After our adventure in Sumatra, it was time to change islands and head to Java. Direction Yogyakarta, one of the best-known cities in the country, which would offer us a particularly welcome return to civilization... with our first hot shower in a while!
The objective of this stage was simple: slow down the pace and enjoy a few quieter days. We started by discovering the famous Malioboro street, the real tourist heart of the city, where shops, street food and local entertainment mingle. In the evening, we also spent time in the Prawirotaman neighborhood, known for its laid-back vibe, cafes, bars and strong expat community. The perfect place to have a few drinks and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
But if we had made the trip to Yogyakarta, it was above all to discover two of the most emblematic sites in Indonesia: Borobudur and Prambanan.
To optimize our day, we had booked a private driver who allowed us to carry out the two visits without stress.
Borobudur is quite simply the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, it is made up of nine superimposed levels and more than 70 stupas each containing a statue of Buddha. The monument is also famous for its thousands of bas-reliefs which recount episodes from the life of the Buddha. Abandoned for several centuries after being covered by volcanic ash and vegetation, it was only rediscovered in 1814 before being restored and listed as a UNESCO world heritage site.
What we particularly appreciated about Borobudur is that despite its popularity, the site remains very pleasant to visit. The temple is so huge that you never really feel the crowd effect. The number of visitors allowed to enter the temple is limited and the visit must be done with a guide. This not only allows us to preserve the monument, but also to learn much more about its history and symbolism. A way of visiting a temple that we found particularly interesting.
A few dozen kilometers further is Prambanan, the largest Hindu complex in Indonesia. Built in the 9th century, it is dedicated to the three great Hindu deities: Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Its main temple, dedicated to Shiva, is the most imposing in the country. The numerous details carved in the stone, notably the scenes inspired by the famous story of the Ramayana, make the visit particularly impressive.
But what struck us the most at Prambanan was the atmosphere that reigned there. Despite the reputation of the site, we encountered relatively few visitors and were able to stroll peacefully around the complex. At times it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves, which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Even though we only stayed three days in Yogyakarta, this stopover allowed us to recharge our batteries while discovering two of the most impressive monuments in Southeast Asia. A perfect mix of culture, history and relaxation.