After the tragic eruption of Gunung Merapi in 2010, the locals, while keen on rebuilding, have also decided not to let the ruins go to waste. The legendary gate keeper of Gunung Merapi, Mbah Marijan’s home is now a tourist attraction.
I first knew about Gunung Merapi and Mbah Marijan when I visited Kaliurang in 1993. The video below documents my recent visit, this time bringing my kids along.
After witnessing the devastation effects of fiery Merapi, I took them to the watery world of the Indian Ocean, the domain of Nyai Roro Kidul. It was a long drive from Kaliurang to Pantai Kukup on the south coast of Java facing the Indian Ocean. We stayed overnight here.
From here, we went back to Yogyakarta before taking a train to Jakarta where we spent a couple of days shopping and feasting before flying back to Singapore. An enjoyable and economical trip.
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