One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Mt. Merapi’s name literally means “mountain of red fire.” The mountain, which looms over Borobudur, occupies a sacred place in the hearts and minds of many Javanese. When it’s not closed or partially closed due to volcanic activity, Merapi also makes for a spectacular volcano hike or climb.
The name of Semarang’s signature sight, Lawang Sewu, translates to 1,000 doors. And, while the colonial architecture doesn’t have quite that many portals, its echoing corridors provide Shining-style vistas. Many locals believe the building is haunted, as Japanese forces used its eerie, flooded basement for interrogations and torture in World War II.
Central Java’s Chicken Church—officially Bukit Rhema Gereja Merpati Putih—is a quirky building in the hills near the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Borobudur complex. It was built in the 1990s after its designer, Daniel Alamsjah, claimed to receive a divine vision of a building shaped like a dove. The structure looks more like a chicken to most people though, hence the name.
Around two hours’ drive from Yogyakarta, Sadranan Beach is one of the stars of Gunung Kidul’s coastline. Here you can swim, catch some rays, canoe, snorkel, or enjoy a stand-up paddleboarding session amid golden sands, clear waters, simple restaurants, and some of the best coral in this part of Java. You can also camp overnight.
One of Indonesia’s many optical illusion museums, the De Mata Trick Eye Museum is selfie heaven. Pose for trick shots in a range of settings. Levitate, star on a book cover, or appear amidst travel scenes from Indonesia and beyond. Alternatively, enjoy surreal simulations such as walking over lava or holding back a rampaging velociraptor.
Just outside Yogyakarta, the Imogiri Kings Cemetery (Pajimatan Girirejo Imogiri) is the final resting place of the rulers of the Muslim kingdoms of Mataram, Yogyakarta, and Surakarta. Also called the Imogiri Royal Cemetery, the 17th-century site is well worth the effort involved in visiting—including dressing up in Javanese court costume.
De Arca Museum is a waxwork museum with a difference: Rather than using wax, the characters are crafted from fiberglass. Around 100 different statues span the gamut from Indonesian heroes to celebrities such as David Beckham, Brad Pitt, and the late Queen Elizabeth II. Some likenesses are more convincing than others.
More than 500 temples adorn Prambanan Archaeological Park near Yogyakarta. Lumbung Temple (Candi Lumbung), a Buddhist temple complex, comprises one larger 9th-century temple with 16 surrounding smaller temples. It forms part of a group with Bubrah Temple and the substantial Sewu Temple complex.
One of over 500 temples in Prambanan Archaeological Park near Yogyakarta, Bubrah Temple (Candi Bubrah) dates to the ninth century. Its name means “destroyed,” but the restored structure reopened in 2017 and now stands 67 feet (20.5 meters) high. Bubrah Temple forms part of a Buddhist mandala group with Lumbung Temple and Sewu Temple.
