2025 Global Connect Trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Five days. Four nights. One unforgettable adventure. Yogyakarta for our CCKSians was a journey through culture, kindness, and curiosity. Yogyakarta opened its arms and gently unfolded a world far richer than any classroom could offer. A trip once marked on calendars with excitement turned out to be an immersion into the soul of Java—a blend of heritage, humility, and hands-on wonder.

From the moment their feet touched Yogyakarta’s soil, our CCKSians sensed something different. The pace here was gentler, the smiles were warmer and the streets told stories in batik patterns, shadow puppets, and the aroma of gudeg simmering in the air. Our CCKSians visited the Sultan’s Water Palace, or Taman Sari. Labyrinthine tunnels, peaceful courtyards, and echoes of the past surrounded them as they imagined royal life centuries ago. Just a short walk away stood Kraton Yogyakarta, the royal palace still inhabited by the sultan’s family. History wasn’t confined to glass cases here—it lived in the dance of gamelan music and the gentle cadence of the Javanese language.

The temples of Yogyakarta don’t just stand—they rise and so did our CCKSians! Despite the downpour (which happened to last year's group too!) our CCKSians, armed with their ponchos and customised footwear, climbed in near silence as they explored the temple. Each carved stone, each Buddha statue told a story of devotion, of centuries, of something greater than words. Later, Prambanan stunned with its soaring towers and Hindu epics carved into stone. For our CCKSians, it was certainly an eye-opening experience as such temples do not exist in Singapore!

All that travelling makes one hungry! In a breezy outdoor kitchen, our CCKSians tied on aprons for a Javanese cooking workshop. They pounded spices with mortars and pestles, folded banana leaves, and stirred bubbling woks. The reward? Their very own nasi goreng and tempeh dishes—shared at long wooden tables, filled with pride. Another exciting experience which many, if not all, CCKSians have never experienced was rice padi farming! At a nearby rice padi, the students were handed traditional conical hats and taught the art—and labor—of planting rice. Mud squished between their toes as laughter filled the air, balanced with moments of real awe at the farmers’ skills.

Our CCKSians also visited the Aminah Al Maa'uun Orphanage where connections were formed not through language, but through simple joys—playing football, traditional games and sharing smiles. Our CCKSians also enjoyed their visit to SMPN 5, where they met their counterparts and were treated to a spectacular welcome. Through joint activities, music, and games, they found common ground in laughter and curiosity. As they boarded the plane home, suitcases were heavier—but hearts even more so. Each student carried something invisible: a deeper sense of place, purpose, and possibility. Yogyakarta was not just a simple school trip. It was a journey of respect—for heritage, for people, and for the planet. It was muddy feet and open hearts, quiet temples and lively kitchens, shared meals and shared stories. And for our CCKSians, it wasn’t just about where they went. It was about who they became.

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2024 Global Connect Trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Our first day in Yogyakarta was a heartwarming and unforgettable experience. We visited the Aminah  Al Maa’uun Orphanage in the southern region of Yogyakarta. The warm welcome we received, complete with heartfelt hospitality and open arms, set the tone for our day. The children residing in the orphanage delighted us with a performance featuring songs accompanied by the rhythmic beats of traditional tambourines. We had the chance to interact with the children, aged between five and fifteen, creating a bond through fun activities like playing games such as "Duck and Goose."

We also introduced them to Singapore's four official languages—Malay, Chinese, Tamil, and English. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and our secondary 3 mentors, who had meticulously prepared for the session, taught with great confidence. The day ended with traditional games like chapteh and sepak takraw for the boys, while the girls enjoyed batu seremban. These activities aimed to foster camaraderie and spark joy among the children. We left with a commitment to continue this meaningful connection and build upon the values of global citizenship through future collaborations.

Our journey through Yogyakarta’s rich history and culture took us to the ancient temples of Prambanan and Borobudur. At Prambanan, we braved the sweltering heat to marvel at the intricate architecture. In contrast, a gentle drizzle accompanied our visit to Borobudur, adding a magical touch to the experience. The breathtaking views of lush green rice fields and towering mountains along the way further enriched our adventure.

We also explored the iconic Keraton Yogyakarta, the palace of the Sultan, which holds immense historical significance as the heart of Yogyakarta's identity. Visits to the Vradenburg Museum and Sonobudoyo Museum provided deeper insights into the region's fascinating cultural heritage. We also visited the old city of Yogyakarta, Kota Gede and captured a memorable photo in front of the mosque built by Sultan Hamengkubuwono. 

A delightful highlight of our trip was learning to make nasi tumpeng, a traditional Javanese dish rich in cultural symbolism. The cone-shaped yellow rice represents prosperity, while its shape mimics the volcanoes surrounding Yogyakarta, symbolizing gratitude to the divine. This unique experience included a group competition to decorate the tumpeng, with our creations judged by a professional chef from a prestigious hotel. The joy and creativity involved in this activity made it a memorable part of our visit.

One of the most enriching experiences was our visit to SMP Negeri 5 Yogyakarta, a school known for its outstanding achievements in academics and extracurricular activities. We felt honored to witness the flag-raising ceremony, officiated by alumnus Anies Baswedan, well known politician as the GOH who was inaugurating the school’s new indoor stadium. The discipline and precision of the students left us in awe.

Following the ceremony, we were treated to traditional dance performances and invited to join in the fun. In return, we showcased a traditional Malay dance infused with Hip-Hop elements, along with a rendition of Orang Singapura, a song composed by Singapore's national anthem writer, Zubir Said. The students responded with rousing applause. Additionally, we had the opportunity to learn to play traditional gamelan music, fostering a deeper appreciation for Javanese culture.

This visit was more than an exchange of performances; it was the beginning of meaningful friendships with the students and teachers. We look forward to hosting them in Singapore in the future for collaborative activities at Chua Chu Kang Secondary School. We also formed close bonds with the students, who were incredibly friendly and gave us insights into the Indonesian education system.

Before returning home, we couldn’t resist shopping for souvenirs. From beautiful batik shirts and fabrics to the local delicacy, Bakpia, we brought back cherished memories of Yogyakarta. Overall, our trip was a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and meaningful connections. The warmth and hospitality of Yogyakarta will forever remain in our hearts.

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