The City Tour Yogyakarta explores one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Yogyakarta served as the capital of the Javanese state of Mataram in the 16th and 17th centuries, from which Yogya has inherited the best customs. The city itself exudes a certain charm that frequently captures the attention of tourists.
Yogyakarta offers an abundance of Javanese art, music, painting, silverwork, batik handcraft, and traditional Javanese dances. Indonesia’s oldest palace ‘The Kraton,’ is still the domicile of Jogya’s royalty. Even now the current Sultan of Yogyakarta retains remarkable political prestige. From Yogyakarta, one can travel easily to the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan temples.
Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya’s culture-oriented society.
City Tour Yogyakarta, A Cultural Center of Java
Yogyakarta is the main gateway to the center of Java. There is daily air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali as well as regular train service and easy accessibility by road. After the Yogyakarta City Tour, visitors can go to Ijen, and then to Bali. Our customized Java Bali trip starts from Jakarta.
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
The most famous temple in Indonesia is Borobudur, a huge Buddhist pyramid. This Buddhism’s largest shrine was built in the 9th century. Borobudur was unknown and neglected for almost a thousand years, covered under thick layers of volcanic ash. From nearby we can see that it consists of hundreds of wonderfully detailed statues and sculptures, representing Buddhist teachings mixed with images of Javanese life of a thousand years ago.
PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
The Temples of Prambanan are a series of Hindu temples built in the 8th century and are some of the most impressive examples of Javanese architecture. Step inside to explore the intricate carvings and rich history of this ancient site, or take part in a traditional Ramayana Ballet performance under the stars.
Just a 3-hour drive away is the iconic Borobudur temple, one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments. Built-in the 9th century, it features more than 500 intricately carved statues and boasts incredible views from its top level. Spend an afternoon walking around this remarkable complex and unveiling its many secrets.
NGAYOGYAKARTA HADININGRAT PALACE
After a long day of exploring, head to the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace – the former seat of Yogyakarta’s Sultanate. It’s grand architecture and spacious courtyards are a testament to its royal past, and it regularly hosts traditional music performances showcasing local Javanese culture. A visit here is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Yogyakarta and witness some incredible art and music performances. Don’t forget to take photos of its impressive gates, statues, and buildings – these are most certainly worth capturing in your memories! After you’re done exploring this royal palace, continue soaking up the culture by visiting nearby museums and traditional batik factories. With its vibrant atmosphere and fascinating history, the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace is certainly a must-see destination in Yogyakarta.
WATER CASTLE
The Yogyakarta Water Castle is an important cultural landmark. Built-in 1756, it is one of the oldest surviving structures in Indonesia. The castle’s grounds are surrounded by a network of canals that were used to supply water to the palace and keep it cool during hot Yogyakarta summers.
The walls are decorated with intricate carvings, and the gardens are filled with lush tropical plants. Inside, visitors can explore the various halls and pavilions that make up this imposing structure. The Main Hall is particularly impressive, with its decorative ceiling and grand staircase.
Explore the grounds of Yogyakarta Water Castle, and provide an insight into the history of this impressive site. The castle is a living reminder of the city’s past, and its majestic architecture is sure to take your breath away.
MALIOBORO
You can expect to find plenty of delicious food, unique souvenirs, and interesting activities throughout the district. Whether you’re looking for traditional craftsmanship or modern entertainment, Malioboro Yogyakarta has it all!
KOTA GEDE
Kotagede is about five kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta. It is a neat little town that was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. There are a number of Silver workshops visitors can join.
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.