Tips For Preventing Passport Problems

Carelessness is the number one reason for a passport application being rejected or delayed or for a passport being lost, stolen, or damaged.

Before You Leave On Your Trip

1. Check to see if you even need a passport.
Countries can, and often do, change foreign entry requirements. If you arrive at the airport without the required documents, you'll be denied boarding privileges. And, of course, This isn't covered by travel insurance.

2. Apply for your passport early.
You should apply for a new passport at least 90 days before your departure date. For a renewal, begin the process 8 to 11 months before your passport expires. Why so early? Many countries require that your passport have six to eight months of validity remaining before they will issue a visa.

3. Fill out the correct form correctly.
Each type of passport service has specific criteria that must be met. Make sure you get the right application form, and then fill it in carefully. Double-check each entry. Ask a friend or relative to verify it as well. Errors made on the application form can lead to delays, or even rejection of your passport request.

4. Follow the specifications for the required documents exactly.
When applying for a new passport, the most frequently used documents are a certified birth certificate for proof of citizenship along with a valid driver’s license for proof of your identity.

5. Sign both the passport application form and your check.
Surprisingly, many people forget to sign either the passport application form or their check to Passport Services. Once again, check everything twice, or even three times.

6. Request additional pages.
Are you a frequent flyer? Request a 48-page passport (at no additional cost). It will allow you to travel longer before having to replace it.

7. Sign your passport and fill out the emergency information.
When your passport arrives, check to see that all the information contained in it is correct. If it is, sign it and fill in your current address and the name of a person to contact in case of emergency. If not, return it to the State Department for correction.

8. Make two copies of your passport and photos.
Give one copy of your passport to a friend or relative who can be easily contacted in case of an emergency. Take the other copy and the extra photos with you on your trip. If you use an online document storage service, you can scan your passport and upload a copy. That way, you can access it from almost anywhere in the world.

While You're Away

9. Always keep your passport in a safe place!
Never leave your passport in your baggage, backpack, purse, car, hotel room, or anywhere else! When you must carry your passport, keep it in a money belt or inside coat pocket. Upon arrival at the hotel, put your passport in the hotel safe.

10. Never lay your passport down anywhere.
Passports placed on a counter, phone booth or table can be easily forgotten or stolen. Practice the habit of immediately putting your passport away after using it.

11. If you travel as a family or as part of a group, don’t let one person carry all the passports.
The odds are much greater for one person carrying all the passports to lose them or have them stolen than for all the passports to be stolen or lost if each individual owner carries them.

12. Never let anyone leave your presence with your passport.
When you're checking in at the airport, passing through customs, exchanging currency, or doing anything else that requires you to show your passport, never allow the person examining your passport to leave your presence. If the person starts to leave, call their attention and request to accompany them.

13. Immediately report the loss of your passport.
If you are careful and follow the tips above, you shouldn’t have any problem with the loss of your passport.

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Kaliurang, a la Madam and Meneer Tour

In the early of the nineteenth century, some Dutch geologists living in Yogyakarta intended to find a place for their family to spend their vacation. They went along the edge of the north area as the high land. Arriving at Kaliurang that is located on 900 meter above sea level, the "meneers" were enchanted by the nature beauty and coolness in that foot of the mountain. They finally built bungalows and decided to make the area their place for vacation.

Nature Enchantment and Historical Buildings

The trip from Yogyakarta to Kaliurang reminds us of the scenery picture we (=Indonesian people) made in the kindergarten. A mountain with the street lying in the middle and the green spread on both sides ornamented with people's houses will release tiredness in the frame of nature painting.

Covered with the breeze, even when the sun is over our head, the coolness is still felt. The air dancing through the trees and slowly going down hill gives fresh feeling to our body.

The view of Merapi Mountain gives special sensation in this area. Just like village girls who will cover their face when we look at them, this mountain will also be covered with fog when we come to see it.

Going along the west side of Plawangan Hill as long as 1,100 meters, traveling cross country, through soil path framed with trees and green slopes, and series of 22 caves as the inheritance of the Japanese colonial are some uniqueness of Kaliurang natural tourism.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kaliurang also has some historical buildings. Some of them are Wisma Kaliurang and Pesanggrahan Dalem Ngeksigondo that is owned by the Sultan Palace that used to be functioned as the meeting place of the Three Nation Commission, and Ullen Sentalu

museum which part of the building is under ground. This museum reveals the mystery of the culture and values of Javanese history, especially those related to the princess of Yogyakarta and Surakarta kingdoms in the nineteenth century.

Family Recreation Area

Located 28 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city, Kaliurang now has an enchanting cultural and natural tourism area that becomes en enjoyable place for family recreation.

Parents may relax while keeping their children playing in the Play Ground. In an area of 10,000 meter square width, children can play swing, sliding, or swimming in a mini pool. Besides, in the play ground that is ornamented with the statue of a genie a la 1001 night stories and some kinds of animal, children can play mini cars or pass through a dragon statue by entering from its mouth and exiting from its tail.

About 300 meters to the north east of the recreation garden, there is Plawangan Turgo garden. There is Tlogo Putri swimming pool of which water originates from a spring at the slope of Plawangan Hill. Playing swing or behaving playfully with the family in the garden will release tiredness among the green forest of the forestry department.

Walking along the east side, seeing some monkeys jumping and swinging on the branches, enjoying the chirp of birds in the sloping up path of layered stones and stairs as long as 900 meters can be a little tiring, but the top of Merapi Mountain viewed on a bright day from Pronojiwo Hill will replace the tiredness with admiration. On the way to the top of Pronojiwo Hill, we had the opportunity to run race with Nick (47 years old), an English tourist. I won the race, but the feeling of being united with nature was more pleasant. Mineral water sold by the drink sellers will quench your thirst while seeing Merapi that stands amidst the green spread of the forest. Binocular is rent for IDR 3,000 per 30 minutes to see the Merapi Mountain more clearly.

Arriving back to the garden, have relax at Tlogo Muncar to enjoy the waterfall. During rainy season, water will flow down swiftly.

To enjoy the Kaliurang scenery, visitors may go around by a rabbit carriage that is most popularly called sepoer. This vehicle usually stands by in the parking lot in front of the food shops. The route is going around from the east to the west to encircle Kaliurang tourism area, passing through the viewing post on the west side where Merapi can be seen clearly on bright days. For minimum of seven people, each person will be charged IDR 3,000. For exclusive trip, the charge is IDR 20,000 per person with services like those for a nobleman.

If you want to enjoy the coolness of the air and the quietness of the night at Kaliurang, there are many choices of villas, bungalows, and inns. The tariffs vary from IDR 25,000 to IDR 300,000. Some lodgings where you can stay are: Bukit Surya (most recommended), Puri Indah Inn (3-stars), and Wisma Sejahtera.

Before leaving, make sure that you buy gifts ranging from local fruits to special food namely tahu and tempe bacem (sweet, fried tofu and tempeh) and jadah (made from sticky rice and grated coconut).

The green spread at the foot of Merapi Mountain, cool air and all natural, luxurious packages will release your tiredness and refresh you from the noise of the city. (source : YogYES.COM)

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Siung Beach, With 250 Routes for Cliff Climbing

Siung Beach is located in a remote area in Gunung Kidul Regency, to the south of Tepus Sub-Regency to be exact. The distance is around 70 kilometer from the center of Yogyakarta city or it will take you around 2 hours drive. Since it is difficult to get public transportation to go the beach, it would be easier if you make your travel with your own vehicle. Public bus or mini van from Wonosari city will stop at Tepus area only and you have to wait long to get one.

When you plan to make your travel by your car or motorcycle, make sure that they are in a very good condition. The reason is that you are going to go through challenging road with climbs, sharp bending and sometimes slopes under the hot sun in between limestone hills and vegetable fields. You will have to overcome all the hindrances since you come to Pathuk area (the first Sub-Regency that you will pass by in Gunung Kidul Regency) until you get to the beach.

You cannot escape from the hindrances. The easiest route with smooth asphalted road you best take is Yogyakarta - Wonosari continued with Wonosari - Baron - Tepus route. Another route, namely Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Gunung Kidul, has harder challenges with road full of holes, while Wonogiri - Gunung Kidul route is to far to take from Yogyakarta city.

Suffering before getting the happiness seems to represent your journey to Siung Beach. You will fee happy, released and peaceful after you get to the beach. The blue ocean and white, clean sands will cure tiredness. Some wooden houses are available for visitors to take shelter or to have a chat with friends while enjoying the beauty of the beach panorama.

One of the prominent enchantments of Siung Beach is its coral reef. The huge coral reefs at the west and east parts of the beach have important function to add the beauty of the scenery and to border with other beach.

The coral reef of which form resembles the fang of a monkey protrudes little bit to the ocean. The name of the beach was - according to Wastoyo, the local senior leader - taken from the form of the coral reef that resembles the shape of a monkey's fang. The coral reef remains beautiful to enjoy with the waves sometimes hit it and the seawater permeates through its cavities (look at the photograph).

The monkey's fang coral reef that still stands firmly despite eroding waves becomes the witness of the triumph of Siung area in the past. Wastoyo tells that Siung area was one of the trading centers during the time of Islamic leaders in Gunung Kidul area. Close to the beach, in Winangun area, there is a traditional market. Here, Mrs Kami and Mrs Podi, the widows of the servants of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Kingdoms lived.

Most of the people in Siung area make their living by producing salt. They rely their lives on the seawater that is rich in rich content. The salt produced by the local people becomes the main commodity in Winangun market. Even though the sea is rich in various kinds of fish, not many local people dare to go sea by that time. Most of them just catch fish at the shallow waters.

The trading in Winangun market was decreasing when the market was "moved" to Yogyakarta. The new market in Yogyakarta that used to be the Winangun market in Siung area was named Jowinangun that stands for Jobo Winangun, meaning outside the Winangun area. Local people lost their livelihood and not many people come to this area. There is no history telling what local people did to keep alive.

It was during the vacuum time that the beauty of the coral reefs in Siung Beach regained its popularity. In around 1989, a group of nature lovers from Japan utilized the coral cliffs to the west of the beach as an arena for cliff climbing. Then, in 1990s, there was a competition of Asian Climbing Gathering utilizing the coral cliff at Siung Beach. Since then, the popularity of Siung Beach began to come back.

As many as 250 climbing routes are now available at Siung Beach to facilitate the lovers of cliff climbing sport. Referring to the rule that the existing route can be added with the consent from the maker of the previous path, the routes can possibly be added. Many groups have made use of the climbing routes in this beach, such as a group of students from the State University of Yogyakarta that was about to climb when we came to visit this beach.

The other facility supporting the cliff climbing activity is the camping ground in the eastern part of the beach. Tents are erected in the camping ground and fire can be set to spend the night. The only requirement to go camping there is destroying the environment and disturbing the turtle habitat as the sign board there says.

Close to the camping ground, a wooden stage-house can be functioned as the base camp as another choice than erecting the tent. It contains 10 - 15 people. The stage-house enables visitors to get wider view of the exotic beach. You only have to get permission from local people and pay some amount of money to use the stage-house.

When night comes or when there are not many visitors, the long-tailed monkeys will get down from the cliff to the shore. The existence of these rare long-tailed monkeys can be one of the reasons why the naming of the coral reef was analogized with the fang of the monkey, not other kinds of animals.

Wastoyo explains, based on what wise men explained, the prosperity and triumph of Siung Beach will come soon. The visit of more people and the increasing popularity as an arena of cliff climbing signal the movement of this beach to its triumph. The visit of tourists, including you, will surely speed up the attainment of the triumph.

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Trisik Beach, Enjoying the Nuance of a Coastal Village

Trisik Beach is the first beach in Kulon Progo Regency that you will see when you are passing Bantul - Purworejo road, through Palbapang and Srandakan. Located in Brosot Sub-Regency, Kulon Progo Regency, it is 37 kilometers from the city center. Trisik Beach is located so close to the main street so that it is easy to reach.

The trip to Trisik Beach will be enjoyable and will not be to tiring even though the distance is far enough. The road to this beach is smooth with minimal climbings and there are many small restaurants alongside in order for you to get rest when you are tired. Taking the Palbapang and Srandakan roads, you can also enjoy the beauty of Progo River scenery when you pass by the bridge connecting Bantul Regency and Kulon Progo Regency.

Trisik Beach has its uniqeness compared to other beaches in Kulon Progo in terms of its strong nuance as a coastal village. The beach, people's houses, the huts selling foods and the read connecting the village and the town are located closely one to each other. Various activities done by local people that make use of the coastal area and the ocean as source of their living also takes part in strengthening the coastal nuance of the village.

The center of the fish trading is one of some place that you will find when you come into this area. This place serves as the heart of Trisik community whose profession is fishermen, because this is the place where people are trading the fish they get. Usually, this place is busy as soon as the fishermen return from fishing. When YogYES came, there was one of the fishermen bringing the rayfish he got.

Upon arriving at the beach, you will feel the exoticism of the coastal village with the daily fishery world. You will see row of motorboats that fishermen are using when going fishing. Close to them, there are scattered nets showing that they had just been used. Some small warongs built from bamboo plait offer foods and drinks for visitors.

At certain time, you can see some birds flying on the sky of this beach. Is it believed that Trisik beach is one of the sheltering places for migrant birds from different areas. The migrant birds that you can see are, for example: swamp trinil, beach trinil, bush trinil, red-neck kedidi, cerek kernyut, small cerek kalung and Asian kites. In addition, there are such non-migrant birds as buffalo heron, cow swallow and blue shrimp.

When you walk westwards following the asphalted road to Glagah Beach, you will see the activities of Trisik coastal village community. On both sides of the road, people are drying hyacinth that they obtained from Ambarawa area under the sun. When YogYES came in the afternoon, they were collecting the dried hyacinth and then bound them in several bindings.

The dried hyacinth is sold to the craftsmen who make bag, sandal, and various boxes. The handicrafts are usually distributed to town or to handicrafts entrepreneurs in different areas for further processing. The craftsmen in town usually do the finishing process by adding some accessories to make them more beautiful. Small in scale, the activity of drying the hyacinth gives living to the people.

With strong coastal village nuance, Trisik Beach is worth writing in your tour agenda. Not many beaches have the beautiful yet simple nuance like Trisik Beach.

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YOGYAKARTA MERCHANDIZE SHOP

1. Agung Jl. Letjen Suprapto : - Bakpia –
2. Bakpia Pathuk 450 Jl. Letjen Suprapto : - Bakpia –
3. Bakpia Pathuk 73 Ngampilan NG I/102 : - Bakpia –
4. Bakpia Pathuk 75 Jl. Letjen Suprapto : - Bakpia –
5. Bakpia Pathuk Echo Ngampilan NG I/403 : - Bakpia –
6. Betta Jl. Mataram 43 : - Bakpia, Geplak, Wingko, Yangko, Getuk, Ampyang, Jenang (krasikan) –
7. Bu Muji Jl.Mondorakan 35 B Kotagede (barat Pasar Kotagede) : - Kipo, Banjar, Ukel –
8. Dagadu Djokdja Lower Ground Malioboro Mal dan Jl Pakuningratan 17 Yogyakarta 0274-513115 : Kaos Oblong dan Cinderamata Khas Jogja
9. Fajar Jl. Mataram 55B : - Bakpia, Geplak, Yangko, Ampyang, Peyek tumpuk, Kripik bayam, Belut goreng, Wader goreng, Kripik Paru, Trasikan, Gadung, Kripik pisang, Kripik tempe, Emping manis/asin, Madu mangsa, Enting-enting jahe, Criping sukun –
10. Kurnia Jl. Glagahsari : - Bakpia –
11. Larisso Jl. Mataram no. 41 : - Bakpia, Yangko, Geplak –
12. Ngudi Roso Jl. Masjid Besar Kotagede (selatan Pasar Kotagede) : - Kipo, Jadah manten, Wajik bakar, Sagon, Legomoro, Gompo, Lemper, Nogosari, Yangko, Waru, Banjar, Ukel –
13. Tape Mataram Baru Jl. Mataram DN I/191 : - Bakpia, Yangko, Geplak, Moci, Prol tape –

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Best-Travelnet: Hotel Reservation, Village Tour, and Batik Course in Yogyakarta / Jogja

Best-TravelNet provides and offers wide range of package Tours, Car Rental and accommodations from budget to five star hotels in Yogyakarta. All special rates are our super discounted rates and are valid for any reservation made through Best-travelnet only. Make your own plan to have a better vacation in Yogyakarta.

We do have super online HOTEL RATES. Please just email us.

Tour Package

· PROGRAM A

Day 1 : Arrive - Prambanan Tour - Ramayana Ballet Performance
Upon arrive at Yogyakarta airport by airasia at 15.25, meet with guide, direct visit beautiful Hindu temple, Prambanan temple. Proceed to your hotel in yogya city for overnight. Evening enjoy Ramayana Ballet Performance at Purawisata Open Air theatre.

Day 2 : Dieng Plateu - Borobudur ( B )
An early morning departure to drive via Magelang - home of the National Army Academy - and Temanggung. Enjoy dramatic scenery as we drive through the tea and tobacco plantations of the Sindoro - Sumbing valley - some of the most spectacular countryside you will ever see. Visit Java's oldest Hindu Temples, dating from 9th century. See the active volcanic craters or take in the beauty of the Warna (coloured) and Pengilon (mirror) lakes.Back to Yogya, on the way stop to visit Borobudur and Mendut Temples. Arrive jogja overnight at your hotel.

Day 3 : City Tour - Transfer Out ( B )
Breakfast at hotel, C/O, morning explore Yogya city by visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Ngasem Bird Market, Batik Home Industry and Silverware at Kotagede. Transfer to yogya airport for your flight back at 15.55 to KL.

· PROGRAM B

Day 1 : Arrive - Merapi Volcano
Afternoon, arrive at Yogyakarta airport at 15.25, meet your guide, then drive to Kaliurang, the slope of Merapi and visit Kaliadem area to enjoy the Merapi Volcano from closest distance. Proceed to Yogya city and overnight at your hotel.

Day 2 : Borobudur Sunrise - City Tour ( B )
Wake call at 03.30 AM, then drive to Borobudur via Manohara hotel. at 04.45 AM - on the dark of morning, climb up the temple of Borobudur till the top of Arupadhatu. Wait and see a dramatic and exotic sunrise. admire the beautiful panorama of ‘thousand hills’. Then, your guide learning the Buddha philosophy by exploring the relieve on Borobudur temple. Back to hotel in yogya for B’ fast. Afterward visit Sultan Royal Palace, Water Castle (Taman Sari), Ngasem Bird Market, Batik Home Industry and Silverware at Kotagede. Back to your hotel.

Day 3 : Pramban - Solo Tour ( B )
Breakfast at hotel, morning C/O then drive to. drive to Solo City, on the way visit Prambanan Temple. at Solo then visit Mangkunegaran Palace, Triwindhu Antique Market and Klewer Market. Back to your hotel in yogya.

Day 4 : Village Tour - Transfer Out ( B )
Breakfast hotel, C/O then Breakfast at hotel, morning drive to Manding Village is the center of leather handycraft. the hide of water buffaloes, cows or goats are used as the main substance of the artwork, Afterward drive to Kasongan Village produces handicrafts such as Earthenware and ceramics are crafts work made of clay as well as pottery. Transfer to yogya airport for your flight back at 15.55 to KL.

· PROGRAM C

Day 1 : Arrival - Prambanan - Boko Sunset (L, D)
Arrive in airport Yogya, meeting service and drive to Enjoy Java's most beautiful Hindu shrine - the 9th century, Prambanan temple tour, Continue visiting to Ratu-Boko Palace, around 200 meter above sea level, to enjoy view of Prambanan and Merapi Volcano while you are waiting the sunset, will be accompanied by a cup of tea / coffee and have traditional menu Dinner " Fried rice or Fired noodle transfer to hotel for overnight at hotel.

Day 2 : Borobudur - Village - Silver Course (L)
Morning Borobudur tours included Pawon & Mendut Temples. Afterward riding dokar horse carriage and taking a walk exploring the richness of candirejo village to gain insight of daily local community either in custom, tradition, the agriculture system of inter cropping. Having direct experience with the local people in the field of planting, preparing the ground for cultivation, picking many kinds of the seasonal fruits is memorable chance young coconut water freshly pick up from the coco tree make a complete decoration within this 1 hour tour. Lunch at Local restaurant. Drive back to Yogya, toward Kotagede area to have A Jewelry SHORT COURSE The duration of this short course is 3 - 4 hours. You will be instructed by a silversmith to make either a ring, earrings, or pendant in just a short time. The participants do all the processes from-designing through to forging, carving, soldering, polishing etc. The instructor will only demonstrate and help to improve your items. By the end of the course, you will be proud of the results and not believe that you just made the jewellery by yourself. Back to hotel for overnight

Day 3 : City Tour - Out
Morning Yogyakarta City Tour by visiting Sultan Royal Palace, Ngasem Bird Market, Water Castle (Taman Sari) and Batik Home Industry. Late afternoon transfer to airport.

OTHER CHOICES OF SIGHTSEEING TOUR

· Batik Course
Batik is synonymous with Indonesia and Central Java (Yogyakarta and Solo in particular) is center of Batik production in Indonesia. A brief overview for the uninitiated: Batik is the process of applying wax to cloth (cotton or silk) and then dying the cloth. Once dyed, the wax is removed by soaking in hot water and the pattern where the wax once was is then visible. This process can be repeated several times depending upon the intricacy of the design and colours.

· Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan
An evening tour to an open air amphitheater with Prambanan Temple as the background.

· The Art Market of Gabusan
444 small-middle industries have placed 16 lots, separated in 8 commodities. It is not merely craft products, the visitors are possible to taste Specific Food of Bantul where there is one special lots for food commodity.

· Pilgrimage Tour to Sendangsono
Sendang sriningsih,Ganjuran church, Imogiri Royal cemetry.

· Sukuh and ceto Erotic TemplesOn Mt. Lawu, Central Java

· Borobudur Sunrise
Wake up call will be made in the early morning at 04.00. With your guide - drive for Borobudur temple, breaking the morning scene. Climbing up the temple for welcoming the sunrise that will give you a spectacular moment. Then, explore the temple for its great history and philosophy. Before rejoin to your coach - enjoying your simple breakfast at Manohara restaurant. Afterward visit Mendut and Pawon temples near Borobudur. This tour can be combined with Losari Coffee Plantation Tour. It was such a pleasure to visit Losari Resort & Spa (introduced as actually coffee plantation resort & spa).

· The south ocean Parangtritis beach
The tour begin with a drive through the lovely countryside of the Seribu (Thousand) Hills. Enjoy a panoramic view and later a sea view. You are able to choose the beaches Which all located in southern of Yogyakarta such as Parangtritis, Ngobaran, Baron, krakal and Wediombo beaches.

· Majestic Dieng plateau
An early morning departure to drive via Magelang - home of the National Army Academy - and Temanggung. Enjoy dramatic scenery as we drive through the tea and tobacco plantations of the Sindoro - Sumbing valley - some of the most spectacular countryside you will ever see. Visit Java's oldest Hindu Temples, dating from 9th century. See the active volcanic craters or take in the beauty of the Warna (coloured) and Pengilon (mirror) lakes. (10 hours)

· Merapi tour
Depart from your hotel in Yogya at 03.30 AM drive to Kaliurang Highland resort. The tour can start from Vogel Guest House or Kaliadem or Selo. You will explore the depths tropical rain forest. A five hours return walk through the rain forest, through valley, gorge and river enroute to the slopes on meeting Merapi. Also see unspoiled - original and real village life, where people carry their loads on their back while at work. Experience a variety of tropical plants and fruits, birds, giant spiders, unique vegetables and the beautiful landscape in the cool mountain air. Breakfast will be served in the small bamboo hut, outside the village next to the riverbank in the open air overlooking the mountain. You will return home again at 08.00 AM (5 hours)

Best-TravelNet
Kepanjen, RT 08 / RW 40
Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta
Phone: +62 274 7829278
Fax: +62 274 443140
SMS: +62 8175477770

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Shopping Place

Many curious goods are available in many places in this city. If you love timeless pieces, Yogyakarta is the home of batik, traditional wayang puppets, sculpture, ceramics and silverware. Countless handicrafts from outside Yogyakarta can also be found here. Don't be surprised if you bump into souvenirs from Bali or Asmat, often with better deal than if bought in those islands. Alternatively, as a constantly growing city, Yogyakarta has several stylish malls and trade center that offers interesting goods and services at a reasonable cost.

Malioboro

Malioboro street taken from Tugu Station

Malioboro is a well-known shopping promenade and very popular among Indonesian as well as international tourists. Spans from the Tugu Station to the Sultan's ground, Malioboro is 2 kilometers in length and home to hundreds of shops and street-stalls which offers various kind of handicrafts. Several notable places in Malioboro are:

• Pasar Beringharjo (north of Vredeburg Fort). Literally means slanted land, Beringaharjo is the largest traditional marketplace in Yogyakarta. The vendors sell many kind of goods, ranging from basic household items (vegetables, fruits, meats) to many kind of handicraft. Haggle furiously.
• Mirota Batik (opp of Pasar Beringharjo). The large family-owned store offers plenty of handicrafts, not only from Yogyakarta but also from all part of Indonesia.
• Dagadu (lower ground Malioboro Mall). Offers funny contemporary t-shirts and souvenirs that revolves around Yogyakarta people's culture.

If travelling on foot is not your thing, you can ride the pedal-powered trishaw called becak, or the andong horsecart.

Warning: While Yogyakarta is safer than Jakarta, it's not free from pickpockets. Most of the time, Malioboro sidewalk is overcrowded, take standard precautions to protect your belongings.

Shopping Malls

While not as populated as Jakarta, Yogyakarta has several trendy malls which shows a glimpse of the alternate side of Yogyakarta culture.

• Malioboro Mall, Jalan Malioboro. Yogyakarta's premier shopping mall for shopping in hassle-free, air-con comfort. Features a large Matahari department store, a Hero supermarket (B1F), a Periplus book store with a good English selection (B1F), and all the usual suspects of Western and Indonesian fast food (McDonald's, Pizza Hut, KFC, EsTeler 77, etc). Home to the one and only Dagadu outlet.
• Galleria Mall, Jalan Sudirman. Exclusive mall anchored by Matahari department store. Be sure to check out the food court at the basement called Kafe deGale, which is popular among the youths. Features many interesting restaurant including KFC, McDonald's Express, Thai Express, Bakso Gress (Chinese meatballs served with noodles), Mie Nusantara, Bee's (Japanese Bento), Es Teler 77, Cheers Cup (assortments of fresh drinks). An exclusive Billyard area is located in the third floor.
• Plaza Ambarrukmo, Jalan Solo . Located next to the historical Ambarrukmo Hotel, the huge 7 floor shopping complex features a Carrefour Hypermarket, Centro Department Store, Gramedia Bookstore, Timezone, 21 Cineplex, Bread Talk, etc.
• Saphir Square, Jalan Solo. A large trade center located next to the Saphir Hotel.

Handicrafts

• Saptohoedojo Art Gallery, Jl. Solo Km 9 (500m from airport), [9]. This fascinatingly weird sprawling complex houses an utterly eclectic collection of Indonesian art, ranging from abstract modern paintings and batik shirts through gamelan instruments and stuffed tigers to Papuan tribal totems complete with the skulls of vanquished enemies. Everything is for sale and previous customers, pictures of whom are proudly pasted on the walls, include Pope John Paul II and the Dalai Lama. While the adjoining restaurant looks quite attractive, the food served is rather disappointing.

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Blue Earth Tours & Transport

We are proud to say that Blue Earth Tours & Transport has been in bussiness for 4 years, all that time creating memorable tour programs for thousand of satisfied customers from all over the world.

Touring means seeing the sights. We offer you flexibility in choosing tours and packages that best suit your individual needs. You can choose the type and standard of accommodation, the places you prefer to see and even the length of time you wish to stay at your destination.

With Blue Earth & Transport, inside visits are included in the price of your tour programs. Our excellent relationship with an extensive network of hotels, airlines and ground operators enable us to pass on the cost advantages to you as reflected in our competitively priced tours.

Blue Earth is privately owned and operated company whose philosophy us very simple... provide a unique tour experience that will keep the customers coming back to us year after year.

We make certain promises to you and we live up to them. No surprises and no hidden extras. But you are the judge. We urge you to compare our programs and prices with other on the market.

BLUE EARTH TOURS & TRANSPORT
Welcome your inquiry - Welcome to Jogja

Blue Earth experienced in:

• Car Rental (Bus, Kijang, APV, Avanza, Elf, Innova, ect)
• Tour Package, TUR JAWA TIMUR - BALI - LOMBOK - PULAU KOMODO etc (study tour, work visit, vacation)
• Hotel Voucher
• Honey Moon Package
• Pilgrimage
• Free Tour Package, we service your tour package appropriate with your budget and your condition
• Cuisine Tour Package

Blue Earth Package:

• CAR RENTAL

We provide various vehicle with safely and comfortably. With competitive prices and friendly driver we are ready to take you to visit all places in Yogyakarta. And we also service your vehicles requirement appropriate with your budget.

The vehicles that we can provide:
SUZUKI APV
Kijang LGX
Toyota Avanza
Xenia
Bus seat 50-60, seat 25-35, seat 20
ELF
L 300

• FULL DAY CITY TOUR
  Prambanan - Borobudur - Kota Gede - Kraton - City Tour (12 hours)

This package made for you to enjoy the beautiful of Jogja all day. You get a meeting services in Airport/Tugu Station/Hotel from us. After that we take you to visit the amazing archaeological site, Borobudur. And stop in Mendut Temple. Then you visit Prambanan Temple, Kota Gede, Batik Home Industry, Water Castle, Sultan's Palace. And the travel will be finished after we transfer you to airport/Tugu Station/Hotel.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 350,000
4-5 pax: IDR 250,000
6-7 pax: IDR 160,000

The rates include:
Private transportation (Suzuki APV/Avanza/Kijang) facilities: AC, driver, fuel
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee

• JOURNEY TO BOROBUDUR - DIENG PLATEAU

Upon arrival at Jogjakarta you will be met by our friendly guide, who will directly take you to Borobudur temple, a legacy magnificent world's great architectural masterpieces, including visits to Pawon & Mendut temple on the way back to Jogja. Next then, moving on to Dieng Plateau for another journey to review Java’s ancient history. Visit Pendawa temples, Lake Warna and Lake Sikidang. Retrace the route to Wonosobo for lunch at local restaurant, back to Jogja.

• THE MEMORABLE PACKAGES (3 Days - 2 Nights)

Day 1:
BOROBUDUR - SULTAN'S PALACE - KOTAGEDE - BATIK - PRAMBANAN

Meeting services in airport/Tugu Station/hotel, we invite you to enjoy the beautiful of Jogja, visit the luxurious of Sultan's Palace, Tamansari Water Castle, Kota gede, go to Batik home industry. In afternoon will visit Prambanan Temple, enjoy the sunset. After that dinner at local restaurant, proceed to Pangandaran

Day 2:
PANGANDARAN
Arrived at Pangandaran, check in hotel, take a rest, shower then you will be taken from hotel and directly go to Pangandaran beach, Penanjung beach, Jungle tourism you can enjoy fresh air, beautiful scenary, after that batu hiu beach sunset.

Day 3:
TRANSFER OUT
Meeting services in hotel, then transfer out to jogja.

• YOGYA HISTORICAL TOUR
  Kraton - Ngasem - Taman Sari - Kota Gede - Batik - Prambanan - RamayanaBallet (10 hours)

Meeting services in Airport/Tugu Station/Hotel, and you will be taken to enjoy the beautiful of Jogja, Sultan's Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, silverworks at Kotagede. Continued by visiting Batik Home Industry and relaxed in Prambanan to see beautiful sunset. After that you can enjoy Ramayana Ballet.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 350,000
4-5 pax: IDR 250,000
6-7 pax: IDR 160,000

The rates include:
Private transportation (Suzuki APV/Avanza/Kijang) facilities: AC, driver, fuel
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee

• YOGYA FANTASTIC TOUR
  Borobudur - Mendut - Pawon - Agro Tourism - Ketep Pass Merapi - Kaliurang (10 hours)

Meeting services in Airport/Tugu Station/Hotel, then go to to admire the magical sunrise at the great Budhist temple Borobudur and discover its mystery and history. A short stop at Pawon & Mendut temples, then continue to Agro Tourism, transfer to KETEP PASS Mount Merapi to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, then see audio visual Merapi eruption at Volcano Theater.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 350,000
4-5 pax: IDR 250,000
6-7 pax: IDR 160,000

The rates include:
Private transportation (Suzuki APV/Avanza/Kijang) facilities: AC, driver, fuel
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee

• SOLO - JOGJA CULTURE TOURISM PACKAGE (2 Days - 1 Night)

Day 1:
SOLO - PRAMBANAN
Upon arrival in Solo airport, meeting service with our friendly driver then direct Solo city tour, visit Mangkunegaran Palace, Kasunanan Palace, short stop at Triwindu flea market. Transfer to Yogyakarta and visit PRAMBANAN TEMPLE, the largest archeological Hindu Temple remains.

Day 2:
CITY TOUR - KRATON - BATIK - TAMAN SARI - KOTAGEDE - MALIOBORO
This morning we will visit SULTAN PALACE ( KRATON ) where court retainers still wear the traditional dress of dark Batik sarongs, Batik head wears, tight jacket & Kris, WATER CASTLE, a maze of underground passages and pools built as a pleasure garden by the 1st Sultan, BIRD MARKET then see the Batik & Silver home industry at Kotagede. Shoping in Malioboro.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 895,000
4-5 pax: IDR 495,000
6-7 pax: IDR 295,000

The rates include:
Private transportation (Suzuki APV/Avanza/Kijang) facilities: AC, driver, fuel
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee

• THE AMAZING DIENG PLATEU - JOGJA CULTURE CITY PACKAGE ( 3 Days - 2 Nights )

Day 1:
CITY TOUR - SULTAN'S PALACE - TAMAN SARI - BATIK - PARANGTRITIS
Meeting services in Airport/Tugu Station/Hotel, and you will be taken to enjoy the beautiful of Jogja, Sultan's Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, silverworks at Kotagede. Continued by visiting Batik Home Industry and relaxed in Parangtritis to enjoy beautiful sunset. After that we take you to check in Hotel.

Day 2:
BOROBUDUR - DIENG
Meeting services in hotel, visit Borobudur, a Buddhist Temple that is well known as one of the world's 7 Wonders. Then we take you to visit Dieng plateau with its interesting ancient Hindu temples, Sikidang crater sulfur spring, geyser and lake, the travel will be finished after return to Jogja and take rest in Hotel.

Day 3:
PRAMBANAN - MALIOBORO
Meeting services in Hotel, directly go to the magnificent 9th century Hinduist temple, Prambanan Temple. Go to Malioboro then transfer to airport/Tugu station for your next destination.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 1,450,000
4-5 pax: IDR 1,050,000
6-7 pax: IDR 850,000

The rates include:
Private, air-conditioned transportation
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee
Hotel

• THE ENCHANTMENT OF PILGRIMAGE - JOGJA CULTURE CITY (3 Days - 2 Nights)

Day 1:
SULTAN'S PALACE - KOTAGEDE - BATIK - GANJURAN CHURCH
Meeting services in airport/Tugu Station/hotel, we invite you to enjoy the beautiful of Jogja, visit the luxurious of Sultan's Palace, Tamansari Water Castle, Kota gede, go to Batik home industry. In afternoon will visit the Ganjuran Temple Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Bantul, and you can spent time to join ritual church there and praying together.

Day 2:
SENDANG SONO - ROMO SANJAYA - BOROBUDUR
You will be taken from hotel and directly go to Sendangsono, the holy place where the statue of Mother Mary was erected. And you can follow a cross bearing procession, and pray by the statue. After that you visit Borobudur, a Buddhist Temple that is well known as one of the world's 7 Wonders. And go to the burial place of Romo Sanjaya.

Day 3:
CITY TOUR - PRAMBANAN - MALIOBORO
Meeting services in hotel, continued by visiting Prambanan temple, Before we take you to the Adisucipto airport or Tugu train station, you will have opportunity to shoping in Malioboro.

Price per pax:
2-3 pax: IDR 1,450,000
4-5 pax: IDR 1,050,000
6-7 pax: IDR 850,000

The rates include:
Private, air-conditioned transportation
Guide (English, France, Japan, Mandarin, Spain)
Entrance Ticket
Parking Fee
Hotel

• THE AMAZING JOGJA - BROMO SUNRISE

Day 1:
Borobudur - Sultan's Palace - Taman Sari - Batik - Kotagedhe - Prambanan

Day 2:
Solo City Tour - Kasunanan Palace - Mangkunegaran Palace - Transfer To Bromo

Day 3:
Bromo Sunrise At Pananjakan - Caldera - Bromo Hiking - Transfer Out

BLUE EARTH TOURS & TRANSPORT
Perumahan Mahakam Permai No A 1
Jl. Wonosari Km 7 Palagan Baturetno Banguntapan Yogyakarta
Mobile: +62 8122771088, +62 81804215800 Read more...

King Boko

King Bokos Palace is located some nineteen kilometres at the eastern side of Yogyakarta, and about two kilometres from Prambanan temple. The scenery of its surroundings is quite beautiful. To the south, imprecisely visible, unfolds the south coast. And at the northern side one, tourists can see the Mount Merapi, Prambanan, and Kalasan temples with naked eye From the newly restored main entrance to the right, you will come into so-called auditorium of the palace that has been restored.

On the left auditorium, there is a pool that was used as a bathing pool for women.

Read more...