clear/thoughtful Asia travel...?
 

Coming up on 70 years old and thinking about our 2025 trip. Return to Tamil Nadu? (safe choice, beautiful spot in the world, don’t love Modi). Mesopotamia Iraq ? (not been there, I’d really love to but the current travel advisories…?), return to Burma/Myanmar? (I’d love to but current military junta and heartbreaking earthquake.), new spot Yogyakarta ?- two nearby UNESCO temples plus artistic center.

Keeping in mind I’m not a traveler who wants things to “do” but rather congenial places to hang out & just “be,” I loved Yogyakarta. I stayed in a guest house in a residential area & also a small resort-ish place walking distance to town, visited Borobudur, spent a couple of nights in a village on Mt Merapi, but mainly just wandered & enjoyed the people & small town feel of the place. Assuming it hasn’t changed a lot since then, I’d happily go back.

That was my only experience of Java but others here have good things to say about East Java so hopefully they’ll come along with more recommendations for that area.

Not sure if you are open to suggestions..... my travel to Armenia and Georgia was a life-changing experience. I am thinking of going back to Armenia. My trip report:

https://www.fodors.com/community/asi...021-a-1698511/

>> don’t love Modi
Does that make the place less beautiful? Your tourist rupees support the local economy, not him.

A military junta given to genocide and persecution would keep me away. Don't know what they will do next.

Just my thoughts on your OP.

Of the places you list, the only one I've visited it Yogyakarta. Borobodur is magnificent; seeing the sun rise from that temple is among the most memorable moments of my travels ... and I've been fortunate to have had some amazing experiences!

You might find some useful information in my trip report. The section on Java begins with post # 67.
https://www.fodors.com/community/asi...-bali-1116191/