Yogyakarta – VAGABOND IMAGES

An old fashioned ride on Yogyakarta streets

Upendra SwamiJanuary 2, 20191575 Views4

On all long drives, when I am not behind the steering wheel, I will normally sit on the seat adjacent to driver. I have two reasons, one I will like to have full view of the road ahead, secondly and most importantly, I will like to keep a close eye on the driving to keep it safe. I will like to ensure, driver is comfortable, not sleepy, attentive and careful. Well, Becak ride in Yogyakarta didn’t give me the option for the second one. A Becak on the streets of Yogyakarta Actually, Becak ride was one of the most unusual one in a sense. The passenger is right in front and the one who controls the ride is behind. You have no idea at all about what the person is upto. So, as a passenger I was sitting in upfront with full uninterrupted view of the road ahead—without any intention...

InternationalPhotogallery

Wonderful journeys: Bandung to Yogyakarta on train

Upendra SwamiDecember 16, 20182415 Views5

I had always believed that whenever you visit a place, once must experience the local public transport. It gets you connected with the people and also lets you feel the pulse of the place, its culture and growth. But, it is also true that whenever you get to have such experiences, there is no way that you can escape from having the comparisons on the back of your mind. Outside Bandung railway station in Indonesia However contrary you might try to do, you will always be reminded of the experience back home of the same public services. You will even remember it when you are back and using the same services in routine at your home town, trying to recall that how better or worse it was abroad. Although it is not always fair because the traffic, the volume of passengers, frequenc...

InternationalReviews

A bit of old world charm at Yogyakarta

Upendra SwamiApril 9, 20171620 Views6

Yogyakarta on the Indonesian island of Java is often called locally as Jogja or Jogjakarta. It is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. Hence it was quite apt for us to have stayed in a hotel known for its heritage itself. The Phoenix was such a hotel. The original building was built in 1918 as a private residence of a trading company owner. At a time of recession in 1930s this building was auctioned. The new owner rented it out to a Dutchman who converted it into a pensioner's hotel by the name of "Splendid". From their the journey of almost a century has brought the hotel to its present day avatar. This hotel has got a very distinct charm. It is certainly not of those big hotel types, but it has got a unique appeal that takes slightly back into history. ...

InternationalPhotogallery

Amazing Ramayana Ballet of Java

Upendra SwamiOctober 4, 20161457 Views2

These are days of Ramlila around the country and perfect time to see Ramayana as performed in different parts of world. Prominent among them is Indonesia. The islands of Java, Bali and Sumatra still have the historical hindu influence and they still follow the hindu culture and traditions. Java is also famous for its theatrical rendering of Hindu epic Ramayana. Although the story is more or less the same, but the presentation in traditional Java style is very fascinating. It is one of the high points for tourists visiting Java, specially Yogyakarta. Ramayana Ballet is performed at Purawisata, located just one kilometre from Jalan Malioboro at Yogyakarta in Indonesia. Purawisata is a place where legendary Ramayana Ballets are performed. This particular Purawisata is very close to Yog...

InternationalPhotogallery

A Shiva in Indonesia at Prambanan

Upendra SwamiAugust 7, 20162281 Views8

Having talked about Borobudur Temple in Indonesia earlier, Prambanan temple can't be left far behind. We have seen some sunset photos of the Prambanan Temple earlier, its now time to talk in some detail about it. Prambanan temple is in central Java and close to city of Yogyakarta. It is largest hindu temple in Indonesia located in area which is termed as Prambanan plains. It is also one of the biggest in South East Asia. Prambanan temple is dedicated to tridev- Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh (Shiva). There are six main temples- Shiva in the centre, Brahma to his right and Vishnu to his left. And right opposite to temples of these three deities are the three temples of their respective vahanas- Nandi in front of Shiva, Garuda in front of Vishnu and Hamsa (swan) in front of Brahma. All t

InternationalPhotogallery

Borobudur Buddhist Temple: spectacular & outstanding!

Upendra SwamiJuly 25, 20162933 Views9

We visited Borobudur temple in the third leg of our Indonesia trip, when we were stationed at Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is the biggest city close to this UNESCO world heritage site. Borobudur at Magelang in Central Java province of Indonesia is a Mahayana Buddhist Temple built in 8th and 9th centuries. It has been recorded as the largest Buddhist Temple in the world. But not just that... it is not just because of its size. It is considered to be one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world and for that matter, among the greatest monuments in the world. Complex is huge and very artistically and geometrically built. It wasn't possible for us to see it from the top, but this aerial image (below) taken from internet gives an idea of what this structure is like. In the image below yo...

InternationalPhotogallery

Magical sunset at Prambanan Temple

Upendra SwamiMay 7, 20161557 Views9

From Goa to Bali, no two sunsets are ever same- not even two sunsets at same place for two days, more so not even a sunset at same place on same day remains same even a moment later. Many a times you don't feel contented even after a beautiful sunset, you crave for more... even more. That's how I feel after every sunset. So here is a sunset at historical Prambanan temple in central Java in Indonesia. This is close to city of Yogyakarta. Well, will talk later about temples of Prambanan separately, which is largest hindu temple in Indonesia. Here, its only about this magical sunset- This particular sunset was taken from the main temple of the complex in the centre, which is a Shiva temple. We were fortunately late to reach Prambanan, hence I was able to get this sunset view from best ...