Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Kraton
Jogyakarta - Kraton or The Palace, where the real sultan of Yogyakarta (Sultan Hamengku Buwono X) who is also the Governor of Jogja and all of his family live. It was built in 1757, in this castle you will find genuine form of old Javanese culture. This is real worth a visit.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur - It as a very interesting 1 1/2 hrs drive from Jogja to Borobudur. We had a tour guide and driver all to ourself - it was good.
Upon reaching Borobudur it was a spectacular site to behold, the biggest Buddhist temple of the world built around the 8th century. This temple is structured from about 55,000 sqm andesite stone (volcanic rock) and structured without any adhesive. This temple was buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th Century, which took 10 years with donations from UNESCO. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, are host to 2,672 relief carvins, 504 statues of Buddha and 72 stupas surrounding the main dome, each containing a statue of Buddha.
There are many Buddhist carvings all around the temple. The carvings along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world desires, pilgrims spiral up each level, passing through different realms to reach nirvana at the top.
Taman Sari/Water Castle - Quite a disappointment as it was dilapidated and badly need renovations and restorations to her previous glory. Built in 1758, it used as a splendid pleasure park of the Sultans and Royal families. Place of errie ruins, underground passages and a large subterranean mosque.
Ngasem/Bird Market - This is the oldest bird market in Jogyakarta and been operating since 1809.
Batik Factory - Indonesia traditional art, Batik textil printing and the word 'batik' origins is Javanese and from Jogja.
Kota Edge/Silver Town - Visted a Silver making factory. This town is famous as the producer of fine burnished silver.
On the way to Borobudur Temple
Motorbikes everywhere...
Upon reaching Borobudur it was a spectacular site to behold, the biggest Buddhist temple of the world built around the 8th century. This temple is structured from about 55,000 sqm andesite stone (volcanic rock) and structured without any adhesive. This temple was buried under layers of volcanic ash until it was excavated in 1815. Since its restoration in the early 20th Century, which took 10 years with donations from UNESCO. Six square stone platforms topped with three round platforms, are host to 2,672 relief carvins, 504 statues of Buddha and 72 stupas surrounding the main dome, each containing a statue of Buddha.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur performance
Another Borobudur performances....
More like lego in children's play...maybe the biggest and ancient Lego ever built. Just beware of the many touts plying everything from T-shirts, Kris (traditional knife), wooden puppets, etc.
Borobudur Temple view from afar...
Climbing up the Borobudur Temple
There are many Buddhist carvings all around the temple. The carvings along the various levels of the monument convey the Buddhist version of the cosmos, starting from the bottom with portrayals of the world desires, pilgrims spiral up each level, passing through different realms to reach nirvana at the top.
Carvings on the wall
that's Joe and I
View from the Top
Another beautiful view from the Top
Taman Sari/Water Castle - Quite a disappointment as it was dilapidated and badly need renovations and restorations to her previous glory. Built in 1758, it used as a splendid pleasure park of the Sultans and Royal families. Place of errie ruins, underground passages and a large subterranean mosque.
Me and the Tour Guide a the entrance
dilapidated water castle
Royal swimming pool ???
Entrance to the underground mosque
So many people in the Bird Market
Batik Factory - Indonesia traditional art, Batik textil printing and the word 'batik' origins is Javanese and from Jogja.
Kota Edge/Silver Town - Visted a Silver making factory. This town is famous as the producer of fine burnished silver.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Yogyakarta
Jogyakarta - Commonly called Jogja by the locals, and is Java's artistic and cultural centre, and is the place to see the best of the island's creative talents. This is a small city and life evolves around the sprawling Sultan's 18th Century palace in the centre of town, where the royal family still lives and traditional art and music performances are often held.
Arrive at The Phoenix Hotel located @ Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No 9. Is is a beautiful and well maintained hotel. The ambiance is like the Grand dame 'The Raffles Hotel'.
A good place to have dinner is Gadjah Wong, famous restaurant in Jogja that serves very good food and the ambiance is fantastic.
Arrive at The Phoenix Hotel located @ Jl. Jenderal Sudirman No 9. Is is a beautiful and well maintained hotel. The ambiance is like the Grand dame 'The Raffles Hotel'.
The view from my room's veranda
The Hotel swimming pool
Another view of the Hotel swimming pool
Interetsing Status within the Hotel
A good place to have dinner is Gadjah Wong, famous restaurant in Jogja that serves very good food and the ambiance is fantastic.
Joe with his beer....
Joe thinking !!!
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