Borobudur and Mt Merapi- two sites worthy of a one week stay in Jogjakarta

Mt Merapi, a very active volcano, is worth waking up at 5.30 AM so you can see the full view of the top of the mountain. We were v lucky to have the good advice by the hotel staff that we should aim to go to this mountain early in the morning so that no clouds will cover its splendor. I am always amazed at God's hands in transforming this 'big clay' into this beauty. What is even more amazing is that it spews ash and rocks Jogjakarta every three years. At least it is that predictable. As it erupted only about two years ago, we were still safe in visiting it this year. That is why, there was a big sign at the foot of the mountain that says, 'Extreme limit of tourism visit.'

We respected its space and just spent about an hour gazing at it from below, wondering how this beautiful mountain can spew so much ash that it can destroy a dike that was set up to hold off its ashes.

The other must visit site in Jogja is Borobudur, built in the 9th century. The idea is for every step you make, you are supposed to reach NIRVANA.