Yogyakarta: Temples, Traditions, and Tastes

Our day began at the crack of dawn in Borobudur (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND), capturing the essence of our journey to Jogjakarta. This iconic site, the highlight of our trip, was just the beginning (SOUTH AFRICA PRETORIA MOMENTS) of our temple exploration in Central Java. A short 2 km trip brought us to Candi Pawon Temple, a lesser-known but equally fascinating Buddhist temple. This small yet impressive structure, believed to be a royal tomb, remains a mystery (MYANMAR FROM MAE SAI) as to who might be buried there.

We spent about 20 minutes at Candi Pawon before heading to a nearby village to witness palm sugar production. In Central Java, this process thrives as a cottage industry, rooted in traditional methods. It starts with tapping sap from sugar or coconut palms, collected in bamboo containers. The sap is then boiled and stirred until it thickens into a syrup, which is poured into molds to cool and harden into solid blocks or discs. This artisanal method preserves the natural flavor and nutritional properties of the palm sugar, a key ingredient in many Indonesian dishes. This industry not only supports the local economy but also sustains cultural heritage and provides livelihoods for many rural families.

I use palm sugar at home for my coffee and savory dishes, balancing spicy and tangy flavors. Seeing palm sugar production up close was fascinating, even though it's also made in my home country, Malaysia. This was my first time watching the entire process, from sap collection to the final product.

Afterward, we walked further to a mini factory and café for Luwak Coffee. Also known as Kopi Luwak, this unique coffee from Central Java is made from beans eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. The beans undergo fermentation in the civet’s digestive tract, are collected, cleaned, roasted, and ground to produce a smooth, rich brew with less acidity and bitterness than traditional coffee. Central Java’s lush plantations make it an ideal place for this exotic coffee, coveted by enthusiasts worldwide.

Having first tried Luwak Coffee years ago, this was my second experience. As we sat, a palm civet made an appearance, adding to the ambiance. I shared a cup, eager to revisit its flavor. Is Luwak Coffee as fabulous as they say? Absolutely, especially for coffee lovers like me. However, whether it's the best coffee ever is subjective. I didn't buy the beans, preferring the variety of coffee options available back home in Malaysia.

Subsequently, we found ourselves in Mendut Village, walking past a large banyan tree. Although I had seen banyan trees before, I didn’t know their significance until our guide explained. The banyan tree holds profound significance within Buddhist temples, symbolizing enlightenment and the interconnectedness of all life. This stems from its association with Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, a species of banyan (Ficus religiosa), in Bodh Gaya, India. In Buddhist tradition, the banyan tree represents stability, longevity, and shelter, with its strong roots and widespread branches providing a serene space for meditation and fostering a sense of community among monks and devotees.

After learning about the banyan tree's importance, we headed to Candi Mendut, an ancient ninth-century Buddhist temple. Located in a large field and aligned with Borobudur and Candi Pawon, Candi Mendut features three large, well-preserved Buddha statues. The temple's exterior staircase and walls are adorned with meaningful reliefs and carvings, making the climb worthwhile.

As we were leaving Mendut Village, we were approached by locals selling scarves and handicrafts. They were persistent, so if you don’t wish to buy, it’s best to politely decline or ignore them. Alternatively, you can bargain if you want to support their livelihoods and take home a souvenir.

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