YOGYAKARTA -THE SOUL OF JAVA

‘THE SPECIAL REGION OF YOGYAKARTA’

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is an autonomous province of Java. ‘Yogya’ is the provincial capital and cultural hub situated amid emerald rice paddies, under the shadow of Indonesia`s most volatile volcano, and one of the world`s most active ones – Mount Merapi.

The fuming cones in the north are topped up with scenic beaches along the southern Indian Ocean coastline. And being a country of superlatives, Yogyakarta`s hinterland is home to the largest Buddhist temple on Earth – Borobudur. Indeed, Yogyakarta is a special region.

View of Gunung Merapi from the Borobudur temple

THE HISTORIC HEARTLAND

Once part of the ancient Mataram Sultanate, its environs are home to many important monuments and temples, scattered across the province. Perhaps the most glorious, standing at the heart of the Yogya`s quaint old city – the Kraton – itself concealed behind the castellated walls.

The architecture here is superb, that is for sure, but there is so much more to encounter: the world`s famous batik, exquisite silverwork, leather puppets and wooden masks, Javanese Ramayana ballet, the night shadow-puppet show ‘wayang kulit’ and top Indonesian artist Affandi can be admired, exclusively here in Yogyakarta.

The traditional way of making batik can be seen at tourism exhibitions and Museum Batik in Yogya

MATARAM KINGDOM

The Kingdom of Mataram was a Javanese realm between the 8^th and 10^th centuries which united the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. The empire was mainly associated with rice farming, maritime trade and highly developed civilisation.

The Mataram Kingdom saw the blossoming of classical Javanese art and architecture, rapidly growing temples and opulent palaces across Central Java.

The Old Town of Yogyakarta

Although it was gradually transformed into the Mataram Sultanate, Islamic religion has never been adopted in Mataram, and the original culture kept growing until the Dutch colonised Indonesia in the 18^th century.

1755 the Kingdom collapsed, splitting its territory into two independent provinces; Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Still today, both cities are still considered as the historical and cultural epicentres of Java.

The Old Town of Surakarta (Solo)

YOGYAKARTA`S MAJOR LANDMARKS

The most significant building of Yogyakarta is Ngayogyakarta Hadinigrat Palace, known as Kraton (the Sultan`s Palace), and it is an elegant building partly open to the public. The walled city has changed little in the last two hundred years, and the visitors can enjoy its original architecture at its best; Mesjid Agung Mosque, Sono Budoyo Museum (fine arts), Museum Kareta Kraton, Alun Alun (sultan’s ground) or Taman Sari (the royal water park and gardens).

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Kraton`s southern square, there are two similar banyan trees, which are said to bring great fortune if you walk through them without mishap while blindfolded.

Taman Sari – the royal water park and gardens

The Gebang Temple, to the north-east, was rediscovered after a statue of Ganesha was uncovered in 1936. Built at about the same time as the nearby Borobudur in the 8^th century, the ruins of the roof, part of the body and much of the base appeared intact upon further archaeological research. This unadorned square building measures roughly 5.25 m across and 7.75 m high.

Underground Mosque in Sultan`s Palace (Taman Sari)

The Mendut Temple, 3 km east of Borobudur was built in 824 AD by King Indera of the Cailendra dynasty. Inside the square terraced temple decorated by stupas, are three large, colourful statues. Each year, on Waisak Day – May full moon – pilgrims come to this ceremony from around Indonesia and the rest of the world.

Ratu Boko religious complex

Ratu Boko is another striking archaeological site, whose origins are still unclear; with Hindu and Buddhist artefacts it might have been a monastery, a worship place or a palace, but these are just assumptions. What is sure, however, the temple is glorious.

The Prambanan Temple, which is known locally as the Loro Johggrang Temple of Slender Virgin, is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and one of the most impressive. Built in the 9^th century, the main shrines of are dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia

WHAT TO SEE IN YOGYAKARTA

Kraton Complex (self-guided tour through the Old Town) – pay a visit to Ngayogyakarta Hadinigrat Palace, Mesjid Agung Mosque, Masjid Gede Kauman Mosque, Taman Sari Water Palace and Tugu Monument

Yogyakarta Ancient Temples (Candi) – Mendut Temple, Gebang Temple, Prambanan Temple, Plaosan Temple, Sambisari Temple, Kalasan Temple, Sari Temple, Ratu Boko temple

Yogyakarta Museums – Affandi Museum (a quirky workshop of the Indonesian most famous artist), Sono Budoyo Museum of fine arts, Royal Museum Kareta Kraton, Museum Batik, Dirgantara Aircraft Museum, Museum Kekayon (wayang puppets)

Janan Malioboro – originally, a ceremonial boulevard and today a popular marketplace and shopping area (2 km long stretch of road is fringed with batik shops, art galleries, street food and becaks)

Pasar Ngasem – the controversial animal and bird market

Pasar Ngasem is a controversial yet quite interesting bird market to stroll through

Pasar Beringharjo – the largest batik market complex

Fort Benteng Vredeburg – important colonial landmark built to the Dutch glory

Kota Gede – a gorgeous historic site, the former capital of Islamic culture, famous for silver crafting

Purawisata Amusement Park – go and watch the Javanese Ramayana Ballet

1Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet theatre) – visit the night shadow-puppet show ‘wayang kulit’ at the Sono Budoyo Museum

11.Kota Baru – the old Dutch residential area with colonial-era buildings

Dutch colonial architecture in Yogya and traditional trishaws

Gerebeg Festival – Java`s most colourful festival (end of Jan & Apr or beginning of Nov)

Javanese cuisine – the best way is to grab a meal or a snack at one of the street-stalls – ‘gudeg’ is Yogya`s signature dish (jackfruit, chicken and egg curry)

Taking a ride on ‘becak’ trishaw or ‘andong horse cart – take a tour around the town on the favourite local transport, it`s fun!

Hunting for souvenirs – Yogya is a fantastic place for buying local artwork and handicraft, e.g. Imogiri village of pottery, batik, sarongs, textiles, silverwork, puppets, wooden mask etc.

Imogiri Village is the best place to buy pottery and see how is it made

THINGS TO DO AROUND YOGYAKARTA

The special region of Yogyakarta not only boasts art and culture but also natural splendour, including volcanoes, rainforests, lakes, rural villages, rice fields and stunning beaches.

These provide excellent opportunities for outdoor activities such as jungle trekking, volcano hiking, cycling, wildlife spotting, but also swimming, surfing, paragliding, caving and eco-tourism.

Gunung Merapi is the symbol of Yogyakarta`s countryside

Tembelan – magnificent gorge with boat-shaped bamboo viewing platform, great for photography (spectacular sunrise)

Jurang Tembelan viewing point

Mt Merapi/Kaliurang – all mountaineers and adventurers will want to hike Indonesia`s most volatile volcano Mount Merapi 2930 m (3-hour climb one way from Selo Village), to get there takes around 2 hours from Yogyakarta and you can either arrange a guided trip or hike independently

Mount Merapi (2930 m) provides a fantastic hike

Beaches – Yogyakarta is well-known for gorgeous beaches like Baron Beach, the coral island of Drini Beach, Kukup Beach and Siung Beach or Wediombo Beach with white sands, rich marine life and idyllic sunsets. Parangtritis Beach, Kukup Beach, Krakal, Drini and Sundak Beaches are very dangerous for swimming but worth of seeing and the far Ngobaran Beach is known for a gorgeous underground cave and dramatic scenery

NOTE Timang Beach is popular for the simple gondola used by the local fishermen to get to the Panjang Island – you are free to use it if you dare!

Timang Beach & Panjang Island

Caves & Caverns – there are some fabulous caves to visit along the coastline of Yogyakarta, e.g. Jomblang Cave, Pindul Cave, Cerme Cave, Rancang Kencono Cave

Goa Jomblang Cave

Borobudur & Prambanan – Yogyakarta is a gateway to the Indonesian most important archaeological sites, day tours can be booked at any guesthouse or travel agency in Yogyakarta

Don`t skip the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan – an absolutely mesmerising experience!

Ramayana Ballet Ramayana Ballet is the highlight of Javanese arts, performances are regularly held at the Prambanan Temple

TRAVEL TIPS

To get around the city use because – the Indonesian cycle rikshaw but those who like to explore greater Yogyakarta will need to hire a scooter. Also, andong (horse cart) is a popular means of transport

The Kraton Complex is huge and busy; it is quite difficult to navigate by foot – you will need some comfortable shoes and a good map to enjoy the self-guided tour around the ancient walled city.

Sadly, tourism has its flip side, and Yogyakarta is ill-famed for pickpocketing, bike bandits, bag snatchers and batik scammers. Be aware of these at all times!

Andong (horse cart) is a typical means of transport in Yogyakarta and popular tourist attraction on the Parangtritis Beach

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The dry season generally goes from June till September which is also the peak season – temples get extremely crowded.

Between December and February, it rains abundantly and the chances of taking a good photograph decrease – however, it is more enjoyable to walk around as there will be not as many visitors.

Perhaps the middle season (Oct-Nov, March-May could be a good option, excluding weekends and the Indonesian public holidays when the locals often travel)

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly to Yogyakarta (via Jakarta/Java or Denpasar/Bali).

For all international flights visit www.momondo.com or www.skyscanner.com

For all domestic Indonesian flights check out www.garuda-indonesia.com