On our first day after we had landed in Solo, we went straight to Jogja and checked in. After a short rest we went for a city tour. The places we visited were The Keraton, Pasar burung and Pasar Batik. Pasar Batik is at a place called Malioboro, a shopping area. You can choose to ride a 'beca' or a 'kereta kuda' if you are interested in ala Jogja city tour.
Later in the evening we left for Parangtritis to view the sunset from a cliff.
Parangtritis
Local legend claimed that Parangtritis Beach is the location of the palace of Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, the ruler of the Southern Ocean invisible world. Parangtritis beach is one of tourist attraction offering a beautiful sunset, Langse cave and other interesting sites.
Sunset at Parangtritis. The ray started to shine on the clouds.
Gumbirowati Highland
This is the place where we get the pleasure of viewing the Parangtritis sunset.
The Langse Cave
The Langse cave is located on the foot of Parangtritis slope. It is a known place for meditation . According to legend, the Langse cave is Kanjeng Ratu Kidul's cave where Mataram's kings often visit. It was also said the opening of the cave will be covered by water during high tide thus preventing entry or exit at that particular time.
On the next day we went to Ketep Pass to see the peak or lava dome of Gunung Merapi. On the way, we had a short stop to view Candi Prambanan, Candi Seribu and a few other lesser candi.
Candi Prambanan and Candi Seribu
Prambanan is a beautiful region. In ancient time, it was capital of a Kingdom known as "Kraton Boko". Candi Prambanan is a hindu temple and there are 237 big and small temples in it. On certain nights they have plays of 'Ramayana and Mahabbrata'.