Yogyakarta: Temples, Traditions, and Tastes

Our day began at the crack of dawn in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND), capturing the essence of our journey to Jogjakarta. This iconic site, the highlight of our trip, was just the beginning (SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA MOMENTS) of our temple exploration in Central Java. A short 2 km trip brought us to Candi Pawon Temple, a lesser-known but equally fascinating Buddhist temple. This small yet impressive structure, believed to be a royal tomb, remains a mystery (MYANMAR FROM MAE SAI) as to who might be buried there.

Borobudur - Yogyakarta: The Eternal Legend

With barely four hours of sleep (Jogyakarta The Kickoff), I was were up and ready, heading to the lobby by 4 a.m. A packet breakfast awaited me - two sandwiches and some cut fruits, enough to tide us over since we'd miss the hotel's breakfast service. By 4:45 a.m., we arrived at the entrance of Borobudur Temple.

Borobudur Temple, located in Central Java, Indonesia, is a monumental Mahayana Buddhist temple and the world's largest Buddhist monument. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famed for its intricate stone carvings, stunning architectural grandeur, and unique design that symbolizes the Buddhist cosmology with its three tiers: the world of desire, the world of forms, and the formless world (Pretoria South Africa Moments).

Yogyakarta - Indonesia: Just The Kickoff

Joining a group of five friends, one of whom took charge of all the arrangements (Pretoria Moments & Cape Town Nature Stunner), including our sightseeing, I embarked on a five-day, four-night adventure to Indonesia. Despite the person’s planning, I still made it a point to contact the travel agent to ensure I had a single occupant room (Korea Through My Eyes). With a mid-morning flight, I was up by 5 am and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport by 7 am. After a flight delay, we finally took off, landing at Adisutjipto Airport.

Upon arrival (Osaka Sunsets & New Delhi Revelation), we were greeted by our tour guide, Pak Adi. Lunch at Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant set the lovely tone for our trip. The rustic, woody ambiance complemented the delicious spread of achar (pickled veggies), stir-fried vegetables, fried chicken, sweet and sour fish, fresh fruits, and buah salak for dessert. The highlight for me was the sambal, which I couldn’t get enough of, especially with the keropok (fried fritters). Wow! The spicy power of Indonesia, which I had heard about from the helpers who come over to clean my house, was now validated after tasting it.

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

(Updated Version)

Curious about why Ms. Nava’s mutton curry is dubbed Kari Kambing Malaysia? It’s not just any mutton curry; it’s a beloved staple that resonates with Malaysians from all walks of life. Crafted with vibrant spices, this curry is perfectly spicy - just the way Malaysians love it. Can you almost taste it? I bet you’re nodding in agreement or perhaps even salivating (THAI RED MUTTON CURRY).

But wait, there’s more! I have a vast collection of mutton recipes, and despite sharing quite a number already, there's still more to explore - each with its own unique twist. From classic to innovative, you'll find variations to suit every palate. In fact, I’m sharing more than one recipe here, guiding you on how to tweak mutton curries into fresh, exciting dishes (MUTTON DIVERSE RECIPES).

Malacca: Magnetic Sightseeing Trail

Taking a pause from sightseeing in Malacca (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT) or Melaka, the historic gem of Malaysia, we found ourselves diving into local cuisine and switching hotels, all while giving our legs a much-needed break. Our adventure resumed with renewed energy, revealing meaningful and captivating sights that made us feel like explorers from a distant land, in this state.

Christ Church
Christ Church Malacca is a notable historical landmark in Malacca, Malaysia, showcasing Dutch colonial architecture. Built between 1741 and 1753, this red-bricked church commemorates a century of Dutch rule and serves the local Protestant community. Its Dutch design, original handmade pews, and an early 18th-century brass Bible add to its charm. We spent time inside, offering prayers and absorbing the serene atmosphere. The church’s tranquility provided a reflective pause, though our exploration soon continued. Don't miss the nearby clock tower, a significant historical feature connected to Christ Church.

Casa del Rio Melaka: A Night of Decadence and Daydreams

In the middle of our Malacca adventure (MALACCA'S FOOD FIESTA), we got this wild idea to switch hotels. No, nothing was wrong with our current digs, but the explorer in us just had to see what else was out there. So off we went, strutting down Jonker Street, popping into hotels and homestays like we were on some kind of luxurious treasure hunt. Spoiler alert: none of them clicked with us.

After looping around Jonker Street and finding nothing that screamed 'home away from home, I had a lightbulb moment. "Why not Casa Del Rio?" I suggested. The place had a fancy ring to it, but my wallet groaned at the thought. Still, curiosity won, and we waltzed into Casa Del Rio, inquiring about the rates. After a quick huddle, we took the plunge and booked a "Deluxe Lago/River Side Room." Two single beds? No problem. We threw in an extra bed, and guess who volunteered for the floor? Yep, that’s me.

Malacca’s Food Fiesta

What’s a journey without diving into a world of flavors? In Malacca (PORTUGUESE SETTLEMENT CUISINE), the culinary adventure is endless. We roamed the streets, tasting our way through an array of dishes that promised to thrill. Curious about our finds? Here’s a glimpse into our edible escapades (SOUTH AFRICA EXOTIC MEAT, MYANMAR STREET FOOD & JAPAN KOBE BEEF). 

Ondeh Ondeh Cenderella (Jalan Hang Kasturi)

What’s the deal with “Cenderella”? We had to find out. We grabbed a packet of ondeh-ondeh, or Buah Melaka, and watched the process of making these treats. Little balls of pandan dough, filled with palm sugar, are cooked until they float, then rolled in coconut. A delicate taste of sweet nostalgia, but it wasn’t the revelation we hoped for - one serving was enough.