Indonesia – Java Island Highlights

While planning my trip to Indonesia, I was looking for an alternative to Bali due to overtourism, and a friend from my pharmacy background suggested flying to Yogyakarta on Java Island. It turned out to be a very authentic experience. On the one hand, I saw incredibly beautiful nature and met kindhearted people who would simply start conversations with you on the street. On the other hand, there were also visible challenges, such as poverty and environmental issues.

Getting around Indonesia is easiest by hiring a private driver, which is affordable – around 15 euros per person per day. In general, I found the prices for food and daily expenses to be the lowest I have experienced so far compared to other countries. Similar to Singapore and Malaysia, multiculturalism is very present, with different religions and traditions coexisting throughout the island.

One of my favourite moments was watching the sunset at Parangtritis Beach, followed by the incredible view from the nearby hills overlooking the coastline. What makes it special is the contrast. Behind you, green vegetation stretches down the slopes, almost like a tropical jungle, while in front of you the landscape opens up to a wide, windswept coastline. It is this meeting of greenery and open shore that gives Parangtritis its distinct atmosphere. The region around Yogyakarta is also home to some of the most impressive temples in Southeast Asia. I visited Borobudur, the largest active Buddhist temple in the world, built in the 9th century and designed as a massive stone structure symbolising the path to enlightenment. One tradition is to touch the Buddha statue inside a stupa (the bell-shaped structures), which is believed to bring good luck.

I also explored Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, also known as “The Temple of a Thousand Temples” (Candi Sewu). Built in the 9th century during the Mataram Kingdom, it was dedicated to the Hindu gods, with the main towering temples honoring Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The complex is especially known for its tall, intricately detailed structures and rich carvings that tell stories from Hindu epics. Another unique place was Gereja Ayam (often called the “Chicken Church”), which is actually shaped like a pigeon, a symbol of peace, love, and freedom. It was built as a house of prayer open to people of all religions, representing unity and tolerance.

During my time in Yogyakarta, I also visited the organisation Yayasan Sayap Ibu Cabang. Their main goal is to reunite the children with their families whenever possible, and if not, to support them in finding an adoptive home as soon as possible. The foundation has three locations across Jakarta, Banten, and Yogyakarta. In Yogyakarta, there are orphanages for newborns and toddlers, children and young adults, and children with disabilities.

Playing with the babies brought them so much joy – moments like these will stay with me for a long time. With just a little attention, their whole day lights up. Being kind to one another gives my life meaning, and it’s something I feel is often missing in today’s society. I would truly recommend that anyone visiting a developing country takes the time to visit a place like this, make a small donation, and spend even just half a day there. It is a simple way to give something back, and at the same time, it offers a perspective that stays with you long after the trip ends.