Yogyakarta, the city of students

After a rather disappointing trip in Bali, Indonesia redeemed itself with Yogyakarta (aka Yogja/Jogja). After getting off the plane with a 18kg backpack, 5kg dive bag and a massive carry on backpack, I made my way to the local bus for a mere 3000 rupiah (about 30 cents!). The first thing I have noticed is how friendly and helpful everybody is (as opposed to Bali where everybody is out to get some money out of you). Even if some of them speak basic English, they are more than happy than telling me which line to take, tell you that the bus is there, and even tell the staff on the bus the destination where I'm going! The drive through the bus was quite nice too. I noticed that there are less westernized franchises around the city, and it had more of an asian country rather than a tourist infested country.

The city itself is known for the following: massive temple ruins, a really big presidential palace, and a water palace (which is where the sultan brings all of his wives to take a bath). It is so rich in history, and the places are very well preserved (with the exception of Prambanan temples which was greatly devastated by an earthquake in 2006). One important point: when visting the Kraton palace, there are two entrances: the "fake one" which only shows the throne room, and the "real one" which has the rest of the palace. Even if the "fake" entrance only cost 5000 rupiah, it was the principle! :P

And since it's a student city, the food is DIRT CHEAP! Example: in Sanur, I had a nasi goreng (fried rice) and a large bintang beer for about 53,000 rupiah (5ish$). In yogja, I (well my javanese couchsurfing friend) ordered: one very big bowl of congee, 2 drinks, 1 ice cream and 1 bowl of beef balls for the same price!! And that fed 2 person!!

Yogja, you have redeemed yourself! Fine, I have to admit that I had a great time because I met heaps of amazing javanese couchsurfers that showed me all the amazing coffee and hangout spots! They are so nice, helpful and willing to show/drive us around to see things.

Tips:
- Yogja airport has one waiting room, and does NOT have food in it. Purchase your food after checking in and before you cross security
- Even if they have a bus system, there are only 5 or 6 lines that goes through the main streets. The rest can only be accessible by car or moped. Do yourself a favor and rent one (or hail cabs).
- On Malioboro street, there is a "hidden" mall where there is an ENTIRE floor dedicated to buy electronics (cellphones, laptops, digicam). The only way I found it is that I was tired and hungry and saw a Dunkin Donuts (don't ask) and walked in the air con building. I then realized it was a massive mall. I was in heaven.
- Finding food isn't too hard even at 1 am. Walk down any streets and there will be food stalls. There are also several local warung (family owned restaurants) that are opened 24h.