The film Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 can serve as inspiration for a weekend trip.

No doubt one of the many highlights of the movie Ada Apa Dengan Cinta 2 (What’s Up With Cinta 2) is the stunning film locations that are mainly around the city of Yogyakarta.

Choosing to shoot in lesser-known locales around the region, the film has left many fans and audiences alike wanting to follow in the footsteps of Rangga and Cinta as they rekindle their romance in the sequel to the 2002 cult hit.

This has led a number of local travel agencies to take advantage of the hype — and the relatively convenient locations — by organizing travel packages that enable tourists to check out the different locations in the film.

“As I was watching the movie, I found myself wanting to try the coffee from that place Rangga took Cinta to on a date. It got me thinking that maybe I wasn’t the only one who was curious. It was then that I got the idea of designing a trip based on the AADC2 shooting locations,” Novita Karana from Kapan Libur Travel said.

Her curiosity proved to resonate with many.

As soon as she blasted her proposed itinerary on Twitter, the requests came rolling in. And she was not alone. Not long after the movie premiered, other tour agencies began promoting similar travel packages. These packages, ranging from budget-friendly to premium-priced, enable travelers to visit most of the film locations in the span of two or three days.

So where does an AADC2 trip take you?

The first stop is Ratu Boko Palace. Originally built in the eighth century, it was considered to be one of the most majestic temples of its time. Despite being in ruins today, the palace serves a different purpose: as a witness to Cinta and Rangga’s bourgeoning love story.

Clucking Around: Visitors strike a pose in front of the now famous Gereja Ayam (Chicken Church) in Magelang, Central Java.(Courtesy of Kapan Libur travel agency)

Then there is the neighboring town of Magelang, where you will be invited to take in the breathtaking sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu hill. If you’re lucky enough to be presented with clear skies, you can also spot Mount Merapi and Borobudur temple from a distance.

For many, however, the highlight of the trip is the instantly recognizable Gereja Ayam or Rumah Doa Bukit Rhema. This bird-shaped landmark has become so popular since the film premiered that local authorities have repainted its exterior and provided local guides for visitors.

Interestingly, the local guides are rehabilitated drug addicts, courtesy of a neighboring drug rehabilitation center.

“It’s great that the movie has provided so many opportunities not only for domestic travel agencies but for the local community as well.” Novita says.

Back in the city, there is the Papermoon Puppet Theater. The globally recognized puppet theater is where Rangga took Cinta on a date to watch the play A Cup of Coffee from Playa.

Unfortunately, it does not stage daily performances as its performers often travel around the world for shows. For those who cannot enjoy a show, taking pictures around the theater is the next best thing.

The trip would not be complete without visiting the many coffee shops around Yogyakarta that serve as a backdrop in many of the film’s memorable scenes.

There’s Kopi Klinik, the artsy coffeehouse that invites you to relive the moment when Rangga gave Cinta a poem he wrote for her. Just as the barista hilariously lectures Rangga on the ins and outs of coffee, you can also learn a thing or two from them while enjoying the brewed coffee.

Other culinary destinations on the list include Sellie coffee house, Oxen Free café and Sate Klatak Pak Bari.

For accommodation, there is the option of staying at the Greenhost Boutique Hotel, which was the official AADC2 hotel for the cast and crew throughout filming. The eco-friendly and art-loving hotel is a unique treat even for those who have not seen the movie.

Tropical building: The Greenhost Boutique Hotel in Yogyakarta boasts an eco-friendly reputation and numerous pieces of art in its collection.(Courtesy of Kapan Libur travel agency)

Aside from the obvious connection to the Cinta-Rangga love story, what has made an AADC2 trip so popular in recent months?

“It is because the film exposed non-mainstream locales,” Novita said.

Centering filming locations around Yogyakarta also makes such trips more accessible and affordable for many domestic travelers.

Keyne Kurniawan, a kindergarten teacher in West Jakarta, said she became interested in going on an AADC tour after seeing a promotion for the trip on social media.

“I saw an advertisement on Path promoting an AADC tour. I am very interested because the locations are all very unique and interesting. You’re not just taken to visit tourist spots where you’ve already been,” she said.

Keyne is still looking for the right weekend to go on her dream trip.

“One of the best things about this tour is that it doesn’t take too much time. I can go on a weekend and still manage to go all of the shooting locations from the film,” she said.

With Yogyakarta a mere one-hour flight away from Jakarta, maybe it’s time to let Cinta and Rangga take you on your next weekend trip.

— The writer is an intern at The Jakarta Post.