To many Singaporeans, a holiday in Indonesia means a short holiday in Bali, or possibly a weekend in Bintan or Batam. For so long, we've been missing out lots on what our neighbour is able to offer us, as i have have just found out from this most recent trip to central Java. Other than the famous UNESCO heritage sites of Prambanan and Borobudur, Central Java has some of the most beautiful pastoral scenery i've ever seen in all my years of travelling- A mix of padi fields and other crops set amidst the backdrop of lush tropical jungle and the occasional volcano, it looks a lot more natural then the endless palm plantations in many other parts of South East Asia. Of particular mention is Dieng Plateau, with its dramatic mountains and valleys of terraced fields, cool and crisp mountain air, and ancient hindu temples, it is truly deserving of its name- 'Abode of the Gods'.
Beautiful local restaurant at Solo
First look at Gunung Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in the world
Sun rising from between Merbabu and Merapi
Telaga Warna - Reminds me of JiuZhaiGou
The magnificent Borobudur Temple Complex - Built 100years befor Angkor
Misty Morning at Borobudur
My personal favourite - Prambanan Temple Complex
Padi Fields near Yogyakarta with Merapi smoking in the background
