Taman Pelangi - Jogja

With Spidey >.<

One of the ride

Taman Pelangi (rainbow garden) is located at Monumen Jogja Kembali, Jalan Raya Ring Road Utara Jogja (0819 508 6070). Unlike the normal rainbow which comes up after rain, twilight would be the best time to visit this garden, since there are various lanterns around the garden. Open from 5pm onward until 11pm (though for Sunday, the amusement park opens from 10am), they charge IDR 10k per pax for entrance ticket from Monday - Thursday and IDR 15k per pax from Friday - Sunday (including public holiday) plus another IDR 5k for car. Quite cheap considering the vast area of the garden, however, if you would like to play the games/rides, you have to pay another IDR 10k - IDR 20k.

Since we arrived here after our dinner (around 6pm), we didn't play the games nor the rides...we just strolled around the garden. It was such a pretty sight, seeing the lanterns in various shape and colours, from Angry Birds, Disney characters, Sanrio, animals and many more. Beside lantern park, there are various games and rides such as haunted house, trampolin, waterballs, diorama, etc (some of the games/rides are closed when it rains or at night). Foodstall are scattered around the park as well, though imho, I would recommend you to have your meals before coming here

The only drawback here was the lighting. It was inadequate (probably brighter lighting would affect the ambiance of the shown lanterns), we had difficulty in searching the signage (especially for toilet which in the dimmed light appeared to be quite spooky and dirty). Taman Pelangi sure offers something different than any other sightseeing place at Jogja (especially at night), however, better maintenance would slightly improve the services and convinience of the visitor.

Sekar Kedhaton & Ansor Silvery - Magelang, Central Java

The fine detailed wooden door

The Balinese gate

The garden and mini pond

When we were on our way to Borobudur, we passed few big restaurants and silvery craft showrooms along the way (definitely eye-catching) but for our lunch, we chose Sekar Kedhaton. A Balinese-Javanese restaurant with Indonesian and international menu (only selected pasta and sandwiches - ah they have vegan menu too) is on the stategic location. So, it was no surprise to see few groups of foreigner tourist having their meals here. In the front area of the building, they display the handicraft and various silver craft to choose for yourself or for the sourvenir. I managed to buy some for me as well (ehm...actually I chose and my hubby paid for them 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】). A bit pricey compared to the ones we saw @Malioboro street but the quality is better.

Craftmen in work

The inner Joglo building

Yummy appetizer

Adjacent to it, there is Anson silvery artwork in process. We could see how the artists twisted and shaped the silvery thin lines into various beautiful pieces...simply amazing. I was astounded seeing how their big callaous fingers miraculously did some sort of magic with the silver. It was such a tedious job...no wonder, each piece could be considered artfully priced. Bigger showroom is located on the 2nd level, where you could simply browsing and enjoying the beautiful silver craft. Jewelry to ornament, display artwork to cutlery...all are made from silver.

Iga Brongkos

Ribs Soup

My girl chose pasta

Moved a bit to the back of the building, we chose an indoor seating in Joglo building (it was raining at that time) , with open view to the back garden. We saw several private bungalows in U-shape surround the garden and mini pond. Part of the building was made out of sandstone (batu paras) with wooden pilars. Some stony statues were scattered around the garden, like Garuda (mythical eagle) and Ganesha (Hindu's God of success with elephant-headed)...which reminded me a lot of Bali. Especially the gending (traditional Javanese music) played in low sound...sounded like those Balinese gamelan. Classic chandeliers were hanging low with its dimmed light...adding solemn atmospher to the restaurant. Batik and wood craving ornaments add a nice touch as well. The staffs were all friendly...sure a lovely place to relax for a while.

The handicraft showroom

The 2nd floor silver showroom

We order ribs soup (sup iga) though had a little bit more fat to my taste but I liked it...the soup was rich in taste and the portion was big. We also tried Iga brongkos (honestly speaking, I just didn't know the english term for this dish) brought us a delicious surprise as well...it was our 1st trying it and we are craving for it now :-) Though the chili provided wasn't as spicy as we prefer, however I found no complaint since all dishes were superb! It was a bit pricey (for Jkt and Jogja' standard) but again...we were allowed to indulge ourselves once in a while. 

Rumah Mertua Boutique Hotel - Jogjakarta

The deluxe room

The small living room 

Early of this week, my friend asked me bout my staying @Rumah Mertua, a small boutique hotel in Jogja. Rumah mertua (or parent-in-law's house) doesn't give off a nice feeling...geez couldn't they find a better name for it (recalled my-not-so-good-moment staying in my-in-law's house 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】). That was what I thought innitially when my hubby suddenly mentioned this hotel. He reasoned that since we were in Jogja, then at least we should stay at somewhere which gives off the Jogja's feeling (meaning: which has Jogja's signature building structure and facade).

Welcome drinks and snacks...so homey

The rambutans that being hand-picked by the hotel staff...directly from the tree across our room

Skeptically, I did my research and to my surprise, I found the hotel was quite nice (at least from the pic on their website) and almost all of recommendations were good. I booked for a nite (well, I thought if it didn't turn out as good as the pic, we would just slept it off for a nite) thru booking.com (the rate is a little bit higher compared to the similar small boutique hotel) and I received a fast confirmation email from Rumah Mertua, asking bout pick-up and other arrangement. I had to give them thumbs up for a very fast response on every questions that I asked. I would have doubled my thumbs up when I found out that the hotel was only managed by 2persons plus another one as house keeping (on shift)...geez...what superb employees that they have there. Effective and efficient! Even with very limited number of person, your stay there will still be comfortable (just don't expect somebody will wash your car or run a silly errand for you...ehm makes me wondering...would they if I asked???).

The dining room

The skinny corridor

But the small number of employee is indeed efficient considering the number of room they have there. They only have 11rooms between standard and deluxe rooms. Deluxe comes with en-suite bathroom (shower - not bathtub), small living room and front terrace facing the garden. The bed is big king-sized, enough for 4 of us...plus they provide bolsters too уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! . They use thin batik for bedsheet and blanket (since we found no other blanket inside the room) which felt good and cold. So, if you are planning to stay there during rainy season, just ensure you requested thicker batik :-) The facilities provided are limited, only TV and mini bar (with beers instead of softdrink cans), with limited toiletries as well (they only provide 2 soapbars so bring along your own complete toiletries and hair drier too). Though they don't provide coffee and tea maker inside each room, they do provide free-flow of coffee and tea (delivered right onto your room door with fragrant steaming cups...ehm heaven).

The front terrace of deluxe room

Took a peek shared living room for standard

Deluxe is built next to each other but no worry, privacy is still well-kept between each room. The open front terrace allows the guest to mingle and have small talk with the neighbour guest (most of them were long-stay-guests)...or even with the hotel staff (they are very friendly and helpful). Standard rooms are located at the back of the hotel. It is a room only with bed, while the living room and bathroom are shared among the other guest (so it is kinda like a hostel...a pricey but comfy hostel...though I have never spent a nite at the hostel before).

Blooming lotus

At the front, there has mini foyer serves as the lobby with mini reception room as well (and mini Kois pond too). But the dining room are quite big, with different seating layout, some are outdoor near the garden. The dining room truly brings out the feeling of home, where you could dine or play or simply sit there doing nothing. This homey and cozy atmosphere are etched into the design and setting of the hotel, including its rooms. The whole hotel (excluding its main wooden-joglo-lobby building) is donned in yellow and teracota old classic tiles, giving a warm vibrant. Yellow with brown gradation is dominant everywhere. In the heart of the hotel is the small pool surrounded with tropical garden. Sure it is tranquillity with only an exception of the bugs (so please for those who is sensitive, bring along the bugs repellent and some bug-bites-ointment)

American breakfast

Delicious fried noodle for Indonesian breakfast

The only drawback of this lovely hotel is the location. We drove there with the help of Google Map (luckily, Google Map knows the exact location of the hotel, since we couldn't find it using other GPS map). The hotel is located on a small street (barely enough for two cars)...about 5-10mins drive from the main street (you can't drive fast here since the road isn't well-paved and there are lots of turns, you wouldn't want to take the wrong ones here). There is no public transportation or beca (the traditional three-cycle vehicle) around so getting somewhere is quite tough for guest who don't have (or rent) a car/bike. The hotel provide shuttle service to the nearest street and several sightseeing spots, but you can also opt for renting a bike too. And for those who drive, please be kindly informed that the parking lot is limited too, max 5 cars at top :-)

Morning snack and fruit platters

Lastly and again, the size of the hotel doesn't compromise its services. They provide free wifi (ask for password during the c/i) and free breakfast for two persons, with humble American breakfast or fried rice/noodle to choose (all were yummy...including the snack too). And to complete your relaxing days here, they also offer spa services too :-)

Breakfast on poolside

What are you waiting for...remember...they only have 11 rooms   :-)

Fave Hotel - Jogyakarta

This was our 1st time to try Fave Hotel, a budget hotel under Aston management. Since we arrived @Jogja quite late and we thought it would be such a waste to spend a very short time (only for sleep) in one hotel that we normally use. The location was pretty easy to find...thanks to the GPS but considering the turns we took...I bet it would be hard for those without GPS unless they are frequent of Jogja and know all the street like those lines on their palm *winking*

The corridor beside resto

When we arrived around 10pm, the lobby was still crowded. Looked like there were lots of group like us, who just reached Jogja by that time. But the reception was quick (I was sceptical when I saw the large number of people loitered around @the lobby). The hotel is small (the room too) with en-suite bathroom, separated by glass. With its signature color of pink-purplish (I don't know what color is that), it is quite funky. With furniture and amenities keep in minimum (so you gotta bring your own complete toiletries - but in case you forget, they provide it with extra charge), the room looks pretty bare and basic while the lobby and the public place are cheerfully decorated with fancy wallpaper and pop-art.

The pool

Though small, they have a swimming pool. Instead of sundeck, they put the simple dining table and chair by the pool side. For meals, they have Lime coffe shop and lounge, with buffee as low as IDR 25k per pax only (what...so cheap). They also offer spa service which can be taken inside the room. Despite all the minimum facilities, I did like the free wifi that can be accessed around the hotel with a very high speed уααу!└(^o^)┘ \^o^/ └(^o^)┘уααу! I downloaded lots of apps 【ツ】ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²² ƗƗє²²【ツ】. Another plus point was that they provide lots of power outlet...suitable for us who have brought along at least 9gadgets altogether (๑'⌣'๑)づ. On the other hand, the downsize was the poor plumbing installation which running water from the next door can be heard pretty clear from our room (so keep your voice down...hush hush).

The small but clean room

Overall, for a night-stop, this hotel would do perfectly. It's still new and clean...and definitely within your budget (๑'⌣'๑)づ

Indrayanti Beach - Gunung Kidul - Jogjakarta

Sunset on the Indrayanti beach

It was quite a long way from Jogja, roughly 2hours drive on a smooth and scarced traffic. With unclear direction (our GPS couldn't find Indrayanti beach) and dark cloud hung low...we were almost gáve up going there. More ever when it started to rain...lucky...we decided to continue. Thru the long twisting road, we saw only few hostel available (so don't expect starred hotel). The same could be said for restaurant, though you could find small foodstall along the way. The last 15mins was quite secluded since we saw no house at all...only a bike or car passed us by. So, check your car condition before you come here (we saw a broken-down BMW there). Believe me, you wouldn't want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere...especially here.

Lines of humble gazebos

Fínally, when we reached the beach area...we saw many beaches there...like Sundak and Indràyanti, to name few of the famous one. We decided to stop at Indrayanti which was more crowded and better-maintained. The place boost a white-golden-sand-beach that stretched for about few hundred meters. Although not as big as other famous beach, i found the place was quite beautiful, with big rocks on both, the right and the left sides (marking the beach). The beach was quite clean, all thanks to Indrayanti beach management. And for your comfort, you could find humble wooden gazebos along the beach line, take a shade from the scorching sun while slurping your coconut drink. They provide home-stay rooms but too bad, I couldn't check on the room since it was occupied during our visit there. Since it is home-stay, don't expect too much in term of comfort and facilities.

The starfish we found

Lots of shells here so careful with your feet

There is only 1 place which sell food and drinks here (there are several food stall across the beach but no outside food and drink is allowed inside the Indrayanti beach). Next to it, is the toilet and shower room built up from the decayed(?) wood planks...honestly...it was quite scary (i meant the wood) but the water is clean. They also offer watersport but you gotta check with them since the wave is pretty strong and big during rainy season. All in one, it a place worth to visit while you are nearby

A place of our own :-)

Sundak beach, few mins of walking distance from Indrayanti