Travel to Yogyakarta by Commuter Train: Beginning of an Adventure
My journey to Yogyakarta began from the Commuter Train (KRL). I was riding an electric train for the very first time for a long trip, and so I was apprehensive and excited at the same time. I departed from Jebres Station in Solo with a pounding heart. To secure a window seat, I arrived early and witnessed the station gradually getting filled with travelers heading to various destinations.
When the train started, I leaned back in my seat and enjoyed the scenery gradually shifting from an urban setting to more green surroundings. Occasionally, I saw vast rice paddies with farmers working on them and faraway hills. The gentle humming of the train wheels accompanied the serene atmosphere.
Inside the train, I observed a variety of passengers—some were busy with their phones, some were asleep, and others were chatting with their fellow travelers. A little girl sitting opposite me was excitedly pointing at the fields passing by, holding her mother’s sleeve.
‘Mom, look! So many cows!’ she said cheerfully.
Her mother smiled and nodded, gently stroking her daughter’s hair.
I liked to keep quiet, savoring the ride and fantasizing about all the destinations I would visit in Yogyakarta.
By the time I finally reached Tugu Yogyakarta Station on the train, I already had a renewed thrill of anticipation. The old-world architecture of the station was iconic, at once injecting the distinct Jogja vibe. Getting out, the city’s very own air—warmth, welcoming, and alive—greeted me, with the becak horn and smell of street food wafting on the streets instantly welcoming me home.
Day One: Greeting the Morning at Borobudur
I began my adventure by visiting Borobudur Temple after I had rested for a bit at my accommodation. I had only seen it before in school textbooks when I was a kid, and now I could finally observe its beauty firsthand. I visited there consciously early in the morning so that I could see the sunrise at the summit of the temple.
When the golden rays hit the well-placed stupas, I felt an aura that was hard to describe. The wind was still cool, and birds chirped only and the noise of light footfalls of visitors reached my ears. I moved to the upper level of the temple and remained there in awe contemplating the picturesque views.
I walked through the temple, reading the intricate relief sculptures of Buddhist scripture and myth. One of the older guides noticed my interest and willingly explained the meaning behind a few of the sculptures.
‘This one here,’ he pointed out, ‘is the story of a prince making his way towards enlightenment. Every sculpture is a lesson.’
Every nook and cranny of Borobudur seemed to hold a story just waiting to be uncovered. After wandering about, I descended and enjoyed a bowl of nasi megono—rice served with slices of young jackfruit seasoned with pungent spices. It was simple but delicious fare, perfect for complementing such a beautiful morning.
I next visited Punthuk Setumbu, which is a hill offering a bird’s eye perspective of Borobudur from far away. At this place, I saw the imposing temple situated amidst wispy mist enveloping the surrounding forest. It was absolutely stunning to look at!
Day Two: The Resplendent Prambanan & the Colorful Malioboro
On the second day, I visited Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. I was surprised at its grandeur before the main temple. The massive temple buildings created a stunning silhouette.
One of the guides explained to me the myth of Roro Jonggrang, the princess who was turned into stone when she rejected the marriage offer of Bandung Bondowoso. This increased my admiration for Indonesia’s culture. I stayed longer at Prambanan than I had planned, sitting in the garden that encircled it, enjoying the scenery, and chatting with other tourists.
I visited Malioboro Street, the hub of Yogyakarta’s nightlife, at night. I tasted gudeg, a sweet and soft local dish, and wedang ronde, a ginger drink served warm with chewy glutinous rice balls. The warmth of the drink ran through my veins, just perfect for the slightly cold night.
I also went to Beringharjo Market, where I noticed a batik fabric with a parang design that caught my eye. The vendor, an elderly woman, smiled and folded the fabric neatly.
‘This design symbolizes strength and determination,’ she told me.
I finally bought a beautiful blue batik fabric souvenir.
Day Three: The Mystical Parangtritis Beach
The third day, I decided to visit another side of Yogyakarta—the beaches. I chose Parangtritis Beach due to its known beauty and myths.
As soon as I got there, I was greeted by powerful ocean winds and enormous rolling waves. Unlike any other beach that I had visited, Parangtritis had a mystical feel.
I strolled on the beach, played on the beach, and afterwards sat at a tiny stall selling young coconuts. Drinking the refreshing coconut water, I conversed with an elderly vendor who explained to me the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul, the Queen of the Southern Sea.
‘People consider it unsafe to wear green here,’ he told me. ‘They believe the Queen of the Southern Sea favors that color.’
I took a look around and saw—almost nobody was dressed in the color green.
When the sun began to set, the sky turned golden-orange. The waves glowed since they were picking up the dying light of day.
Day Four: An Adventure in Gunung Kidul
On the last day, I yearned for something more thrilling and so headed for Gunung Kidul. My first stop was at Timang Beach, which is famous for the gondola ride over the sea. I was a little hesitant at first, but seeing others finish it, I gathered courage to attempt the same too. It was exhilarating! I could feel the power of the sea wind and see gigantic waves crashing the rocks below.
Then, I went to Jomblang Cave, renowned for its ‘heaven’s light’ effect. To go down to the cave floor, I had to descend using a rope 60 meters down. When the sun shone through the opening at the top and lit up the spectacular beam of light inside the cave, I was utterly shocked.
Conclusion
After four days of discovery, I believed that I had come to know Yogyakarta not only for its tourist attractions. This city is not only about its picturesque views but also about its past, legends, and the warm hospitality of its people.
As the commuter train that was bringing me home started to move away from Tugu Station, I gazed out of the window, watching the city fade away in the distance. But one thing was certain—I would return someday.
By: Ayu Puji Lestari
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