We will arrive in Jakarta from LA and then fly to Solo or Yogya. Yogya is 1/2 hour shorter drive to Losari but it misses the beautiful drive between the two mountain ranges. How fabulous is that drive? So we'll drive to Losari Coffee Plantation for two days/nights of flight recovery, relaxation and touring Gedung Songo, villages, the spa. Then we have three nights at Amanjiwo. Then we drive to Yogya for a three night stay at the Hyatt Regency. We then fly on to Lombok for three nights at Quinci Villas.
Still need to make domestic flight reservations and transport to Losari. Any suggestions or advise.

The Hyatt, especially the grounds, is very nice although our room was tiny - barely big enough for the bed and dresser. A possible alternative is located behind the Hyatt. Its a small simple boutique hotel and restaurant, the Rumah Mertua, that looks interesting.

I would have the Losari arrange for my transport there as I wonder if most drivers from Yogya or Solo would know where it is located.

Check with Amanjiwo. Transport to/from the airport was included in their price when we visited. If it still is then they may offer free transfer from the Losari as well as transfer to the Hyatt. Certainly worth asking.

The Losari can organize a ride on a circa 1900 steam train through the countryside combined with a trip to Gedong Songo and a traditional market. To me that sounds like a awesome day.

If the flights into Solo are convenient, I would fly there. I believe the scenery going to the Losari should worth the extra 1/2 hr.

Think you have more flight options to Yogya than Solo, if that matters. I would be tempted to fly in to Solo if only because you'll get to see more.

I'm not sure that I agree that the drive from Solo is THAT much more scenic than the drive from Yogya. The two cities are not that far apart. Depending on the time of your arrival in Jakarta you might also consider flying into Semarang which is (I think) closer to Losari than the other two.

Under any circumstances you should let Losari arrange your transportation from the airport to the resort. Why worry about it?

I would also ask the Losari to help you with your air tickets from Jakarta to wherever. I'd recommend that you choose Garuda. Flights are often delayed or cancelled and you have more options with a Garuda ticket.

Personally I think you could do with two days in Yogya, but then I just don't like Yogya. My rooms at the Hyatt have always been of reasonable size, but it's true that the decor is bare bones. I believe the Melia has recently had an overdo. It's quite popular with European travelers and within walking distance of the Malioboro shopping area.

After the Aman wherever you stay in Yogya will be a let down. You might want to reverse your order and doing the Aman last, even if it means backtracking a bit. Things move slowly in Java and another hour or so driving through the country side doesn't much matter.

It sounds great, Robbie! One of the places we considered for our upcoming November trip was Java, but I couldn't make the logistics work.

Have a wonderful time and do tell us all about it!

Based on your comments I have emailed the Rumah Mertua and await their reply. We do have a large room with living room (54 sm) booked at the Hyatt Regency Yogya (senior rate via Hyatt 800 number is $121.50 + taxes per night).
I see the logic of saving the Aman to the end (and Sean has been wonderful regarding rates, etc.) but I know that heading directly for Yogya will put me on sensory overload so I think Losari is better for chilling out.
Am I understanding your views that I could arrive in Jakarta and expect to arrange a flight from Jakarta to Solo, Semarang or Yogya on the spot for 2-3 hours hence? My departing flights from Java, sure but arriving without a connecting flight doesn't sit well with me. So how do I book a Jakarta to Solo (or other) flight? I can't seem to get the Garuda site to book my domestic flights on line.

If I were you I'd do it in this order: Losari, Yogya, Amanjiwo. There will be some additional driving, but not more than an hour or two. It's ALL scenic.

No, I would definitely make your flight reservation before arrival in Jakarta. If you have trouble fixing Garuda flights from abroad then I would ask Losari to secure the tickets for you. If you'd like to tell me when you are arriving in Jakarta I will give you an ideo of available flight, but please bear in mind that flights do change frequently.

I would do the same for your onward flight from Central Java to Lombok, though in this case I wouldn't worry about not having a reservation in advance. The Aman would be able to make these flight arrangements for you. I believe the Hyatt would also. Depending on the time of year you may have to stop in Bali or Surabaya.

Wanted to be clear - have not stayed at Rumah Mertua - only looked at their website after seeing a few nice reviews. Had no complaints at all with the Hyatt. Got a really good rate and apparently it was reflected in the room size. My guess is that R-M is not as polished (reflected in the price differential) as the Hyatt but more personable - so would depend on your style preferences. Smaller hotels with character generally appeal to me. Character can sometimes be good - sometimes not, LOL.

I think Garuda tickets can only be purchased through their website with a credit card issued in Indonesia. We got our tickets from a US travel agent. Garuda also has offices in some countries such as the US and you can buy tickets directly through them. Their website lists the locations of their foreign sales offices.

>>>senior rate via Hyatt 800 number is<<<

...

... well, ol' robbie, looks as though you're not exactly talking young Asian women, SQ PPS, SQ F/J, and SQTalk with those sensational Singapore Girls are we ... (then, what is) ...

... (and btw, please do expand upon your claim of flying 'upper deck' via a 'B777-300' on one of your latest, breathless 'SL' trip reports) ... (a certain 'L', over on SQTalk, is somewhat interested) ...

... and Yes, SQ's 'newest' A330s are looking mighty fine ... check out certain sq pics ... (my sole reason for posting to 'this OP') ...

... all right, robbie, all the best to u, hope to c u in la for that precious 'gtg', and, as always, finish 'aman' style - with those Girls ... (and my all-time favourite massage oil at the Peninsula Bangkok) ...

macintosh (robert)


... gentle hostess, in your sarong ...