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Yogyakarta is a mystical ancient city in Indonesia, overflowing with cultural and artistic charm. Here, you'll be mesmerized by unique architectural marvels, major tourist attractions. This is the destination you can't miss when setting foot in the 'archipelago nation'.
Explore the ancient and mysterious beauty of Yogyakarta
The ancient city of Yogyakarta, known as the spiritual heartland of the Javanese people, also attracts tourists to Indonesia with the ancient beauty of thousand-year-old temples. Unlike the political and financial capital Jakarta, this is seen as the convergence of classical Javanese art and unique cultural features such as batik, ballet, theater, music, poetry, and puppetry.
Yogyakarta is popular with tourists looking for an experience of traditional Indonesian culture. If you're wondering whether it's worth visiting or what interesting things you can do in this city, then you've come to the right place.
As the only region in Indonesia still ruled by a monarchy, it would be remiss not to seek out the royal sites of Yogyakarta. The first place to visit is the Yogyakarta Palace, also known as the “kraton” – the current royal residence built from 1755 to 1756. While the king's residence is off-limits and the palace closes in the afternoon, tourists can explore some inner courtyards and a small museum here.
Scattered throughout the city are various royal residences, also open for visitors. A standout destination is the Pendopo Agung Royal Ambarrukmo, a 20-minute drive northeast from the main palace. Admire the front facade at the entrance adorned with golden-painted columns and flashing red lights before exploring other intriguing aspects inside... Don't forget to take a leisurely stroll through the serene gardens and palace ponds.
If you venture into the northern forests of Yogyakarta, you're in for a big surprise. Concealed among the trees lies the Ullen Sentalu Museum, an extremely modern Brutalist building resembling an art gallery. However, behind the modern facade lies a more traditional structure, where exhibitions on Java's history and art are held.
Additionally, you can also visit Taman Sari when traveling to Yogyakarta – a vast castle complex built from 1758 to 1765. Nowadays, much of the bathing pools, chambers, and tunnels are in ruins, but many areas have been restored for tourists. Following maze-like pathways will lead you to an underground mosque – a well-known check-in spot for many tourists.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
TravelMinds.comFebruary 23, 2023
