Thank God it’s Friday! Apart from the routine Monday-Friday work activities, Realia’s staff members and students 'work together’ in organizing weekend activities. The activities can vary from excursion to places of interest around Yogyakarta to a simple gathering activity such as an evening potluck party at the campus. Below are some of the weekend activities.
Mt. Merapi Lava Tour
Located at the North side of Yogyakarta province, the 2968 meters high volcano offers a stunning landscape of mountain forest combined with long winding lava track along the eastern ridge of the mountain. Despite the fact that it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the surrounding area of the mountain is a perfect place to do weekend activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, camping and other outdoor activities. One of the teachers, Agus (in red jacket) took the students to the Merapi Lava Tour. Accompanied by one of the most experienced Merapi guide (in blue shirt), the 3 hours tour began at day break, the best time to enjoy the clear view of Merapi, right after the morning sun clears away the cloud and mist. The guide took the group trailing the path around Merapi’s natural forest to reach the end of the desert like-lava track. During the tour, several endangered Java Black Eagles (Ictinaetus malayensis ) were seen hovering Merapi morning sky.
Elo River Rafting
Elo River is located close to the famous Mendut and Borobudur temple approximately 45 minutes driving from Yogyakarta. Several tour organizers in Yogyakarta offer packages of Elo Rafting Tours at
reasonable price. The 2.5 hours rafting journey goes through challenging but safe level II-III of rapids suitable for both beginner and experienced rafter. Apart from the adrenaline rush experience, Elo River offers beautiful countryside view that can be enjoyed during the journey. The picture shows Realia’s students and teachers, accompanied by an experienced river guide from one of the tour organizers, wade through the rapids of Elo River.
Cereme Caving
Cereme Cave is located at 30 km to the South of Yogyakarta city close to the Royal Cemetery of Imogiri. The journey into Cereme Cave starts from Srunggo village, approximately 1.5 km distance from the cave location. The cave can only be reached on foot therefore one must walk to the cave’s post from the village. Scenic panorama can be enjoyed during the 1.5 km walk. Sprawling 1.2 km underground, the cave has the rarely seen stalactites and stalagmites that are forming astonishing ornament like structures along the cave’s wall. Following the subterranean river, ranging from knee to shoulder level depth, one can enjoy a 2-3 hour of underground journey. Picture: One of Realia’s students is posing at the entrance of the Cave.
Beach Tours
Along the south of Yogyakarta are the beautiful beaches with only 30 minutes to 2 hours driving distance from the city. The beaches’ topography in the area vary from the glistening black sand with jagged limestone cliffs in Parangtritis, to the stunning white sand lined with lush green coconut palms in Sundak area. Baron beach has a protected lagoon, safe for swimming, with protruding rocky hills on each side. Local fishermen sell their catch fresh from the sea at Depok coast while the nearby restaurants and warungs (food stands) are ready to cook the catch at customers’ preferences.
Below are pictures of students-teachers weekend excursions to some of the beautiful beaches.
Up left: teachers and students compete in a traditional game of Gobagsodor at Parangtritis beach. Up right: Posing at Sundak beach with sunset view in the background. Left: After a day tour at Depok beach, fresh catch from the sea is served to enjoy in one of the food stands along the beach.
Weekend Parties
After five days of lessons and works, a party at Realia’s campus can relief the week days’ tense. Depends on the occasion, the party can vary from a simple potluck party to a loud music dancing party, from a semi formal farewell party to, as Indonesians describe, a ‘no reason party’. One of the teachers testified that the weekend party is one of the best ways to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures closer, to share thoughts and ideas or even just to make friendly conversations. The picture shows staff members and students mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying snacks and drinks.
Mt. Merapi Lava Tour
Located at the North side of Yogyakarta province, the 2968 meters high volcano offers a stunning landscape of mountain forest combined with long winding lava track along the eastern ridge of the mountain. Despite the fact that it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, the surrounding area of the mountain is a perfect place to do weekend activities such as trekking, mountain climbing, camping and other outdoor activities. One of the teachers, Agus (in red jacket) took the students to the Merapi Lava Tour. Accompanied by one of the most experienced Merapi guide (in blue shirt), the 3 hours tour began at day break, the best time to enjoy the clear view of Merapi, right after the morning sun clears away the cloud and mist. The guide took the group trailing the path around Merapi’s natural forest to reach the end of the desert like-lava track. During the tour, several endangered Java Black Eagles (Ictinaetus malayensis ) were seen hovering Merapi morning sky. Elo River Rafting
Elo River is located close to the famous Mendut and Borobudur temple approximately 45 minutes driving from Yogyakarta. Several tour organizers in Yogyakarta offer packages of Elo Rafting Tours at
reasonable price. The 2.5 hours rafting journey goes through challenging but safe level II-III of rapids suitable for both beginner and experienced rafter. Apart from the adrenaline rush experience, Elo River offers beautiful countryside view that can be enjoyed during the journey. The picture shows Realia’s students and teachers, accompanied by an experienced river guide from one of the tour organizers, wade through the rapids of Elo River.Cereme Caving
Cereme Cave is located at 30 km to the South of Yogyakarta city close to the Royal Cemetery of Imogiri. The journey into Cereme Cave starts from Srunggo village, approximately 1.5 km distance from the cave location. The cave can only be reached on foot therefore one must walk to the cave’s post from the village. Scenic panorama can be enjoyed during the 1.5 km walk. Sprawling 1.2 km underground, the cave has the rarely seen stalactites and stalagmites that are forming astonishing ornament like structures along the cave’s wall. Following the subterranean river, ranging from knee to shoulder level depth, one can enjoy a 2-3 hour of underground journey. Picture: One of Realia’s students is posing at the entrance of the Cave.
Beach Tours
Along the south of Yogyakarta are the beautiful beaches with only 30 minutes to 2 hours driving distance from the city. The beaches’ topography in the area vary from the glistening black sand with jagged limestone cliffs in Parangtritis, to the stunning white sand lined with lush green coconut palms in Sundak area. Baron beach has a protected lagoon, safe for swimming, with protruding rocky hills on each side. Local fishermen sell their catch fresh from the sea at Depok coast while the nearby restaurants and warungs (food stands) are ready to cook the catch at customers’ preferences.
Below are pictures of students-teachers weekend excursions to some of the beautiful beaches.
Up left: teachers and students compete in a traditional game of Gobagsodor at Parangtritis beach. Up right: Posing at Sundak beach with sunset view in the background. Left: After a day tour at Depok beach, fresh catch from the sea is served to enjoy in one of the food stands along the beach. Weekend Parties
After five days of lessons and works, a party at Realia’s campus can relief the week days’ tense. Depends on the occasion, the party can vary from a simple potluck party to a loud music dancing party, from a semi formal farewell party to, as Indonesians describe, a ‘no reason party’. One of the teachers testified that the weekend party is one of the best ways to bring people from different backgrounds and cultures closer, to share thoughts and ideas or even just to make friendly conversations. The picture shows staff members and students mingle in a relaxed atmosphere while enjoying snacks and drinks. 
