Help with Java trip, please
 

Aloha friends, we are on our annual trip to Kauai during which we do the planning for our Asia trip each year. It's been pouring rain since late Saturday, so I've had lots of time to do research.

Our plan this year is to fly in and out of Singapore and spend most of our time in Java, We just have two weeks for this trip. I'm especially hoping that marmot and kuluk will have some info and advice for us.

Here is our plan so far:

Fly Singapore to Solo on Silk Air.

Stay 4 nights in the Yogyakarta area to visit Borobudor, Prambanam and several other temples in the area and to shop for local crafts. I've been to central Java before, but Cheryl has not. Our current thought is to stay at the Phoenix right in Yogya. We'd love to stay at the Aman, but it just isn't in our budget. I think we would prefer the Phoenix to the Hyatt. We will get a driver/guide to take us to Borobudor at dawn one day, perhaps the guide that Stan has recommended.

Then we want to go to Malang in Eastern Java. First question, how to get there?
The Garuda website will not work for me, so I can't tell if they have flights from Yogyakarta to Malang (JOG-MLG).
I know there is a train (the executive class Gajana) that originates in Jakarta and goes all the way to Malang. What is the train like? Is it non-smoking or are there non-smoking cars? How long does it take to get from Yogja to Malang?
The third option is to hire a car and driver to drive from Yogya to Malang. How are the roads and how long does it take?

In Malang, we plan to stay at the Hotel Tugu Malang for 4 nights. We'll take advantage of their Tracing the Kingdom package which includes day trips to Panataran, the temples around Malang, and one of the nearby volcanoes.

Any recommendtaions for other things to do/see here?

Then we'll hire a car and driver to take us to Surabaya. There are just a couple of things we want to see in the city, and we plan to stay at the Majapahit for one night before flying out of Surabaya to Singapore on Silk Air.

Anyone think we need a second night in Surabaya or have other recommendations for things to do/see there?

We will then have 4 nights in Singapore. We have been to Singapore many times and always enjoy our stays there. We haven't settled on a hotel yet, but several we are considering are the Ritz Carleton, the Intercontinential, and our old favorite, the Fairmont. Any comments on those or on other options in that price range will be appreciated.

Many thanks for your help!

Yay! Glad you're going back, Kathie. Java still ranks amongst our favorite places visited.

You will LOVE the Phoenix. I was completely surprised at how much I enjoyed staying there. It really was a wonderful hotel and David & I loved walking around Jogja aimlessly every day.

I hear you about the Aman, but do yourself a favor and plan a dinner (or at least sunset drinks) there. That's what we did. The food is *good* (not great) but nothing beats that view from the patio when the sun is setting. It's just unworldly.

Excited to hear how the planning goes!

Thanks! It was your recommendation for the Phoenix that made me look into it. We are looking at getting an Executive Suite there.

Kathie: Airfares are fairly inexpensive so I now fly whenever I can. Here is the link to the train schedule, and it appears Jakarta to Malang is about 15 hours. I haven't taken this particular one, but have taken other executive class trains and they were spacious and clean, but over-airconditioned.

http://www.malangkota.go.id/16060728a.html

I believe there is another airline that flies to Malang but I have no personal experience flying there. I have always just driven from Surabaya, but the drive is pretty easy and nice scenery. The drive from Jogja to Malang is not as nice, there are lots of speeding busses and trucks and it's harrowing for me. But then I am a very cautious person and everything worries me.

I love the Tugu, it's like staying in a small museum. Ditto the Majapahit.

There are some very nice tea plantations around the Malang/Batu area. But it's important to go there on non-weekend days, as it's a big local recreation area and traffic can get really bad on weekends. BTW, there are some small "zoos" up there..do not look at them. It will break your heart. Do check out the Sampoerna cigarette museum

When I lived in Surabaya the only thing to do was go up to Malang haha! It's a big industrial city and very hot. but do check out the Sampoerna cigarette museum! http://houseofsampoerna.museum/e_home.htm

As far as touring up to Borobudur, Mendut is concerned, you can easily get the hotel to arrange your drive up. There are numerous official guides there who speak good english and are very knowledgeable. The same goes for Prambanan, though I would recommend doing it on a different day, possibly the day you drive from Solo to Jogja.

Speaking of Solo, a must-do is the Danar Hadi Batik Museum. He has collected hundreds if not thousands of old and wonderful batik examples from every region and style of Indonesian batik. I am a collector and dealer myself and even I was amazed at the breadth and depth of the collection..it will take you 2 hours minimum to tour. The museum is located behind the large Danar Hadi store, across the street from the Novotel Hotel. You have to go inside the store to buy a rp 30,000 ticket and wait for a guide to be available. (http://museumbatikdanarhadi.blogspot.com/ At the end of the tour you will see the actual factory where they make hand waxed batik tulis and hand stamped batik cap.

Enjoy!

Hi Kathie, Two weeks in Java is long enough for total immersion. You'll either be enchanted or aggravated to the point of "get me out of here!" Probably a little of both. I haven't been to Central Java for a couple of years nor to East Java for more than ten so some of my experience is somewhat dated. Somethings, however, never change, for better or for worse.

What are the dates of your trip? Holidays and weather will play a part in your planning.

The Phoenix is generally well liked. I like the Hyatt because of its gardens which offer a respite from the density of Yogya, but I'd certainly give the Phoenix a try.

I'd strongly suggest a night or two in the countryside as you can't really experience the profound beauty and serenity from Yogya. It's also good to visit Borobudur more than once during different times of day. Unfortunately there aren't a lot of mid-range choices between the Aman (exorbitant) and the Manohara (seedy).

If the Lostari (now the MesaStila) doesn't appeal, I'd suggest looking at the Saraswati. Mixed reviews, and some bizarre design touches, but good, walkable location. Villa Sumbing Indah looks interesting too, but I don't have inside information.

Agree, plan on sunset-into-dinner at Amanjiwo. Also, check to see if they have any cultural events during your time in the area.

Malang isn't an easy place to get to. There are flights but they are seasonal and for the life of me I can't figure out what the season is. I believe Garuda only flies from Jakarta which isn't what you want.

[I actually think, though, that you might enjoy a day/night in Jakarta. There are some great hotels, very good restaurants and good museums and shopping. And as for exposure to a burgeoning and exasperating new-Asian city it can't be imagined.]

Back to Central/East Java: Commuter airlines that operate in the region are Sriwijaya Air, Wings Air and Lion Air. I have no information on these airlines positive or negative and their websites are a trial and error ordeal. You might want to enlist an Indonesian travel agent. I like Smailings, though "like" is relative.

You should consider flying into Surabaya and driving to Malang. If I remember properly it's only about 2-3 hours.You can fly from Yogya or Semarang to Surabaya on Wings Air. If you go to the Dieng Plateau you're halfway to Semarang.

Indonesian trains are functional, but a bit gritty and loose on scheduling. One website says that the drive from Yogya to Malang would take about 6 hours. I'm somewhat skeptical of this, but you might ask Tugu for updated information. They could probably arrange a car for you too. The northcoast road from Semarang to Surabaya an option as well.

The roads in the area are okay; it's the drivers you have to look out for. It helps to have a driver who's actually been to the destination. This is less common than you would think. And as Kuluk says the long distance buses and trucks are menaces.

Malang is a pleasant town though maybe not as charming as the Tugu website suggests. I'd strongly suggest that you plan to stay in the Bromo area for one or two nights. Like Borobudur you really can't grasp the profound beauty as a commuter. Accomodations on Bromo are also pretty grim, though Java Banana is trying to upgrade the choices.

The Majapahit in Surabaya is a definite yes, though Surabaya itself is not a big draw.

I'd consider traveling on to see the sulphur mining and lake at Mt. Ijen. Another interesting side trip would be Jepara which is between Semarang and Surabaya and the center of wood carving and furniture making. I haven't been to either one, though.

hope the rain stops for you

Many thanks to both kuluk and marmot for all of the great information. Let me clarify that we don't have two weeks for Java, more like 10 days (we have two weeks total for this trip, including flight time and a few days in Singapore).

Kuluk, I think we've ruled out the train from Yogya to Malang, as the executive class Gajayana leaves Yogya at 1:30 am and gets to Malang at 8:45 am. The driving time estimates I've been able to find range from 6 hours to 12 hours. Your description of the drive makes me think it isn't a good idea. My current thought is to fly JOG to SUB, then get a car and driver to Malang.

Thanks for your recommendation of the Danar Hadi Batik Museum. I'm very interested in textiles. I have great memories of visiting a batik workshop in Solo years ago that made the batik for one of the Solo kratons - gorgeous stuff! The Sampoerna cigarette museum is also recommended by the Lonely Planet. We will put it on our list.

Marmot, this trip is in November. We will fly into Solo on November 15 and we will fly back to Singapore on the 24th or 25th. I've looked into all of the hotels in the immediate area of Borobudor and other than the Amanjiwo they all sound pretty grim. I don't mind getting up really early to drive to Borobudor - I'd rather stay somewhere comfortable.

I was in Jakarta years ago and enjoyed it. I'm not sure it makes sense to fly to Jakarta in order to fly to Malang. I think it makes more sense to fly from JOG to SUB and get a car from there. My first choice for airlines is Garuda, second choice is Lion (this recommendation from someone who consults to airlines about safety - he said he wouldn't consider any other Indonesian airlines). I'm assuming Garuda flies JOG to SUB.

I'll take a look at the Bromo area and Mt. Ijen as well. Thanks for the suggestions.

I've run into one more glitch. In checking the Silk Air website, if you buy a one-way ticket to/from JOG or SUB, each leg costs over $800 per person! The website cannot do open jaw or multi-city itineraries. I'm hoping when I call Singapore Air to book, they will have reasonable prices on open jaw tickets.

And thanks, Bob, we are having quite a storm here on Kauai - wind and sheets of rain. Fortunately, we made dinner in tonight and are sitting with a good bottle of wine watching the weather drama. Cheryl says hello to you and Karen.

November should be good for photography at Bromo.

Air Asia now flies from Singapore to Yogya. You may also want to look into flying to or from Jakarta as fares and connections to other parts of Indonesia are both good.

I prefer Garuda too, but I'm less negative on the other commuter airlines. Millions of people use them mostly because there's no other time conscious choice. I don't know that I'd identify Lion as especially better (safer) than the other domestics. They've had some recent issues with pilots on drugs.

I don't think Garuda flies non-stop from any of the cities in Central Java to East Java. You'd have to connect through Jakarta or Bali, which seems counterproductive.

Some Indonesian trains have both executive and business class. Executive is what you want.

I find Indonesia cities tiring and difficult to navigate, and it's more for the natural beauty of the Borobudur area than for convenience that I'd recommend spending a few days outside of the towns. Sunset and pre-dawn are particularly spiritural when the mosques are going and the light changes. The insects kick up a racket and the bats and swiftlets change places.

November might not be good enough weather for Ijen. It could be very rainy and foggy, as it's in the middle of the rainy season.

Jakarta is not that bad of an airport to fly into, especially if it will save you hundreds of dollars! Try to arrive super early in the morning or super late at night to avoid the traffic jams. Traffic has gotten incredibly worse in the past few years.

I just checked the Lion Air site and it seems they do fly between Jogja and Surabaya. A travel agent I have used for about 15 years for multi-cities is Bayu Buana. They have an office in every major city in Indonesia.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/302859049772505/

Another note, it's really not that far from Jogja city to Borobudur, (about an hour to hour and a half) and the Hyatt is about 20 minutes out of downtown so you would save a few minutes. Prambanan is about 20 minutes in the other direction, on the way from Solo to Jogja. I have never been to Kaliurang, but friends tell me it's also a lovely place to stay...but of course could depend on what Merapi volcano will be like.

Reading this with interest as it's on our radar to do this either this year ( if we don't go to California) or next.

<GASP!> You MUST go to California. It is mandated by law. :)

Nicky - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN3GbF9Bx6E

FW - well then I must!! I have spoken with Virgin and I can get a VERY good deal on flights using my miles, so plan to book this week( will just check the rates for HKG though) You my friend will be the FIRST to know. Remember I am coming just so I can have G& Ts with you in LA :)
Sorry Kathie, didn't mean to detract from your thread.

Lots more good information, marmot and kuluk. Many thanks. I spent time last night reading about Bromo and Ijen. Given the weather issues, I think we'll look into Bromo. It's not yet clear to me how we get there from Malang and how long it will take.

And thanks for the info on flights JOG - SUB. I need to do some more research on trains.

Marmot, I will do some more research on places to stay in the countryside, and will look at the other places you mentioned.

The storm is over here on Kauai, so we are going out to enjoy some sunshine.

Good luck on getting your tickets, Smeagol.

Kathie - re staying overnight at Borobudur, yes, the Manohara was pretty grim, but for one night it was manageable. The good part was being able to sit outside in their restaurant and have Borobudur smack in front of you with crowds all gone. That really made us grin and bear it and the view could not be beat. The Aman sent a car down to pick us up for lunch there, too.

We also stayed at the Phoenix, before it was called the Phoenix, and thought it was quite nice, in spite of being on a busy street. It was several years ago, but at the time the massages were quite good! Have a great return trip. Are you returning to the Dieng Plateau? I think it was your TR that made me go and I was glad I did.

If you're considering an overnight in Borobudur (and personally I don't think you need one--commuting from Jogja is easy enough), I'd suggest the Manohara over the Saraswati. Both *are* dreadful, but I've never once before in my life left a hotel early because it was so terrible. I did that at Saraswati. Everything looks "normal" on the surface but everything on the inside (including the service) is atrocious. I couldn't get out of there soon enough.
If you are looking to do something a bit more "country" in Jogja, you might consider this place: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Rev...arta_Java.html
Looks wonderful but the downside is it could be even more isolated than Borobudur is (and at least there, you have the temple to see.)

I believe the weather would be much the same at Bromo and Ijen, but I may be wrong here. Early November is the cusp of the rainy season. I may be overly optimistic and Kuluk overly pessimistic, but my guess is that you'd still get some clear days. It rains all year in Indonesia, even in the middle of the dry season. That's why I always suggest two tries at sunrise.

I visited Bromo from Malang in late December. We rose at 2:00 a.m. drove north in darkness to increasingly higher elevations, through thick fog. The few people we passed on the road were bundled up and looked miserable. Around 5ish we reached the entry to the Bromo viewing area, had a cup of coffee at a filthy place and bought ridiculous knit hats with BROMO on the rim. (My son still wears his.) Then we huddled with a group of equally chilled tourists and waited for the sun to rise which it didn't, really. Everything faded from black to grey. We then took the ponies across the sea of sand and looked down into the caldera. By then the sun was shining but we began the journey back to Malang, exhausted.

Despite the best intensions, I never returned. Though my son has. He says staying on the mountain and being able to see the area at various times of day in various weather conditions was a much more satisfying experience. The guides are good and will provide as much adventure as you want, though you have to be very careful of the thermal activity.

It's not just one mountain, but a group of volcanic peaks which makes for extraordinary photography. There are several entries with different vantage points and trekking venues. If you're interested I'd talk to the folks at Java Banana for logistics. Wikipedia travel is good for an overview.

>>>We will then have 4 nights in Singapore. We have been to Singapore many times and always enjoy our stays there. We haven't settled on a hotel yet, but several we are considering are the Ritz Carleton, the Intercontinential, and our old favorite, the Fairmont. Any comments on those or on other options in that price range will be appreciated.<<<


Warm greetings Kathie and congratulations on another stay in our fine home of Singapore. Many thanks for your years of appreciating and supporting SIN. Special part of the world, indeed.

Regarding Singapore hotels, my first suggestion is the Four Seasons, my main business travel hotel before acquiring a property in SIN. What a special place, staff and friends, with some sweet suites, rooms and public venues.

I do have many more Singapore hotel, restaurant and recreational ideas, including a couple of gems discovered over the past several weeks and months. Will convey them to you in a few days, as a bit rushed this week with meetings in the SF Bay Area. (Flying back to Asia this weekend -- via that cherished Singaporean airline.)

Have fun on Kauai. Haven't been on that island in some time. (Over the years of UA 1K status, most of my United 'CR-1s' have been used flying SFO-KOA-SFO for all-too-short long weekends. Always fine times in Paradise.)

Enjoy,

macintosh (robert)


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

Thanks to all of you. I think we won't try to stay at Borobudor for a night, but the villa you gave the link to looks great, Filmwill.

I'm not sure if we will go to the Dieng Plateau this trip or not. And I'm still researching Bromo (and the other two volcanoes rising from the caldera of the old volcano) and Ijen. There are always choices to be made, as we can't go everywhere in our limited time.

marmot, your story about Bromo makes me wonder if it is worth taking time to try to see the sunrise there or not, given our limited time. I know it's always chancey. We need to spend more time looking into our options.

AO, I always appreciate your hotel and restaurant recomendations. We will add the Four Seasons to our list to consider.

One of the reasons I recommend Bromo over Ijen is that Bromo is a relatively easy trip, and the payoff is 5 steaming volcanos in a row, makes for a great photo. Although I haven't been to Ijen, just yesterday for example, a friend went all the way from Bali just to see Ijen and it was hard going and they didn't see a thing because of fog. Given your limited time, I agree you don't NEED to see either one, but Bromo as I mention is a relatively easy jaunt from Malang anyway.

The reason I try to be overly pessimistic is that Kathie is trying to maximize her time in Java and there are factors that can't be overlooked sometimes. If you have time and all works well it's great, but you do have to budget in a few days/hours extra for niggly details. Eg: This Friday in Jogja all flights departing the airport, including mine, were delayed about 4 hours due to inclement weather (wind and rain). If you are cutting it close to get to Surabaya to get to Bromo and Ijen those few hours could make a big difference. Just trying to prepare travellers for the possibilities.
I do envy everyone with their budgets for star-rated hotels, though. My (forced) style of travel is low to the ground...I am in Singapore a few times a year and my top budget is US 100.

kuluk, Agree In Indonesia you not only need a Plan B, but a Plan C & D.

Yes, I agree with you both and appreciate the cautions you offer. We are still exploring all of the options, and do like to hae alternatives to fall back on.

Kathie; I was in the Phoenix and it was pleasant but the Hyatt really is clssier. I do not know if you are 62+ but if you are our guide Wiedy Antara got us a senior rate just last Sept. of $142+tax on the Club Floor and the lounge offered an ala carte served breakfast and a cocktail time from 5-7 with a variety of appetizers that changed a bit every evening. As for Melang Wiedy's wife was born there and he visits his in-laws 4-5 times at a minimum each year. He said it was not worth going out of our way to visit. It had a Disneyish atmosphere in some sections and not a lot of cultural interest.
We did mAke the long drive from Yogja to Mt. Bromo and broke it up with a night at an interesting quite decent hotel ($75 for 2 in an A/C room) but as the Hyatt is 4 Stars this little place is clean but truely is 2.5 stars. The total trip is 8 hours and we visited Solo on the way out. the only really interesting visit was to the wax batik cottage industries but the prices for the batil on silk were outragious. At Mt. Bromo we stayed at the Java Banana a very interesting eclectic modern hotel about 15-20 minutes from the lookout.The rate last year through our guide was $140 for a Superior 2 room. They offer Superior 1 rooms but only have one in that category. The rate was $140+tax for 2 as I recall.To breakup the trip we insisted that Wiedy stop at at least 2 markets for 20 minute breaks. We paid him well because he had a van and driver so he could talk to us all along the way sharing his knowledge.After Mt. Bromo he drove us the 2 hours to Surabaya Airport for a flight back to Bali or we could have flown to Solo or onward to Singapore if you routed yourself that way.

Hi, Stan, thanks for your comments. I'm sure the Hyatt is lovely, but I love old, historic hotels and that combined with the opportunity to walk around Yojya makes The Phoenix the current front-runner for us.

It's hard to know what to make of Wiedy's comment about Malang "It had a Disneyish atmosphere in some sections and not a lot of cultural interest." We are most interested in the pre-colonial history, though many like the Dutch colonial history there. We are interested in the Singosari temples around Malang and even more interested in Pamataran, the largest intact Majapahit Kingdom temple complex, and some of the best examples of East Java architecture. So Malang is definitely on our itinerary.

Stan, can you tell me more about Java Banana - was it clean and comfortable? Would you have chosen to stay there more than one night to ensure a good view of Bromo? If we opt for Bromo, we would go from there to Surabaya in order to fly to Singapore.

Marmot or Kuluk, would either of you recommend that we spend a night in Blitar to have more time at Pamataran? (If we did that we'd take one night away from Malang.) The package we are planning to book through the Tugu Malang includes a day trip to Pamataran with lunch at the Tugu Blitar.

I've been to Singosari, but not Penataran. (You mean Penataran, right?) East Java is scenic and the archeological sites are charming in an isolated, understated kind of way.

Aside from Bromo, I wouldn't consider any of it -- Malang, the temples, Blitar -- a "starred" destination, but if you're there, why not? There's nothing on the scale of Borobudur or Prambanan, but the sites have a kind of serene and subtle melancholy and they're definitely not overrun by tourists. The countryside is lush and tropical and the small villages that you drive through have their own sleepy charm.

The only thing about Malang that I would call Disneylandish would be the Tugu. :) All of Java is densely populated and the cities tend to sprawl, unplanned and unlovely. Local recreation facilities are limited and those that serve the burgeoning middle class tend to be (to Western tastes) crass and crowded.

I haven't been to Blitar. My understanding is that its claim to fame is Sukarno's burial place. He has a cult following in Indonesia, involving powerful black magic, and I think that's more of the local draw than the temples.

I can't comment on Java Banana, but I would say whether you're interested in doing some serious trekking or just taking casual walks and soaking up the atmosphere, you'd enjoy staying on the mountain.

Marmot, yes I meant Penataran, or Panataran. I'm aware of Sukarno's burial is there, though didn't know about the black magic aspect.

It sounds like it doesn't make sense to stay a night in Blitar and that we can make do with three nights in Malang (depending on what time we get there from central Java). So we can squeeze in a night at Java Banana. We aren't interested in any serious trekking, but taking casual walks and soaking up the atmosphere sounds great. And Cheryl will be intent on her photography.

Thanks!

Commenting a little late, I know. Kathie, given the interest I know you have in textiles, I was surprised you weren't staying in Solo a couple of nights. While Yogya is know for it's batik stalls, most of it is made in Solo. A stroll through the Kampong Batik is much more relaxing and illuminating than a walk down Malioboro street. A full day in Solo, taking in the Danar Hadi museum, the kampong, and the Kasunan Palace (which most tourists don't see) is well worth it, IMO.

I really wanted to take in Malang on my last visit, but the logistics of getting there ruled it out in the end. Driving from Surabaya seems the most viable option, since the only flights (at the time) were to/from Jakarta (or Bandung!) For me, that meant too many days filled up with traveling.

I loved Bromo, but I don't know about the whole sunrise thing. It's pretty, but whether or not it's worth it is another question.

Michael, I was hoping you'd have something to add. I had planned a day trip to Solo to visit the batik museum and look at batik for possible purchase. Last time I was in Solo, we went to the workshop where they made the batik for the kraton in Solo - incredibly intricate batik tulis! I also wanted to re-visit Candi Sukuh. Do you think we need more than a day trip to Solo? I have to admit, I'd prefer not to move hotels.

Yes, it's complicated to get from central Java to Eastern Java. I'm hoping the Lion Air flight from JOG to MLG wil make it all easy!

We spent some time talking about how to allocate our time. The Yogya area and the Malang area are the two places firmly on our itinerary. Bromo is a maybe. We aren't yet sure how o divide our time. We can take a day or even two from Singapore if necessary to see/do the things that are most important to us.

Kuluk, thanks for the shopping tips, Kuluk. Is there any place in Solo that you feel has exceptional batik for sale?

Thanks to all of you for this great information.

I suppose if you just wanted to do Solo city, you could do it in a day out of Jogja. It's only about an hour each way by car. But Sukuh is well over another hour out of Solo, so doing that wouldn't leave much time to stop in Solo on the way there or back. Have you been to Candi Ceto? I can't say it's as interesting as Sukuh, but the drive there is quite pretty.

I understand about moving hotels. I had trips where I'm on the move ever day or two, but if you want to see the outer temples around Solo, then I think spending a night or two there would make things easier.

I have not been to Candi Cetho, but thought we'd do that this year. Didn't you tell me that they have cut down the clove orchards on the way to Candi Sukuh? Is the drive there still interesting? Any other temples outside of Solo that you'd recommend?

One we have a list of all thing things we want to do/see on this trip, it will be time to do some editing - always a difficult process.

Kattie; The Java Banana is not OLD. It was a very big surprise for us. It is modern with simply lovely grounds considering where it is and having read about the very few hotels in the are I never thought such a place would exist there. It looked new and that may be because it was completly renovated 2-3 years ago as I understand it. It is whistle clean with nice size rooms and A/C which might be needed if your in the room by chance at 2-4 PM. The breakfast which was included was good to very good but I cannot remember if we paid extra for it. If we did it was a modest amount. We had a nice light dinner there that was very good and not expensive by up-scale hotel standards. I think $20/person. As for Malang, Wiedy thinks they have not left the Dutch Colonial architicure as it was and have tried to modernize it. He likes genuine.

Stan, I'm aware that the Java Banana is not old. The photos on the website look very nice. Thanks for your comments about your stay there.

As for Malang, we are most interested in the Hindu temples and classical East Java architecture in the area not the Dutch colonial history.

Yes, hardly saw any clove trees on the drive from Solo to Sukuh last year, which makes it a lot less interesting. However, the drive from Sukuh to Ceto is through a huge tea plantation, which was interesting to see. There are actually two temples at Ceto, although the second one is little more than a terraced hillside, and requires a bit of a hike to get two.

I haven't heard of any more significant temples around Solo, although I believe there are some. I was kind of hoping to get to the Sangrian ancient man site on my last trip, but didn't make it.

The one 'new' site I saw on the last trip was Ratu Boko, up on a hill a short way from Prambanan. It's definitely interesting although not as spectacular as the Prambanan complex itself.

Thanks, Michael.

Having spent a couple of weeks at tea plantations, that isn't as interesting to me, though tea plantations are lovely places. I'll have to read about Ratu Boko. We decided we don't have time for the Sangrian site and museum this trip.

The Sangiran site is disappointing, although it's only about a 45 minute drive out of Solo downtown. The large museum has a few fossils and dioramas but it fails to give the idea of the history of the area. Even the souvenir stands that line the parking lot sell items that are completely unrelated...onyx ashtrays and so forth, although everyone, including the sellers, are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Ratu Boko is interesting not for the buildings, because they are mostly just a few stones now. What is interesting to me is the layout and while standing at the top of the grassy hill, with no one around, you can meditate and envison the people who worshipped and lived here a thousand years ago. Borobudur and Prambanan are fantastic but are crowded with sellers and visitors and you just don't get that same feeling of peace and tranqulity.

Thanks for your observations about these places, kuluk. We have lots to think about.

Kathie; As I mentioned in our trips to Solo one of which was about 3 hours in-town and the other about half that we did not see any tempkles of interest. The Sultan though is known to be the most progressive of those remaining but we could not see any evidence of it except that the indigent do get more generous stipends if justified. Weidy was hard pressed to show us more than 2 monuments and as I said the most interesting aspect was the 45 minutes was at the one non-tourist wax batik operation he took us to.

>>>AO, I always appreciate your hotel and restaurant recomendations. We will add the Four Seasons to our list to consider.<<<


Pleasure, and perhaps that fine Four Seasons property will end up being your home for a few evenings. (Just like her sister in Bangkok, the 4S Singapore does offer the occasional, attractive promotions.)

Another suggestion is the St. Regis Singapore, particularly if you have a stockpile of Starwood points to utilize. I've never stayed at the property for business or holiday, but will say my few times in the hotel's lobby lounge and bar areas have been most satisfactory. The St. Regis Bangkok has been my main BKK business travel hotel since last June. Wonderful property and staff; suspect the SIN sibling's lodgings would be every bit as enjoyable.

You most likely have your UA flights and upgrades sorted; if so, congrats. If not, will give an alternative of Singapore Airlines. SQ 37/38 provides all business class, non-stop service, LAX-SIN. And, can offer rather recent and continued highest praise of SQ1, SFO-HKG. Flew into Hong Kong earlier today for a few days of meetings. (And in a few days time will fly Thai Airways, HKG-BKK. Haven't flown TG for work since last year; hope it's "smooth as silk".) Will eventually fly back home to Singapore, end of week.

Know I'm missing more hotel and certainly dining reccos; a bit rushed these days. Will have more for you later.

Enjoy your time in Paradise and savour your planning; warm wishes to you and all from Hong Kong,

robert


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

Just a bit of follow-up...

I was able to book our flights from Singapore to Solo and Surabaya to Singapore (Silk Air flights) on the Singapore Air website. Last time I booked Silk Air flights, they wouldn't allow you to book them on the Singapore Air website, and the Silk Air website doesn't allow booking of multi-city itineraries. I had to call AmEx for them to allow the charge to go through.

I have emailed the Tugu Malang about booking our flight from Yogyakarta to Surabaya, as the Garuda website won't work for me. I was unable to find the elusive Lion Air flight from Yogyakarta to Malang.

I have made reservations at the Hotel Phoenix and at the Hotel Majapakit, and have sent an inquiry to the Tugu Malang.

We are still working on the Singapore hotel selection.

We have decided against Bromo this trip... so many places, so little time.

Thanks to all of you for your help.

HI Kathie: It's Sunday here in Bali but if you want I can call my local travel agent tomorrow and see what the story is about flights to Malang from Yogja. Let me know if you need me to call. But I think your backup plan to fly from Yogja to Surabaya, then take a car for the nice drive up to Malang is fine.

I think so far you have a very good trip planned and wonderful hotels.

Earlier you asked me about shopping for batik tulis. When you do the tour in Solo of the stunning Danar Hadi Museum, the place where you buy your ticket is in the actual Danar Hadi shop. It's right across from the Novotel Solo. The shop has very high end batik tulis that cater to wealthy Indonesians and Japanese who are batik fanatics. It's air conditioned so that's a huge plus in steamy Solo.

Also, for very high fashion batik, Bin has wonderful high quality items...their flagship store is in Jakarta, but they also have a gallery in Singapore and in some of the local airports, and I think probably in some of the 5-star hotels. If you come upon one of them, do stop in...http://www.binhouse.com/thebinhouse/index.html