By: Labodalih Sembiring
Yogyakarta will be featured in the next editions of Latitudes
Want to make the best of your final days in Yogyakarta after having visited all of its major attractions? Check out these five favorite places:
1. Lik Man’s Angkringan
A seller pushing his food cart, By: Dalih Sembiring
Unseen during the day, the popularity of Uncle Man’s Angkringan (food stall) among students, artists and activists as a gathering spot comes to light at night. The roadside tents selling Javanese snacks and drinks stand by Yogyakarta’s main train station. Sit around wooden tables near the traditional stoves or on matresses across from the tents, your choice, but be sure to try kopi jos, thick black coffee infused with burning charcoal that is sure to give it an extra kick.
2. Girijati Village
This small village lies on the southern part of Yogyakarta, on the border between Bantul and Gunung Kidul regencies. Lush and green and surrounded by streams of clear water, it is also home to Gembirowati Site, Beji Springs and natural caves. Often mistaken for a candi or temple because of its shape and coral rock reliefs, Gembirowati Site is the remaining platform of an early 19th century royal mansion. Beji Springs, on the other hand, boast a folktale: Locals believe it was the meeting place of Javanese hero Jaka Tarub and goddess Nawangwulan. Pilgrims perform rituals by the main pond or inside some of the caves on certain dates.
3. Pendopo nDalem
Pendopo nDalem’s Javanese dishes, cakes and herbal drinks are the perfect company for those coming with friends or wanting sit alone with a book or a laptop (free Wi-Fi connection available). This inexpensive restaurant takes up the whole porch of a royal house — marked by its green ornaments and antique furnishings — whose delightful ambiance makes it one of the best hidden spots inside the Yogyakarta Palace neighborhood’s fort. It opens at 6 p.m.
Jl Sompilan No 12 Ngasem Yogyakarta Indonesia
Tel/Fax : +62-274-385777
They are also on FaceBook.
Milas Vegetarian Restaurant
4. Milas Restaurant
Located on Prawirotaman IV, an alley on the first kilometer of Parangtritis Street, Milas is more than a place to eat. Surrounded by high walls, it is almost like a small village of people trying to raise awareness about health and the ecosystem through a vegetarian restaurant — so no plastic straws or alcoholic drinks. Milas’ local and Western recipes use organic ingredients, a substantial portion of which is homegrown. Next to its library is a gallery of handmade souvenirs (e.g. purses made out of recyled plastic bags), organic foodstuff, tea and soaps for sale. The dining area consists of huts set around a fountain in the middle of a garden. Complete with toys and a playing shed for children, Milas is a perfect choice for the whole family. It opens on Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and from 12 to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Oh, it plays cool music too.
Jl. Prawirotaman IV/127B, Yogyakarta
Tel: +62 274 742 33 99
Pasar Beringharjo, By: Bert Lanting
5. Beringharjo for some souvenirs shopping
Shop for anything from Batik clothes and antiques to traditional handicrafts as well as local herbs and spices in Beringharjo Traditional Market at the southern end of Malioboro Street, right next to the Vredeburg Fort. As the biggest traditional market in Yogyakarta, it has functioned as a center for the people’s economic activities since 1758. The market closes at 5 p.m., but food vendors always stay all around it until late at night.
Jl. Pabringan No. 1 Yogyakarta INDONESIA 55122
Telephone : +62-274-515871, 561510 fax: +62-274-561510
Latitudes is not responsible for incorrect or incomplete information in this article
