Mapping a Smoother Journey Across Java
In April 2025, I travelled from Yogyakarta to East Java with one purpose: to research agate production in Trenggalek and design a comfortable, enjoyable route for future Kekayon Journeys guests. With five to six hours of driving between cities, my goal was to find scenic stops, cultural highlights, and comfortable accommodations that could turn a long transfer into a memorable journey. This exploration led me to beautiful highland areas—Karanganyar, Tawangmangu, and the temples of Mount Lawu—each offering fresh air and local charm.
Karanganyar & Tawangmangu: Cool Mountain Air and Waterfall Trails
Only two and a half hours from Yogyakarta, Karanganyar in Central Java is a refreshing first stop. The cool mountain climate, forest scenery, and cultural heritage make it a relaxing break before continuing toward East Java.
My first destination was Grojogan Sewu Waterfall in Tawangmangu. Known as “a thousand waterfalls,” it features multiple streams cascading through steep, forested cliffs. The walk to the base includes hundreds of stone steps with mountain air, rushing water, and occasional monkeys greeting visitors along the path.
After exploring the waterfall, I continued to the nearby temples on the slopes of Mount Lawu. Candi Sukuh, with its unique pyramid-like structure and late-Majapahit reliefs, offers an atmosphere unlike any other temple in Java. Further uphill lies Candi Cetho, a terraced Hindu sanctuary often wrapped in mist and overlooking sweeping tea plantations—an ideal stop for travellers who appreciate culture, nature, and photography.
To rest before the long drive the next day, I stayed at Nava Hotel Tawangmangu, a comfortable mountain-view hotel known for warm service, English-speaking staff, playground areas, and rooms with balconies or direct pool access. Its peaceful hillside setting complements the cool atmosphere of Mount Lawu and provides a pleasant overnight break for travellers continuing eastward.
Toward Trenggalek: Lakes, Villages, and Mountain Roads
The next morning, I continued toward East Java after breakfast. The route passed through Magetan and the scenic Lake Sarangan before winding through village roads and hilly terrain. After three and a half hours, the landscape gradually flattened as I entered Trenggalek, a quieter destination with strong local character and interesting craft traditions.
Although limited in accommodation options, Trenggalek offers one standout choice for travellers: Bukit Jass Permai. This hotel provides modern facilities, friendly staff, and convenient dining—important in a region with few restaurant options. Its easy access from the main road and clean, spacious rooms make it the best base for visitors exploring Trenggalek’s cultural and artisanal highlights.
Agate Artistry: The Story Behind Batu Lumut Trenggalek
The main purpose of my visit was to learn about Trenggalek’s agate craft industry, particularly the production of Batu Lumut Trenggalek, a gemstone known for its moss-like, tree-shaped patterns.
At Zonk Stone, I met Mas David, an artisan who became known for transforming “Zonk” stones—pieces usually rejected by buyers—into beautiful polished agates. Once processed, the stones reveal unique patterns that have attracted buyers from Vietnam, Poland, Germany, and beyond. However, sourcing raw materials remains a challenge, as many stone collectors are farmers who gather stones only in their free time. This visit showed how Trenggalek’s creativity and natural resources could become a meaningful cultural experience for Kekayon guests.
Surabaya: A Historic Finish to the Journey
From Trenggalek, I continued the journey to Surabaya and stayed at the legendary Hotel Majapahit Surabaya, a colonial-era landmark built in 1910. Known for its role in Indonesia’s independence movement, the hotel still preserves its white façades, lush gardens, and classic interiors—offering a blend of heritage and comfort in the heart of the city.
During my stay, I joined the Surabaya City Tour by Bus, a public sightseeing program available as a trial during April and May. Departing from Alun-Alun Surabaya at nine in the morning, the tour travels through Old Town, the Surabaya Museum, and several historic buildings. Guided by Cak Ning Surabaya, the city’s tourism ambassadors, the tour offers a light introduction to Surabaya’s culture and can be enhanced with a private Kekayon guide for deeper explanations.
A Journey Filled With Nature, Culture & Local Craft
This field journey showed how a long transfer across Central and East Java can become a complete travel experience. From the waterfalls and mountain temples of Karanganyar and Tawangmangu to the agate artisans of Trenggalek and the colonial charm of Surabaya, the route offers rich layers of nature tourism, heritage sites, and local encounters. These insights help us design more comfortable and meaningful itineraries for future Kekayon Journeys travellers.