Village Homestay as the next Bali in Yogyakarta

Both a natural and a cultural destination, there are so many to see and to do when it comes to Indonesia. A country so rich and old when it comes to age and history, this sprawl of archipelago of a great deal with countless natural landscapes and at the same time an intriguing advancement when it comes to the pursue of better lifestyle has got its distinctive charm when it comes to being a tourist attraction. Other than trends and affordable shopping, and a true experience of impact from various heritage ethnicity, food is a wonderful way to discover the beauty and glorious of Indonesia persona.

In Yogyakarta in particular, it isn’t just the majestic mountains and glorious temple. During my recent visit, I have experienced tourism villages and the great potential of it as a part of Indonesia’s tourism growth. Checking into Balkondes Ngadihardjo and mingling with local activities within villages was a lovely experience to learn so much about culinary of Yogyakarta. Food being reflection of the country’s long and intricate history that covers religion, geography, culture, customs, architecture, and demographic shift, could become one of the powerful elements in part of the development of tourism village towards New Bali in Indonesia. With homestays rising and spurring the development of small enterprises, tourism villages can showcase the uniqueness of each village and here are some few that I’ve learnt on recent culinary familiarising trip.

Checking into Balkondes Ngadihardjo

This beautiful village homestay is built in such with tiny chalet alike houses with a room and attached bathroom, comfortably equipped with hot shower and clean towels. Basic essential of amenities provided with communal dining areas and prayer rooms, staying can be at ease. We have had our meals provided by local mums and should you travel in a group, night born fire and BBQ is absolutely ideal. Evening strolls were lovely with the sweeping mountain view of jungles and distant villages, as well as landscapes of plantations and maize fields.

*Our room with 2 single beds, fully air conditioned, and bathroom attached.*

Feasting on humble home cooking made by the locals

We savour the most basic and authentic flavour of the locals and all that overlooking view surroundings of plantations, and rice terrace. If at the right timing, will be a lovelier sight. I was a little too late and harvest season just past not long ago. Nevertheless, the serenity and calm with beautiful sky and marshmallow clouds at dusk to accompany our meal as we laugh and chat through our meals at communal dining mat in the gazebo hut. When night fall, sit around bonfire or simply the lounge outside the room on the patio. The breeze and quaint is perfect for night time.

While being with the media group from Malaysia, the organisers prepared cooking class in which we learn Mee Goreng Jawa from the locals. I have posted on the recipe of Mee Goreng Jawa and here’s a glimpse from our cooking session on Youtube. I’ve learned through my stay in Yogyakarta that the local palate favours sweeter dishes in general regardless if it has chili in it.

Attractions within and near the villaage homestays

When checked into the village homestays, we explored the surrounding, from those within distance of walking as well as the one of driving. While checked into the village homestay, don’t miss out on the grow and spur of central industry with small enterprises and cottage industries producing traditional snacks in mass, incorporating and introducing new flavours and at the same time preserving the heritage and origin of old recipe. I’ve seen the making of rempenyek and visited the gethuk making at the famous Mbakyu Mun Production. This is generally tapioca chips grinded and cut into desired shapes and sold in huge packs – this one is super yums.

*Rempenyek kacang (peanuts and flour chips)*

*Us buying snacks and drinks from the local stalls*

Also visited local enterprises of honey breeder and local coffee brew to learn about the growing trends. While bigger city takes on coffee trend a lot better than suburbans of Indonesia, I was told that the locals are slowly loving the taste of various coffee culture. We sip local brew of local coffee at xxx and the barista is more than helpful and willing to share his knowledge. You would be spoilt with a diverse array of delectable collection of beans options from the Indonesian island and presenting the distinctive and unique flavours found in these local produces.