fiffy

Hello,
We're going to be in Bali for a few days over xmas, and then a few days in Yogya, flying back to the US through Jakarta on Jan 2nd.

From what we've read of Jakarta, we're not so excited to spend time there, so thinking of flying from Yogya to Jakarta on the 2nd, in advance of our international flight (leaving 4-5 hours for delays)... which leaves us in Yogya for New Year's. Is there much to do in Yogya for New Year's Eve? We don't need the big club scene but it would be nice to go to a local bar / party etc. Just wondering if it is celebrated and if so how.

Also, is 3 nights adequate to get a feel for Yogya? (obviously want to visit both sets of temples and walk around town)

Thank you!

MichaelBKK

I'm sure there will be something going on at most of the hotels. You might check if there's any special Ramayana performance at the outdoor theater near Prambanan.

Three days is quite adequate. There are some interesting things around Solo that can be seen on a day trip, but you might not have time for those.

There is unfortunately not much to see in Jogja itself.

marmot

fiffy, I haven't been in Yogya for New Year's for several years, but my guess is that things haven't changed much and it will be dead as a doornail. The hotels will have events and I'm sure that the young people will find some action, but for a lively party/club scene I couldn't think of a less appropriate place.

I'd suggest that you either go back to Bali to celebrate or take your chances in Jakarta. Jakarta isn't much of a vacation destination but their are a few good restaurants and several good venues for clubs/bars/nightlife. Plus very nice hotels.

I think three nights is sufficient for Yogya. I'd suggest that you try to stay somewhere out of town for at least one night. The Amanjiwo is spectacular, but if it exceeds your budget, then take a look at the Losari Coffee Plantation.

I'd also warn you not to go to Borobudur on New Year's Day as it is a MAJOR destination for Indonesians on holidays and will be overrun.

fiffy

Thanks! We hadn't realized we'd need to plan around not being at borobudur on new years.

I looked at our itinerary again - this is it below - is there too much time in yogya? what is to see around solo? are we better off spending one more night in bali?

dec 23 mid day - 26 south bali
dec 26 - 29 ubud (over night last night in seminyak)
dec 29th fly to jogya
dec 29 - jan 2 jogya (was thinking maybe a night or two in borobudur and then one or two in yogya)

Any help appreciated. We're about to book the internal flights.

marmot

You could just stay at Borobudur or in the nearby country side and do Yogya and Prambanan temple either on arrival or on the way to the airport, maybe one each. I'd give Solo a miss.

Where are you planning to stay in Central Java? If you're at the Aman or Manohara you can get to Borobudur before sunrise and the crowds.

I'm sure the Aman would have a classy New Year's celebration. As Michael says a performance at one of the temples would be wonderful. Your hotel might be able to tell you what's on.

I'm very fond of Central Java, but since you only have 10 nights I'd do 8 in Bali and 2 in Central Java.

fiffy

Marmot - you are so helpful. Sorry to bug you one more time, but given an extra night in Bali, would you spend it in a new location, (e.g. the east) or add a night to Ubud and do an extra day trip?

And for Central Java, if we arrive midday on the 30th, could we do the Prabanaman temples on the 30th, then go to Borobudur and stay at Manohara for a night, see sunrise and spend all day in park and then spend night in borobudur or Yogya (for new years)? Then maybe one day in Yogya and off to Jakarta on the 2nd?

thanks again for all the help

Kathie

A number of years ago I spent a week in Yogja. I have a special interest in the old Buddhist and Hindu sites, and we visited many in addition to Borobudor and Prambanan. We did a day trip to the Dieng Plateau, we went to some temples out beyong Solo. We visited the kraton in Yogja and in Solo, We did craft shopping (more amazing and better quality crafts in central Java than in Bali). We also went to a performance of the Ramayana ballet.

So whetehr three nights is enough depends on your interests. If you just want to see Borobudor and Prambanan and take in a performance of the Ramayana that should be enough time to do so.

marmot

Agree with Kathie, there's a lot to do in Central Java, it just depends on your interests.

http://www.borobudurpark.com/prambanan.php
This is a good site (though somewhat dated) on Borobudur and Prambanan. I believe the venue for the Ramayana at Prambanan is an indoor theater during the rainy season so you won't get the temples as the backdrop.

If you decide to spend a night in Yogya city you could visit the Kraton (Sutan's palace)and do some shopping on the Malioboro. Plenty of arts and crafts -- some good quality, some not.

The dance performances at the Kraton, by the way, which are usually daytime affairs are excellent, the best dancers and musicians in Java. It's not so easy to get reliable schedule information so keep asking.

If you decide to forego Yogya and just stay at Borobudur, you could arrange for a car and driver to take you to Prambanan and some of the key Yogya sites enroute. It's about an hour from Yogya to Borobudur and the scenery is lovely so you want to do this in daylight. I'm sure your hotel would set this up for you.

The Manohara is a good value and you can't beat the location. My son was there recently and said the food was good and ample. Nice people and friendly service, but it is a bit rundown. I'd get a car and driver and join the Amanjiwo's New Year's party. It will be pricy but it will be spectacular.

As far as how to divide your time in Bali -- again, it really depends on your interests. I like the Alila in Manggis but I don't know that I'd be that compelled to pack up and move just to experience East Bali. I'd either stay another night in Ubud or add another in Seminyak.