Money Rundown: Power of Rupiah

I would like to share my budget for the 2D/1N stay in Yogyakarta. I know it's too short and I regret it, but there is always a next time. Besides, I don't want to visit another beautiful place by myself =).

Below is a rundown of my expenses, hope this can help you!

Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 8000 Rupiah

Side Trip: Mendut

We passed by a temple before heading to Prambanan, it looks ancient to me and I got excited that we’re stopping to take a look. They call it Mendut Temple, one of the three temples that are built and located in one single line (the other temples are Borobudur and Pawon), the reason of which is still unknown.

Heart Breaker: The Prambanan Temple Love Story

It was suppose to be Indonesia’s “the” greatest love story of all time, a kind of story that will make Romeo & Juliet a run for their money. But unfortunately, she broke her promise and the supposedly greatest love story turn crime of passion of some sort...well in the magical world perhaps.

Here’s how the story goes: there was a man named Bandung Bondowoso who loved Roro Jonggrang (I know, I know, the names aren’t as romantic as your mainstream love birds, but hey, it’s in an Indonesian setting so deal with it). RJ (Roro Jonggrang) asked BB (Bandung Bondowoso) to make her a temple with 1000 statues only in one-night time.

One Big Candi: Borobudur Temple

After a fun-filled afternoon exploring the city and Water Castle, I retreated back to my hostel and focus my attention on some Chili Javanese Chicken or what we call back home as spicy chicken. It was delicious while it lasted and ending the meal with a bottle of soda is already heaven. Perfect!

I went back to the hostel to make a reservation for my Borobudur and Prambanan temple hopping that I planned to do the following day. Package costs 150,000 Rupiah or around 730 pesos, which includes a car/van rental, bottled water and breakfast plus additional 13 & 15 USD for the entrance fees for both temples. I did give in to tour packages here in Yogyakarta because it’s more affordable as oppose to D.I.Y. The owner also gave me an option to hire a car for 350,000 Rupiah for the whole day tour of Borobudur, Prambanan and other attractions like Mt. Merapi. For shutter bugs out there, this is your best option, you have all the time in the world to capture that perfect sunrise and sunset.

It's More Fun in the Philippines

After months and months of waiting, the Department of Tourism launched the newest and I must say strongest branding/slogan for Philippines tourism after “WOW Philippines”. Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr. calls it “It’s More Fun in the Philippines”. And immediately the phrase became viral through all forms of communication: social networks, news program, radio shows, etc.

“Our strategy is simple: while other countries invite you to observe, Filipinos can promise a more heartfelt and interesting experience. Wherever you go, whatever you do in the country, it’s the Filipinos that will complete your vacation and will make your holiday unforgettable” --- DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez, Jr.

I’m a little behind on this craze as most of the people I know got their own “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” photos and meme posted everywhere, but it’s better late than never right? So finally, I got the time to sit down and look on my travel photos to share. Here's 12 out of the many things why it’s more fun in the Philippines.