We are going to Bali for a wedding and I am keen to visit Borubudur after. I am thinking of 1 night in the Melia to be in the city and 1 night at Amanjiwo or Manohara. These are 2 completely different ends of the price spectrum so I wanted advice from anyone who may have seen both or stayed at either. Thanks.

Sorry, I can't help with the hotels, but I do want to say that the area is well worth more than a day or twp if you can manage it in your schedule. In addition to Borobudor, there are the temples at Prambanan as well as temples at the Dieng Plateau. The city of Yogja has fabolous crafts (even better than Bali) and Solo has some of the best batik in the world. You can also see the Ramayana ballet in the open air pavillion near Prambanan.

Kathie's right. The area is one of the most fascinating in asia.

hobbes, I'm an expat living in Jakarta and I get to Central Java either for holiday or with customers about once a month.

In Yogya I prefer the Hyatt, but the Melia is good too. I don't particularly like Yogya I think because I live in a hot dirty crowded city so the last place on earth that I want to go on vacation is another hot dirty crowded city. Having said that there are several interesting sites in and around Yogya and you can reach them from either hotel. The Melia is within walking distance to the main shopping area if you're hardy. Otherwise, transportation is plentiful and cheap. I have yet to find a good restaurant in Yogya. If you find one, please let me know.

Other Yogya must sees are the Kraton (Sultan's palace), Prambanan Temple and several secondary sites. Don't expect too much as the area, while fascinating, is really not developed as a tourist destination the way Bali is.

At Borobudur, you are right the Amanjiwo is the new Mazerati and the Manohara the used Toyota. There is nothing in between. I haven't stayed at the Manohara but judging from other properties in the same range I'd guess that it's clean and friendly and it's actually on the grounds of Borobudur!

The Aman on the other hand is heaven on earth. I've taken several US customers and who are very sophisticated travelers, in Asia and Europe, and they all agree that there is nothing like it for magical experience. Beautiful serene surroundings; exquisite, unobtrusive service; great food; lovely pool; wonderful spa; plus all kinds of cultural information. I'd say go for it!

It's true that there's a lot to do in the area; however, it will involve a fair amount of driving. Borobudur is the main draw. Definitely plan for the pre-dawn tour. The last time I was there I did it twice. The first day was cloudy with a dud sunrise, the second day was a perfect 10, so it helps to have a back up. Many people love the elephant ride from the temple to the resort. If it were I organizing a trip for my customers I would recommend two nights at the Aman and "commuting" to Yogya city.

The government has just announced that they will now hold dance performances at Borobudur at night. More on this as it develops.

Last point, Ramadhan this year takes place in October and holidays following Ramadhan will be the first two weeks in November. This is not the best time to visit Java.

Thank u so much for your prompt and helpful feedback Kathie, Gloria and Marmot. Marmot, I would love to spend 2 moghts at Amanjiwo but even 1 is kind of breaking the bank! Kathie and Gloria, I am constrained by work schedules and with the wedding dates - this is really a short break tho I am going to reconsider whether we can make it 3 nights in Yogya by taking Wed off as well. Seems tough right now but let's see, Marmot, I am talking first week Oct so dates seem ok. Amanjiwo for at least 1 night definitely seems the way to go! How far is Solo from Amanjiwo?

Okay, one night in Yogya city and one night at the Aman is still a good combination. Personally, I wouldn't cut Bali short for another night in Yogya.

Solo (Surakarta) is about 1 hour from Yogya and 1.5 hours from Borobudur. If your time is limited it wouldn't be at the top of the list. The drive from Borobudur to Solo is spectacularly beautiful, though, as Mt. Merapi is geologically active.

Ramadhan will start around October 4- to 6. You won't feel its effect at Borobudur or the Aman but in Yogya restaurants will be closed during the day (except at hotels) and the Kraton will be subdued, no dancing or music.

Another idea is the Losari Coffee Plantation. I hear it's quite nice, but I have yet to find anyone who's actually been stayed there, or even been there. It's about an hour (maybe less) from Borobudur.

Thanks again Marmot. I have mailed Amanjiwo and the Melia (may change this to the Hyatt, not sure yet). I think we will ditch Solo and spend Sunday in Jogjakarta then shift to Amanjiwo next morning and spend the day and the following day between the resort and Borobudur. Don't want to pack in too much and not enjoy the Amanjiwo!

Very excited - we are now doing 2 nights at Amanjiwo. Decided we should splurge as we may never be in the region again. Any specific shop or restaurant recos for Sunday evening which we plan to spend in Jogjakarta? I would like to have at least 1 meal outside amanjiwo - how are restaurants at the melia and Grand Hyatt for Sunday dinner? Kathie, know u love the shopping in this area - any tips? Thanks so much...

There is incredible shopping for crafts in Yogja. Just wander around and look. I purchased many lovely puppets while I was there, the most beautiful ones had been used in the kraton and had identifying marks from the kraton (you'll see these in several shops as they sell of the puppets from the kraton after they have been used for a while.)

There was one place that had gorgeous older items (50 year old hand-carved puppets, gorgeous old art objects). I don't know if it is still there, but please do let us know. It is called Art Gallery Saptohudoyo. The address I have is Jl. Solo Km 9 Meguwo

Good decision on the Aman!

I can't help on restaurant choices in Yogya. I've been disappointed by all of them and the terrace of the Aman happens to be one of the most beautiful locations on the planet. Borobudur is now lighted at night. It's really magical. We always ask the Aman to set up a table for us outside in the corner of the terrace. You get a 360 degree view of the moon and mountains and now Borobudur as well.

On another thread someone described a village warung (small local restaurant) that the Aman will arrange for you to visit. It sounded like a lot of fun.

The restaurants at the Melia and Hyatt are fine if you're in the area, but not worth a special trip.

There are zillions of shops in Yogya. The Malioboro is a long, long street of shops. If you have fortitude ou will find all kinds of treasures -- and all kinds of junk. The "antiques" may not be really old but they look great and the quality can be very good.

Here's a list I got from the Aman. I haven't actually been to any of them so I can't give a personal recommendation.

Ardianto's ( Silk Batiks )
Jl Magelang KM 5,8
Yogyakarta
T 274 562777

Ibu Yus ( Antiques )
Central Java Gallery
Jl Panrang Tritus no 41
Yogyakarta
T 274 371039

Moeson Antiques ( Antiques )
Jl Prawirotaman No 15
Yogyakarta
T 274 372835

Tjokrosuharto (Batik & handicraft )
Panembahan no 58
Yogyakarta
T 0274 55131

MIROTA Batik at the end of Jalan Malioboro, just before the Presidential Building / Vredeburgh Fort and right accross of Beringharjo Traditional Market. This is the type of shop that has small tidbits of all things.

Jalan Ahmad Yani No. 9 (continuation of Jalan Malioboro)
telp. # +62 274 588524, 518127.

I'm not much of a shopper these days as I have already bought everything you could possibly imagine in Indonesia.

I do like to go to a store that's quite near the Aman called Mendut. The owner specializes in reproductions of old batiks and paintings on glass. The quality is excellent. Other handicrafts as well.