One of the foremost cultural
centers of Java, Yogyakarta or Yogya as it is called will keep
visitors enthralled with its inherent charm and diverse cultural
entertainment and attractions.
 Gamelan music, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang
kulit leather puppet theater and other expressions of traditional art
will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in the arts of
batiks, silver and leather tooling.
The melding together of traditional life and modernization is best
personified in the Sultan’s Palace. In Yogya’s refined and cultural
society, contemporary art has made its place beside its more classical
forbears.
What to See
Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace
The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies
in the center of the city.
Life-size dioramas of wedding ceremonies and puppet re-enactments of the
wedding rituals offer tourists a sneak peek at one of Indonesia’s
traditional rituals. Sets of Javanese musical instruments, antiques and
heirlooms have made the palace of Yogyakarta worth to visit.
Water Castle
This pleasure garden and castle built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono
I, is at present no more than an intriguing collection of ruins, pools,
arches and underground passages enclosed by massive walls, however, the
central courtyard with the nymph-baths has been restored. The Water
Castle is ideal for leisurely walks and exploration.
Imogiri
The official cemetery of the royal descendants from Yogyakarta and
Surakarta, visitors may visit the royal graveyard, which is located on a
hilltop, reachable by 345 stone steps leading to it.
Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is
allowed only on Monday 09.00 - 12.00 or Friday 13.00 - 16.00.
Traditional Javanese dress has to be worn, which can be hired on the
spot at a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Moslem month of
Ramadan.
Prambanan Temple
Named after its location, this magnificent Shivaite temple is also known
as the Loro Jonggrang Temple, or the Temple of the "Slender Virgin." It
is considered to be the biggest and most beautiful Hindu temple in
Indonesia.
Visitors to the Temple may explore the parapets adorned with bas-relief
structures depicting the famous Ramayana story. The Ramaya ballet is
performed on full moon evenings at the open-air theaters in the Temple.
The temple complex itself houses eight shrines, three of which are
dedicated to the Hindi gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.
Museum Sonobudoyo
Designed by Dutch architect Kersten, this museum built in traditional
Javanese architecture now exhibits weapons, leather and wooden puppets
of wayang theater, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese
gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the
city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace.
Kotagede
In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the
first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however,
Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork
industry. Kotagede is easily reached by "andong," the four-wheeled
horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.
Affandi Museum
The Affandi Museum pays tribute to Indonesia’s foremost impressionist
painter, Affandi (1907 - 1990). Located in a lush garden next to his
peculiar house on stilts, Affandi’s artwork is displayed side by side
with the artwok of his artist-daughter Kartika. Visitors may also visit
the artist’s grave, which rests in the backyard next to the museum. .
Kasongan
Known for its artistic pottery and earthenware is the village of
Kasongan found southwest of Yogyakarta. Visitors may purchase Kasongan
earthenware that has become unique works of art through the guidance of
contemporary Indonesian artists all over art shops at Java.
Batik Research Center
Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, it has an interesting
permanent exhibition of batiks in classic and modern designs. The
process of batik can also be seen here, both the hand drawn and hand
stamped.
Kaliurang
This resort on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, 24 km north of Yogyakarta is
surrounded by an enchanting countryside. The "Telogo Muncar" waterfall
and swimming pool make this resort a very pleasant recreation place.
Bungalows are available for rent.
Travel Tips
Visitors to Yogyakarta may expect to do a lot of walking. Comfortable
shoes, lightweight yet conservative clothing, basic medicine pack, sun
protection and bottled water should be part of any visitor’s list.
Souvenirs from the region
Batik, leather puppets, silverware, tortoise shell and horn ornaments,
pottery, antique jewelry and paintings are widely available.
Visit beautiful Indonesia today!
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