November 2016 62 www.womanthismonth.com LIFESTYLE | travel The islands of Indonesia enjoy a premium place on the globe; the nation sunbathes right across the Equator, and is also where the Indian and Pacific oceans hobnob with one another. Although it may not be possible to tour the entire country in one go (unless you relinquish normal life and decide to backpack, which many adventurers do), a look-see at Yogyakarta and Bali is a prudent start. So don your sarong and read on for all the breathtakingly beautiful sights and experiences that await you there. Charismatic Culture – Yogyakarta Apparently the centre of Java’s artistic and academic heritage, parts of Yogyakarta are very much like any other Asian city today. But once you’re familiar with the spirit of this sultanate, you’ll endearingly call it Jogja, as the locals do. This is an opportunity to marvel at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Borobudur Temple Compounds. The tiered structure of this gargantuan Buddhist temple holds 72 stupas and tells the story of the life of the Buddha through its handcarved reliefs. The many interesting snippets you will learn about its structure and history are certainly food for thought. The sprawling compounds have a few bodhi trees, should you wish to try your hand at Nirvana, much like Gautama Buddha did. Meandering around little hamlets by horse and carriage and lunching amidst the surreal surroundings of the Plataran restaurant is a good idea if you have some time to spare in Borobudur. Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is the sultan’s residence and also gives a fair glimpse into the life and times of royalty gone by. A few of its many open-air pavilions stage musical performances for visitors to get a taste of traditional Indonesian song and dance. But the sultans of yore indulged in royal hedonism at Taman Sari, a now defunct water castle. It was the monarchs’ private garden, adorned with shimmering blue pools and waterways, some of which have been restored. You’ll have to visit the place to be privy to the secrets lurking about there. Malioboro Street is a jolt back to the present, with hawkers lining the pavements, haggling wholeheartedly with tourists for quirky souvenirs. There are numerous food stalls to sample Javanese staples, if you think your belly can handle it. Take care not to be run over by the teaming becaks, (traditional cyclerickshaws) or motorbikes. Visit Kota Gede, the silver industry hub, to come away with some fine baubles that will be a lasting memory of the bustle that is Jogja. Say Selamat Datang! Behnaz Sanjana brings you the low-down on how to make the most of an Indonesian holiday, from personal experience of the world’s most varied archipelago. Borobudur Temple Dining at Plataran, Borobudur Becak
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