Planning a solo adventure? The good news is, you’re not alone. On average, around half the members of a small group adventure will be travelling on their own. Numbers may vary from one holiday to the next, but more people are heading off on solo adventures – and why not? Then, when thinking about a location for solo adventures, what do we look for? A city with sights our eyes have never seen, and a destination so unique, it’ll leave us with memories that’ll last forever, agree?
Yogyakarta should be the best place to visit. With such an enormous selection of things to do, it is no wonder that Yogyakarta features on many travellers' itineraries. With fantastic transport links all around java, and a well-connected airport, truly, it is a place to experience. This is reflected also in the variety of choices on offer, from budget dorms that cater to backpackers, to finely decorated boutique hotels offering very personalised services, there is something to be had for everyone who visits Yogyakarta, the heart and soul of Java. Halaltrip explores some of the amazing things you can do there:
Picture Credit - www.yogya-backpacker.com
Have you ever wanted to try sandboarding? Save yourself from planning an expensive trip to Africa! Simply travel to Yogyakarta for a more accessible alternative. What makes Parangkusumo sand dune unique is the Barchan sand dune. Besides that, the occurrence of sand dunes or sand banks is considered an unusual phenomenon in Yogyakarta, an area that has generally very high rainfall. The sand dunes here are different from other sand dunes in the world. Based on studies conducted by experts, this sand dune comes from the eruption of Mount Merapi whereby the sediments are carried by rivers to the south coast of Central Java. Sounds unusual right? So, when you want to find Yogyakarta tourist attractions for your solo adventure let’s try visit Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo. Beside that, Parangkusumo Beach is one of the popular Yogyakarta beach and is a must-visit!
Picture Credit - www.forestravelling.blogspot.com
The Merapi Lava Tour is an off-road adventure on the slopes of Merapi Volcano with a serious backstory. The tour is held around the region most affected by the last volcanic explosion. During the tour, you are driven around on a 4×4 jeep through a beautiful landscape. You will also visit some of the villages that were abandoned following the last eruption. This is definitely one of the interesting things to do in Yogyakarta when you are visiting the city. And yes, you can do it for your next solo adventure! Maybe you'll find something unique when you're travelling alone.
Curious about the modern food in Yogyakarta? Who says you just can eat traditional food? Want to find Halal food near you in Yogyakarta? Then, you can visit The Captain Urban Lounge that offers lots of mouthwatering snacks such as nachos and tacos. It located in Damai Street Number 41, Yogyakarta. If you’re looking for a heavier meal, the pasta here can never go wrong! Wanna try?
Picture Credit - www.peterloud.co.uk
Yogyakarta has a long history of acculturation between cultures, a process whereby dominant cultural influences supersede, borrow or modify ideas and practices from other cultures. So, you'll find not only an eclectic mix of traditions, but multiple religions and cultures living in harmony among a predominantly Muslim population - a rare and incredible example of tolerance for our day and age. You can even experience many of the traditions each group has preserved, especially in rural areas. Yogyakarta is filled with cultural tours and events celebrating Javanese culture on a large scale, and some of these traditions cannot be found in other parts of Indonesia. The most popular cultural artefacts and performances are batik designs, shadow puppets, Javanese dance, Gamelan music, kebaya dress and so on, are very easy to find throughout the city.
Don’t worry about finding mosques and prayer places in Yogyakarta, there are several popular prayer places such as Masjid Gedhe Kauman, St. Fransiskus Xaverius Church, Pura Vaikuntha Vyomantara etc. Also, Muslim-friendly tours to Yogyakarta are available, so prepare yourself and find whatever you need on Yogyakarta travel blog.
Picture Credit - www.indonesia-tourism.com
Find a calm place to sit and meditate behind a watery curtain, where you will find beautiful, exotic scenery dazzling your eyes. Wow, that would be great for your solo adventure! You'll feel like you're in the Grand Canyon, because what lies in front of you are carved rocks, naturally arranged, forming a great picture of natural beauty. The rock formations appeared by the natural process of water erosion. The site is found in Juminahan street, Sampang Village, Gedangsari Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta. Even though the best time to visit Yogyakarta would be from mid-late August for its ideal weather, you can still visit this place any time of the year, so don't worry about the weather.
Picture Credit - www.xplorea.com
Looking for a Halal tour to Indonesia with a great adventure? Visit Jomblang Cave! The climb into Jomblang cave can be difficult and muddy, and maybe you’ll wake up with sore arms and legs the next day, but it is so worth it! Capture the "light from the heavens" on camera, and you need to capture it immediately, because it only lasted for a few seconds when we were there. Abseiling down 6 stories might seem daunting but it’s a thrilling adventure you wouldn’t want to miss. Take the leap of faith and step into a another world in this collapsed forest-turned-cave. A short trek through darkness would take you face to face with one of the most spectacular views ever. Wear clothes that you no longer want anymore, so that you can throw it away immediately. Bring a pair of socks for the boots, a shower cap for the helmet and a clean set of clothes to change into. Put your phone into a waterproof bag which you can hang around your neck, and use your phone as a torch, as the cave can be very dark at some points. It was such a great experience for us!
Picture Credit - www.javabalitrips.com
Did you know that Indonesia is a country that has many prehistoric relics? One proof is one of the world's oldest human fossils have been found in this country. If you’re keen on prehistory, you should visit Yogyakarta, as many prehistoric relics were discovered there, around the city. Two of them are the famous Borobudur Temple (largest Buddhist temple in the world) and Prambanan Temple (largest Hindu temple in Indonesia). There is even a temple recently discovered, currently being excavated and studied. So this place could be a paradise for archaeologists. Otherwise, you can go shopping in Yogyakarta. Just visit Malioboro, major shopping street in Yogyakarta, located in the heart of the city, this is the main street and was once the ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the Keraton. Don't ever feel reluctant to bargain when you're about to shop in there, the final price is usually determined by your bargaining skills, and your final offer.
Picture Credit - www.bristolindonesiansociety.wordpress.com
As you may know, each region of Indonesia has its own special delicacy. In Jogja, the most-wanted dish is the Gudeg, which tastes very distinct from any other Indonesian dishes. Gudeg is made of Jack fruit, cooked with coconut milk and spices, which gives it a sweet and spicy taste, as you can guess. In addition, it is usually prepared with cow skin, eggs, soya cake, and chicken, definitely a must-eat in Yogyakarta! You may go to Gudeg Bu Tjitro on Janti street or at Gudeg center in the area of Wijilan. You can however, find it in many places, or ask a local that you meet during your trip to give you a good address. So for all you food lovers, you should also visit Yogyakarta. Leave your mundane city life behind and head out to new, great adventures with this Yogyakarta itinerary.
Finally, one of the greatest lessons you’ll learn while solo traveling is that people are open and welcoming no matter where you go, as long as you are, too. So, when it’s easiest to head straight for your tent, grab your headlamp and book, and curl up in your sleeping bag, give a thought to the conversations you may be missing fireside. Pretty quickly, if you were shaking in your sandals before your trip, you'll realize that although it’s true you came alone, you've never been more surrounded by good company. It's easy, just remember to read HalalTrip Travel Tips to prepare for your solo adventure! Woohoo!
Riri Anggraheni started her career as journalist on television and newspaper. Working as a journalist gives her opportunity to develop her writing talent and traveling hobby. She is also a freelancer in the field of SEO, business, blogging and event organizing. Her mission is to inspire many people through her work and activities. Until now she actives in various social NGO. Do not hesitate to contact her via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/riri-anggraheni-eka-rimandasari-29b42a91
