The adventurous Yogja - Day 1

Browsing for places to go, where should I go? Should I just go to the airport, and grab a flight ticket to anywhere? Just want to get away, alone or with anyone I don't care.
Hah..saw someone planning for a trip to Yogja, travel buddies require ;) why not? Though it's still few months to go, but at least I have a goal/direction now. :) Get in touch, meet up, booked flights.

5th June, finally flying off to my destination Jogjakarta, Indonesia. Meeting up with the group at boarding gate, exciting experience to travel with a group of "strangers". Strange tho, we only met a few times before the trip but I'm quick to adapt to people & surrounding. A group of young,easy & fun people (except 1 elder hahaa) but we all get along well :) its already a blessing to find like minded people around isn't it ")

2hrs flight from SIN to Yogja via AirAsia. Landed at noon, chaotic/messy airport... people pushing & rushing.. I would rate this as one of the worst airport I ever landed. Phew... out of customs and squeezing myself out of baggage pick up point. (Listen... it is really a PICK UP point, only 1 small belt going around, and if u not there in time.. U have to search for your bags on the floor hiding in a corner)

Got on a taxi for 40,000 rupiah (abt S$5per car)30mins from airport to Hotel (Yogja City - Malioboro) , traffic was good. 2 nights stay at Ibis Malioboro, basic and convenient Hotel. Accessible to the shopping mall and local shops. A cozy & pleasant stay with 3ladies in a room, I supposed.. haha..(I'm a light sleeper, so what to expect??) :D

1st day, out for food and city tour ;) we were famished..everything looks so yummy on the street but we are not suppose to get our stomach upset, at least not until the last day :D Proper restaurants and hot cooked foods are recommended.

The popular Tea in a bottle

Walking along the street to the Royal palace, about 20mins walk. Er...ah... what! the palace was closed when we arrived... omg... our dear organizer..hmm he don't seems to be organized & resourceful. No other choice but to come back again tomorrow. Not to waste time, we took a Becak (Trishaw) to Taman Sari (Royal swimming pool & garden), 10mins journey.

Me & Hazel on Becak (traditional pedal powered cart - trishaw)

To our disappointment..... the place was already closed :S we were late for both site. Luckily there's a freelance guide outside the garden whom offered to bring us though the back gate. We could still get a glimpse of the pool and also around the underground passage.

The secret back gate

View from the top of the building.

one of fave pic.

All squeezing and climbing up the wall to have a glimpse of the pool. Interesting :D

The underground tunnel, a walk way for the Royal family members. 

Another underground tunnel that leads us to the holy ground, Gumuling Well

This Gumuling well, is made up of four staircases leading to the centre. We were told by the guide, each stair represent a religion and all four leading to the same direction, Heaven.

At least we end the day with a nice & meaningful place that worth visiting. :) Next, hunting for local food. :p yum yum...(did I say not suppose to have street food on 1st day??? ) ;D just go for it!

Local Satay

NOTE:

Royal Palace opening hr:8.30AM to 1PM daily, on Friday the attraction is closed at 11AM.
Admission fee: Rp12,500 (Tourist), add Rp1,000 for photo permit.

Taman Sari opening hr: 9AM-3PM daily. Rp 7,000
Admission fee: Rp7,000 and add Rp 1,000 for a photo permit.