Hi I am interested in visiting Prambanan Temple and Borobudur, Java Indonesia {Feb,2007}?

Is it safe?Are they Open to tourists? Any nearby hotels that do guided tours?Is Gunung Merapi..is acting up?
Are there any local or foreign archeologists working there after the earthquake?This will be my first trip to Indonesia.....any advice will be gladly accepted.
PS What kind of gems are found in Java? Thanks e- folks

My experience in Indonesia of 20 years and as a jewelry exporter in the past wants to tell you that the only gems that are actually "mined" in Indonesia are "STAR RUBIES" or blood rubies. These are not faceted stones. There ARE also stones that appear similar to a diamond and they are a natural stone, but have a grayer look, right now I can not remember the Indonesian name for them. They are actually a white sapphire, so when they are tested with a "diamond pen" they will pass. Because those pens just tell you if the stone is a natural stone or a synthetic one. But, there are a LOT of stones AVAILABLE in INDONESIA. Most coming from outside of Indonesia. A trip to the gem markets of Jakarta or Kalimantan is a fun adventure and provides an introduction to the variety of gemstones available in Indonesia. These include diamonds, South Sea pearls, opal, sapphire, amethyst and banded agates. Beware that many stones are actually manufactured ... what is termed MASAKAN in Indonesia. The karat content of gold can often be misrepresented and gemstones could be fake. Depend on a trusted jeweler or shop with knowledgeable friends.

As for the Earthquake issues. You probably know there was damage to Prambanan. Borobudur was not damaged. They are both open to tourists. There are always guides available, but I'm not sure that a good read in your tour guide won't give you the same information. Driving out to Borobudur or riding on a bus is a fairly long ride. You may want to consider spending the night.
There is a wonderful place to spend the night out there and relatively inexpensive. It's like NO OTHER PLACE around and very close to the TEMPLE. I can't tell you here where it is, but you can contact Soni when you get to Solo on his cellphone, he speaks English, tell him I told you to call 081392389530. Whatever you need to know, he can help you find out.
BTW, in the cities the earthquake mess may be cleaned up, but there are thousands in the little villages without rebuilt homes.
Email me if you want to know more about those areas or if you are interested in going there to see the damage. Stay in touch.

Hey there, welcome to Indonesia...
dont worry about the Merapi issues, it is completely safe for tourists to go there.
Guided tours are avaiable in both temples regardless your languages, they have various language guides...
Gems?I am not sure about gems but they mainly work for 'silver products'. They are one of the best, I even have them in my home...
I dont think there are foreigners working there since the earthquake has taken place quite long time ago and they have rebuilt most of the city, you can see some damages and ruins though, but most of all has been renovated, You cannot even see much difference...
The volcano is safe, have a pleasant trip!!

Hello..
Hmm.. It's safe to visit jogja now on, I went there at early this month. Tourist are welcomed, infact on the way there i did see so many tourists on the train. Gunung merapi .. it'has been cooling down... I don't know about archeologist activities much.. tell u latter than. BTW just contact me personaly by mail for further information. I'm going to Jogja at the end of this month.. Here u soon.

It's safe. The activity it's not dangerous. All hotels have guide tours or all the information that you want. There are local or foreign archeologists working there after the earthquake, because recently, the second biggest temple in the world after Borobudur had found. Gems? Many... Rugby, sapphire, diamond, etc. You can visit souvenir shops. I hope you really visit Indonesia.

Hi there just to add, if you stay in Jojga don't forget to go to Parangtritis (approx 30min ride)and experience the sunset at Queen of the South resort over looking the Indian Ocean, you don't have to stay there just have a nice cup of coffee or coconut with fried bananas.

Don't worry about Gunung Merapi. It is well-watched and there will be timely information if trouble occur.

A nice way to visit Prambanan Temple is to rent a push-bike (anywhere in Yogyakarta) and peddle the 12 km to Prambanan along the rice-fields and the cottages. Or catch the public bus (your hotel can tell your where that is). Guides are available at the entrance. And if you are willing to pay your guide a little more, he will take you to the photo-exhibition of the archeologist finds. There are also small but interesting musea at both temples.

Or simply book a temple tour at one of the agencies near your hotel in Yogyakarta. These tours leave early in the morning and include Borobudur and Prambanan Temple. They usually also stop at Kota Gede, the silver town. But do not go into the expensive shop where they drop you................ just walk around the corner and find many friendly little shops with decent prices and bargain.

Problem with the organised tour is that you have limited time to walk around.

I think it is well worth it to go by bike or public bus, and take all the time you want. There are plenty of Losmen (low-buget hotels) in the area. And a upgrade hotel nearby.

Enjoy your trip.