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Some journeys are special not because of how many places we visit, but because of the people we share them with. Three days in Yogyakarta with Nathan and his family. On August 8–10, 2026, I welcomed Nathan back to Yogyakarta for the fourth time. This time, he came with his wife, Beth, and their two sons, seven-year-old Elliot and five-year-old Zack. It was a short visit, but one filled with family moments, new experiences, and the joy of meeting old friends again.
Day 1 a family welcome and releasing baby turtles
I picked up Nathan and his family at Yogyakarta Airport in the morning. Instead of heading straight to the tourist attractions, we first went to my home to enjoy lunch together with my family.
After lunch, we visited a turtle conservation centre at Goa Cemara Beach. One of the highlights was releasing baby sea turtles, known as hatchlings, into the ocean. It was a memorable experience for the whole family and a wonderful opportunity for the children to learn about marine conservation.
One of the funniest moments came when we visited the turtle conservation centre at Goa Cemara Beach. Before releasing the baby sea turtles, Elliot and Zack couldn’t resist exploring their surroundings. Their curiosity soon led them to climb one of the tall pine trees nearby! Watching their adventurous spirit brought smiles and laughter, adding an unexpected little adventure to our visit. It was a reminder that travelling with children is always full of surprises, and sometimes the most memorable moments are the ones we never planned.
Day 2 Gembira Loka Zoo and the sand dunes
The next day, we visited Gembira Loka Zoo, a popular family attraction in Yogyakarta. One of the biggest surprises of the day came at Gembira Loka Zoo. Nathan and Beth had not told Elliot and Zack what was waiting for them, so the boys were delighted when they got the chance to feed the elephants directly. Seeing the elephants up close and offering them food was an exciting experience they hadn’t expected. Their happy reactions made the moment even more special, turning an ordinary zoo visit into one of the highlights of their time in Yogyakarta.
Later, we headed to the sand dunes at Gumuk Pasir Parangtritis, where the family could enjoy a different side of Yogyakarta’s natural landscape. At Gumuk Pasir Parangtritis, little Zack was full of excitement and eager to try sandboarding down the dunes. He bravely took on the higher slopes, even though he sometimes lost his balance and fell into the sand. But that didn’t stop him from trying again! His adventurous spirit and big enthusiasm made the experience even more fun and memorable for everyone.
That evening, we had a farewell dinner together with my family. It was a lovely opportunity to share stories, enjoy good food, and spend time together before Nathan and his family continued their journey.
Day 3 goodbye Yogyakarta
On the morning of August 10, I took Nathan, Beth, Elliot, and Zack to Yogyakarta Airport for their flight to Lombok. Although their visit lasted only three days, I was grateful to welcome them back once again.
For me, Nathan’s return was about more than providing transportation or arranging sightseeing. After meeting several times over the years, our relationship had grown beyond that of a driver and his guests. Working in tourism has given me the opportunity to meet people from different countries and cultures. Some guests visit only once, while others return and become friends.
Nathan and his family remind me why these connections are so valuable. Travel is not only about the places we visit, but also about the people we meet and the memories we create together.
Nathan, Beth, Elliot, and Zack, thank you for your kindness, friendship, and for sharing these beautiful moments with us. It was a pleasure to welcome you back to Yogyakarta. You will always be more than guests to us. Until we meet again.
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