Yogjakarta Pt 1 - Malioboro Street

On 30 Nov 2014, we reached Yogjakarta in Central Java at about 10.00 am after an overnight bus journey from Bali.  The bus dropped us at its company office  located in a shoplot in town.  As soon as we got off the bus, many passengers rushed to the toilet at the office including us as the last toilet stop was the previous night, 10.00 pm.  Though there was a toilet inside the bus, I never once saw anyone actually using it.  Anyway getting off the bus was a relief.

Busy Malioboro Street - vehicles, horse carts, trishaws, bikes etc

Horse cart on street - a tourist attraction

While waiting for the shuttle pick up to our hotel, we had coffee at a food stall nearby.  We instantly noted the difference in prices between Yogja and Bali.  If we had had that same coffee in Bali, it would have been double or triple the price.  Most of the food items were priced cheaper.  Soon we were hurdled into a shuttle van together with our bags and headed straight to our hotel.  While chatting with the van driver, we got a contact for van for hire. The van driver called his contact via his mobile and got us a quote for a one day tour to Borobudur and Prambanan.  We kept the contact number but did not commit to the tour just yet.

Yogja-styled bus stop - covered room and elevated for easy boarding 

Malioboro's landmark - the railway track that runs across the town

We reached our hotel, located just 15 minutes walk away from the famous Malioboro Street. We could not check in as we were early but the hotel staff allowed us to store our bags in their office.  This suited us fine and so, we went for a walk in town to look for food. 

The trishaw guys - happy that we gave them some business

Fried tofu with spicy sambal - one of the items we had during our Yogja stay

Food was plenty but I couldn't risk the kids eating street food at open food stalls along the walkway, at least not right away.  So while N had his food at a street food stall, the kids and I headed straight to McDonalds in Malioboro Street. The McD outlet was located in a shopping mall, can't remember the name of the mall.

The 'lesehan' restaurant that we patronised 

Dining Yogja style

Malioboro Street reminded me of Chow Kit Road in KL.  Petty traders, food stalls, budget hotels, street bazaars, busy streets etc.  There was plenty of food to suit our budget.  We were amazed at the night scene in Malioboro Street as the horse carts, trishaw rides and 'lesehan' dining become more visible and alive.  Lesehan is a unique way of dining where locals sit on matted floor with short legged-tables in the middle.  We tried it and it was not too bad. 

Night scene - Malioboro

We tried Yogja's famous nasi gudeg, rice served with chicken, lamb and mashed jackfruit. While eating, we were entertained by street singers including a ladybog with the most mesmerising voice.  People can donate money to these singers if they want to.

Nasi gudeg - the orange stuff is mashed jackfruit

Nasi lemak Yogja-style - quail eggs in sambal morning breakfast at the hotel

Yogja is the place to be if you want to buy shorts, t-shirts, souvenirs, sarong, etc as prices can be bargained.  Definitely cheaper than KL.  On our last night in Yogja, we took the horse cart ride.