The Charming of Yogyakarta for International Filmmakers

“Yogyakarta is a volcano, a temple, a shrine and now a place to stay” – The New York Times

Candi Sewu (inside Prambanan Park)  for The Philosophers A.K.A. After the Dark - www.youtube.com

The name of Bali as a world’s class destination is becoming more popular after “Eat,Pray,&Love (2010)” movie success in the box office.  Yeah, in this film, Julia Robert and Javier Bardiem have great acting. The locations for this film are in 3 countries such as Italy (for “Eat”), India (for “Pray”), and Bali – Indonesia (for “Love”). The effects for tourism are WOW, and one of them is more tourists coming to this island until today. But yes, Australian tourists are still number one for international visitors. That makes sense because from Darwin – Australia to Denpasar – Bali is only 3 hours flight. Oh yeah one more, please “Get It Right” if Bali is not a country!. Don’t be a silly person in the digital era like this. 

 

 (www.filmrcithulk.wordpress.com)        

But, did you know if Bali is not the only one island in Indonesia that interested for foreigner filmmakers?. Anaconda 2 : The Curse of Black Orchid (2004), Savages (2012), Java Heat (2013), The Philosophers A.K.A After the Dark (2013), Beyond Skyline (2014 – Post Production), and Blackhat (2015) are just the examples. There are some more but have been flopped in the market, not famous. The titles above are more well-known for the moviegoers. Did you know if three of the films have been taken in Yogyakarta for the locations?. Here the list below is my explanation for some of  the movies above:

-       Java Heat (2013): Mickey Rourke, Kellan Lutz, Ario Bayu, Atiqah Hasiholan, & Rio Dewanto

 

The poster film of Java Heat (Borobudur as the background) - www.margatehousefilms.com 

 

The film was screened at the “Dallas International Film Festival” on April 4, 2013 then at the “Taormina Film Fest” on June 15 – 22. This film got various reviews from www.imdb.com , and for me Java Heat is still worth it to watch. Yogyakarta Special Region (or just “Yogyakarta”) and Central Java Province are the mainly locations for this drama-action-crime-thriller movie. The choices of locations are amazing. 

The locations are in Borobudur (World’s Largest Buddhist Archeological Site since 2012 – Guinness World Record, and one of World Wonders), Candi Sewu (The Biggest Ancient Buddhist Compounds in Indonesia), Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace), Tamansari (Yogyakarta Water Castle) and its underground area, and Malioboro (shopping street).

Kellant Lutz and Borobudur as its background - www.margatehousefilms.com

 

The story is fictive. Why? Never happened bomb case in Yogyakarta!. This is what I don’t like from the film. But, what I love from Java Heat is the screenplay, cinematography, and showing the Javanese traditions such as “Wayang Kulit” (Javanese Shadow Puppet) performance, Javanese “Batik”, and Javanese “Keris” (asymmetric dagger). When Mickey Rourke riding “Andong” (Yogyakarta Traditional Horse Cart) also cool!. I have favorite quotes from the film.

Quote 1:

Jake Wilde (Kellan)        : I flew in last week, and they invited me to this party. It’s informal, when I realized it’s    like Hawaiian shirt party.

Hashim (Ario Bayu)       : Batik. It’s called Batik.

Quote 2:

Jake                                :“Bule”?

Hashim                           : Literally, “stupid white person”. But, it can be a term of endearment.

Quote 3:

Hashim                           : Americans. You are like children. Always think you are “Rambo”.

Jake                                : You know Rambo? “I always thought the mind was the best defense.”

Hashim                           : “Weapon”!

Jake                                :  What?

Hashim                           : “I always thought the mind was the best weapon”.

Jake                                : See? That’s why we make a good team.

-       The Philosophers A.K.A After the Dark (2013): James D’Arcy, Sophie Lowe, & Bonnie Wright

 

 Prambanan, one of the settings for "After the Dark" - www.pinterest.com 
 

This science fiction psychological apocalyptic thriller film had awesome cinematography, very good complicated and unpredictable story, and got better critics from www.imdb.com then also www.rottentomatoes.com . The film premiered in competition at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival on 7 July 2013, and at Fantasy Filmfest on 21 August 2013. Then, finally has been released on February 7, 2014 in the United States, after the film changing the title from “The Philosophers” to “After the Dark. 

 

The poster film of "After the Dark" and Sewu Temple as its background - www.wikipedia.com 

The locations are in the different places in Indonesia like in Jakarta, Yogyakarta (Prambanan), Candi Sewu (Central Java Province), Bromo (East Java Province), and Belitung Island (nears Sumatera). I love the story and the cinematography. The film is showing the spectacular destinations in Java Island. Superb!. Thank you very much John Huddles!. Don’t worry, Bromo is fine even elementary school students can enjoy the view. Eruption in the film is just CGI, of course!.

Favorite Quote:

Georgina (Bonnie Wright)         : What we will do in Prambanan?

Mr.Zimit (James D’Arcy)           : Field trip.

-       Beyond Skyline (Upcoming in 2017): Frank Grillo, Bojana Novakovic, Iko Uwais, & Yayan Ruhian

 

 The Poster film of "Beyond Skyline" and Prambanan as its background, & the poster of the first film - www.teaser-trailer.com 

This is American science fiction action thriller film about alien invasion in Asia (especially Indonesia), and the second film after “Skyline (2010)”. The first film is taken in the US, got not good critics but box office in the worldwide!. Now, for the second film is located in Indonesia like in Yogyakarta (Candi Sewu, Sri Gethuk Waterfall) and Batam Island. There are two Indonesian martial artists here, Iko Uwais and Yayan Ruhian from “Merantau”, “The Raid” and “The Raid 2 : Berandal”. Beyond Skyline needs long post production because the CGI is more complicated than the first film. Be patient!.    

 Sri Gethuk Waterfall, Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia

-       Savages (2012):Taylor Kitsch,Blake Lively, Aaron Johnson, John Travolta, Salma Hayek,Benicio Del Toro

The poster film of "Savages" - www.uphe.com 

This American crime thriller film is really “dark”. Some scenes are really “breathtaking” and “messy”. It is very good action film, very good story, twist ending, and unpredictable plot. Mainly the location is taken in America and a little bit in Moyo Island, Indonesia (eastern Indonesia). You don’t know Moyo Island? Come on! You only know Bali?. Google guys!.

Favorite Quote :

Taylor                 : After we’ve done, let’s take vacation to Indonesia.

Blake                  : Indonesia? Wow. More than 10.000 islands, something? 

Pulau Moyo (Moyo Island),Indonesia - www.dutapulauseribu.com

And this is just information for you my friends. There will be more foreign filmmakers will come to Yogyakarta. Why? Did you know if Yogyakarta is the heart of Java? Even “The Huffington Post” and “The New York Times” have been wrote nice things about my city. Please read my last article about Yogyakarta, “Why Yogyakarta is Special for your Trip?”. For tourism destination, Indonesia is not only Bali. Go to Moyo Island! Go to Yogyakarta! Go to Borobudur!. Go to Sumatera, Kalimantan A.K.A. Borneo, Sulawesi A.K.A Celebes, Maluku A.K.A Moluccas, Lombok, Flores, Raja Ampat, and Komodo Island. Just pack & go!. Go..go..go!. 

Kawah Ijen

(A volcano with green lake, sulfur mining, blue fire, and amazing trekking route)

If you are reading my articles, you will get more understanding geographically about Indonesia. Mostly international tourists know about Bali if talking about my country, but that is in the past before internet exists. THAT is long long time ago, dudes!. The effect of internet is making every traveler smarter. 

Right now yes Bali is still top destination in Indonesia, but many new destinations are raising my friends especially in Java Island, Sumatera Island, Kalimantan Island, Sulawesi Island, Lombok Island, Flores Island, Komodo Island, Bunaken Island, Sumbawa Island, Moluccas Island, and Raja Ampat Island. See? Indonesia is a big country! More than 17.000 islands!. And, mostly population in Indonesia is living in Java Island (about 140 million). 

This article focuses about one rising destination in Java since few years ago, Kawah Ijen AKA Ijen Crater, one of the most popular volcano destinations in Indonesia.

 

The map of volcanoes in Indonesia (Doc.Wikipedia)

Indonesia has so many volcanoes (more than 100), and imagine if every local government in every provinces in my country make the volcanoes as tourist destinations. Unfortunately, not all local governments are aware about this. Until today only Bromo (East Java Province), Ijen (East Java Province), Tangkuban Perahu (West Java Province), Dieng (Central Java Province), Merapi (Yogyakarta Special Region), Merbabu (Central Java Province), Semeru AKA Mahameru (East Java Province), Rinjani (Lombok Province), and Kelimutu (Flores Province) are very popular for European tourists, local tourists, and Asian tourists. 

The beauty of Kawah Ijen

How to go to Ijen? There are 3 ways to go there. Here we go:

-                      Yogyakarta : European tourists mostly travelling to Yogyakarta – Bromo – Ijen – Bali. Then for Gili Islands or Lombok, they can go independently. This way is only famous for European travellers. I call this trip as Java – Bali Overland. This is a legend and classic trip, also full of adventures. Imagine, the combination of ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, city tour, volcano destinations (Bromo and Kawah Ijen), then leisure destinations like in Bali or Lombok (Gili Islands). It is a complete package trip, isn’t?

-                      Surabaya : Thanks for the new international airport in Surabaya, so that many direct flights from Singapore and Malaysia. If you are European, you can go to Bromo first, and then go to Ijen. After that, you can go to Bali by crossing the strait with Ferry from Ketapang Port in Banyuwangi District – East Java to Gilimanuk Port in Bali (just 1 hour guys!). But if you are Asian tourists, better you take Ijen first then Bromo for the last. After that, back to Surabaya for return to your country. 

-                      Bali :You can go to Ijen from Bali but this is not effective and efficient in time, except if your accommodation in West Bali National Park area or Lovina area, because not far from the Gilimanuk Port.

The sulfur miners in Kawah Ijen area

Reaching the paltuding post? There are two ways. Here we go: 
-          If your accommodation in Arabica Homestay or Catimor Homestay in Bondowoso District – East Java Province, you don’t need a jeep to go to the paltuding post (the starting point for trekking). You just need a car or long van to get there. The homestays are the nearest accommodation to the paltuding post.

-          If your accommodation in Banyuwangi District – East Java Province, you need a jeep or rent a good scooter. Please notice that, not every accommodation serves scooter. Mostly the travellers rent a jeep to reach the paltuding post.

 

The sulfur mining area at the bottom of the crater

Blue Fire? Blue fire is natural phenomenon that only two in the worlds (Iceland and Kawah Ijen). Many travellers have no idea about this attraction. You must bring special stuffs like special mask, anti-slip shoes, headlight, trekking sticks,  fit condition (you cannot go for Blue Fire if you have asthma and heart attack), and amazing camera. I’ve tried this attraction so I knew how it felt. Professional travel agents are never offering this attraction because too risky and absolutely dangerous. But many backpackers are doing this because they are ready for the consequences. You know what I mean, right?

 

Blue Fire at the bottom of the crater (Doc.www.vertlhorizon.com)

You must go at midnight (or before midnight) from your accommodation. From the paltuding post, you just follow the trekking route with your guide until the lip of crater of Ijen. Trekking at night is never easy and need more time (because less oxygen) . For local people or Asian, mostly need about 90 minutes until 2 hours for 3 km trekking route. So, around at 02.00 am from the lip of crater, you must go down to the sulfur mining area that close with the lake, because Blue Fire only in that area. Walking step by step and slowly, also need super focus and super concentration. No rush!. In this part, you need local sulfur miner to help you. 

Kawah Ijen (from different 'angle')

Around 03.00 or 03.30 am, you may enjoy the Blue Fire just right in front of you!. The sensation is super wow!. Do not stand too long in that area. After you get what you want (recording video or taking amazing photos), please return immediately to the lip of crater. Then, hike again to the secret area for the sunrise spot and you will take an amazing landscape of Ijen Lake from the best area. 

Enjoy your breakfast and waiting again until the sun shine goes through to the lake. You will never forget this experience in your lifetime. Blue Fire is not possible to conquer my friends but you need special preparation. You need 2 days 2 night, so that after this trip you may rest to revitalize your body.

 Kawah Ijen - sulfur mining area and a green lake

If Blue Fire is too difficult for you, you may choose the regular way. Go to the paltuding post by jeep or car from your hotel around 04.00 0r 04.30 am, and follow the trekking route then go to the secret area. Sorry, I cannot tell you. The regular way is more relax, and also spectacular you know. 

Other attractions? There are some by the way, but you cannot go if you only have time 1 day in Ijen. Kawah Wurung, visiting the sulfur river stream, coffee plantation, interview with local sulfur miners, visiting “the sulfur house”, clove plantation, and trying local Soto Ayam are very good additional attractions for you. Don’t forget to try the local coffee also!. 

As a professional and licensed guide, the safeties of clients are top priority. I never recommend Blue Fire except the clients want it with special “terms and conditions apply”. Need vacation? Contact me!.  

Bromo (Tips and Adv)

Mount Bromo is one of the main tourism destinations in Java Island, Indonesia

Bromo is the most popular volcano destination in Indonesia or might be in the world. The landscapes, views, plantations, sunrise spots, attractions, hiking routes, adventure things, traditions, shrines, temples, and cuisines make every traveler around the world falling love with this spectacular volcano. It is one of the ‘precious rare gemstones’ in Java Island and I am so proud living in this ‘Land of Rice’. Java Island is the real nature of paradise on earth. I have visited Bromo many times from different ways, and I am so glad can share this to you. Here the lists below is the good tips that you can try in Bromo : 

Mount Bromo is the most popular volcano destination in the world (the picture is taken from King Kong Hill)

How to get there? There are three ways to visit Bromo (from Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Malang). 

·      Yogyakarta is the second most popular destination in Indonesia after Bali for international tourists. After visiting important destinations in Jogja and its surroundings (Borobudur, Prambanan, Sultan Palace, Mount Merapi and Tamansari), travelers continue their journey to East Java Province by train or car. Mostly tourists from France, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Holland, Belgium, UK, Italy, and Norway are taking the route like this with their professional guides. They can stop in Jombang or Mojokerto train station (the drivers are waiting in the train station), then go to Bromo highland by car. 

·      Surabaya is the capital of East Java Province, and has a quite big International Airport. Mostly, Singaporean, Thai, South Korean, Philippine, Vietnamese, and Malaysian tourists are traveling to Bromo from this capital. 

·      Malang is the second biggest city in East Java Province after Surabaya. This route is only good if you have time to explore Malang first before traveling to Bromo. 

The Golden Sunrise in November (from King Kong Hill)

Routes? There are two routes to go to Bromo highland (from Nongko Jajar – Tosari and Probolinggo or Pasuruan – Cemoro Lawang). Rent a car or long Elf is extremely recommended to make your trip memorable. 

·      The route from Nongko Jajar to Tosari village has better views and landscapes, less traffic jam than Probolinggo or Pasuruan city and faster to reach, if you are from Malang city or Mojokerto train station (about 2,5 - 3 hours). If you are from Jombang train station, you need a little bit more time.

·      The route from Probolinggo or Pasuruan city to Cemoro Lawang village is more traffic jam, less good views and landscapes, and needs longer time (about 3 – 4 hours). This route is only good if you are from Surabaya (Juanda International Airport), and you don’t have a choice. But, in my opinion still spectacular.

The View of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from Love Hill aka Bukit Cinta)

Accommodation? Bromo highland has two parts (eastern and western). In the eastern part there are so many types of accommodation (guesthouses, homestays, cottages, hotels, hostels, and local houses). 

The Golden Sunset in Lava View Cottage or Bromo Permai areas (Cemoro Lawang area) 

 

·      Eastern part (Cemoro Lawang area) has good view if you stay in Lava View Cottage, Bromo Permai, Café Lava, and many guesthouses here. You can get free sunset if you stay in Lava View Cottage or Bromo Permai. But, this area very popular, you must book minimum 3 months before and of course a quite expensive. 

It is still in the eastern part (before Cemoro Lawang), in the Wonotoro Village (Desa) there are some cheap local houses with clean and good rooms for budget travelers (around 20 – 30 USD). But, you must interact with local people and a little bit patients to find it or you can ask your professional guides to help you. Or, if you don’t have problem with money, you can stay in the most luxurious resort in Bromo highland (Jiwa Jawa Resort) with its famous café and gallery (Java Banana Gallery). 

·       Western part (Tosari area) has a 3 star hotel with okay facilities and quite good enough services. But, the good thing from Tosari is very easy to find cheap local houses with clean and good rooms (20 USD – 25 USD). You need help from your professional guides to get the best rate. 

The view of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from Pananjakan Point 1)

Sunrise Points? Do you trust so much with your traveling guide books? Forget it my friends! The authors absolutely have no idea. There are two main places for sunrise in Bromo with the goodness and the badness. 

·         Mount of Pananjakan sunrise points is the most popular mountain for sunrise and the best of the best view and landscape of Bromo in the morning. In this mountain you can find 7 points for sunrise and landscape with its own angles of photography (Pananjakan point 1, King Kong Hill area with its 4 points, Love Hill, and Seruni Hill). Pananjakan point 1 is the most popular but unbelievable and uncomfortably crowded location. King Kong Hill is an excellent point for you who love a location with less people, not crowded, and good for tranquility moment for your mind and soul.

The View of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru (from King Kong Hill)

·         Bromo Crater Point has unique angle for sunrise and you don’t need jeep at all to reach the crater. You must stay in Cemoro Lawang area for accommodation, and then walk to the Sea of Sand and hiking a little bit until the crater of Bromo, then waiting in this area for sunrise. 

You can do this if the situation in Bromo is wary or “waspada” in Indonesian. Maybe the sunrise has unique angle of photography but you cannot see the magnificence view of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru in one single frame. Bromo Crater Point is the worst view but cheap. This point is only good for budget travelers (everything has price mates!).

 You can hike in the different way if you want

Hiking Route? Yeah, there is one route to hike from Seruni Hill to King Kong Hill, and then continue to Pananjakan Point 1 (if you like the crowdedness). It is hardcore route and mostly for travelers who don’t have money to rent a jeep or hiking maniac. You must have strong vitality and endurance, proportional body, and strong legs. You absolutely need a professional guide because you don’t know the field and the route. Don’t risk your life. 

Hiking to the Bromo Crater

Another Hiking Route (Mount Batok)? Hell yeah! This route is really really insane dudes!. After hiking from Mount Pananjakan, you can walk to the Sea of Sand to hike Mount Batok (the neighborhood of Mount Bromo). I never bring my clients to hike this crazy route if the fee is not good. Never!.

Jeep Driver? Be a good tourist!. Mostly drivers in Bromo highland are freelance. You are never being poor if giving IDR 30.000 – 50.000 for your jeep driver. Trust me! You gonna feel good in your heart and soul. 

Although in the situation like in the picture, Bromo is still safe for tourists. Don't trust so easily from media (for media a bad news is a good news)

Bromo Trip ? Wake up early in the morning around 02.30 – 03.30 am (it depends on the location of your accommodation), then go to Mount Pananjakan by Jeep. At 06.00 am back to the jeep to go to the Sea of Sand, then walking and hiking to reach the Bromo Crater (Kawah Bromo). You also can rent a horse if your body exhausted. Go down from the crater to the slope of Bromo, then visit Pura Luhur Poten aka Bromo Temple (sometimes closed, sometimes open), then back to the jeep. This is the normal trip in Bromo. 

Pura Luhur Poten aka Bromo Temple is additional destination for you

Notes : 

·        Sunrise is not the main attraction in Bromo. I don’t understand why so many tourists crazy about it. It is only additional attraction my friends!. The main attraction is the view and the landscape of Mount Bromo, Mount Batok, and Mount Semeru in far distance and in one single frame for your photo. The last, please understand that this is nature. 

·         There is no guarantee about sunrise or clear weather. Sometimes Bromo is smoky and foggy my friends. But according to my experiences, it is very rare for the cases like that in the morning. According to my experience again, the view and the landscape are spectacular if you can see the beautiful Milky Way Galaxy at night with amazing stars before sunrise. Mark my words. 

Rent a horse if you wanna try different sensation (The picture is taken by Kristoff Hotiu, my friend from Belgium)

Need a professional guide? Need a car, a long Elf, a micro bus or a big bus ? Need a jeep for Bromo? Need a reasonable accommodation? Need someone to arrange your trip? Whatsapp: +6285669307197 (Yoga Efendi).

Additional Information:

·         Ticket for International Tourist per pax             :

Regular Days                           : IDR 220.000 (about 20 USD) – since 2014

Holiday & National Holiday     : IDR 320.000 (about 30 USD) – since 2014 

·         Transportation    (Local or International Tourist):

Rent a Horse           : IDR 100.000 – 150.000        (about 10 – 13 USD)

Rent a Jeep             : IDR 450.000 – 1000.000      (about 38 – 77 USD)*. 

*The price depends on the season (Low – High – Peak). 

*The rate   of 1 USD = IDR 13.000     (July 2016). 

·         You must have Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for transaction in my country. But sometimes, USD and EURO are still accepted.