jenskar2

We are thinking of adding a trip to Borobudur to a trip to Bali -- had thought to fly from NYC to Bali first, get acclimated, then go to Borobudur (Yogya), then back to Bali, then home. But based on availability of hotels in Bali, we might need to go to Yogya first. Does it make sense to fly via Jakarta, spend a night, then on to B? The Chinese New Year being early is really making planning for January more difficult this year than any other I've gone to SE Asia. Any thoughts/experiences, airline recommendations welcome.
--Jen

marmot

I think it absolutely makes sense to put Borobudur at the beginning (or end) of your Bali trip. The less you get of Indonesian airports the better!

I wouldn't spend the night in Jakarta unless there were no other choices. Garuda has frequent flights from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Alternately, you could fly SilkAir from Singapore to Solo (Surakarta), which is nearby.

If you do end up staying in Jakarta, there's a Sheraton a few minutes away from the airport that is acceptable. The hotels in the city are actually very nice, but still I wouldn't consider Jakarta a destination. And you can run into traffice getting from the center of town to the airport.

Lunar New Year is only a one-day official holiday in Indonesia and it isn't celebrated to the same degree that it is in other countries. However, a large portion of the population will be traveling at that time and flights and resorts will be busy.

joannay

I went to Borobudur from our base in Yogyakarta. We flew directly there from Singapore on Garuda and I see on the Which Budget website http://www.whichbudget.com/ that Air Asia serves that route. We stayed at the Dusun Jogja Village Inn http://www.jvidusun.co.id/en/home/ and enjoyed it very much. The hotel arranged a taxi for us for the day and we spent the day visiting Borobudur and driving in the countryside.

I see on Which Budget that there are flights between Denpasar and Yogyakarta so it seems to me that you might best fly first to Singapore, then Yogya, then Bali. Jakarta is not on many "favorites" lists.

MichaelBKK

I can understand the conundrum. Flights to Yogya from Jakarta aren't all that frequent, and it seems impossible to get a same day international connection. If Jakarta is the best international option, and you must stay the night, then the Sheraton Bandara is the best option, which allows you to avoid the notorious traffic.

Approach_Guides

I agree with the other posters to some extent, Jakarta is a dirty, trafficked town that is worth skipping...EXCEPT for its great National Museum.

If you are interested in viewing sculpture from the temples of Java (Borobudur and Prambanan) or have a passion for learning about Javanese culture, this is the whole reason to come to Jakarta. And it really is awesome.

The central area of the museum is dedicated to sculpture pulled from all of Java’s temples and offers a very good comparison between the sculpture of Central Java (strong Hindu influences) and East Java (tribal elements). Other rooms offer a look at traditional houses, ancient artifacts, masks, musical instruments, etc.

Enjoy your holiday!

jenskar2

Thanks all -- Michael, still remember our night at Long Table in BKK at your suggestion years ago -- what a fantastic view from there. marmot -as always -- your suggestions much appreciated - I'll be reading up on your current Bali suggestions and no doubt asking more questions for best day trips around Boro .... joan -- thanks for the link -- appreciate it!
Found the NYC Sing Air flight that connects with Solo (Silk Air doesn't seem to fly to Yogya -- and hate the thought of switching luggage out in Sing unless we spend a night there enroute) so will probably use that and avoid Jakarta altogether. Yay!
It's our 25th wedding anniversary and we're thinking of splurging with Amanjiwo, then getting remarried in Bali. Will see how it goes with reservations in the next few days ... We never did get to move to Asia as we'd hoped back in 2007 but as things have gone ... I can't complain!

marmot

jen, I haven't been to Central Java for a few years so I'll have to defer to other, more recent travelers. I assume that Amanjiwo is still wonderful, though.

We'll be living in Bali by the time of your visit and hope to meet.

jenskar2

Also, Approach_Guide -- good point re: museum -- and one reason I thought about Jakarta at all. But it looks relatively easy to skip it from the flights.
marmot -- that would be wonderful to meet you! I'll check in as soon as I know if we're heading that way.

AskOksena

>>>Any thoughts/experiences, airline recommendations welcome.
--Jen<<<


Warm greetings, Jen, and congratulations on 25th and perhaps staying at Amanjiwo. But beware, as you could become 'Aman junkie' just like the mrs.! (Thailand's Amanpuri, in her case.)

Noticed that the sensational Singapore Airlines is a potential carrier for you. Effective 16 Jan. 2012, SQ25 out of JFK becomes A380, replacing B747. I've grown to love flying SQ's 380s, mostly SIN-HKG & SIN-NRT sectors for work. If so inclined, preferred seating and special meal options are available for economy seating. Much more to be found, via singaporeair.com/ (And should you spring for business class, very serene, indeed.)

(And another potential 25th splurge for you is Singapore Airlines' all business class, non-stop service, EWR-SIN. Most efficient and memorable.)

Whatever you choose, have fun, and should you end up spending a few days in our sweet home of Singapore, more good times await.

Enjoy,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...