I'm in the brainstorming and researching stage for our 2009 trip.

One options we've been considering is to go to Java fro a week, visit Borobudor, Prambanam, Dieng Plateau, etc. I've been before, but many years ago and really loved this area. The NYT article today made me get into gear on researching this option.

I'm considering staying a few nights at the Losari Coffee Plantation. It really looks lovely on the web (but doesn't everything?), but I'd love some first-hand observations. A search here turns up a poster (Ericka) who visited but did not stay there. So I'd like any additional info.

Also, when I was in Java many years ago, we were able to visit Borobudor at sunrise. A number of posts here seem to indicate that only people staying at the Aman or Manohara can visit at sunrise. However, the NYT article indicated that the author visited Borobudor at dawn from the Losari. Anyone know? I really want to return to Borobudor at sunrise, but am not inclined to stay at either the Aman (starting at $700 per night!) or the Manohara.

kathie...if you still have the leech socks you could stay in a tent??

lol, Bob, this area isn't really leech territory.

Have you looked at the website? www.losari.info

And the spa looks wonderful.

Kathie, I haven't visited the Losari yet but many of my friends have stayed there and it always gets good comments. I think the right to visit Borobudur at sunrise like so many things in Indonesia is negotiable. I'd write to the Losari and ask them. If they say they can do it, I'm sure they will.

The only negative is also the biggest positive: it's really in the middle of nowhere!

I recently (about a year ago) read about another place near Borobudur. I'll see if I can find it for you.

I'm in Bali today. Sunny skies (after a big storm) and no new crises on the e-mail.

Thanks, Marmot, I was hoping you would comment. I'd be interested in any other places you know about>

The Saraswati Hotel is within walking distance to Borobudur. Rooms from ~ $100++ to $200++
Can offer no information other than their website as we stayed at Amanjiwo.
www.saraswatiborobudur.com
This hotel can also arrange a pre-dawn visit to Borobudur.

I researched the Losari a few years back. The general consensus at that time seemed to be that it was nice although somewhat overpriced. Personally, I'd be inclined to stay there two nights in addition to staying by Borobudur.

Thanks, Becalm, I hadn't heard of this place. I will look into it. When I was last in central Java none of the hotels near Borobudor existed!

Kathie, you might just want to keep in mind that the Prambanan was heavily damaged in the May 2006 earthquake. When I was there last year they had only managed to clear a path up to the edge of the central complex. You could no longer go into the main complex due to the danger of falling stones. I'm hoping to get back there again this year.

Becalm beat me to it. Saraswati is the place I was thinking of, but I can tell you no more than what is in the website.

My guess is that the Amanjiwo (and every hotel in the world) will be VERY negotiable next year. The Aman's don't advertise this but they do discount. I'd call and talk to the manager, Sean Flakelar. If you check in early and leave late you can make an occasion of it and in my opinion this resort is worth it!

What month are you traveling in?

Thanks Michael and Marmot,

Michael, I just read that Prambanam has re-opened. Obviously, not all of the earthquake damage has been repaired, but the site is accessible again. When I was last there, the site was still under reconstruction from a quake decades ago - this was when Unesco was helping restore the site. So even if nothing had been done since two years ago, the temples would be more complete than when I last saw them!

And thanks for the info, Marmot. Our plan is to travel in November. We're still putting things together and I hope to have an itinerary in a week or two. I expect you are right that hotel rates will be negotiable next year.

Marmot,
I am planning a trip to both Bali and to Java. I have booked rooms at the Amanjiwo but after reading these posts, I thought I would get advise.
I plan to visit Borobudor but would also like to visit Semarang as my mother was born there and her family lived there for many generations. Is it possible to do a day trip from Amanjiwo to Semarang? Would I be better off staying at Losari?
Thanks for your input.
Kelley

Last year I did the drive from Semarang to Yogya. It was four hours if I'm not mistaken, and it would be about that long from Amanjiwo. But from Losari it would be closer to two. Either way, it would be a very long way for a day trip.

Semarang has an airport, with flights to Bali (via Surabaya) so why not plan on spending one night there on your way to/from Bali?

Kelley, I agree with Michael's comments. Semarang is about 3.5 hours to the Amanjiwo. The roads are okay but it's not so easy to find a driver who knows the route. I haven't been to Losari but I know the area. I'd guess it's about 2 to 2.5 hours from Semarang.

Semarang itself is of minimal interest, but understand you have personal reasons for visiting. I'd concur that it's best to stop on your way to or from Bali.

Thanks all, I will make some revisions to my trip based on your feedback.
Kelley