WHEN PEOPLE THINK OF Indonesia, they often picture Bali and its picturesque beaches. But as I sat aboard a train on the neighbouring island of Java, passing rice terraces, ancient temples, and glorious expanses of forest overlooked by towering mountains, I wondered: why not here, too?
Java is home to more than 140 million people, making it the world’s most populous island. In 2016 I spent a year living in the province of Central Java, where I taught English at a military boarding school in Semarang, a port city on the northern coast. During my time there, I fell in love with Java’s national parks, ancient temples, and dynamic cities—and I returned for the first time this past August, seeking to reconnect.
Some of my most memorable experiences had occurred in Yogyakarta, a storied city about 563 kilometres east of Jakarta, Indonesia’s densely populated capital. In “Jogja,” as locals call it, I found a compelling amalgam of historic architecture, resilient Javanese culinary traditions, and creative spirit—with a burgeoning population of young people eager to revamp the status quo.
Here, street food is culture, and culture is king. It seemed only right that I would begin my return trip on the hunt for jajan pasar, the traditional Javanese cakes so delightful they’ve become synonymous with the city. My friend, the Indonesian food scholar Kevindra Prianto Soemantri, explained that the sweets come in a range of colours but are usually made from a four-ingredient foundation: cassava, palm sugar, coconut, and sticky rice or rice flour.
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2023 edition of Travel+Leisure India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Man Behind The Persona
With a career spanning decades and a repertoire that crosses languages and genres, R Madhavan is a beacon of cinematic excellence. In a candid conversation with the charismatic actor, BAYAR JAIN discovers the secrets behind his enduring relevance and success.
Innovation On The Go
Travel + Leisure India & South Asia in collaboration with Hyundai brings India Stories, a five-part series showcasing Hyundai IONIQ 5 users and their daily experiences with the car. In part four, Naveen Murugan, head of product for an agricultural trading network, decides to road-test the vehicle's ultra-comfortable interiors and cutting-edge exteriors.
THE COAST IS CLEAR
Ingrid Rojas Contreras dives deep to uncover the raw, unspoiled beauty of Costalegre, Mexico. Photographs by Anne Menke
Treasures of the Tide
In the tidal pools and coastal forests of Canada's Vancouver Island, Jen Murphy discovers a marine environment that's both minuscule and magical.
The North Remembers
The Pohjola Route in Finland is a blend of the country's finest landscapes, from reindeer farms to riverine islands and majestic alpine forests and fells. Lakshmi Sharath embarks on a journey that feels straight out of a fairy tale.
Through Time and Tide
From the historic trails of Muharraq to the fleeting sands of Jarada Island, Bahrain echoes with the resilience of its erstwhile pearl divers, discovers Adila Matra.
Dancing To Her Tunes
A celebrated classical Indian dancer and a fervent activist, Mallika Sarabhai utilises her art form to address societal issues and advocate for change. In a conversation with Bayar Jain at the Kerala Literature Festival 2024, the Padma Bhushan awardwinning artist talks about using the creative field for starting thought-provoking conversations.
To The Moon And Beyond
Associate project director and second-in-command for Chandrayaan-3 mission, K Kalpana played a pivotal role in India's successful and historic soft-landing on the moon. The scientist speaks to Shibani Bawa about the project, gender insignificance at ISRO, and more.
Sky Is The Limit
Flight lieutenant Shivangi Singh is India's first female Rafale fighter pilot. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Singh joined the Indian Air Force in 2017. Her journeyfrom the rigorous training grounds to the skies-is a testament to her determination and resilience. In a conversation with Bayar Jain, she reveals the challenges and rewards of being a fighter pilot.
Wheels Of Change
Virali Modi's advocacy journey began when she survived a life-threatening illness that left her paralysed from the chest down. The activist speaks to Adila Matra about the challenges she faces as a wheelchair user and her efforts to drive meaningful change through initiatives like the #MyTrain Too campaign.