Day 3 in Yogyakarta

On our third day of the trip, we were fortunate enough to visit 3 very special places.

Firstly, we explored the awe-inspiring Borobudur in Indonesia, a Buddhist temple renowned for its breathtaking scenery and intricate architecture spanning 10 levels across 5 kilometers. The temple's levels, including the ground floor, harmony, and perfection, each hold unique significance, with worshippers circling the structure clockwise. The construction process, where the temple was built from the bottom up and meticulously carved from top to bottom, adds to its allure.

During this trip, we realised there are many actions taken by the caretaker of the temple to reduce the destruction and to maintain the number of tourists on the structure at any one time. Each of us had a wrist tag and numbers were accounted for when we first entered and when we left. We even were given woven shoes to wear on our journey up the temple. The top 2 levels are out of bounds for tourists too!

We had an amazing lunch buffet where we ate till our heart's content and laughed over mindless games. Once again, we found ourselves immersed in the blissful combination of great food, laughter, and the bonds of friendship that make such occasions truly special.

We also visited the Sonobudoyo State Museum which showed Indonesia's unique cultural history. Displaying a diverse array of artifacts, from batik with specific cultural significance to the Bali keris, larger than its Javanese counterpart, the museum unveiled a rich cultural heritage. Notable exhibits included the "senjala genggami latinya," a two-handed saber, and traditional masks symbolizing a blend of influences. We also saw what was used as tupperwares before tupperwares were created! The museum's European-style dining showcased Indonesia's traditional cuisine with elegance, while a golden door symbolized life transitions. A ceremonial dance, "patung ngurek," depicting ancestor spirits, and the presence of a bell as a protective tool against evil spirits, highlighted the museum's commitment to preserving cultural traditions. The museum was also very compact causing it to congest when many headed to the same area.

Following our exploration, we ventured to Malioboro Street, renowned for its affordable souvenirs lining the vibrant 1km stretch. This allowed us the opportunity to purchase unique mementos for our friends and fully engage in the rich culture and heritage of Yogyakarta through conversations with the locals.

Then, we indulged in a delightful dinner at a venue owned by a member of the royal family. The enchanting architecture, coupled with the delectable cuisine, uplifted everyone's spirits, with the dining area filled with bubbling laughter, as we prepared for our final event of the day.

Finally, our day concluded with a mesmerizing performance of Panji, featuring the life of a man named Cinderlaras. By the end of the show, we gained a profound understanding of the performance, truly appreciating its intricacies and depth.

Thank you for taking the time to read our blog!

~ by amelia, rachel, giselle, yining, emma & hebe