Singapore and Java - Hanuman's Style!
Apr 15th, 2011, 10:30 AM
#23
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yes, i want to work for hanuman. with a big enough salary, i could indeed send mony to the college of her choice.
hanuman, too bad about the crab. i think long beach restaurant on east coast road has the best chili crab.
the roof top of the sands is fantastic. the whole hotel complex is really awesome. and yes, about the chinese from china, they are all over the place in the sands as well as sentosa island. if i remember correctly, the minimum bet for the table game at sands is fifty sd, and twenty five at sentosa. way too much for me.
hope to see you when you get back to bangkok.
hanuman, too bad about the crab. i think long beach restaurant on east coast road has the best chili crab.
the roof top of the sands is fantastic. the whole hotel complex is really awesome. and yes, about the chinese from china, they are all over the place in the sands as well as sentosa island. if i remember correctly, the minimum bet for the table game at sands is fifty sd, and twenty five at sentosa. way too much for me.
hope to see you when you get back to bangkok.
Apr 16th, 2011, 06:38 AM
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Our last full day in Java and tomorrow we fly back home. I woke up early and as soon as I took a look outside I was in awe of the sight I saw. Beautiful blue sky and the majestic mount Sumbing in full glory. Below in the valley there was a sea of mist or fog and I could see the top of Borobudur barely rising above the mist. I ponder if the view of the sunrise today was better than the one I witnessed yesterday but then with bright sunshine comes high temperature and humidity.
We rented a private van for the day so that we could explore Yogyakarta and visit Prambanan temple. Our driver showed up in time and with a cooler full of drinks and cold scented towels provided by the Amanjiwo we were off. The driver took us past Jumoyo village and showed us the destruction from the latest eruption of mount Merapi. Black volcanic soils and ash were everywhere and skeletons of the buildings that once stood in the village could be seen right by the side of the road. Huge boulders were strewn around and apparently they were from Merapi and the sea of lava, mud and water that flowed by destroying the town.
The distant between the Amanjiwo and Yogyakarta is only around 40 or 50 KM but it took us over an hour because the road was rather narrow and with lots of motorcycles traveling at slow speed. Our first stop was the Sultan’s palace – what a waste of time! Unless you don’t have anything else to do then I advise any future traveler to Yogyakarta to give it a pass. Yogyakarta itself was not that impressive or interesting to us and we tried very hard to enjoy ourselves! Our next stop was a batik factory/shop and they were selling very expensive fabrics, about 2 million Rupiah a piece but I could not find a piece that I like.
It was time for lunch and Sean the manager at the Amanjiwo had recommend a local place that he thinks we would like – “Ayam Goreng Suharti”. Our driver pulled into the parking lot and I tried very hard to communicate with him to ask what kind of food was served there. Woody, our driver, could only say “very good” so we ventured in to a rather full restaurant, a good sign I think! We took a look around at what everyone was eating and fried chicken in bread crumb seem to be the main dish. The chicken at SUharti was superb and everything to do with chicken there was equally as good.
Must sign off for now as the manager has planned a night visit for us to an ancient temple that only the Aman guess have access to! Will report the rest of the day’s story, including a great visit to Prambanan temple as well as our night excursion as soon as I can.
We rented a private van for the day so that we could explore Yogyakarta and visit Prambanan temple. Our driver showed up in time and with a cooler full of drinks and cold scented towels provided by the Amanjiwo we were off. The driver took us past Jumoyo village and showed us the destruction from the latest eruption of mount Merapi. Black volcanic soils and ash were everywhere and skeletons of the buildings that once stood in the village could be seen right by the side of the road. Huge boulders were strewn around and apparently they were from Merapi and the sea of lava, mud and water that flowed by destroying the town.
The distant between the Amanjiwo and Yogyakarta is only around 40 or 50 KM but it took us over an hour because the road was rather narrow and with lots of motorcycles traveling at slow speed. Our first stop was the Sultan’s palace – what a waste of time! Unless you don’t have anything else to do then I advise any future traveler to Yogyakarta to give it a pass. Yogyakarta itself was not that impressive or interesting to us and we tried very hard to enjoy ourselves! Our next stop was a batik factory/shop and they were selling very expensive fabrics, about 2 million Rupiah a piece but I could not find a piece that I like.
It was time for lunch and Sean the manager at the Amanjiwo had recommend a local place that he thinks we would like – “Ayam Goreng Suharti”. Our driver pulled into the parking lot and I tried very hard to communicate with him to ask what kind of food was served there. Woody, our driver, could only say “very good” so we ventured in to a rather full restaurant, a good sign I think! We took a look around at what everyone was eating and fried chicken in bread crumb seem to be the main dish. The chicken at SUharti was superb and everything to do with chicken there was equally as good.
Must sign off for now as the manager has planned a night visit for us to an ancient temple that only the Aman guess have access to! Will report the rest of the day’s story, including a great visit to Prambanan temple as well as our night excursion as soon as I can.
Apr 16th, 2011, 06:38 AM
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Our last full day in Java and tomorrow we fly back home. I woke up early and as soon as I took a look outside I was in awe of the sight I saw. Beautiful blue sky and the majestic mount Sumbing in full glory. Below in the valley there was a sea of mist or fog and I could see the top of Borobudur barely rising above the mist. I ponder if the view of the sunrise today was better than the one I witnessed yesterday but then with bright sunshine comes high temperature and humidity.
We rented a private van for the day so that we could explore Yogyakarta and visit Prambanan temple. Our driver showed up in time and with a cooler full of drinks and cold scented towels provided by the Amanjiwo we were off. The driver took us past Jumoyo village and showed us the destruction from the latest eruption of mount Merapi. Black volcanic soils and ash were everywhere and skeletons of the buildings that once stood in the village could be seen right by the side of the road. Huge boulders were strewn around and apparently they were from Merapi and the sea of lava, mud and water that flowed by destroying the town.
The distant between the Amanjiwo and Yogyakarta is only around 40 or 50 KM but it took us over an hour because the road was rather narrow and with lots of motorcycles traveling at slow speed. Our first stop was the Sultan’s palace – what a waste of time! Unless you don’t have anything else to do then I advise any future traveler to Yogyakarta to give it a pass. Yogyakarta itself was not that impressive or interesting to us and we tried very hard to enjoy ourselves! Our next stop was a batik factory/shop and they were selling very expensive fabrics, about 2 million Rupiah a piece but I could not find a piece that I like.
It was time for lunch and Sean the manager at the Amanjiwo had recommend a local place that he thinks we would like – “Ayam Goreng Suharti”. Our driver pulled into the parking lot and I tried very hard to communicate with him to ask what kind of food was served there. Woody, our driver, could only say “very good” so we ventured in to a rather full restaurant, a good sign I think! We took a look around at what everyone was eating and fried chicken in bread crumb seem to be the main dish. The chicken at SUharti was superb and everything to do with chicken there was equally as good.
Must sign off for now as the manager has planned a night visit for us to an ancient temple that only the Aman guess have access to! Will report the rest of the day’s story, including a great visit to Prambanan temple as well as our night excursion as soon as I can.
We rented a private van for the day so that we could explore Yogyakarta and visit Prambanan temple. Our driver showed up in time and with a cooler full of drinks and cold scented towels provided by the Amanjiwo we were off. The driver took us past Jumoyo village and showed us the destruction from the latest eruption of mount Merapi. Black volcanic soils and ash were everywhere and skeletons of the buildings that once stood in the village could be seen right by the side of the road. Huge boulders were strewn around and apparently they were from Merapi and the sea of lava, mud and water that flowed by destroying the town.
The distant between the Amanjiwo and Yogyakarta is only around 40 or 50 KM but it took us over an hour because the road was rather narrow and with lots of motorcycles traveling at slow speed. Our first stop was the Sultan’s palace – what a waste of time! Unless you don’t have anything else to do then I advise any future traveler to Yogyakarta to give it a pass. Yogyakarta itself was not that impressive or interesting to us and we tried very hard to enjoy ourselves! Our next stop was a batik factory/shop and they were selling very expensive fabrics, about 2 million Rupiah a piece but I could not find a piece that I like.
It was time for lunch and Sean the manager at the Amanjiwo had recommend a local place that he thinks we would like – “Ayam Goreng Suharti”. Our driver pulled into the parking lot and I tried very hard to communicate with him to ask what kind of food was served there. Woody, our driver, could only say “very good” so we ventured in to a rather full restaurant, a good sign I think! We took a look around at what everyone was eating and fried chicken in bread crumb seem to be the main dish. The chicken at SUharti was superb and everything to do with chicken there was equally as good.
Must sign off for now as the manager has planned a night visit for us to an ancient temple that only the Aman guess have access to! Will report the rest of the day’s story, including a great visit to Prambanan temple as well as our night excursion as soon as I can.
Apr 16th, 2011, 06:59 AM
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What a great report Pook, you are packing lots of experiences into a short time and I feel transported to enjoy the sights along with you as I read from miserable cool rainy Chicagoland. Looking forward to yur photos upon your return. Travel safely.
Sue
Sue
Apr 16th, 2011, 11:25 AM
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Ah, you ate at the famous chicken restaurant in Yogja! I understand the secret to their chicken is that it is soaked in coconut milk before being fried.
When I was in Yogja years ago, it had the most amazing crafts! Very high quality, the prices were reasonable, and the items unique.
When I was in Yogja years ago, it had the most amazing crafts! Very high quality, the prices were reasonable, and the items unique.
Apr 16th, 2011, 05:33 PM
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Hmmm, soaking chicken in coconut milk - now I'm getting cooking tips here!. I'm very into cooking and though I don't usually fry anything, this sounds like something that could be interesting. Thanks Kathie.
Apr 16th, 2011, 11:59 PM
#32
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In transit at Kuala Lumpur at the moment.
Kathie I just told Dang about the recepie and she agrees with you. I finally found Leewat coffee and bought some to try out. Will finish my report once home.
Kathie I just told Dang about the recepie and she agrees with you. I finally found Leewat coffee and bought some to try out. Will finish my report once home.
Apr 17th, 2011, 10:01 AM
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Thanks for the great report. I went to Borobudur 20 years ago where alot of it was blocked off and being repair. It's time to go back there again.
That Ayam Goreng Suharti sounds interesting. I think it's coconut juice rather than coconut milk. I am guessing that spices are made into a paste with coconut juice, than the chicken would be marinade in the paste for sometime before frying. Coconut milk is usually use to thicken the sauce i think. I will ask the chef next time when I go to an Indonesian restaurant.
That Ayam Goreng Suharti sounds interesting. I think it's coconut juice rather than coconut milk. I am guessing that spices are made into a paste with coconut juice, than the chicken would be marinade in the paste for sometime before frying. Coconut milk is usually use to thicken the sauce i think. I will ask the chef next time when I go to an Indonesian restaurant.
Apr 17th, 2011, 08:04 PM
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Bob some of us have to work! Here's the rest of my report and pictures will be uploaded in a couple of days sir.
After lunch we headed for Prambanan temple and by the time we arrived it was around 1.30PM. The sun was out and it was hot and humid with no breeze. We paid for our tickets and hired a guide from the ticket office for 60,000 Rupiah. Entering the vast grounds our guide began telling us about the history of the temple along with the damages resulting from the many earthquakes that shook the area and the resulting repair works. He jokingly told us that the repairs to the 200 plus temples should be completed in his next reincarnated life.
It was a fascinating experience being able to walk amongst the ancient temples and to go inside to see some of the Hindu Deities statues that the temples were built for. Only Candi Siva was closed for repairs but we got to see the rest and spent several minutes inside each temple looking at the statutes in almost total darkness. Outside the engravings on the walls of the temples and the gargoyles were in great condition for a temple this old(1,200 + years old). After around an hour we were so hot and tired that we call it quits and exited the temple. The A/C of our car felt like godsend and the cool scented towels from the Aman was a great relief from the heat. I doze off and woke up again back at our hotel.
When we arrived back at the Amanjiwo we heard classical Indonesian music being played and saw several children performing classical dancing in front of their teacher at the lobby. Once or twice a month the Amanjiwo offer free classical dancing lessons to the children of the nearby village and the hotel will pay for a teacher to instruct the children. We sat at the nearby couch to watch the lesson and to enjoy the freshly brewed local tea that was being made in the lobby. The tea had an interesting taste and my wife like it very much. We could see the ingredients used and they were herbs and spices like ginger, nutmegs and other exotic stuff. My daughter and I took a quick swim in the late afternoon and the cool water of the pool felt great. We could see a couple in the nearby paddy field sitting on a makeshift sofa being served martinis by an Amanjiwo staff enjoying the sunset.
Our last evening at the Amanjiwo and for tonight Sean the manager arranged for us to visit the 9th century temple – Mendut. The temple is closed after 6.00PM but the guards will open up the temple for guests of the Amanjiwo – how nice! Mendut temple is only a 5 minutes drive from the Amanjiwo and it is located right next to a working Buddhist temple. We arrived on an almost full moon night and the guards open up the gates for us and quickly turned on the lights inside the temple. Not a very big temple but this is one of the temple that is still in its original condition. Inside there are three large Buddha statues all carved from a single piece of rock. Being inside the temple by ourselves was a very moving experience and we spent a while there praying and meditating.
The next morning I held by breath while paying our bills for the Amanjiwo. We stop by a store that my driver was sure that the sell Luwak coffee, something that I always wanted to try. The world most expensive coffee and if you’re not familiar with it then Google “Luwak” to find out how the coffee is made. We flew back from Yogyakarta airport on Malaysian Airways and arrived back at Bangkok after a change of plane at Kuala Lumpur. An excellent mini holiday for us and we had an excellent time in Java.
After lunch we headed for Prambanan temple and by the time we arrived it was around 1.30PM. The sun was out and it was hot and humid with no breeze. We paid for our tickets and hired a guide from the ticket office for 60,000 Rupiah. Entering the vast grounds our guide began telling us about the history of the temple along with the damages resulting from the many earthquakes that shook the area and the resulting repair works. He jokingly told us that the repairs to the 200 plus temples should be completed in his next reincarnated life.
It was a fascinating experience being able to walk amongst the ancient temples and to go inside to see some of the Hindu Deities statues that the temples were built for. Only Candi Siva was closed for repairs but we got to see the rest and spent several minutes inside each temple looking at the statutes in almost total darkness. Outside the engravings on the walls of the temples and the gargoyles were in great condition for a temple this old(1,200 + years old). After around an hour we were so hot and tired that we call it quits and exited the temple. The A/C of our car felt like godsend and the cool scented towels from the Aman was a great relief from the heat. I doze off and woke up again back at our hotel.
When we arrived back at the Amanjiwo we heard classical Indonesian music being played and saw several children performing classical dancing in front of their teacher at the lobby. Once or twice a month the Amanjiwo offer free classical dancing lessons to the children of the nearby village and the hotel will pay for a teacher to instruct the children. We sat at the nearby couch to watch the lesson and to enjoy the freshly brewed local tea that was being made in the lobby. The tea had an interesting taste and my wife like it very much. We could see the ingredients used and they were herbs and spices like ginger, nutmegs and other exotic stuff. My daughter and I took a quick swim in the late afternoon and the cool water of the pool felt great. We could see a couple in the nearby paddy field sitting on a makeshift sofa being served martinis by an Amanjiwo staff enjoying the sunset.
Our last evening at the Amanjiwo and for tonight Sean the manager arranged for us to visit the 9th century temple – Mendut. The temple is closed after 6.00PM but the guards will open up the temple for guests of the Amanjiwo – how nice! Mendut temple is only a 5 minutes drive from the Amanjiwo and it is located right next to a working Buddhist temple. We arrived on an almost full moon night and the guards open up the gates for us and quickly turned on the lights inside the temple. Not a very big temple but this is one of the temple that is still in its original condition. Inside there are three large Buddha statues all carved from a single piece of rock. Being inside the temple by ourselves was a very moving experience and we spent a while there praying and meditating.
The next morning I held by breath while paying our bills for the Amanjiwo. We stop by a store that my driver was sure that the sell Luwak coffee, something that I always wanted to try. The world most expensive coffee and if you’re not familiar with it then Google “Luwak” to find out how the coffee is made. We flew back from Yogyakarta airport on Malaysian Airways and arrived back at Bangkok after a change of plane at Kuala Lumpur. An excellent mini holiday for us and we had an excellent time in Java.
Apr 18th, 2011, 05:12 AM
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