Watch the dancers in the 'Kraton' or Keraton'

Every sunday morning (except for the Ramadam-period) you can enjoy these special performances.

The dancing is done by very pliant , long , lean people. With really fine fingers and limbs.

The movements are elegant and mystic and find their origin in a long and distand past.

The costumes are adorable....

The music is performed by a complete Gamelan Orchestra.

The performance is included with the entrane fee.

Batik

We saw quite a lot of the local handicrafts while in Yogya including a Batik factory and a silver factory.

Batik designs are made by covering parts of the fabric in wax to prevent dyeing-the wax is then melted and the previously dyed parts are then covered in wax so the next dyeing stage can take place.

Sounds complicated-but interesting to watch and even have ago.

Discover the World's Largest Buddhist Temple!

If you have not seen this with your own eyes, you haven't been to Yogyakarta!

The Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is believed to be the world's largest buddist temple located at the Borobudur District. It was built by Sanmaratungga in the 8th century and belongs to Buddha Mahayana. Believe me or not, Borobudur Temple was revealed by our very own Singapore founder, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, in 1814! Wow! All Singaporeans, you must visit this place discovered by our very own founder!!!

In total, there are 10 floors, with the top floor known as the "Nirvana". To reach there, you need to climb 1,000 steps. To me, it's like climbing 2,000 steps as each step is twice the height of the step in Singapore!!! *grin*

Also, it was believed that if you can reach into a particular stupa with the buddha, (for guys, you need to touch the hand and the ladies, you need to touch the foot), all your wishes will come true. So, that particular stupa is located on the east wind of the temple on the 10th floor! Check with the locals and they are able to tell you! Have fun!

For more details on the temple, visit my travelogue!

Discover the Ancient Story at Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple was badly affected during the earthquake this year , May 2006. Currently, the site is closed and restoration would take some time for this beautiful ancient site. Let's hope that the restoration will be completed soon and it's glory will be restored again!

Prambanan temple is located some 17km from the city of Yogyakarta. Tourist can't miss this site as it is only a hundred metre off the main street.

It was said that the hindu temple is built in the 9th century, consisting three courtyards. Sadly, many years back, some parts of the temple is destroyed during a volcano eruption. Nevertheless, this is a site to visit during your stay in Yogyakarta.

Do note that the entrance fee for tourist is different from local. The entrance fee is USD10 (if I see the signage correctly! *grin*). Surrounding the temple is a very large and beautiful garden.

Also, you decide to do solo, there are local guides who would be able to explain to you what each statue or shrine mean for a small token