1

We weren't able to get an excellent English-speaking driver, but we managed to enjoy our time in Yogya anyway. Try yogyes.com, that's where I got quotes from different auto companies. We were in Yogya last year.

2

Do you remember how much you paid?

3

You don't really need to book a driver/guide so far in advance on the internet. In fact, even if you do pay a higher price on what you rightfully expect will be a better service, you in fact have no way of knowing if the person you are corresponding with will come in person. He could be busy, since he would be an internet guy, nad send anyone else to meet you...and you would have no way of telling if it's him.

Secondly, Central Javanese are usually more "refined" (halus) and in my experience do not have that outgoing personality you think you want. Since it's such an easy ride up to Borobudur and back to Prambanan, you do not need to have a great guide..regular taxi transport is best, imho. You can look at taxi companies like ASA which seem to be a cut above, albeit a bit more expensive. And if you don't like your driver you are not obligated to him...you can ask for another taxi and driver.

BTW, there are good english speaking tour guides working at Borobudur and Prambanan sites so you can just pick up a guide when you arrive there.

Taxis in Jogja are just slightly more expensive but fairly similar to Bali, but of course if depends on if you use the meter or negotiate a daily rate. Plus you pay a set rate for waiting time.

And I agree with using Yogyes as a good place to start to do some research.

4

Putri’s advice and insight expressed above is spot on as usual.

All I can add is a long shot, but it’s has worked for me in the past.

Keeping in mind that Yogy is a huge college town, there are many folks from all over Indonesia attending school there, and that includes Balinese. Less “halus” than folks from central Java (LOL, but saya mengerti), quite a few Balinese students attending college in Yogy do some “moonlighting” on the side. The Balinese students in this position are generally from more wealthy Balinese families, and effectively dealing with foreign tourists is almost an inbreed aspect of their current DNA. Trust me, there are many, many very wealthy Balinese, but whether they are “halus” or not will depend entirely to whom you are discussing that. LOL lagi!

Without specific information about how to locate a Balinese driver in Yogy, whose English is very likely to be excellent, and personality more likely to be “outgoing” this endeavor will be challenging.

Normally I strongly suggest that when hiring private drivers/guides in most any place in Indonesia that it’s best to use local folks, as after all, that particular area is their home, and most generally they know it better than a transmigrated Indonesian, be that a temporary or permanent situation.

To be honest, I’m basically “yanking on Putri’s chain” with this reply, (the halus comment), but as long a shot, my suggestion is not entirely unrealistic.

5

thanks, I knew you would!

BTW, my comment about "halus" is does not reflect on whether someone has a good personality or good heart or really good at their job. It's more about their slightly more reserved nature, as opposed to say, a Balinese or a Batak.

Edited by: putriduyung

6

Agree with previous comments to check http://www.yogyes.com.
You can compare prices there.

7

@post #5:

"BTW, my comment about "halus" is does not reflect on whether someone has a good personality or good heart or really good at their job. It's more about their slightly more reserved nature, as opposed to say, a Balinese or a Batak."

I know, I was just having a bit of fun.

Among the top things that I really love about this country is the bond that all Indonesians have as Indonesians. In spite of cultural differences, which are far more than plentiful, all Indonesians seem to share a unifying bond of family, and this is unlike anything I have ever personally experienced anywhere in the world.

Given the unique aspects of this country, especially its geography and incredible diversity of numerous cultures, it's truly a miracle, (or God's blessing) that it functions at any level.

8

Dear CanadianVoyager ,

Rent car with a driver about 350K Rupiah for 12 Hours (500K for 24hour). Driving From Yogyakarta-Borobudur-Prambanan with looking around the temple until you satisfied maybe take only 8-10 Hour.

Thanks

9

Is that really what the drivers in Yogy charge for 12 hours...only 350K? Do you think they pay that much less for petrol in Yogy than we do in Bali, or are we all just too greedy here in Bali?

I'm serious with this question, as the fact is, I haven't hired a driver based in Yogy for a long time.

10

350K usually for Car and driver, exclude gas

11

You would have to be extremely interested in the details of Borobudur and Prambanan to spend 10-12 hours visiting these temples from Jogja.

As mentioned @3, good English speaking tour guides are easy to find at these temples.

And as per @10, that price is per car, not per person.

( BTW, anyone here speaks kromo inggil too? )