Hi Friends,

I am planning to go to Central Java and witness their local culture - Dieng Culture Festival which is held yearly as one of the highlights. It is gonna be 3D3N trip. We will depart to Yogyakarta on 28 Aug (Thursday night) and fly back to Singapore on 31 Aug (Sunday night). Please refer to flight info for more detail.

This time round, we will explore more on local cultures. And our main highlight of the trip is Dieng Plateu which is located at Wonosobo.

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Following are the places and activities that we will cover. Although Dieng is our main highlight, we will also touch a lil' bit of Jogja. :)

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ALL ABOUT YOGYAKARTA
Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram Kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Until today, this city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, master painters, and master craftsmen.

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Whilst steeped in rich tradition and history, Yogyakarta, lovingly known as Yogya (Jogja), continues to remain young. Yogyakarta is also known as university town, where students from all over Indonesia from different ethnic backgrounds flock to pursue knowledge and wisdom. For this reason, Yogja is both very Javanese and at the same time a melting pot of different Indonesian cultures.

While it’s a bustling cultural hub, Jogja is also slower paced and more relaxed than other cities in Indonesia. Jogja is a city with numerous attractions. This is why Jogja is the second most visited destination in Indonesia after Bali.

• Borobudur Temple - A Wonder of Indonesia History

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The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world's biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world's seven wonders. Built in the 9th century during the reign of Syailendra dynasty, the temple's design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region but yet there are elements incorporated which make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian. It was said that name of Borobudur comes from the Sanskrit 'Vihara Buddha Uhr' or 'Buddhist Monastery on the Hill'.

• Shop Till You Drop in Malioboro

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Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of Jogja, this is the city's main street and was the ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the Keraton. Some say that the name of 'Malioboro' derives fromt he name of the British governor Marlborough from the era when Britain ruled the archipelago between 1811-1816.

On the same side of the road is Beringharjo market, Jogja's crowded main market where we can buy batik and souvenirs at cheap prices.

• Keraton: Palace Fit for a Javanese King

The palace of Yogyakarta, known as the Keraton (also spelled as Kraton or Karaton), is a grand complex that was meticulously planned to reflect the Javanese cosmos. Designerd and built in stages, the Keraton was completed in 1790.

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This elegant complex of pavilions was constructed entirely on ancient beliefs and each feature of the complex, from the courtyards to the trees, has a special symbolic meaning related to sophisticated Javanese world view.

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This palace was designed to be more than just a royal residence. It was built to be a focal point of the Sultan’s entire kingdom. Today, the Keraton is a piece of living history and tradition. It continues to be used, both as a home of the Sultan as well as for other important ceremonial and cultural functions of the Yogya court.

Even with Yogya’s modernization, the Keraton of Yogya continues to be respected by the people of Yogya, steeped as it is in mysticism and philosophy.

• Taman Sari: The Tantalizing Water Castle

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It is located less than 1 km west of Kraton. It was bult in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwomo I as a rest house and pleasure park for the Royal family. Taman Sari means beautiful garden. It was badly damaged due to an earthquake in 1867. Some parts of it, for instance "Umbul Binangun" bathing pools have been restored.

• On the Edge of a Volcano at Mount Merapi

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If time permits, we will also see the Mount Merapi.

Living in the shadows of an active volcano is like sitting on a time bomb, especially when one of them is called the Fire Mountain or Gunung Merapi, the volcano that dominates the center of the island of Java. Mt Merapi, located near Yogyakarta, is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. It is one of some 500 volcanoes in Indonesia, from which at least 129 are active, aptly giving this archipelago the name: the Ring of Fire.

Despite its frequent eruptions, Mt. Merapi is very central to the lives of the Javanese people and kings. For through its eruptions Merapi spews lava, ash and minerals to the surrounding areas. These provide nutrients for the soil, making this one of the most fertile areas in the world, and consequently the most densely populated.

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ALL ABOUT DIENG PLATEU

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The Plateu of Dieng in Wonosobo is one of many Central Java's recommended destinations, luring people with its spectacular landscape. Its greatly unique highland landscape making up a part of complex of active volcanoes in a region where local communities live their rich cultural and historical values in harmony.

Few interesting facts about Dieng Plateu:
• Highland Landscape
Dieng Plateau is now part of an active volcanic complex with magnificently rich landscape. Crater of Sikidang is probably the most fascinating crater among others. As the time passes, the volcanoes turned into lake and large pool of water. There is one crater lake called Telaga Warna (Color Pond) which lake color changed according to the weather.

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• A Region in the Archipelago with Extreme Temperatures
Dieng , one of many highlands scattered on the island, has average daily temperatures of between 8ºC and 10ºC. There is a period (from Aug to Oct) when the air reaches the lowest temperature of 0ºC. During these particular months, we can see Snow of Dieng in the morning -- locals call it 'Embun Upas'.

Because of such relatively low temperature, we may see sheep which usually only can be found in countries with cold weather.

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• The Centre of Hindu Civilization
Hinduism was the dominant religion and practiced by local communities before it spread to Bali and other areas throughout Indonesia. We can find Arjuna Temple Compound, Temple of Gatot Kaca and Tuk Bimo Lukar holy water fountain.

• Children with Dreadlock Hair

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Another feature that makes the culture of Dieng unique is the phenomenon of Anak Rambut Gimbal (Dreadlock Hair Kid). It is said that they previously had normal hair until one day the hair suddenly got tangled together. No sciences can explain why it happens. These children will continue to keep their hair unless their parents hold a special ritual called Ruwatan Rambut Anak Gimbal which is held annually. Many stories, legends and local beliefs surround the one-of-a-kind phenomenon.

• Sunrise at the Land of the Cloud

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One of those beautiful moments we should never miss on the trip to Dieng will certainly be the Golden Sunrise at 'Negeri di Atas Awan' (Land on the Cloud). When the sky is clear, Bukit Sikunir (Sikunir Hill) will be the best spot to view this striking beauty of nature. Some people say because of the intense charm radiating from the Golden Sunrise, it's ranked as the best in South East Asia. Well, let's prove it! :)

To reach the spot where we can view the sunrise on Bukit Sikunir, we will walk up the path which will take about 15-20mins. Parts of the trail have been paved, so trekking won't be that hard. Those with low walking mileage can still cover the distance in no more than 30-45mins.

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ALL ABOUT DIENG CULTURE FESTIVAL 2014

Dieng Culture Festival (DCF) is an annual event where Dieng local cultures are showcased to the public. Packaged as a festival, DCF has been for years on Central Java's list of regular tourism events.

What can we expect from this upcoming DCF 2014?
• Ruwatan Rambut Anak Gimbal (Lock-Shaving Ritual)

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The dreadlocked-hair shaving ritual will be on top of DCF 2014 event list. We will be guided through the whole ritual - from the start of the procession to the last part where pieces of hair of the dreadlock kids are thrown into the river to get rid of bad luck. This is when we can see how people of Dieng hold their cultures and traditions firmly.

• Jazz Atas Awan (Jazz on the cloud)

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Jazz Atas Awan is a jazz event with a twist of Indonesian tradition. Unlike JazzGunung, the musical celebration at Mount Bromo, Jazz Atas Awan is more on the modest side, with a simply-decorated stage and all participating musicians performing with decent outfit. No fancy decoration and glint of a major musical event. All jazz lovers will see a platform with simple and warm lighting that turns the Temple of Arjuna into a hypnotizing backdrop while the music will get your warmed up in the freezing air of Dieng. :)

• Floating Lantern Festival

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Be prepared to get amazed with so many gorgeous multicolored paper lanterns floating at the Arjuna Temple Compound at DCF 2014. The organizer will provide thousand of sky lanterns for the occasion.

• Fireworks Party

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• Sendra Tari / Dance Performance
A version of the Rama & Shinta dance performance at Prambanan Temple.

• Pagelaran Wayang Kulit / Wayang Shadow Performance
Leather puppet shadow performance, a part of Central Javanese unique arts and culture, will get us spend the night at DCF 2014 in delight.

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• Local Traditional Performances
Every village in the regencies of Banjarnegara and Wonosobo sends their best performers to present tourists with their proudly-owned and preserved traditional arts and cultures.

• Marathon 10K
An anticipated running event will also be on the list of DCF 2014. Local residents, tourists and local government officials will take part in a leisure walk along the roads and paths around the villages in Dieng to mark the start of the Dieng Culture Festival.

• Festival Purwaceng (Purwaceng Special Beverage)
The 10K Marathon participant will be in for a treat at Festival Purwaceng. Purwaceng is a traditional Dieng drink, made of Purwaceng, a plant which grows only in Dieng.

• Traditional Balloon Rally
People of Dieng have their own air balloon festival. Wow..

• Mie Ongklok (Ongklok Noodle)
Chance to savour Wonosobo Traditional food, Mie Ongklok.

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FLIGHT INFO

There are only few airlines (both budget and non-budget) that have direct flight from Singapore to Yogyakarta. And after several checking, I see that we have to take different route in order to make this trip feasible within 3D3N without wasting too much time on transit, etc.

Please take note that we will depart on Thursday night (28 August) from Singapore to Jakarta and spend one night in Jakarta. Then, we will catch early flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta the next morning.

And on the way back, we will also take the same route which means we will fly back to Jakarta first from Yogyakarta and we will take another flight to return to Singapore from Jakarta.

So, there are 2 flight bookings that we need to make:

#1 booking (JETSTAR) http://www.jetstar.com (http://www.jetstar.com/)
• SINGAPORE-JAKARTA
Depart 28 August 20.05
Arrival 28 August 20.55

• JAKARTA-SINGAPORE
Depart 31 August 21.35
Arrival 01 September 00.30

#2 booking (LION AIR) http://www.lionair.co.id (http://www.lionair.co.id/)
• JAKARTA-JOGJAKARTA
Depart 29 August 05.55
Arrival 29 August 07.05A

•JOGJAKARTA-JAKARTA
Depart 31 August 17.40
Arrival 31 August 18.55

Currently, the total cost for the ticket is below $250.

• Do note that the price stated for Lion Air is including 15kg check-in baggages.

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RSVP INFO
As the DCF event has limited pass, so we will need to confirm the participant list asap.

Latest RSVP & Payment by 30th June 2014.

Min. 8 pax to confirm this trip.
Max. 12 pax.

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COST S$ 385

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
• 3N accommodations (1N at Jakarta, 1N at Dieng, 1N at Jogja)
As Dieng is far from city, we will be staying at homestay (simple accommodation) at Dieng while the rest will be at 3*/4* hotel.
• Transportation for the whole 3 days
• 6 x meals (2 x Breakfast, 3 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner)
• All the permits, entry fees and activities stated in the itinerary
• Co-Card of Dieng Culture Festival 2014 VIP pass, which is the official access card issued by the local event organizer. By having this pass, we can enjoy the entire activities at DCF 2014
• Lantern, to participate in Festival of Floating Lanterns
• T-Shirt & Souvernir DCF 2014
• Guide & Tour Leader
• Trip documentation (photo+video)

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
• Flight ticket
• Airport tax IDR 100,000 (to be paid at the airport)
• Visa on Arrival (https://www.meetup.com/indonesia-explorer/pages/Visa_on_Arrival_%28VOA%29) (if applicable)
• Optional tour (other destinations that are not stated in the itinerary)
• Personal expenses
• Additional tipping (for guides, drivers, tour leaders)

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PAYMENT DETAIL
Payment can be made to below account:
DBS Saving Plus
0183096044
Bank Branch: AMK Hub
Account Name: Tracy Chong

Please email me the print screen/scan/photo of receipt to mail@peekholidays.com with your following details:

• Full Name (as stated in your passport)
• DOB
• Passport No.
• Any special diet or food allergy

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If you are interested on this trip, please RSVP "YES". Shall you change your mind, please change your RSVP accordingly. :)

Any inquiry, feel free to comment below. :)

Thank you.
Regards,
Tracy Chong