Our 6:00 AM flight from Lombok to Yogyakarta was the only direct option, so we opted for it instead of transferring in Denpasar again. Most of Java was still shrouded in darkness as we ascended, but as we approached Yogyakarta, the highest peaks began to glow in the morning light. We were treated to an incredible view of Mt. Merapi, flying at eye level with its imposing cone and the wisps of smoke rising from its summit.

We stayed at Andelis Homestay, a cozy guesthouse in the northern part of Yogyakarta. The manager, Bram, was incredibly welcoming and provided us with valuable tips on what to see in the city and how to navigate to the main attractions.

We hopped on a couple of affordable buses to Malioboro Street, a bustling shopping area filled with things we didn’t really need. The highlight was Beringharjo Market, a vast marketplace brimming with spices, fruits, and vegetables. We couldn’t resist picking up some ingredients since we had learned to cook in Bali.

Prambanan

Candi Prambanan is a stunning 9th-century Hindu temple complex located 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta, easily accessible by bus. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the most significant in Southeast Asia, originally boasting a total of 240 temples. The site is characterized by its distinctive tall, pointed Hindu architecture, highlighted by the impressive 47-meter-high central shrine dedicated to Shiva.

Nearby, we also explored Candi Sewu, a remarkable Buddhist temple complex that is the second largest after the iconic Borobudur. We opted for combo tickets for both Prambanan and Borobudur, which offered a more affordable price, and planned to visit Borobudur the following day.

Bram from Andelis Homestay arranged a day trip to Borobudur for us, which was incredibly convenient. We woke up early to catch the sunrise and set out from Yogyakarta. Borobudur is about 40 kilometers from the city, so it was a bit of a drive. Our first stop was at a viewpoint where we watched the sun rise behind Mt. Merapi. As the light increased, Borobudur emerged from the mist below, creating an absolutely stunning sight.

Borobudur

After sunrise, we hurried down the hill to reach the entrance before the massive crowds arrived. Borobudur, a 9th-century Buddhist temple in Central Java, is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world.

The temple consists of nine stacked platforms: six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. It is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. Surrounding the central dome are 72 Buddha statues, each seated within a perforated stupa.

While the temple was busy, we found it easy to escape the crowds and explore at our own pace. We came to Yogyakarta specifically for the temples, and Borobudur certainly did not disappoint.

The scenery surrounding Borobudur is breathtaking, with lush green mountains enveloping the area. Our final stop for the day was Gereja Ayam, an unusual and somewhat eerie temple. Locals refer to it as the "Chicken Church," although the dilapidated chapel was intended to resemble a dove. The man behind this peculiar structure reportedly had a holy vision that inspired him to create this dove-shaped church.