"So,if we wanted to just stay in central Bali,..."

Do you mean central Java?

Neither the beaches nor the resorts on the Java coast are particularly inviting. Java is a relatively small island with a massive population -- 140 million! -- and the public places can be overrun.

If it's in your budget (not in mine anymore!) Amanjiwo at Borobudur is a wonderful escape. I've also heard good things about MesaStila and Plataran which are in the countryside north of Borobudur. I've not been to either one, though.

I also like the looks of the Kura Kura Resort, which is on an island off the north coast. (I haven't been there either.) It's not so easy to get to though.

The AirAsia flights from Yogya to Bali are fairly low-aggravation. I'd choose Bali over Java for relaxation, even if just for a few days.

I agree with Marmot that Bali would be a far nicer relaxation option - what I was thinking when you wrote Bali instead of Java.

Ha, I did mean central Java. Sorry about that. But maybe even if we flew through Singapore we could do a few nights in Bali. I am just thinking of how to minimize travel time. Marmot, I am going to look at your suggestions too!

Saving this for future planning!

Allright, this is coming together in my mind. Due to work issues we don't have as many days as I had hoped.

We will fly in and out of Singapore. After doing more research I think I'd like to save Bali for when we have more time in a year or so, maybe combined with Australia.

Marmot, I love the looks of Kura Kura Resort, but it doesn't fit my timing as much. However, Plataran looks fabulous and would be a nice few nights after the Sheraton in Jogya. Private pools - who needs the beach. And right near Borobudur.

My other thought is possibly Bintan Island from Singapore for a few nights. But that seems like more trouble just for the beach and not quite as nice in the end. Singapore has never been high on my list but the attraction there is the food. Stay at the Marriott and have as much spicy delicious food as possible.

So many places, so little time.

Our trip is now two months away! I can't wait. We ended up flying into Singapore and will have two nights there to start before flying to Jogja. We will spend 4 nights at the Sheraton, three nights at Plataran, and then back to the Sheraton for a night before a fairly early flight back to Singapore for one last day.

A few more questions. Are there any specific restaurant recommendations in Jogja?

We don't need a guide, but will most likely need a driver every day. Do we need to book something in advance or can we just use a taxi the hotel can help us book?

We will go to Borobudur while we're staying at Plataran. My other ideas are the Candis of the Prambanan Plain, a day shopping and seeing the Sultan's Palace and wandering around the city, and maybe a day driving into the countryside, possibly out to Merapi. We wouldn't climb it, is it worth heading out there to get out of the city and see some of the scenery?

Thanks as always!

It is worth seeing some countryside. I'd opt for the Dieng Plateau rather than Merapi, but either way you will see some countryside. I'd opt to take the Dieng Plateau drive while you are staying at Plataran.

Do visit the temples at Prambanan and do go to the Ramayana Ballet at the open-air pavilion near Prambanan.

As far as restaurants are concerned, everywhere we ate was good and I have to admit I don't even know the names of the places.

Your hotel can arrange a car and driver for you easily.

Have a wonderful trip.

BTW, did you notice Ms Go's trip report? Excellent report and nice photos!

If you aren't going to hike up Merapi, I'm not sure it would be worth it. My friend and I stayed a couple of nights, not much of a village, but then I like wandering around in such places more than most people, it seems. My friend did the hike up, I hung out, then back to Yogya. Given most here aren't very keen on the things I happen to like, I'd say don't bother.

We just came back from that area earlier this week. We stayed at a different hotel, The Phoenix. We kept our plans fluid and decided in the morning what we wanted to do for the day, and the hotel was easily able to arrange drivers for our needs. I'd be surprised if the Sheraton couldn't do the same.

Our trip report is just a few posts down from yours, in case it is helpful. We spent a week in Central Java, with four days in Yogyakarta and three near Borobudur.

We considered Merapi (just the viewing area) but didn't end up doing that. We were there in the transition between rainy and dry season, and there was a lot of haze and some clouds (but fortunately little rain).

It is all fantastic. You'll have a wonderful time.

Thanks to both of you! I will check out the Dieng Plateau now. I am not sure I can talk my husband into the Ballet, but we will see.

You won't have any problem arranging drivers when you are there.
Merapi is interesting because of its volcanic activity, like lava flows, hot gas, ash and evidence of devastation. The local guides will know which areas are safe to visit.

But I would give the Dieng Plateau priority. As mentioned, it would be best to visit Dieng from Plataran.

Calling the Ramayana show a ballet may call a different picture to mind. Cheryl put together a batch of her still photos to give you a sense of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Av0s4ojDeE
and
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn8lfI6lWTo

Take a look at it and see what your husband thinks. I think it is an amazing show!

We tried to to the Dieng Plateau from Borobodur a few days ago but didn't go as the bridge, allegedly, was out of action and the journey time would have been more like 5 hours each way rather than the usual 3.

Excellent, and I will check out your report ms_go!

Very helpful information here - thanks all!