South East Asian Trips

Yogakarta is Java's capital, and a hub of educational, cultural and economic activity. Indonesia's premier university, the Gajah Mada University is in the old city. There are various arts centers, markets, galleries, craft shops and bazaars. The art of 'wayang kulit', Indonesia's famous leather puppetry shows, have been best developed in Yogakarta. Borobudor is 1000-year-old Buddhist temple filled with historic art.

One of the oldest towns of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is home to numerous historic buildings and monuments. A colorful town and home to a sizeable population of 500,000 people, Yogyakarta is a recognized tourist destination now. A significant centre of arts and education, Yogyakarta offers you a swanky array of shopping options. You will get the latest up-to-amenities to make your tour to the town an incomparable one.

Enjoy some incredible sightseeing and excursions with the help on Yogyakarta tours. Yogyakarta travel guide will give you an elaborate list of must-see tourist attractions. Among the major tourist attractions in Yogyakarta, the most popular ones are Tugu Monument, Benteng Vredeburg, Kotagede, Imogiri, Kraton Yogyakarta and others. Not to be missed are the several museums including the Sultan's Carriage Museum, Museum Dirgantara and Museum Kekayon. If you are interested in art and culture, you can visit Bentara Budaya art gallery or Cemeti Art House.

After some hectic sightseeing, you can unwind with a wide range of things to do in Yogyakarta. You can take part in absolute enjoyment with a game of Masangin. You can revive yourself with a round of jogging at the Boulevard UGM every Sunday. You can tuck into some tidbits at the nearby food stalls. You can enjoy yourselves with a river rafting or a go-carting experience.

If you are yearning to have exquisite dishes, Yogyakarta will offer you the same. Sample some of the exotic delectable delicacies featuring Gudeg, Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek, Bakpia, Kipo and Jadah Tempe. You can enjoy a superb dining experience at the budget, mid-range or the chic restaurants in town.

The Taman Sari Water Castle, a ten minutes walk from the Sultan's Palace was built in 1757 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. A combination and a mixture of Javanese and Portuguese architecture were used in the new style that he created. Once a beautiful and sophisticated water-park, the area around the park east-ward to the city quarters is referred to as the "Kampung Segaran" and it was once full of water. Segaran is the Javanese word for man-made ocean or an artificial sea. Now this place is called Suryoputran.

Merapi Volcano one of the active volcanoes in Indonesia its situated inside the peaceful and sleepy dense forest. Spread out among the mountain hills are sibilant pines and wild grass which make out the dominating vegetation presenting a very exciting panoramic view of the valley.

Kota Gede Yogyakarta

Visit Kota Gede, Yogyakarta that adds pleasure to your trip during your vacation. It is the site that houses the remains of a palace of Kraton that dates back to the 1500s and early 1600s. Many legends and myths make Kota Gede, Yogyakarta very popular among the other Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta.

Kota Gede district of Yogyakarta is the original capital of the Mataram kingdom which was a great Muslim kingdom in the 16th century. According to history, the city was founded by the first sultan of Mataram in 1582. While in the spot, you can take a look at the burial spot of the sultan in the graveyard of a very old mosque. The mosque is a place of interest and reflects Javan style. In addition to that, the roofs are done in the same style a Hindu temple is made. You can also find the depictions of Hindu gods around the graveyard.

According to records, Kota Gede in Yogyakarta provides information on the palace when it was intact. At present you can only find the Royal Graveyard and a few small sections of wall of the palace that remains today. During your tour to the historical city of Yogyakarta, you will find the Kota Gede situated in the outskirts of the city.

The Royal Graveyard in the Kota Gede, Yogyakarta is an important place to visit as it provides information of the yore days. The graves establish a connection of the Mataram with earlier kingdoms. In the graveyard you can find the graves lying giving a physical representation of genealogy of the rulers and their progenitors.

In Kota Gede, Yogyakarta, the grave remains guarded and maintained by Juru Kunci who are actually the employees of two palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Kota Gede, Yogyakarta had earned significance during the time of Indonesian independence in the year 1940 when the silver workers had attained much of attention of the world. The Royal cemetery is a sight to see and you can have a wonderful experience out there.

Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta

Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta was established in the year 1755 by Pangeran (Prince) Mangkubumi. At present, the Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta is where Sultan Hamengku Buwono X and his family dwell. The building in which he dwells, is called Gedong Kuning.

The Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta is also known as Kraton Ngayogyokarto Hadiningrat. There are many buildings inside the complex of Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta. Sultan Palace in Yogyakarta is located between Panggung Krapyak to the south and Tugu to the north. The palace is bordered by the Winongo River to the west and Code River to the east. The South Sea and the Merapi Mountain forms the surroundings of this edifice.

The Sultan Palace is popularly known as Kraton. The name originates from ke-ratu-an. The word means the dwelling place of the queen or king. Most of the buildings and structures in the Kraton area have some significance in regards to the Javanese philosophy of life.

On a visit to Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta, one will have the feeling of the lifestyle that prevailed in Kraton a few centuries back. The ambience is set by different Javanese cultural performances, puppet shows, royal wedding ceremonies, Javanese classic dancing rehearsal, and such other programs. One will also come across heirlooms, antiques and various sets of gamelan musical instruments.

Sultan Palace, Yogyakarta was severely damaged in the year 1867 as a result of the devastating earthquake. In the year1889, the structure was renovated by HB VII. The original lay out of the palace was kept unchanged; and that was when the Sultan Palace got its present look.

Starting from the west, if you move towards the northern part of Sultan Palace, you will come across South Square, South Siti Hinggil, South Kemandungan, Kemagangan, Kedhaton, Srimanganti, North Kemandhungan, North Siti Hinggil, and North Square. To reach these places, you must pass through nine gates. They are Gading, Kemandhungan, Gadhung mlati, Kamagangan, Srimanganti, Brajanala, Tarub agung, Pangurukan, and Gerbang.

Water Castle Yogyakarta

Water Castle, Yogyakarta is one of the popular Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta. Water Castle, Yogyakarta is also known as Taman Sari. The Water Castle in Yogyakarta was the bathing place of the king. This open air bathing place was equipped with a traditional swimming pool. During the rulings of the kings, the place was only used by the king and his spouse.

In the year 1758, the Water Castle in Yogyakarta was built by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. During those days, the site was built as a pleasure park and a rest house for the Royal family. The word `Taman Sari' refers to a beautiful garden. In the year 1867, the site was severely damaged by the earthquake. Restoration work has been conducted afterwards and the bathing pools of Umbul Binangun and other such parts were renovated to some extent.

Water Castle, Yogyakarta is located within a kilometer to the west of Kraton. Travelers can visit this through Pasar Ngasem Bird Market. Inside the market, one has to turn left after walking through the KP III alley. After a stroll for about 200 meters, one would reach the Pulo Kenongo complex. Or else one can make his way through Jalan Taman Sari. To are required to get to the East-main Entrance which will lead you all the way down to the royal swimming pools.

It is believed that the Water Castle, Yogyakarta served various purposes. Besides being used as a Rest House, the place was ideal for meditating and various sports. In the earlier days, the site was protected by a couple of bastions, one of them equipped with 12 cannons and the other one with 6.

The Water Castle in Yogakarta is divided into Umbul Binangun complex and Pulo Kenongo Complex. There are many luxury and budget hotels in the surrounding areas of the Water Palace. As you walk around, you can buy some interesting souvenirs from Pasar Ngasem. Many of the local food stalls are located around the site. Walk into any of these stalls to taste Gudeg, which is the popular local dish.

Kraton Yogyakarta

Among the popular Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta, visit the Kraton(Keraton), Yogyakarta which is situated in the center of the center. It is a wonderful city that lies within the city itself. The city of Kraton was built in the middle of the 18th century and in the walled-city you can find the remains of the items used by the sultan of the Mataram kingdom to this day. Kraton(Keraton), Yogyakarta houses a palace which is open to tours for the guests.

Kraton(Keraton) in Yogyakarta literally means a palace. Inside the palace you will find the shady courtyards which are connected with beautifully decorated paths. In the palace you will be interested to find the ornate reception halls. A large open air area is also present there. You can witness various items used by the ninth sultan that is enshrined in the air conditioned rooms of the palace.

The Kraton(Keraton), Yogyakarta possesses an extraordinary collection of gamelans which are regarded as the impressive sets of indigenous Javanese instruments that have been used for musical purpose during ceremonies. Dozens of gamelans are used everyday as a part of the ceremonial life. Gamelans are fascinating objects of imposing culture. They come in a wide variety; you will find numerous varieties of keyed instruments.

Furthermore, the Kraton(Keraton) also introduces you to an interesting gallery that displays the royal family tree and photographs of many regal members. The exhibits also contain extensive products of the ninth sultan. You can have a look at his favorite cooking utensils. The Kraton(Keraton), Yogyakarta has many galleries. Another one put on show is the gifts that the sultan might have received from various state visits.

Sumur Gumuling Yogyakarta

Sumur Gumuling, Yogyakarta is one of the premier tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Sumur Gumuling, Yogyakarta is located at the site of Taman Sari. Each year, the Sumur Gumuling in Yogyakarta is visited by hundreds of tourists from different countries of the world.

Sumur Gumuling, Yogyakarta is commonly referred to as a mosque. This is actually an underground mosque. The underground tunnel of Sumur Gumuling in Yogyakarta passes through the Water Castle of Taman Sari to the direction of the ruins of Sultan Palace near Pasar Ngasem. One of the branches of the underground tunnel heads to the Parangtritis Beach.

The tunnel was built by the King of Mataram as a means of communication with his spiritual wife Kanjeng Ratu Kidul, who was also known as Nyai Roro Kidul. The kings used to send various offerings to her. Unfortunately, the visitors will not be able to view it as the section has been closed owing to safety reasons.

Sumur Gumuling, Yogyakarta is a tourist attraction which will give immense pleasure to the shutterbugs. Some of the well known Indonesian group bands have made videos of the ruins. The atmosphere of this underground mosque is beautiful. If you are visiting the site with your loved one, make the most of the trip by exploring the different parts of Sumur Gumuling of Yogyakarta. There is an alley that connects the Laut Selatan, or the southern part of Java Sea with the mosque.

Yogyakarta Bird Market

Among the various tourist attractions in Yogyakarta, one of the popular places tourists like to visit is the Yogyakarta Bird Market. The Yogyakarta Bird Market has been in existence since the year 1809. The market was also known as the Ngasem Market. Yogyakarta Bird Market is the oldest of its kind in the capital city of Indonesia.

In the earlier days, the Yogyakarta Bird Market was a place where one would find fish, snakes, and pet birds. Birds signify a certain degree of social status and birds rank third as a social status symbol, only after horses and the weapon of kris in this region. Yogyakarta Bird Market is the place where one will come across beautiful birds.

Yogyakarta Bird Market is an ideal destination for any bird lover. Years back, the birds were bought by the noblemen. The location was selected keeping in mind the convenience of the people of the higher strata of the society. During the 1960s, many of the bird traders from Beringharjo moved to this place. If you are wondering why it's called the Yogyakarta Bird Market, you probably didn't know the fact that at present the Bird Market forms one third of the width of Ngasem Market.

Take a stroll across the Ngasem Market and you will find birds of various species occupying every corner of the place. With numerous birds, the entire ambiance is colorful and chirpy. As you enter the market, the birds market can be spotted on the left side. One of the main commodities sold in this market is the turtledove. Some of the most popular birds sold here are orioles, bulbuls, minas, starlings, parakeets and so on. One can even buy the local varieties like prenjak and emprit. One of the most costly and rarely sold birds is the owl. An owl can cost you around 35,000 Rupiah.

Not only birds, one can also buy various care equipment like feeds and cages. What sets the Yogyakarta Bird Market apart from other bird markets is that the shows are performed by the winged wonders. One can also witness the birds chirp contest. If you want to pet a bird and do not have an idea about how to take care of it, ask the traders.