Yogyakarta Travel Forum

Hi!

1. Sunrise at Borobudur and dawn at Prambanan, which is better and worth more to see?

Regarding Dieng Plateau tour:
2. Should I go there when I'm in Jogyakarta or after I reach Solo?
3. How much does the tour normally cost and how long does it take?

Solo -> Mt. Bromo -> Ijen -> Surabaya
4. Is this arrangement possible?
5. Does this arrangement take a longer time? If yes, about how many days?

Thanks!

1. I can't speak for Prambanan, because I don't know how bad the damage is. I was there right before the big earthquake, missing it by a matter of days. However, Borobudur is on a more elevated position; Prambanan is nestled into a suburb. I think you should do sunrise at Borobudur, and then sunset at Prambanan, followed by taking in the Ramanyana Ballet performance nearby.

4. That arrangement is doable; some of the tourist buses from Yogyakarta run right through Solo on their way up to Probolingo. I am sure you can get back from Bondowoso/Ijen to Surabaya, but perhaps not directly. You might need to make a connection... I avoid Surabaya myself.

You might find these useful:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/554977/yogyakarta_the_place_to_be_in_java.html?cat=16

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/546161/volcanic_vacation_visiting_indonesias.html?cat=16

Hi!
2. Better go to Dieng from Yogya, it's closer. Should take at least three hours from Yogya by car, from Solo an hour longer. Better still, arrange with the tour agent to go to Dieng straight from Borobudur, you are already in the right direction.
3. One may easily spend several days exploring the remoter corners of Dieng. However a typical visit requires one night stay over, in Wonosobo or in Dieng village itself. In Wonosobo there is choice of hotels, in Dieng only very basic acommodation; "Bo Jono's" may be the best - the food is -, still rather rundown rooms and a bucket of hot water on request for your shower (Dieng is cold after nightfall).
This typical visit can include (1) sunrise at Sikunir lookout point, (2) Sikidang hot mud crater, (3) Telaga Warna and/or Telaga Pengilon (lakes), (4) a stroll by the ancient temples Dieng is famous about.
For Sunrise at Sikunir see my Dieng tip; you should leave the hotel in Wonosobo not later than 3.30 am if you don't want to miss the sunrise. But if you already did sunrise at Borobudur, you may want to skip this. Still it is worthwile to be at Sikidang crater early, see my OTBP Dieng tip.
If you do (1)..(4) you may leave Dieng about noon. And you can ask your agent or driver to bring you straight to Solo via the scenic Ketep Pass route (volcano museum and close view of Merapi). They will know what you are asking.
On 1. to 4. I agree with the previous poster. I would advise that you discuss your tour wishes with a travel agent as soon as you are in Yogya, including Bromo and Ijen. They may offer you a good package deal. Don't know exact prices, but the report by ORDTPE gave you an indication.

Theo

Hi there,
I have been to both Borobudur and Prambanan (after the earthquake) and I would have to say that they are equally beautiful but incomparable! Architectually, prambanan is stunning and the suns glow would be amazing trough the structures, but Borobudur is peaked as stated previously so if I had to recomend one over the other, then it would be Borobudur.
Just some small tips for when you get there... I would advise not to pay for a tour guid - Research the history on the net before you go, then you just have to pay for transport.