The Royal Village and Puri Asri, Magelang, Central Java

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October 3, 2009

The Traffic Culture on Java Island

Saturday morning. We left Yogyakarta for Magelang, the home town of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia. People from all over the world come here to visit the marvelous structure. But that's NOT what we have come here for. Our group split into 3 cars. Ita and Greg left last night. We took two taxis this morning. Both taxi drivers were skillfully weaving through the traffic which was dense with motorcycles, cars, goats, trucks, buses, horse carriages, and everything else in between, including .... pedestrians crossing right in front of you. There were times when I had to close my eyes. I felt my heart stop beating at times. Drivers may seem crazy when they are in action. It's amazing how you don't see very many cars with dents. Have you heard of the "traffic culture"? If you haven't, I haven't either till this moment. I would describe it as the understanding and expectation between you and other drivers in action. To acquire the traffic culture, first you must understand the general traffic rules, which could vary from one country to another. Secondly, you must actually drive and do it enough times to develop a common sense and a local sense both. Then you should practice weaving through the dense traffic carefully without hitting any other vehicles, animals or pedestrians, depending on which city you are in. In Jakarta you probably wont' see any dogs crossing, but Jakarta traffic is another story, another time. Then start increasing your speed once you gain some weaving skills. Finally... get ready for the race!.

Traffic Weaving Skills

Growing up on Java, I should have been accustomed to this traffic madness. But after being away for so long, and living in the US where traffic is so orderly, I need to be reacquainted every time I return to the island. No drivers in America can beat the "weaving" skills of drivers in Asia. I remember our guest, Karen, from Taiwan had once made a "thumbs up" remark when Mitch had to beat the traffic in Sacramento "Wowww ! I think Uncle Mitch can drive in Asia!", she said. The traffic in the city can be a real madness but it isn't so bad once you get out of the traffic. The ride became more comfortable, smoother, and we could enjoy the beautiful mountains and the rice paddies.

The Royal Village

The travel time was only 1.5 hours to Hotel Puri Asri, Magelang. What a nice place this is. It's one of the best resorts in Central Java. Puri Asri consists of 2 properties, the multi-unit buildings which is called Hotel Puri Asri itself and the Royal Village which encompasses several cottages. These cottages were built away from the main compound, scattered on the hills on the end of the property surrounded with natural beauty. On the east side there is a rocky river down below, cascading around rice paddies. During the rainy season, the river has enough water for rafting trips. The trips start right here at Puri Asri. If you like the smell and the feel of tropical rains, especially if river rafting is part of your plan, I recommend coming here during the months of November through March. Make sure to call the hotel for rafting trip updates before your departure. Our royal villa is a privately gated area consists of a large cottage, a private swimming pool, a good sized hut, complete with mattress and curtain, garden table and chairs with umbrella, and a ..... 24-hour butler.


The Cottage, Massage Hut, Private Pool, The Breathtaking View

The cottage has a good sized bedroom with a King size bed, a living room, a huge bathing area with an oversize jet tub, a separate shower and a spacious toilet room, a vanity and a stocked bar. There are three exit doors: to the pool, to the hut, and to the gate where our driver drops us off. The view is just amazing. I can just sit here in the garden or lie down in the hut looking at the rocky river and far at the mountain blue. Look as far as you can see, and you'll spot a tiny looking mosque with red tile roof tucked in the greenery at the foot of the mountain. As I was doing my observation, the assigned butlers were at standby outside our cottage. Quickly I made up a list of things to do for them: laundry to be done and delivered in one hour for the afternoon event; request two massage therapists to come to our villa for tonight; and an air-conditioned van to drive us around. It was a hectic arrival and we only had 1.5 hours to get ready to attend a traditional javanese bridal ceremony. I still had to coordinate with the group which took four separate cottages. Marini took a cottage adjacent to ours, Rod took the next one, and Ita and Greg took one a distance away. I am always impressed at these 5 star resorts in Indonesia. They really make your money worth spent. The butlers and their quick service, the politeness of the people,.... and above all "there is nothing that they won't do for you if they can do it". Staying in the Royal Village is worth every rupiah we spent there.