On The Road... Yogyakarta, Indonesia: My Borobudur Temple Tour!

Yogyakarta had treated me well so far, the company had been amazing and the sights clocked pleased me. It was time for the second full-day tour during my time Indonesia, I knew to stay away from any go-karts! Two temples and two alternative stops would be served, it was going to be a long yet fulfilling day. Borobudur didn't disappoint! I rode in the front seat, I was thankful!

A fulfilling hotel breakfast? You know what! That hotel was redeeming itself because the breakfast I had before my pick up wasn't bad at all! I had been sensible the night before, overboard I didn't go! Hangover free, I met my guide bright and early, on-time he did arrive! We then picked up two couples who looked as if they were around my age, from France and the Netherlands respectfully. Brexit was alive and well, I got the sense the French were truly 'French'. The Dutch couple were actually quite pleasant if very quiet, they understood the assignment. Well out of Yogyakarta's city core, it was time to head towards our first stop of the day, 'Prambanan Temple' that would be. Located in the 'Special Region of Yogyakarta', stood that 9th century Hindu temple compound. Dedicated to several forms, a higher power had been honoured during the construction of this remarkable temple. A 'UNESCO World Heritage Site', known as the largest Hindu Temple in Indonesia but second to 'Angkor Wat' in Southeast Asia. 

The driver dropped myself and the group off at the main entrance with us meeting a guide at the temple. I didn't appreciate having the extra guide nor having to make small talk in the group, that wasn't something I had expected. That blemish was literally a blemish, moving onto the temple ruins, it was then time to marvel at the true amazingness of that place of worship! Certain scaffolding could be seen, I didn't take any photos in that direction but kept the faith for a better view. I tried my best to climb up some of the steps as the designated temple pieces allowed for exploration, my body wouldn't forgive me for those steps! The visit to Prambanan inspired me, I really want to see Angkor Wat in the near future! My chosen photo was up close and personal, I didn't have time to snap those tourists because they were in every direction! My zoomed in shot impressed me much! Hydrating was important, I had almost had a funny turn, I didn't have time for dizziness! No, work messages weren't welcomed! Timing is everything! Yes!

'Cat Shit Coffee?' I meant to say 'Kopi Luwak!' I think it was a government requirement for us to stop at a mongoose coffee facility before lunch? Yes! I already knew about this 'poo' orientated coffee brew because a friend had gifted me some Indonesian Mongoose Coffee. I had not been so brave to try that coffee, it had been left unopened, I was not sorry! In that 2025 moment, I wanted to try everything! The driver had proposed we take a short break before lunch, I was up for it but the other four needed a kick up their rear end! I wasn't missing out on that 'expected' part of the day! I listened and paid attention to their script, it was interesting to see the sifted coffee beans that had been cleaned and separated. The mongoose 'cat-like' creatures were sleeping, that part I was the most relived about. This curious coffee drink had gone through a very specific process, I wasn't ready for the truth! Of course, I was open to trying a cup of this coffee! Coffee cherries? I was learning something new! Oh, cue the French! Here we go? Encore! 

As we were guided around there showroom like facilities, the employee informed us that the mongooses feast on these coffee cherries, they are fermented as they pass through the creatures digestive system. What goes in, well it must come back out but at the other end! Each mongoose react when natures calls, after they release the coffee cherries within excrement, this matter is collected separated and then used to process the coffee beans. After that insightful serving of information, we were ushered into a 'front room' with coffee being served to other groups. They were giving the hard sell but we were assured that the coffee was free that they served. I enjoyed that bitter cup of coffee, it did have a distinctive flavour. The French proclaimed that they had way better coffee in France! Somethings are better left unsaid because not everything is a competition, coffee is coffee! Impoli! Their snobbery was becoming apparent to the Dutch couple, there's an art to saying less. I bought a box of coffee, I supported their business. Facile! 

'Snake fruit?' You read that right! After leaving the coffee stop, the driver told us about a local fruit that tasted almost like an apple! Yes, an apple but it looked like it was wrapped in scaly snakeskin! That was another culture-bite that I could truly get my teeth into! The driver hooked us with that snake fruit connection, we didn't need to slither down the road because we headed over to that fruit spot with the quickness. I was not impressed with the others but like the coffee stop, I was adamant to get those two additions to the day documents because two temples wouldn't create a four photo "On The Road" blog situation without a variety of content! The devision was clear like the English Channel. Oh, I forgot it is "La Manche!" This is why Brexit happened! I joke! Those fruits were selected from a roadside seller, it was a simple yet culture filled operation, I paid hardly anything for a small bag of snake fruit.  They had an interesting taste, lunch time had not happened yet, I was hungry, it was a space filled! Oh, when was lunch?

We were given about 30 minutes for lunch, that was fine with me. The day was pressing on but the journey towards 'Borobudur Temple' had almost been made. Myself and the two couples made our way to the restaurant, I had kept quiet the whole day and these people didn't know anything about me. I wanted to give the Frenchies a reality check, obviously that serving of 'English tea' would definitely miss the usual sugary helping! I ordered the beef rendang with a bottle of Bintang. I was honest, I told them I worked in China, that made me feel better because no jet lag had been experienced with that mid haul flight I took from Shanghai. The Dutch couple were decent, the husband made conversation, he told me about the cost of living in the Netherlands. I had time for the Dutch contingent, the lady in the French connection had questions about China. Blocking their ignorance out, I loved my lunchtime portion of Indonesian flavours. The Bintang soothed me, I needed another libation other than water! Ooh!

Borobudur's reputation as the world's largest Buddhist temple in the world, that bold statement had peaked my interest from day one. Those Google images didn't do that real view justice, even during the planning stages of this trip, I knew that Borobudur would be featured. Dropped off at the gate we weren't, the driver ensured that we had our temple shoes and knew where we were supposed to go. I had not liked the guide situation at Prambanan, I unapologetically left that group situation behind, in most respects I don't entertain groups. I saw that gargantuan temple, I needed to also give myself time because my left leg had been battered three days previous or something? Those darkened stone formations grew closer, I didn't care about history, I cared about the postcard-like view the most! Those tourists did the most, I was not giving up those stunning views because her WeChat moments were more important! I was calm and cautious with my temple moves. Those rolling mountain views looked better than that pose! Honestly, B! 

I got my snaps regardless, the group had been left long ago, I navigated the temple on my own! I paced myself, with each flight of steps I gave myself a little break, those steep stone steps were no joke! The views were worth every stretch or ache, the clouds laid low with blue skies teasing the view. The stupas impressed me, giving me everything, each one of the 72 on view gave me something different. I soaked in every single second at the top because that piece of heaven would ultimately end. I had done, I had my photos and I knew that I needed to make my way back to the meeting point before time, I wanted to be early. Early, I was after walking for a little bit, I took a bus thing to the shoe collection station. I had experienced the best views during the trip, I needed Yogyakarta back in my life because I had dinner plans that evening, my Makassar flight was scheduled for the following day. The driver even allowed me to skip a set of stairs on the way out of the temple gates before heading back to Jogja! His review was duly earned! Oui! 

Borobudur Slayed! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure