Morning Departure from Kebumen
January 14th. Today was the day I would finally ride to Yogyakarta, often called the “Kyoto of Indonesia.”
Before leaving, I spent time carefully stretching. I’ve always believed that neglecting small routines like this could lead to injuries such as muscle strain, so I make sure to do it thoroughly.
The place I stayed last night was a large open space, almost like a warehouse. It may sound unusual, but it felt calm, safe, and gave me a surprisingly restful sleep.
As the rain eased, it was time to set off. Some of the students of my host, an English teacher, even came to see me off. Their presence, their smiles, and their warm words filled me with energy.
Breakfast by the Roadside
Soon after starting, I stopped at a food stall for breakfast. Once again, I ordered Bakso. What fascinates me is how the flavor of this same dish changes from place to place. It’s one of the joys of traveling on two wheels — noticing subtle differences in familiar foods.
While eating, a group of women approached me, asking for a photo together. I couldn’t help but wonder — why do so many people want to take pictures with me? One day, I’ll have to ask them directly. Still, their warmth and curiosity made me feel welcomed.
With a full stomach and better weather, I set off again toward Yogyakarta.
The Road Ahead
The road stretched straight, seemingly endless. Looking to the sides, I noticed small farms and local markets offering fruits and vegetables unique to the region. Cycling reveals details that cars or buses would easily pass by.
Thirst eventually pushed me into a café called Jumbo. To my surprise, someone there greeted me in Japanese. Again, I realized how many Indonesians are studying Japanese — it left a deep impression on me.
Back on the road, I witnessed a bridge that looked as though it might collapse at any moment. The scene was unsettling, reminding me of how fragile life and infrastructure can be.
But then, just 15 kilometers from Yogyakarta, I found myself on what I can only describe as the most beautiful road of my journey so far. Smooth, quiet, and lined with greenery — it lifted my spirits completely.
The Taste of Yogyakarta
Along that perfect stretch of road, I stopped at a small juice stand. For 20,000 rupiah (about $1.70), I enjoyed a glass of fruit juice so rich and sweet it felt like pure energy.
But as soon as I left, heavy clouds rolled in. Within minutes, I was pedaling at full speed to outrun a wall of rain. By the time I reached my hotel, I was soaked and exhausted.
There, the kind security guard noticed my muddy bicycle and, without hesitation, helped me wash it. I had been thinking for days that I needed to clean my bike, and his unexpected kindness moved me deeply. Small gestures like this remind me how dependent I am on the goodwill of strangers.
The hotel itself cost about 2,000 yen ($18). For that price, I could rest, recover, and wash away the fatigue of the journey — true comfort for a traveler.
Work and Reflection
Once settled, I turned to my work. At first glance, balancing travel and work may seem exhausting, but in truth, not having work would be harder. Most travelers save money before setting out, perhaps three million yen or so. But funds only decrease with each passing day, and watching your savings shrink can weigh heavily on the mind.
For me, this journey will be long-term. Without the ability to work along the way, I would soon be forced to return home. That’s why I feel so grateful to my company for allowing me to continue working remotely. Their trust is part of what makes this adventure possible.
Evening in the City
Later, I went out to explore. Yogyakarta, known for its art and history, revealed itself in small details — murals, sculptures, and street displays that blended tradition with creativity.
When hunger struck, I spotted “Japanese-style ramen” on a menu. Out of curiosity, I ordered it. What I received was an instant noodle cup, unexpectedly spicy despite the packaging showing no sign of it. It was so fiery I couldn’t eat it, and had to order something else.
Even after asking for “no spice,” the food still came burning hot. It made me wonder what exactly I should order if I truly want something mild in this city.
To soothe my mouth, I bought a cup of fresh fruit juice for 5,000 rupiah (about 49 yen). Juice has saved me many times in this country. Still, with the amount of sugar I’ve been consuming daily, I can’t help but worry that by the time I leave Indonesia, I’ll have gained quite a bit of weight.
