Yogyakarta Travel Forum

Hi everyone,

I'm planning to do a 4D3N trip to see Yojyakarta, Solo, Pranbanam, Sunrise at Borobudur & Mt Merapi. I have a few questions that require some help.

1) Most tours originate from Yogyakarta, but Silkair flies only to Solo from Singapore. Are there many tour desks at Solo airport?
2) Please recommend some of the more trustworthy and value for money tour operators from Solo.
3) Have most of the sites in Yojyakarta and Pranbanam recovered from the earthquake yet?

Thanks a lot in advance.

You will not be able to see sunrise from the top of Borobudur if you are staying in Solo. The drive to Yogya is about an hour and Borobudur is about 45 minutes north from there. Also, you cannot enter the site until 6:00 AM unless you stay at the Manahora Hotel in Borobudur Park (285,000 IDR, 200m away) or the nearby ultra-luxury five star Amanjiwo Hotel (US$650++, 3km away) and then you can enter at 4:30 AM. The Manohara offers basic accommodations, small rooms, decent food and is moderately priced at 285,000 IDR (includes breakfast). The Amanjiwo is amazing as would be expected for that price. The countryside around Borobudur is peaceful and more inviting than staying in the city. It is a pleasant area to stay with several worthwhile places to visit. The people in the countryside are wonderful, warm and friendly.

The dawn experience should not be missed. Their are few people there before 6 AM, it is peaceful and on a clear day the sunrise over the volcanos is beautiful. Once the site opens to the public there can be bus loads of visitors which can make the experience less enjoyable.

You can take train, bus or taxi to Yogya from Solo. If you take a taxi they can drive you directly to the Manohara Hotel.

The tour operator we used was top notch and worth the price I paid. Visit their website www.borobudurtourandtravel.com . Use Rohmad Hidajat if he is available. They may be able to arrange for a homestay if your budget cannot afford the Manohara or pick you up in Solo or Yogya if you wish.

Other than Pranbanan, most major sites near Yogya were not affected by the earthquake. Prambanan is open and entry into the damaged temples is not permitted but can viewed them from the outside. It will take years to restore the damaged temples. The Ramanyana Ballet is held evenings there much of the year should definitely be seen.

Have a great trip.

Thanks a lot PL&L for your reply. It has proven most useful indeed. I have proceeded to contact Borobudur Tour and Travel. How much can i expect to pay for a 4D3N package?