 2017

One of the many reasons Yogyakarta is a must-visit place in Indonesia is its spots.

There are a few spots in Dieng alone, a three-hour drive from the city center of Yogyakarta, where you can stop to admire the view of nature and breathe the fresh air. These spots include Batu Pandang, Arjuna temple, and Mt. Kalibiru,  which offer unique features or views. Lathip (my tour guide) was sitting and waiting when I came running to the front lobby. I woke up late and asked him to fetch me early. 😊😊😊 That day was all about exploring Jogja’s breathtaking spots.

First Spot: Batu Pandang located in Wonosobo, Central Java.

The way up to the panoramic view is enough to get some fresh air. The central spot overlooks the turquoise Telaga Warna Lake, which gives a contrasting panoramic view of the earth’s natural colors.

On my way down from the top, I encountered a lad who had an owl. He was a local [specific occupation or background] who often brings his owl to the spot to interact with tourists. You could hold the owl or have your photo taken in exchange for a tiny donation. The lad was quiet. He was taken with it.  Friendly and spoke good English. As I went down the main street, life was as usual. The locals were doing their chores and harvesting some of their vegetables.

Second Spot: Arjuna Temple in Dieng.

This structure was estimated to have been built between the 7th and 8th centuries. That makes them the oldest standing stone structures of Central Java. These structures, known as Arjuna temples, carry historical significance. To trace back history, it was believed that these structures used to be 400 in total, but now the remaining standing figures of stones are only 8.  Regardless of the broken pieces that show history passing by, the place is magnificent with the mountain backdrop and the surrounding temperature.

The area is a good place to walk around, with other tourists and locals not bumping into each other. After 30-45 minutes of walking, I grabbed a hot meal before jumping off to the next stop. I met friendly people, and although they couldn’t speak English well, they were very welcoming. I met a little girl who wanted to have her photo taken alone. She was crying loudly while her mother was selling some local foods.

3rd Spot: Mt.Kalibiru 

Mt.Kalibiru is just a 45-minute drive from downtown and borders the west end of Yogyakarta. 450 meters above sea level. The view is spectacular for nature enthusiasts like me. It is a national park that is managed by the local people themselves. It was then just an empty, dry, and unfertile area because of illegal logging, and local farmers’ groups have managed them. Transport buses are available to go to the place if you don’t have a private vehicle. They recommended to arrive there before sunset. Apart from the different spots, there are activities like flying fox, climbing, slings, and wooden bridge walks.

Each spot has its own entrance fee, and for your convenience, an official photographer will capture your moments and transfer them to your phone. Climbing the spots is also safe, as they are equipped with harnesses and safety belts.

It was also quite a climb from the parking lot. At the top, restaurants sell drinks and Indonesian finger snacks. After a spot hopping, it was time to feed my hungry belly with their famous Indomie.

Nothing beats realizing that you’re eating Migoreng noodles in the middle of Bangkok a few weeks ago while planning your trip. Still, you are eating the original one from Indonesia at the top of the mountain at 450 meters above sea level.  🙂 🙂 🙂

Happy Travelling..Godspeed