Vogels Hostel

An absolute hidden gem near the Merapi volcano and national park. We came here to have breakfast and it was delicious. There are quite a lot of options for a low price. We were served by lovely staff and the location was peacefull.

Peaceful. Christian is such a beautiful person, no wonder he likes living up there, because he was on seven different vessels that went down in the sea years ago! The hospitality of the staff was first class. The Volcanologists hill was sensational for photography, be quick though, those clouds move very quickly! I haven't been there for thirty seven years, but Kaliurang and Christian will always be in my heart, and it is the one place in the world I would love to visit again.

The owner, who I believe is called Pak Heri, was very friendly and helpful. He also speaks very good English. The staff were also very accommodating, but they do not really speak English, so one can practise their Indonesian language skills!
The accommodation itself was pretty run down. I think the Lonely Planet mentions the place has not changed much since the 1970s. I would agree. Not much maintenance is carried out. I was in the bungalow room at the back with ensuite toilet. However, the water pressure for the shower was not so good, the toilet had trouble flushing (so I used the bucket to flush it), and pipes and taps were leaking. The bamboo bed had an ants nest in it. There were hundreds of ants in my room and on the bed. They kept dying, so I presume the staff had put poison down before I checked in. I think they need to buy a new bed. It was pretty horrible.
Still, there are not many choices in Keliruang, I imagine at this price range, Vogels is the best of a bad bunch. I understand their trekking tours are highly recommended and they provide very early breakfast before you set off. The indoor dinning area is full of character and photos/info on Merapi. If I was trekking with them I'd stay with them, maybe in their dorm rooms though. I might return one day for this.
Overall it was fine for me as I was traveling alone for an MTB race. I don't think my wife would have stayed in the room with hundreds of ants and broken down bathroom.