Yogyakarta's Sticky Embrace: A Budget Student's Sticky Note Guide

so i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 24.94 degrees, feels like 25.63. basically, it's a warm hug that never lets go. perfect for wandering around in shorts and a t-shirt, but maybe pack a light rain jacket because the humidity is 82% and it feels like you're swimming through the air. seriously, it's like the city itself is breathing on you. if you get bored, [cities] are just a short drive away, but honestly, why leave this sticky, sweaty paradise? someone told me that the street food here is life-changing, but i heard that from a drunk guy at 2am who also claimed he saw a ghost in the old market. i'm not saying i believe it, but it makes for a good story. i mean, who needs ghosts when you've got the real deal: the constant buzz of scooters, the smell of fried noodles at midnight, and the sheer, overwhelming chaos that somehow feels like home. i'm a budget student, so my 'gear list' is basically a backpack, a reusable water bottle, and a whole lot of patience. oh, and a good pair of walking shoes because you'll be doing a lot of that. check out this map to see where all the cheap eats and sketchy hostels are clustered:

here's a taste of what you'll find:

and more chaos:

and the food, oh the food:

i heard that [local landmark] is a must-see, but i also heard that from a guy who thought the monkey forest was haunted. do your own thing. check out some reviews on tripadvisor or yelp for the best gudeg or bakpia. just don't trust the drunk guy at 2am. seriously, he also said the bus system was run by aliens. maybe.

this is the messy, sticky, delicious reality of yogyakarta. embrace the humidity, chase the food, and get lost in the alleys. it's the best kind of chaos.