Yogyakarta
Is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Until today this city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, master painters and master craftsmen. Whilst steeped in rich tradition and history, Yogyakarta, lovingly known as Yogya, continues to remain young. This is university town, where students from all over Indonesia from different ethnic backgrounds flock to pursue knowledge and wisdom. For this reason, Yogya is both very Javanese and at the same time a melting pot of different Indonesian cultures. Yogya is a city of history. In the 18th. and 19th centuries, it was the seat of the re-emerged Mataram kingdom. Today many of the Mataram traditions live on and are a part of the city’s daily life. Yogya is a place to come to connect with the centuries’ old traditions, culture and the history of Java as well as bask in the friendliness of the local people. It is a place with a unique charm which seldom fails to captivate visitors. From natural wonders, local art and traditions, examples of Javanese heritage to delicious culinary delights, Yogya is a city with numerous attractions. This is why Yogya is the second most visited destination in Indonesia after Bali. source: www.indonesia.travel
Is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Until today this city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, master painters and master craftsmen. Whilst steeped in rich tradition and history, Yogyakarta, lovingly known as Yogya, continues to remain young. This is university town, where students from all over Indonesia from different ethnic backgrounds flock to pursue knowledge and wisdom. For this reason, Yogya is both very Javanese and at the same time a melting pot of different Indonesian cultures. Yogya is a city of history. In the 18th. and 19th centuries, it was the seat of the re-emerged Mataram kingdom. Today many of the Mataram traditions live on and are a part of the city’s daily life. Yogya is a place to come to connect with the centuries’ old traditions, culture and the history of Java as well as bask in the friendliness of the local people. It is a place with a unique charm which seldom fails to captivate visitors. From natural wonders, local art and traditions, examples of Javanese heritage to delicious culinary delights, Yogya is a city with numerous attractions. This is why Yogya is the second most visited destination in Indonesia after Bali. source: www.indonesia.travel
Borobudur Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of the island of Java, Indonesia. The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body, and superstructure perfectly accords with the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three superimposing spheres, kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu, representing respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form. At Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five square terraces, and the arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa. The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship, related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. The Temple should also be seen as an outstanding dynastic monument of the Syailendra Dynasty that ruled Java for around five centuries until the 10th century. The Borobudur Temple Compounds consists of three monuments: namely the Borobudur Temple and two smaller temples situatued to the east on a straight axis to Borobudur. The two temples are Mendut Temple, whose depiction of Buddha is represented by a formidable monolith accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and Pawon Temple, a smaller temple whose inner space does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Those three monuments represent phases in the attainment of Nirvana. The temple was used as a Buddhist temple from its construction until sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries when it was abandoned. Since its re-discovery in the 19th century and restoration in the 20th century, it has been brought back into a Buddhist archaeological site. source: http://whc.unesco.org
UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty. The monument is located in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java, at the centre of the island of Java, Indonesia. The main temple is a stupa built in three tiers around a hill which was a natural centre: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,520 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The vertical division of Borobudur Temple into base, body, and superstructure perfectly accords with the conception of the Universe in Buddhist cosmology. It is believed that the universe is divided into three superimposing spheres, kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu, representing respectively the sphere of desires where we are bound to our desires, the sphere of forms where we abandon our desires but are still bound to name and form, and the sphere of formlessness where there is no longer either name or form. At Borobudur Temple, the kamadhatu is represented by the base, the rupadhatu by the five square terraces, and the arupadhatu by the three circular platforms as well as the big stupa. The whole structure shows a unique blending of the very central ideas of ancestor worship, related to the idea of a terraced mountain, combined with the Buddhist concept of attaining Nirvana. The Temple should also be seen as an outstanding dynastic monument of the Syailendra Dynasty that ruled Java for around five centuries until the 10th century. The Borobudur Temple Compounds consists of three monuments: namely the Borobudur Temple and two smaller temples situatued to the east on a straight axis to Borobudur. The two temples are Mendut Temple, whose depiction of Buddha is represented by a formidable monolith accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and Pawon Temple, a smaller temple whose inner space does not reveal which deity might have been the object of worship. Those three monuments represent phases in the attainment of Nirvana. The temple was used as a Buddhist temple from its construction until sometime between the 10th and 15th centuries when it was abandoned. Since its re-discovery in the 19th century and restoration in the 20th century, it has been brought back into a Buddhist archaeological site. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Candi Prambanan Temple
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prambanan Temple Compounds consist of Prambanan Temple (also called Loro Jonggrang), Sewu Temple, Bubrah Temple and Lumbung Temple. Prambanan Temple itself is a complex consisting of 240 temples. All the mentioned temples form the Prambanan Archaeological Park and were built during the heyday of Sailendra’s powerful dynasty in Java in the 8th century AD. These compounds are located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java on Java Island. While Loro Jonggrang, dating from the 9th century, is a brilliant example of Hindu religious bas-reliefs, Sewu, with its four pairs of Dwarapala giant statues, is Indonesia’s largest Buddhist complex including the temples of Lumbung, Bubrah and Asu (Gana temple). The Hindu temples are decorated with reliefs illustrating the Indonesian version of the Ramayana epic which are masterpieces of stone carvings. These are surrounded by hundreds of shrines that have been arranged in three parts showing high levels of stone building technology and architecture from the 8th century AD in Java. With over 500 temples, Prambanan Temple Compounds represents not only an architectural and cultural treasure, but also a standing proof of past religious peaceful cohabitation. source: http://whc.unesco.org
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Prambanan Temple Compounds consist of Prambanan Temple (also called Loro Jonggrang), Sewu Temple, Bubrah Temple and Lumbung Temple. Prambanan Temple itself is a complex consisting of 240 temples. All the mentioned temples form the Prambanan Archaeological Park and were built during the heyday of Sailendra’s powerful dynasty in Java in the 8th century AD. These compounds are located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java on Java Island. While Loro Jonggrang, dating from the 9th century, is a brilliant example of Hindu religious bas-reliefs, Sewu, with its four pairs of Dwarapala giant statues, is Indonesia’s largest Buddhist complex including the temples of Lumbung, Bubrah and Asu (Gana temple). The Hindu temples are decorated with reliefs illustrating the Indonesian version of the Ramayana epic which are masterpieces of stone carvings. These are surrounded by hundreds of shrines that have been arranged in three parts showing high levels of stone building technology and architecture from the 8th century AD in Java. With over 500 temples, Prambanan Temple Compounds represents not only an architectural and cultural treasure, but also a standing proof of past religious peaceful cohabitation. source: http://whc.unesco.org
Ramayana Ballet Show at Prambanan
Based on an epic Hindu history, the story of model king Rama was adapted to become an important local dance, encompassing the Javanese style, culture and music. Whilst the story originated in India, the Javanese version is truly representative of the local art and culture. In the evenings, this ballet comes to life, enacted by over 200 professional dancers and musicians on an open air stage that takes advantage of the Prambanan Temples as a backdrop. source: www.tourjogja.com
Based on an epic Hindu history, the story of model king Rama was adapted to become an important local dance, encompassing the Javanese style, culture and music. Whilst the story originated in India, the Javanese version is truly representative of the local art and culture. In the evenings, this ballet comes to life, enacted by over 200 professional dancers and musicians on an open air stage that takes advantage of the Prambanan Temples as a backdrop. source: www.tourjogja.com
Candi Sambisari Temple
Discovered in July 1966 by a farmer when working on land that belongs to Karyowinangun, The excavation and reconstruction works was completed in March 1987. Based on a geological research, this temple of 6 m was buried by an eruption of volcanic ash from Mount Merapi. Sambisari temple is very unique, it lies 6,5 meters bellow the ground level. Build for worship, Sambisari temple is a Hindu temple of 9th century that was built by a king of the dynasty of Sanjaya. The complex of temple limited by the walls encircle the total area of 50 x 48m. This temple consists of one main temple and 3 temple supporting temples (perwara). The main temple is facing west and took form of a square with size 13.65 meters x 13.65 meters. In the main temple room, there is a phallus-Yoni shows that this temple was build as the place for worshipping Siva. In the chamber, there are three statues, Agastya in the south side, Ganesha in the east side, and Durga in the north side. source: www.tourjogja.com
Discovered in July 1966 by a farmer when working on land that belongs to Karyowinangun, The excavation and reconstruction works was completed in March 1987. Based on a geological research, this temple of 6 m was buried by an eruption of volcanic ash from Mount Merapi. Sambisari temple is very unique, it lies 6,5 meters bellow the ground level. Build for worship, Sambisari temple is a Hindu temple of 9th century that was built by a king of the dynasty of Sanjaya. The complex of temple limited by the walls encircle the total area of 50 x 48m. This temple consists of one main temple and 3 temple supporting temples (perwara). The main temple is facing west and took form of a square with size 13.65 meters x 13.65 meters. In the main temple room, there is a phallus-Yoni shows that this temple was build as the place for worshipping Siva. In the chamber, there are three statues, Agastya in the south side, Ganesha in the east side, and Durga in the north side. source: www.tourjogja.com
Candi Ijo Temple
located at the highest place among the rows of temples discovered around Yogyakarta that presents natural and cultural enchantment with additional view of taking off and landing airplane at Yogyakarta airport. Ijo (in Javanese language, this word means 'Green') temple with the background of Hindu that was built in the 10th century in the reign of the ancient Mataram empire located in the sub-village of Groyokan, Sambirejo village, Prambanan sub-district, Sleman district, Yogyakarta which height is 410 meters above the sea level. This temple is standing on the west slope of a hill far from the busy residence, on the southern part of Ratu Bako Temple. The temple complex comprises the main temple, Apit and Perwara temples. The main temple that has been completely renovated yet, is facing west. There are standing in line three smaller temples in front of it and assumed to do worships for Brahma, Wishnu and Siva. source: www.tourjogja.com
located at the highest place among the rows of temples discovered around Yogyakarta that presents natural and cultural enchantment with additional view of taking off and landing airplane at Yogyakarta airport. Ijo (in Javanese language, this word means 'Green') temple with the background of Hindu that was built in the 10th century in the reign of the ancient Mataram empire located in the sub-village of Groyokan, Sambirejo village, Prambanan sub-district, Sleman district, Yogyakarta which height is 410 meters above the sea level. This temple is standing on the west slope of a hill far from the busy residence, on the southern part of Ratu Bako Temple. The temple complex comprises the main temple, Apit and Perwara temples. The main temple that has been completely renovated yet, is facing west. There are standing in line three smaller temples in front of it and assumed to do worships for Brahma, Wishnu and Siva. source: www.tourjogja.com
Kraton Yogyakarta - Sultan Palace
founded in 1756 by Prince Mangkubumi (Hamengkubuwono I) as a center of the Kingdom Ngayogyakarta. The palace was built on swamp ground called Bannerman Pachetokan and later developed into pesangrahan Ayogya. The palace building stretches from north to south. In the front side of the palace you can find the square so called "Plaza North" and the backyard is called "Southern Square". The design of this building shows that the Palace, Tugu Monument and Mount Merapi are in one line / axis which is believed to be sacred. In the past Sri Sultan (King of Ngayogyakarta Kingdom) regularly mediated in place laid within the axis before leading a meeting or give orders to subordinates. source: www.tourjogja.com
founded in 1756 by Prince Mangkubumi (Hamengkubuwono I) as a center of the Kingdom Ngayogyakarta. The palace was built on swamp ground called Bannerman Pachetokan and later developed into pesangrahan Ayogya. The palace building stretches from north to south. In the front side of the palace you can find the square so called "Plaza North" and the backyard is called "Southern Square". The design of this building shows that the Palace, Tugu Monument and Mount Merapi are in one line / axis which is believed to be sacred. In the past Sri Sultan (King of Ngayogyakarta Kingdom) regularly mediated in place laid within the axis before leading a meeting or give orders to subordinates. source: www.tourjogja.com
Tamansari Water Castle
is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta built by portugese's invisible hand in 18th century. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton Yogyakarta. The Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place. It has a big pool inside and high tower at the north and south. Arch windows set on the wall of the tower. There are 2 big teakwood doors, at the west and east, both exits to Tamansari Kampong. In the past, the bath building is surrounded by beautiful wide scale park, being a favorite place for royal family to get a walk in morning and evening. Actually, the bath is one of the buildings on the complex; you also find a retreat place for Sultan and royal family near the water castle. source: www.tourjogja.com
is a site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta built by portugese's invisible hand in 18th century. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton Yogyakarta. The Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place. It has a big pool inside and high tower at the north and south. Arch windows set on the wall of the tower. There are 2 big teakwood doors, at the west and east, both exits to Tamansari Kampong. In the past, the bath building is surrounded by beautiful wide scale park, being a favorite place for royal family to get a walk in morning and evening. Actually, the bath is one of the buildings on the complex; you also find a retreat place for Sultan and royal family near the water castle. source: www.tourjogja.com
Kotagede, The Old Capital City
In 1575 a new empire was established in the middle of a forest by Ki Ageng Pemanahan, named Mataram Islam. The empire tried to resurrect the Ancient Mataram in a new world order and soon settlements were built surrounding the Palace. Once a quiet forest, it had become a crowded city and trees were replaced by buildings. The city was named Mentawisan and its citizens became more diverse, so instead of only the Royal family and soldiers, there were now merchants, peasants, blacksmith and so on. Travelling to Kotagede the road is 2.5 meters wide so only small cars can pass through, along with many bicycles or hansoms. The alleyway of Kotagede's kampung is even more narrow at approximately 1 - 1.5 meters wide. There is room for just one person to be able to walk and a motor cycle or bicycle to pass through the alley. Along the road you will see old facades on the buildings most of which were built in 1930, but inside of the kampung, if you lucky, you will see some 'pendopo' which are traditional Javanese buildings made from big old teakwood which were built in 1700. The buildings in Kotagede are very unique and complex and you will see a pendopo with Art Noveau style or Chinese ornaments inside. Kotagede is like an experiment where many different architectural styles have been established. West of the city you can see Kalang Palace, the large and beautiful former home of Kalang Nobles, a family of silver craftsmanship and merchants who made jewels for the King. Today, Kalang Palace is a place where people buy and sell silver jewellery. Kotagede has hundreds of silver shops along the streets as the silver craft tradition has existed for centuries, along with the Islamic tradition. source: www.tourjogja.com
In 1575 a new empire was established in the middle of a forest by Ki Ageng Pemanahan, named Mataram Islam. The empire tried to resurrect the Ancient Mataram in a new world order and soon settlements were built surrounding the Palace. Once a quiet forest, it had become a crowded city and trees were replaced by buildings. The city was named Mentawisan and its citizens became more diverse, so instead of only the Royal family and soldiers, there were now merchants, peasants, blacksmith and so on. Travelling to Kotagede the road is 2.5 meters wide so only small cars can pass through, along with many bicycles or hansoms. The alleyway of Kotagede's kampung is even more narrow at approximately 1 - 1.5 meters wide. There is room for just one person to be able to walk and a motor cycle or bicycle to pass through the alley. Along the road you will see old facades on the buildings most of which were built in 1930, but inside of the kampung, if you lucky, you will see some 'pendopo' which are traditional Javanese buildings made from big old teakwood which were built in 1700. The buildings in Kotagede are very unique and complex and you will see a pendopo with Art Noveau style or Chinese ornaments inside. Kotagede is like an experiment where many different architectural styles have been established. West of the city you can see Kalang Palace, the large and beautiful former home of Kalang Nobles, a family of silver craftsmanship and merchants who made jewels for the King. Today, Kalang Palace is a place where people buy and sell silver jewellery. Kotagede has hundreds of silver shops along the streets as the silver craft tradition has existed for centuries, along with the Islamic tradition. source: www.tourjogja.com
Imogiri, Royal Mataram Cemetery
Pajimatan Imogiri is also known as Imogiri Mataram's Royal Cemetery. In the beginning, Imogiri was prepared by Yogyakarta's first Sultan, Agung. He wanted to be buried at Mekkah but there are many reasons why he could not be buried there. As an alternative, he grabbed a fist of sand and suggested throwing it to the land of Java, and where the sand fell a cemetery would be built. Since the beginning, Sultan Agung's relatives continued to be buried in the same place. Amongst the royals buried there are Sri Ratu Batang, Amangkurat Mas, Paku Buwana I, Amangkurat Jawi, Paku Buwana II until Paku Buwana XI, and a royal from Yogyakarta, Hamengku Buwana IX. Hamengku Buwana II is the exception and was buried in Astana Kotagede, an ancient city located 8 kilometres east of Yogyakarta city. Each relative is buried in the complex which is surrounded by a big white wall that has a beautifully carved classic teakwood door. It's so quiet there, so while walking on the paths you can listen to the sounds of nature blend into a unique song as the birds sing and the wind rustles the leaves in the trees. source: www.tourjogja.com
Pajimatan Imogiri is also known as Imogiri Mataram's Royal Cemetery. In the beginning, Imogiri was prepared by Yogyakarta's first Sultan, Agung. He wanted to be buried at Mekkah but there are many reasons why he could not be buried there. As an alternative, he grabbed a fist of sand and suggested throwing it to the land of Java, and where the sand fell a cemetery would be built. Since the beginning, Sultan Agung's relatives continued to be buried in the same place. Amongst the royals buried there are Sri Ratu Batang, Amangkurat Mas, Paku Buwana I, Amangkurat Jawi, Paku Buwana II until Paku Buwana XI, and a royal from Yogyakarta, Hamengku Buwana IX. Hamengku Buwana II is the exception and was buried in Astana Kotagede, an ancient city located 8 kilometres east of Yogyakarta city. Each relative is buried in the complex which is surrounded by a big white wall that has a beautifully carved classic teakwood door. It's so quiet there, so while walking on the paths you can listen to the sounds of nature blend into a unique song as the birds sing and the wind rustles the leaves in the trees. source: www.tourjogja.com