Travel Postcard: 48 hours in Yogyakarta

By Mita Valina Liem

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters Life!) - Got 48 hours to explore Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java? Reuters correspondents with local knowledge give tips on how to get the best from one of Indonesia's most vibrant cities.

FRIDAY

6 p.m. - Tuck into a delicious nasi goreng, or Indonesian fried rice, at the charming little Via Via cafe as a local band plays foot-tapping jazz in the background. Have a cup of robust Javanese coffee and don't forget to check out the notice-board for information on special batik lessons. Book now for Saturday or Sunday.

Public transportation isn't great in Yogyakarta so hire a car and driver for the next two days.

SATURDAY

5 a.m. - Fight that urge to lie in late and see the sun rise at Borobudur temple, the world's biggest Buddhist temple that rises from the Central Java plains, about an hour's drive from Yogyakarta.

If you want to avoid being harassed by souvenir shop owners and tourist guides, use the Manohara hotel entrance. A short audio-visual show prepares you for the magnificent monument topped with stupas and hundreds of reliefs depicting Buddhist thought and the life of Buddha.

9 a.m. Give your aching feet a rest over breakfast at the tranquil Amanjiwo resort, nestled between grand limestone hills and four volcanoes. Walk up the steps of the bell-shaped rotunda to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in the luxurious boutique resort's terrace cafe overlooking Borobudur.