Javanese states ever. The Kraton is still the hub of Yogyakarta’s traditional life and despite the advances of the 20th century; it still radiates the spirit of refinement which has been the hallmark of its art and people for centures. Yogyakarta is one of the supreme cultural centers of Java.
Gamelan orchestras keep alive the rhythms the past, classical Javanese dances entrance with visions of beauty and poise, shadows come to life in the stories of the wayang kulit and a myriad of traditional visual art forms keep locals and visitors alike spellbound. It stretches from the slopes of mighty Mount Merapi in the north to the wave-swept beaches of the powerful
Indian Ocean to the south.
GETTING THERE:
Domestic and International flights service Yogyakarta. Tugu train station close to Malioboro Street has several inexpensive express trains from and to java overland everyday. Good express service from Jakarta and Surabaya. Buses also ope rate regularly to Borobudur and Prambanan Temples. Bicycles
and motorcycles can be hired cheaply.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Kaliurang. A popular mountain resort 24 km from Yogyakarta and lies on the slopes of Mt. Merapi is surrounded by enchanting countryside. Mt. Merapi active volcano 2,968 m above sea leree. It takes 10 hours to reach the top.
Taman Sari. Just west of the kraton, are the ruins, pools, arches and underground passages of the former pleasure gardens, the Taman Sari (Water Castle). Literally “fragrant garden” Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, the Sultan and his harem would relax here and from the tower over looking the female bathing pools. It is located in the old part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market.
Open everyday from 8 am to 2 pm.
Jalan Malioboro. Food stalls replace souvenir stands on Jalan Malioboro and serve the Yogya’s specific menu “gudeg” rice with young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk. Enjoy the food in “lesehan” (seat on the woven mats) foodstall along the pavement and enjoy the Yogya’s specific menu “gudeg” rice with young jackfruit cooked in coconut milk.
Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace
The Kraton (palace) court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city between the Winongo and Code Rivers. The palace grounds, courtyards and buildings stretch from north to south, in line with Mount Merapi. Until now, the Kraton still serves as the Sultan’s open everyday 8 am – 1 pm, except Friday close at 12 pm.
Prambanan Temple. This magnificent Hindu temple derives it name from the village where it is located, seventeen kilometres east of Yogyakarta. Locally known as the Roro Jongrang Temple, or the Temple of the Slender Virgin, it is the most magnificent and beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia.
Located some 17 km from Yogyakarta it opens everyday from 06.00 am
to 05.00 pm.
The Ramayana Ballet is a very popular show. It performed at open air theatre in Prambanan Temple every full-moon evening from May to October from 7.30 pm.
For more places of interest, please visit
http://www.my-indonesia.info/page.php?ic=1122&prov=15
http://www.tasteofjogja.com
TOURIST OFFICE:
Tourism Board
Jl. Malioboro No.14,
Yogyakarta 55213,
Phone. (0274) 582628, 587486
Fax. (0274) 565437
Provincial Culture and Tourism Office :
Jl. Cendana 11
Phone : (0274) 562 628,589 350
www.tasteofjogja.com
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