Yogyakarta

A Special Administrative Region Lying in the shadow of “ Fire Mountain”—Mount Merapi
Yogyakarta is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. Prince Mangkubumi built Kraton of Yogyakarta and created one of the most powerful Javanese states ever. The Kraton is still the hub of Yogyakarta’s traditional life, and it still radiates the spirit of refinement which has been the hallmark of its art and people for century.

Sites

Jogjakarta Royal Palace

Jogjakarta Royal Palace is a 14,000 sq. meter palace, built in the 18th century by an Indonesian king, Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. The architecture of the palace was used to be highly valued by a number of Dutch scientists. Until now it remains admirable.

The magnificent palace is the only ancient palace in Indonesia which still functions the same as it is now the palace and official residence of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, the Governor of Jogjakarta Special Region, who is traditionally respected as the king. Its fascination is also offered by at least the existing artistic gates, large halls, Javanese musical instrument, yard, squares, traditional markets, pavilions and museums.

Water Castle is a part of the Jogiakarta Royal Palace. Mainly, the architecture is actually comprised of 3 main sections: the sacred room, the bathing pool and Kenanga Island. The pool was formerly used as the gathering place for concubines of the ruling king. The tower was provided for the king to freely watch and determine whom he directed for his desire. The main entrance of the Castle exposes typical Portuguese ancient architecture.

Prambanan temple

Prambanan is a Hindu temple, built in the ninth century by Sanjaya Dynasty. It is located 17km to the north of Jogjakarta. It is a complex of temples, comprising of a main temple and three temples dedicated to the Hindu gods. The main Prambanan temple is slim, rising up high, having beautiful style and showing high architectural concept. The relief is carved to express the story of Ramayana, Hindu cosmic relief.

Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi , at 2968 meters above sea level, is a very active volcano Java. Its existence has been valued not only because the lava which fertilizes the slope and surrounding land but also the view from the peak shall indeed satisfy great adventures: beautiful sunrise and the city of Jogjakarta. The living character of Merapi is obvious. Even in its normal state, the peak breathes white smoke, becoming the center of attention for the surrounding people every morning, and is sometimes still visible until noon. However, when it came into its due, lives there twist into threatening and harmful and you could not avoid to eyewitness the spewing of ash, debris and 3000 degrees Celsius heat could like a curly furred sheep, then followed by flowing of lava.

Main Attractions

Wayang Kulit / Leather Puppet Shadow Play

Those who are interested in leather puppet shadow plays can see them in:

• Agastya Art Institute—School for Narrators, Jalan Gedung Kiwo MJ I, performed everyday save for Sunday from 3 – 5 pm.
• Sasana Hinggil—South Palace Square (Alun-Alun Selatan), performed every second Saturday of the month from 9 pm to 5.30 am.
  

Wayang Golek / Wooden Puppets

You can view wayang golek performances in Agastya Art Institute—School for Narrators, Jalan Gedung Kiwo MJ I, performed every Saturday from 3 - 5 pm. At Nitour Inc. Jalan KH A. Dahlan 71, it is performed every day except Sunday from 11 am – 1 pm.

Wayang Orang / Dance Drama

The performance is held in Hotel Arjuna Plaza, Jalan P. Mangkubumi, every Thursday from 7 – 9 pm.

Ramayana Ballet

Unique and famous, this ballet is presented by 250 professional dancers at the open air theatre of Prambanan / Loro Jonggrang temple. The entire Ramayana epics is concised into 4 (four) episodes. Each night, one episode, and presented from 7.30 to 9.30 pm.

Episode I
The Abduction of Shinta

Episode II
The Death of Kumbokarno

Episode III
Hanuman’s Mission

Epidose IV
Shinta’s Trial of Purity

• At Ramayana Open Air Theatre, Prambanan Temple, this ballet is performed on moonlight in May to Octover from 7.30 – 9.30 pm.
• At Pura Wisata Open Air Theatre, Jalan Brigjen Katamso, performed every night from 8 – 9.30 pm.
• At Dalem Pujokusuman, performed every Monday and Friday from 8 – 9.30 pm.

Jatilan Kuda Lumping

Bamboo horse dance, at Desa Wisata Bugisan, Prambanan. Bookings must be made at least two hours in advance if you want to watch this show.