Wonosobo (28-31 May 12)

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After my trials with the local inter-city bus services, I decided to try instead a door-to-door minivan service that was supposed to pick me up from my hotel in Solo and drop me off at my next destination in Wonosobo. Travel agency said "about five hours", but the total journey time was more like seven hours! Two hour ride back to Jogja with multiple stops, followed by an hour's wait before setting off for Wonosobo, a town at about 1000m altitude with correspondingly agreeable weather. Arrived at Wisma Duta's Homestay, a lovely place with a cozy reception. The luxury rooms looked extremely inviting, but at IDR300k a night, they were out of my budget. I settled for the economy room at the rear at IDR100k a night, attached bath but no AC or fan or hot water. However, the old rear annex was still close enough to the reception for me to have "one-bar" in-room wifi! Score!

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Photos

Menjer Lake
About 12km north of Wonosobo, this was a 20 min angkot/ bemo ride to Garung, followed by a 10 min ojek ride (sans helmet!) up the slopes. The photo really doesn't do justice to how picturesque this high altitude lake was, surrounded by terraced tobacco plantations, and cloud-covered peaks.

Menjer Lake
Walked along the trail that you can see on the right of the photo.

Ride from Wonosobo to Dieng Plateau
Terraced tobacco plantations against rolling green hills enveloped by wispy clouds

Candi Arjuna
Dating back to the 8th century (c. 780), believed to be the oldest temples in Central Java. Simply beautiful against the already awe-inspiring scenery of the plateau, at 2000m+ altitude.

Mini Adventure
Ever wondered what happens when an enormous trailer breaks down on a narrow, winding mountain road? Of course when it's dark, cold, rainy and misty too?

Mini Adventure
Well, traffic gets backed up for miles! It was a mini-adventure for me getting back to Wonosobo -- one ojek ride, some walking, one minibus and another angkot ride later, I'm finally back in three hours, for what should have been just a one ride.