Just when I thought I'd explored all the spots in the city, there are more hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So, I set myself on a journey which I don't know how long it will be, perhaps a week, two, and even months.
The Beginning
It was way past 1 PM when I decided to escape from my room and run off somewhere. Both words seem to be fitting these days, escape and run off. Rainy days are always rough where I live. There’s nothing but darkness, rain, cold, and dampness from 5 AM to 12 PM. It’s as if the world won’t let me have the sunshine anymore. At the same time, since I got the camera, the urge to go outside grows more and more. So that day, the 12th impulsively made the decision to book a grab car for 6 hours and visited three places that I have never been to.
There were not many options for me since it was quite late. But I found out about a place, a restaurant called Abhayagiri which according to their website means a peaceful hill. This place is located 30 minutes away from the energetic road of Yogyakarta and exactly located on an unnamed hill and in the countryside. The easiest way to get there if you can’t drive is obviously, using the grab rent service which based their rates on hourly rent. For example a 2 hours ride would cost somewhere around 9$ to 10$ and the 6 hours rate would be somewhere around 20$. I chose the 6 hours drive as I also wanted to discover more places whilst not missing out on hive fest 6 since it was on the same day as Hive Fest.
At first, I thought my journey would go something like, abhayagiri restaurant for brunch, prambanan temple, ijo temple and breksi hills. But due to time constraints and the temples were already closed, it became abhayagiri restaurant, breksi hill and the south alun-alun of yogyakarta where the night street food is so vibrant. So, follow me on this journey as I take you explore these places including this one today, The Abhayagiri Restaurant.
Inside Abhayagiri Restaurant
Many resorts and restaurants these days offer a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Abhayagiri is not an exception. This place is located perfectly overlooking the prambanan temple and the nearby temples which are hindu dominated temples.The perfect time to come to this place seems to be around the afternoon just before the sunset as you can see the mist surrounding the temple and the mountain, while enjoying a classic Indonesian cuisine and hot beverages.
On the way there, I browsed some information about the place and apparently, I have to book a spot before coming there. I quickly did that just 10 minutes away from the place. I feared that I wouldn't be let in, since I didn’t make any reservation. But, I was alone which is always an advantage when coming to a place with a reservation. They really could just fit me somewhere, I won’t mind as long as I get to experience the place.
Upon arriving, the security asked my driver if I made the reservation. I was astonished but thankfully, I left a message to the restaurant and that’s what I told the security. So, they let us in and I was greeted by a friendly staff member who asked me about my details.
“ How many are coming with you? “She asked
“ It's just me.” I replied.
Then she showed me how I could order and told me that I could sit outside and if I am okay with that. “ Sure thing,” I replied. I didn’t mind where they’d put me honestly. Even if that was in the kitchen, somewhere outside with just the table, I don’t mind as long as I get to see the place and experience it.
I was told to follow the path after ordering the food. I was stunned to see the scenery that was in front of me.It was quite magical with the mountain that stood tall and the mist surrounding it. That truly was an indescribable moment.
I was placed in a spot where the infinity pool, facing the mountain and frangipani flower were on its poolside. I guess, I was also lucky to get that beautiful spot. The overall ambience was comforting and peaceful. They truly live up to its name, a peaceful hill.
As soon as I took off my bag and my sweater, I walked around places. I explored every inch of this place from up and down and discovered interesting buildings and even a small stupa that was located inside the restaurant. As you see below it is called Sumberwatu temple which you could see in the description that it was the reconstruction from a buddhist monument that was built around the 9th century. It is quite unique to see around areas that are dominated by Hindu temples as opposed to Magelang which has plenty of buddhist temples. But what I can tell you from my deduction is that the buddhist temples are often located in the hilly areas such as this one as well.
The place is a mixture of a restaurant, a heritage place, and a sightseeing volcano mountain called merapi.You can spend hours in this place and not get bored of it. There are plenty of things you can explore and gaze at while feasting with delicious Indonesian meals. The first thing I noticed after exploring the place was the temple that I could see from my camera. It was quite far but thanks to the zoom option, I could capture it with my camera.
The Food
After taking some pictures, my watch showed that it was time for the food to arrive. Whenever I go, I like to order nasi campur which is a wholesome and complete meal consisting of protein, vegetables, and carbs. I also ordered an earl grey tea and a cup of single origin coffee.
| Nasi Campur | Earl Grey | Espresso |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
I use that moment to stop and soak the ambience of the place. It wandered into my mind that I wondered how many people have been to see its surroundings and the picturesque scenery that the place offers.
When it comes to the food, I would say that it was quite an okay one. I was expecting something more of a five star taste but I could only give it a 3 or 2 stars taste. And that moment, I realized this palace is one of those places that relies on viral marketing and selling its environment.
Viewing Deck
After finishing all the food, I decided to explore the places. I went to see the mountain from the viewing deck. I felt small against the tall mountain that was looking at me. I didn’t see too many people around while I actually wondered what they thought about the place. Do they like it? What they do like about this place and all sorts of questions that I wished to ask.
Before leaving, I saw a group of family who just arrived. They looked amazed and amused with the scenery. I walked past them as I was about to capture the inside view of the restaurant which was quite perfect for an evening of a romantic dinner.
The Next Stop
And after capturing a few more shots, I bid goodbye to the place and continued to my next stop, Breksi hills where people could also see the volcano whilst exploring the carved limestone.
And inside the car, I had a small chat with the driver about my experience.
“ How was it? Was it too crowded?” he asked.
“ no, it wasn’t. The place is so amazing but the food, gosh it was quite pricey.” I replied while checking out the result of my shoots.
“ You know, I wonder why it’s somewhat empty. Maybe not many people know this place?” he added.
“ I doubt so” and the silence continued as he drove away and I was immersed in the pictures I took.
Note
- Do not forget to book before visiting.
 | Mac is a jack of all trades. A typical introvert in love with literature, books, technology and philosophy. She is also so into nootropics, productivity, minimalist lifestyle, cybersecurity, and languages. Other than that, she is passionate about cooking and traveling. In her free time, she enjoys learning various things. If you like her content, don't hesitate to upvote, leave a comment or a feedback. A re-blog is also appreciated. |