Haunted by spiralling population, economic and political problems, the most populous island in South East Asia is a land of contrasts with an uncertain future.
Java is an island of striking natural beauty, rich in cultural history. But it's getting harder to recognise it.
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| Favourite spots: |
1. The kraton is about a twenty-minute walk down Malioboro through interesting old village streets and is certainly worth a look. See richly decorated reception buildings, wedding carriages and a vast array of memorabilia documenting the sultan's life.
2. Jalan Malioboro is certainly where all the action happens; it's about one kilometre of stalls and markets that open early in the morning, trade all through the day and, at about 5pm, turn into a buzzing night market. Sensational.
3. The Ramayana ballet is worth attending even if you're not a fan of traditional Asian stage performances. 20,000rp gets you a 90-minute show with a talented dance troupe and full gamelan orchestra. It's a casual, well-organised atmosphere and you can meet the performers and even dance with them on the stage if you enjoy looking like an idiot.
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| What's really great: |
1. Catch a becak or even the horse-drawn dokar around the town - a leisurely way to travel and the locals have more time for a chat.
2. The Dieng Plateau is peaceful with an almost medieval feel and there are an abundance of attractions. See coloured sulphurous lakes that really are coloured, ancient seventh century Hindu temples and dozens of volcanic fissures spewing gases over a huge area.
3. Borobudur is one of the world's greatest Buddhist temples and is awe-inspiring.
4. A visit to the Prambanan Temples must also be on your list of things to do. Built around the same time as Borobudur to the west, this is the largest Hindu site in Java.
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| Accommodations: |
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The Mutiara is on Jalan Malioboro and is a mid-range place in the middle of the action, and has a range of rooms from budget through to expensive.
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| Restaurants: |
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The Cirebon, also on Jalan Malioboro attracts a steady stream of locals and foreigners with its (mainly) vegetarian specialties and convivial atmosphere -- all at good prices.
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Published on Wednesday June 5th, 2002
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Sat, May 03 2008 - 11:39 AM
 by mistybleu
| Interesting report, and I like your pictures of Borobudur |
Sat, Feb 26 2005 - 06:51 PM
by delfster
hi dave,
enjoyed your report. i like cirebon coffee shop at malioboro also... although it's not really the hippest place, yet really warm.
cheers,
-delvi- |
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