 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| "Traditional Jamu" photo from www.tourismindonesia.com |
 |
Amanjiwo (which means peaceful soul and opened in 1997) is fashioned out of limestone and takes its inspiration from the surrounding culture of Central Java. The resort is located within a natural amphitheatre with the limestone Menoreh Hills rising directly behind, the Kedu Plain in front and four volcanoes "Sumbing, Sundoro, Merbabu and Merapi" gracing the horizon. Amanjiwo looks out onto Borobudur, the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the world. Indeed, Borobudur is carefully mirrored in the resorts design and central dome. The view runs arrow-straight through Amanjiwos entrance and the stone corridor that neatly cleaves the resort, up the steps to the soaring, bell-shaped rotunda, down to the Dining Room, on to the Terrace, past rice fields in an unwavering line to Borobudur itself. Several kampungs (small villages) are within walking distance.
 |
Amanjiwo is constructed from paras yogya " the local limestone. Thirty-six suites radiate outward from the main building in two deep crescents. These are rimmed by high, limestone walls set off by spider lilies and morning glory. The walls blend into the stone walkways that link the suites to the main building and the Pool Club. At the far end of the resort, in a lush tranquil setting, is the Dalem Jiwo, a large private suite with two separate bedrooms.
 |
Amanjiwos main building is framed by 36 suites arrayed in two deep crescents. The walled suites feature terrazzo flooring, high ceilings, domed roofs and sliding glass doors opening onto a garden terrace with a view towards Borobudur. 15 suites come with private swimming pools.
From Amanjiwos entrance, five steps climb to the rotunda bar, a circular salon of columns, ceiling fans and a coconut-wood bar. The Bar gives way to the arcing Dining Room, with its amber washed, silver-leaf ceiling. Indonesian and Western cuisine are both available in an open air setting. The speciality of the house is makan malam, classic Javanese offerings served in brass dishes. A Javanese gamelan orchestra performs at lunch and dinner.
You can move around Amanjiwo site on foot or bicycle.
You can buy some souvenir at the resorts, or for more option, you can browse at the near city like Yogyakarta and Solo. There you can buy many local souvenirs like handicraft, textile woven, batik, sculpture and many else.
Borobudur temple is located in the district of Magelang, Central Java. It isconsidered one of the world’s wonders and has the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relief in the world. UNESCO has listed the temple as World Heritage Site. 
The village of Candirejo is located some 3 km from Borobudur Temple. A traditional Javanese village, Candirejo is being promoted for village tourism, portraying traditional Javanese culture and daily life through traditional houses, art performances, ceremonies, farming and local food.
How to Get There:
The temple of Borobudur and Candirejo Village can be reached from
Yogyakarta by public buses that start from Umbulharjo Terminal or by taxis
and rental cars. The distance is approximately 42 km from Yogyakarta.
The Best Season to Visit: 
Almost anytime during the year, but preferably in the dry season
(April to September).
Amarta Spa features treatment inspired by cultural concept of well being from around the world. Modern facilities support various body treatments and relaxation; from massage, aromatherapy, sauna, Jacuzzi to just laying around doing nothing in our gazebo sipping healthy drinks. 
The treatments are designed to bring the indulgence that will ease the stressful life, stimulate the senses and awaken the spirit.
All treatment at Amarta Spa use natural and hygienic herb. The indigenous of body and beauty treatments provide selection of scrubs and masks to suit the skin needs. And aromatherapy, includes oils of native flowers and plant essences, believed to have physical and psychological healing properties.
It is here that the very best ingredients of both Eastern and Western health and beauty techniques are blended with exotic aromas and natural ingredients.
AMARTA SPA
 |
Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Centarl Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. The environs around Semarang are perfect for day trips and side and side excursions. 
photo by www.sijiwae.net
The old records of this city date back to the 15th to the 18th century AD in where captivating ancient and colonial monuments still standing to present date. In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch Colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company, such as GEREJA BLENDUK, is the eldest Christian Church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753. It shows the Church architecture of the 18th century with its huge dome and a baroque organ inside the building. Nearby the Church, there are some buildings from the Dutch colonial time. STASIUN TAWANG, the main railways station with its "Old Time" architecture located also in this area. While LAWANG SEWU or usually called as Thousand Doors, situated in the downtown of Semarang is also a remarkable building from the "Old Dutch Time".
photo:www.sijiwae.net
Beside an interesting collection of Dutch Colonial buildings, there's an also Chinese buildings remain in Semarang. In the west part of Semarang, a temple SAMPOKONG or locally known as Gedong Batu (Stone Building) was dedicated to Chinese Moslem Admiral Cheng Ho, his fleet arrived in the first time at 1406 AD. The other Chinese Buddhist temple is Tay Kak Sie at Lombok Street built in the year 1772.
This city has enough accommodation for its visitors, from budget hotels to the star-rated hotels. Some top hotels located in downtown and in any luxurious area. The facilities meet international demands with combination of traditional specialties.
You can move around the city by becak (a three wheels vehicle) only in the north part of the city, mini-buses, buses and taxi.
While in Semarang, you can visit other interesting places, such as:
There are a lot of restaurants in Semarang offering delicious food of Indonesian, Chinese, and European cuisine. One should find easily in Jl. Pemuda around Pasar Johar the best speciality market in Simpang Lima mall.
The area of Gang Lombok and Jl. Gadjah Mada are famous with its Chinese restaurants, in Jl. A. Yani there are tasteful Javanese restaurants.
Semarang is famous for its Lumpia (Chinese Spring Rolls ), Pia, Wingko Babat and Bandeng Presto (Tendered Fish).
Souvenir and art objects are available in Semarang, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centres. Batik cloths and garments, handwoven fabrics, traditional and local jewellery, leather puppets, basketry and many.
One of the 7 wonders in the ancient world, Borobudur is located near Magelang. Borobudur, a Hindu Buddhist temple, was built in the 9th century. This temple has Gupta architecture of 
Budha's Statue in Borobudur
Constructed on a hill about 46 meters high, Borobudur has about 55,000 m3 or stones. Borobudur is design symbolizes the structure of the universe. This design influences temples in Angkor,
.
Borobudur is only 1 hour away by car from Jogjakarta. You can either join a tour or rent a car to this spot.
Inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.
You'll explore this site on foot. Climb this magnificent temple and marvel at various carvings on the stone around you.
You can bring your own food or buy them around this site.
Souvenirs related to Borobudur can be bought in Jogjakarta. You can buy silver Borobudur's miniature (silver plated ones are also available), keychains, and many more. T-Shirts and postcards with an overview of Borobudur are popular as keepsakes.
Marvel at the magnificent view. For better understanding of this temple, you can join a tour or hire a licensed tour guide here. Climb the temple to reach the top, where you can see an vacant space signifying emptiness as completion. There's a superstition saying that if you climb this temple with one wish deep in mind, try touching Buddha's figure inside the stupa, which is bell-like in structure. If you're able to touch the Buddha, your wish will come true. Take note of the stone carvings. There are many stories in these stones.
