Yogya - Visiting the Temples
BOROBUDUR AND PRAMBANAN TEMPLES
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple on earth and is one of the wonders of the world (was one of the 7 wonders but I was told it WAS dropped from that distinction) . The other temple Prambanan is a large Hindu temple that was damaged from a large earthquake.
I would advise going to the temples during the weekday as they are very crowded on weekends with locals, very very crowded. And possibly go when its closer to sunrise or sunset, as it's very hot during the day. Have patience as there are many people trying to sell you stuff, ignore them completely if not interested as they are very persistant (very much at Borobudur, I found Prambanan to be very mellow for this comparitively).
You can find people selling water as well if you need it, often they might carry in black plastic bags. There is a really old guy selling big hats at Borobudur , if you have a big head he has 2 different sizes. He is persistant but nice and is so greatful if you buy a hat. He asked USD 5 to start, I think i paid USD 3 for one (2 for USD 5 maybe) it ended up being used on the rest of the trip so well worth it. Kind of cool/cheap souvenier that was useful and it semed to help the seller. :) I also bought a small heavy rock carving of the Buddhist elephant guy :) (yes i know he has a name...lol) (oh Asri informs me he is called Ganesha) and I bought a set of wooden puppets for IDR 70,000 with bases and a blow dart gun for IDR 50,000.
At Prambanan you can rent umbrellas to help with the heat. There is a nice little cafe to eat or get some tea as well.
Helpful note: right now the exchange rate is about IDR 9000 for USD 1, so IDR 50,000 = USD 5.50 or close to that.
The night before as we were walking around the Malioboro side streets by the Ibis Hotel we found a tour guide and registered for a full day tour for the next day for only IDR. 200,000 total - (around USD 11) per person (minimum 2 persons per tour), with a good car (Toyota Avanza) and all included (driver, gasoline, parking tickets, etc). The tour started at 7.30, the driver waited for us at the lobby of our hotel, we went to Borobudur, Kaliurang and Prambanan. He dropped us back off at the lobby in the early evening.
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