TOUR DE JOGJA

Permata Theatre

2010-03-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

In around 1940s, a movie theatre named Permata was built in Yogyakarta. As the name implies, the theatre rally became the diamond for Jogja community, especially young people. Permata theatre did not only function as a place to see the movie, but it also function as a place for hanging around and doing various romantic things of the youth. The existence of the movie theatre could even change the name of the area from Jalan Sultan Agung to Permata area. The phenomenal Permata theatre by that time, especially the era of 60s to 70s, attracted all young people in Yogyakarta to have to come.

This movie theatre was a symbol of prestige for young people as café and mall are at present time. It was in this theatre as well that phenomenal Indonesian films such as Badai Pasti Berlalu of 70s version and Gita Cinta di SMA were on. Nonetheless, time goes by, as the morning that will always turn to evening. It happens to Permata movie theatre of which triumph is decreasing, moving to the twilight of its business. The number of the employees was tens but only few left now. The branches located until Wonosobo city are ruining. Permata theatre is not famous for its good films anymore; instead, it is known as a movie theatre showing low-quality films.

References :
www.yogyes.com

Mataram Ditch

2010-03-03T13:47:00.000-08:00

During Japanese colonization, many Indonesian people were sent to different regions to be employed as forced workers or romusha. They were forced to build various infrastructures to support the Japanese military to fight the Alliance. The people who served as romusha suffered so much; they did not get enough food and they were treated so severely that many of them died. This made Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX - the former king of Yogyakarta - felt a pity and tried to put the romusha away from Yogyakarta people.

He ordered the people to build an irrigation ditch as long as 30 kilometers from the Progo River to the Opak River, and objected to let his people to join the romusha by claiming that they still had to finish the project. The ditch was named Yoshiro Canal and up to now, it functions to irrigate teen-thousands hectares of rice field. Going along the bank of this historical irrigation ditch on a motorcycle or a mountain bike promises a pleasant experience when it is done in October - May since from June to September this ditch is dried to cut off the contamination cycle.

The perfect start would be from the crossroad near the building of Magister Management of Gadjah Mada University on Kaliurang Road. There are two choices of routes from this point. We may choose to go westwards to meet the upper stream of Progo River in Ancol village of Magelang Regency. Otherwise, we may go along the Mataram ditch to the east direction that will end in Opak River in Kalasan.

Taru Martani Cigar Factory, the Legend of Cigar van Java

2010-03-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

For tobacco lovers, it will be exciting to visit Taru Martani, the factory that has been producing cigars since 1918. You will feel like visiting your soul mate. If you don't like tobacco, at least you can learn the long history of this factory that supports many people. Taru Martani was initially built in Bulu area, at the side of Magelang Street, under the name of N.V. Negresco. Three years later, in 1921, the factory moved to the current location, Baciro, to the west of Mandala Krida Stadium in Yogyakarta. During the Japanese colonization, the name of the factory was changed to Java Tobacco Kojo. The factory was triumphant that time since it was supported by machineries to make light cigarettes that were brought in from B.A.T Cirebon. It's an easy procedure to complete before you are able to visit the factory. You only have to make an appointment with the factory management. When they give you permit, you can explore the 2-hectares factory guided by one of the employees. You can see directly and ask questions related to the cigar production. You don't have to incur expenses for this tour. The visit hours, however, are limited only on working hours, from Monday to Friday at 08:00a.m. to 02:00p.m. Entering this factory, you can enjoy the beauty of European architecture. Each parts of the building, both production and administration rooms are preserved as the original ones to that the nuance of European architecture is seen clearly until now. Even though the building has been tens years old, there is no frightening or dull impression; it even give dynamic impression. The production of cigar in this factory goes through some stages. At preparation stage, the dried tobacco leaves that were obtained from Besuki, Jember, East Java are taken out from the warehouse for dampening process for one night. The purpose is to make the tobacco leaves damp and do not crush when processed. The tobacco leaves are then sorted by its physical quality. Some of them are used as cigar filler, binder and wrapper.

The sorted tobacco is then prepared to make cigar cocoon in the next step. In this stage, the cigar is first wrapped with binder or dekblad and then with wrapper or dekblad. The uniqueness of the cigar making lies in this stage where skillful workers are able to produce relatively the same size of cigars by their hands. After this stage is completed, the rolled cigars are cut and sorted. At the final stage of the production, the cigars go through fumigation, cooling, drying and fermentation processes in order to kill the tobacco germs. This stage is so important since the storage time of free-germs cigars will be longer and the taste lasts longer as well. After completion of this stage, cigars are labeled, wrapped and packed to be distributed to consumers. Taru Martani produces 14 brands of cigars, namely Cigarillos, Extra Cigarillos, Senioritas, Panatella, Half Corona, Corona, Super Corona/Grand Corona, Boheme, Royal Perfecto, Rothschild, and Churchill. For its variations, Taru Martani produces three kinds of cigars, namely nature cigar or pure tobacco, flavor cigars or tobacco added with flavors (mint, vanilla, rhum, hazelnut) and mild cigar.

Some legendary cigar brands are worth buying and tasting when you come. You should try Senator and Mundi Victor that have been produced since the foundation of this factory even though they were only labeled by those names in 1952. Other cigars you should try are Adipati, Ramayana and Borobudur that have been produced since 1970s. If you like minced tobacco, you can buy Van Nelle, Drum, and Countryman. Visiting Taru Martani and trying its products make you part of the international community of good quality cigar lovers. The reason is that the cigars produced by Taru Martani that are well known as Cigar van Java have been favored by people from all the world: Asia, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Czechoslovakia, America and Europe.

Imogiri

2010-02-12T23:37:00.000-08:00

The Imogiri complex is separated into three parts, named Giriloyo, Banyusumurup and Imogiri. Traditionally it is accepted that Giriloyo was the earliest of the three graveyards. In some local folklore, Sultan Agung had commenced work on his own graveyard at Giriloyo - but because his uncle Juminah died at the graveyard, Agung was guided by various portents to choose his graveyard on a hill some three kilometres to the southwest, at Imogiri.^[1] A later ruler, needing to bury outcasts in a graveyard separate from Giriloyo and Imogiri, chose Banyusumurup as an appropriate site. However it is possible to find rivals and enemies within Javanese royal families buried within metres of each other inside the walls of Imogiri.

Gondolayu Bridge

2010-02-12T23:28:00.000-08:00

I think its a quite known bridge in Yogyakarta From this bridge you can see the beauty of Code River valley at night.. And it is close to the Tugu monument And there is a good culinary spot Where you can eat toasted bread and hot milk, while enjoying the night wind and seeing the valley with the little 'stars' from the houses below

Bintaran, Indische City of Yogyakarta

2010-02-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Similar to Kotabaru, Bintaran was an alternative dwelling place for Dutch people who lived in Indonesia. It grew when Loji Kecil area could not accommodate the inhabitants anymore. Physically, the area that you can reach by walking eastwards from Gondomanan crossroad did not grow as fast as Kotabaru. One of the factors was the location that is still close to Loji Kecil so that various facilities could be accessed easily.

Before becoming an Indische dwelling place, Bintaran was known as the place where Ndalem Mandara Giri functioning as the house of Prince Haryo Bintoro, one of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom descendants. The growth of Bintaran as an Indische dwelling place was predicted to begin in 1930s signed with construction of house, facilities such as church and even prison. Generally, Dutch people who lived in Bintaran were those working as officers and workers at sugar factory.

Bintaran was decorated with buildings in characteristic European-style architecture. Nonetheless, the characteristic of the buildings in Bintaran area is different from the characteristic of the buildings in Loji Kecil or Kotabaru. The yard of the house in Bintaran area is wider, while the verandah is smaller with many pillars; exterior window shutter is in the form of blind and the interior window leaf is decorated with glasses.

References :
www.yogyes.com

Beringharjo

2010-02-11T23:58:00.000-08:00

Beringharjo market becomes part of Malioboro that is worth visiting. This market has been center of economy activity since years ago and its existence has philosophical meaning. The market that had been renovated several times symbolizes stages of human life that is busily engaged in its economy fulfillment. Furthermore, Beringharjo is also one of the 'four in one' poles (consisting of South Square, Sultan Palace, North Square, and Beringharjo market) symbolizing economy functions. The area where current Beringharjo market lies used to be forest of banyan trees. Soon after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, i.e. in 1758, the area was used as a place for economy transaction by the people of Yogayarkta and its vicinities. Only hundreds years later, namely in 1925, the transaction place had a permanent building. The name 'Beringharjo' was given by Hamengku Buwono IX, meaning that the place where banyan tree (bering) used to grow is expected to bring welfare (harjo). Now, tourists define this place as an enjoyable shopping place.

The front part and the western part of the market are the right places to find delicious traditional snacks. At the north side of the front part, you will find round brem (a kind of snack made from the extract of fermented tubers) that is softer than that of Madiun city and krasikan (sweet cake made from glutinous rice and palm sugar). In the south part, you will find bakpia cake filled with mung bean that is sold warm and wet snacks such as hung kwe and nagasari. Meanwhile, at the back part, usually they sell durable snacks such as ting-ting made of caramel mixed with peanut. If you want to buy batik, Beringharjo is the best place because of its complete collections; ranging from batik cloth to batik clothes made of both cotton and silk materials, with the prices ranging from tens thousands to a million. Collection of batik cloth is available in west and north parts of the market, while batik clothes collection is available almost everywhere in the west part of this market. In addition to batik clothes, the west part of the market also offers traditional clothes: surjan, blangkon, and sarong both woven and batik printed ones. Sandals and bags sold at reasonable prices are available around the escalator of the west part of the market. Stepping upstairs to the second floor, you will smell the aroma of Javanese herbs. Herbs such as turmeric that is usually blended with tamarind to produce special drink and temulawak to make bitter drink for medication purpose are sold here. Spices such as ginger (to make ronde drink or merely to be baked, boiled and mixed with crystal sugar) and cinnamon (to enrich the flavors of such drinks as ginger drink, coffee, tea and sometimes to substitute chocolate in cappuccino).

This is also the right market to hunt antiques. The center of antique goods is in east part of the third floor. There, you can get old typewriter, helmet made in 1960s with the front part of which is mica as high as one's nose and some other items. On the same floor, you can get used items of good quality if you want. Various kinds of good quality used imported goods such as shoes, bag, and even clothes are sold at much cheaper prices compared to the original prices. Of course, carefulness in choosing is needed. After completing your going around in the market, it is time for you to explore the area around the market with not less interesting offers. The area at the north of the market that used to be popular as Chinese Kampong is the most popular place. You can find oldies cassettes of musicians in 1950s that are rarely found in other places at the most expensive price of 50,000 Rupiah. Besides, there are Buddha effigies in different poses costing 250,000 Rupiah. For collectors of old money, they can get the ones from various countries, even the ones utilized in 1930s.To quench your thirst, special cold drink of Yogyakarta, namely cendol ice, is the right choice. This cold drink from Yogyakarta has richer flavor than the ones from Banjarnegara and Bandung. The contents are not only cendol (jelly-like substance made from glutinous rice but also cam cau (jelly-like substance made from cam cau leaves). Other drinks you can try are young coconut ice with palm sugar and the drink made from turmeric-tamarind and rice-great galingale mixtures. The price of the drink is cheap, namely 1,000 to 2,000 Rupiah.

Even though the market is closed at 05:00p.m, the dynamics of the merchants does not stop by that time. In front of the market, there are still many food sellers offering many kinds of special food. Martabak with various fillers, the sweet terang bulan mixed with chocolate and peanut, and the delicious klepon filled with palm sugar are sold every evening. At around 06:00p.m. until late at night, there is usually gudeg seller who also offers special cuisines of cow skin and variant of stir-fried vegetables with chili. While having your meals, you can listen to Javanese traditional music or have a talk with the seller who will address you friendly. It is just complete!

Krakal Beach

2010-02-11T19:25:00.000-08:00

Krakal beach is one of 15 beaches located in the tourist area of Gunung Kidul coastal reaches 70 kilometers in length. Krakal beach the longest beach of the junction is located Ngestirejo village, Tanjungsari sub district,Gunung Kidul, Jogja. about 3 km away in the east of Baron-Kukup-Sepanjang-Drini beach junction, has scratching white hill with blue slopes gently to the sea. The beauty of green lime-scratching hill with blue seawater offers a perfect harmony, which is very natural and ideal for sun bathing.

References :
www.yogyes.com

Kukup Beach

2010-02-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

Kukup beach is one of 15 beaches located in the tourist area of Gunung Kidul, Jogja. Kukup beach is a white sandy beach lies in Kemadang Village, Tanjungsari sub district about 1 km away in the east of Baron Beach.This beach is rich in sea life and also famous of its various kinds of beautiful fish in sea aquarium or various kinds of beautiful fish sold by the merchants along the beach.

References ;
www.yogyes.com

Sundak Beach

2010-02-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Sundak beach can be attached in the list of tour to jogja. The beautifully magnificent scenery of Sundak Beach is not a debatable anymore. All people who have ever visited the beach argue that the beach`s white sand scattering over the seaside is one of the distinctive features. Furthermore, its turquoise water is awesome. Having some activities above the white sand and shallow water around the coast will be an unforgettable moment for everyone visiting Sundak Beach. Sundak Beach is administratively located at Sidoharjo Village, Tepus Sub-district, in the district of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta Province.

There was unique, natural phenomenon of the activity that finally served as starting point of naming this beach. When rainy season came, there was much water from the land flowing to the sea. Consequently, the land on east side of the beach split to make a river-look form. The flowing water looked like splitting the sand. When dry season came, the crevice disappeared since the sea water came ashore and drag away the sand. The name Wedibelah (the split sand) originated from this natural phenomenon.

Tens of years later the name changed. In 1976, there was an interesting occurrence. In an afternoon, there was a dog running about the seaside and entered the cave where it met a sea urchin. Being starving, the dog tried to prey on the sea urchin but the sea urchin avoided. Then, the fight happened and finally the dog succeeded in eating half of the sea urchin body and the dog got out of the cave proudly. The owner of the dog, Arjasangku, saw half of the sea urchin body was still in the dog's mouth. Since then, the name Wedibedah was changed into Sundak as an abbreviation of asu (Javanese language for dog) and landak (Javanese language for sea urchin).

References : www.yogyes.com www.indonesia-gateway.web.id

Ngobaran Beach

2010-02-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

Going to Ngrenehan Beach and enjoying the grilled fish will be complete if you drop by Ngobaran Beach that is located adjacent to it. The location of the beach with high cliff is around two kilometers from Ngrenehan Beach. It is not far, isn't it? Local people of Ngrenehan Beach even talk and visit Ngobaran Beach, why don't you?

Ngobaran is such an exotic beach. When sea water falls, you can see spread of both green and brown seaweed. Being looked from the top, the spread of the algae growing in between coral reef looks like spread of rice field in a densely populated area. Tens of sea animal species also present in between the coral reef, ranging from sea urchin, starfish, to various types of cockle shells.

What you will not find in other beaches is the cultural enchantment, ranging from the building to the local food. One interesting place is four praying places that stand side by side. Is it form of multiculturalism? Who knows.

The most prominent one is a building that looks like a temple with ornaments of god statues in white color. The building was built in 2003 to commemorate the arrival of Brawijaya V, one of Majapahit's king, in Ngobaran. The people who use the place are of Kejawan belief. The name 'Kejawan' originates from the nickname of Brawijaya V's son, namely Bondhan Kejawan. The person who built the building acknowledge to be the descendant of Brawijaya V and appointed one person in the community to keep this place.

References :

www.yogyes.com

Parangkusumo Beach

2010-02-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Upon entering the gate of Parangkusumo Beach, you will immediately feel the sacred nuance of the beach that is located around 30 kilometers south of Yogyakarta city and it is believed to be the entrance gate to the south ocean. You will soon smell the fragrance of flowers and incense as the materials of an offering; the nuance you will find nowhere but in this beach.The sacredness of the place feels more distinct when you look at the scattered flowers and sets of offerings on the Love Stone that is located in Puri Cepuri complex where Panembahan Senopati and Queen of the South met and made an agreement. At that time, Senopati was meditating on the bigger stone in the north when Queen of the South approached him and sat on the smaller stone in the south.

The meeting between the two authorities had influence on the relationship between Yogyakarta Kingdom and Bale Sokodhomas Kingdom. It began when Senopati was perfecting his supernatural powers by doing the ritual of tapa ngeli or carrying himself away in the river. Arriving at a certain phase of his meditation, suddenly there was storm on the beach, trees were yanked out by its roots, the seawater was boiling and fish were thrown to the land.

The occurrence compelled the Queen of the South to show up on the surface of the ocean to see Senopati. Senopati expressed his ideal to govern Mataram and asked the Queen of South for her help. The Queen promised him the help with the conditions that Senopati and his descendants would be willing to become her husbands. Senopati took the conditions with the request that the marriage should not bear children.The agreement made Yogyakarta Kingdom as one of Mataram frictions to have close relationship with the Kingdom of the South Ocean. The proof of such a relationship is the labuhan alit (giving an offering by throwing out certain things to the sea) that is done annually. One part of the labuhan ceremony is planting parts of Sultan's nails, hair and clothes in the area of Puri Cepuri.The meditation of Senopati that bore useful fruits caused many people to believe that any requests will be answered if they are said by the Love Stone. It is not surprising, therefore, hundreds of people from different classes and religions come to the place on certain days they consider sacred. Going in pilgrimage to the Love Stone is also believed to help someone to release heavy burdens from him and to give new life spirit.

In addition to the Love Stone and the labuhan procession, you can also enjoy the beauty of the beach and the breeze of the seashore on a horse-cart. You only have to pay IDR 20,000 for the pleasant ride.There are many warongs where you can buy meals and drinks. Quite big numbers of visitors makes this area crowded every day, even until late at night. Some of them even spend the night in this beach to say their prayer. If you want to share the spiritual experience in Parangkusumo Beach, you can join the pilgrims praying.

References :

www.wikimapia.org

www.javatourism.com

Blandongan Coffee (Warung Kopi Blandongan)

2010-02-05T21:37:00.000-08:00

At the south of Plaza Ambarukmo there is also quite comfortable place to meet, namely Warung Kopi Blandongan. It used to have the slogan of saving the nation from cafein shortage; this coffee warong provides special coffee that is processed by the seller himself.The taste of the coffee proves the truth of the slogan. Blandongan coffee has right thickness and bitterness that is served in the right small cups. The thickness of the coffee can even be seen from the coffee deposit in the cup after you finish it.

The atmosphere of this warong is just suitable for people to gather. Many visitors sit crosslegged. Under yellowish light and bamboo walls seem to bring you to a village atmosphere. When you are hungry, you can try light meals such as fried peanut or other fries.

To the south of Warung Kopi Blandongan there is another coffee warong named Kopi Grek. The warong offers coffee with bigger portion but less thickness. Even though it also serves coffee as the main menu, kedai Kopi Grek has different atmosphere, for example the sitting arrangement in an open space to make it comfortable to enjoy the night air. Kedai Kopi Grek also servers rice as its menu, unlike Blandongan that serves light meals only.

The prices both at Kopi Grek and Kopi Blandongan are similar; they are just cheap! A cup of coffee at Warung Kopi Blandongan sells at IDR 2,000 while at Kopi Grek it costs IDR 2,500. Sometimes, Warung Kopi Blandongan also packs its coffee and sells the coffee powder at IDR 10,000 for 250 grams package.

Zero Kilometers of Yogyakarta

2010-02-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hmm... so, if you tour to Jogja, go visit the zero kilometers of yogyakarta, this area is located before the entrance to the Alun-alun Utara.Many people visit this place, especially during the holidays. Young people, like boy scouts, enjoy going there.

Sogan Village Resort

2010-02-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

Travel anywhere on the island of Java and you will see antiquated and traditional Javanese houses dating from the previous centuries. These places are airy, very large and beautifully constructed. And, you will see a lot that are rundown and dilapidated. It would be great if you could ‘fold up’ all these buildings and carry them to one place and create a grand village. Not such a crazy idea!.

Abandoned traditional Javanese houses dating back to the 19th century have now found a new home at Sogan Village Resort, located some 10 kilometres to the north of Yogyakarta, a unique culinary and cultural recreation destination that offers traditional cuisines and cultural attractions.Built on some 3,000 square meters of land, at Sogan Village visitors can partake of the pleasures and tranquility of village life within an authentic, traditional Javanese atmosphere.

Bakmi Jawa

2010-02-05T02:33:00.000-08:00

Noodles are popular among the nations. It's came from the ancestor of China then spread everywhere just like a viruse. In the land of Java, it's called Bakmi Jawa. Bakmi means noodles then Jawa is Java people. It is represent the location of the noodles made of.In Java, especially Jogjakarta, have plenty of Bakmi Jawa food stalls. It's spreading on many areas as a local tradition cullinary. Usually, the stalls name according to the owner name or where the stall is selling at. For an example, Bakmi Jawa Pak Mul, it's means Mul is the name of the owner or Bakmi Jawa Lor Kretek is noodles stalls where selling at the north of the bridge. Then many others such as Bakmi Jawa Pak Gino, Bakmi Jawa Pak Suradi, Bakmi Kadin, Bakmi Mbah Mo, etc.

Bakmi Jawa has different taste then another noodles. This kind of noodle made of chicken which not raising on purpose. The chicken usually live on the kampoong or villages. In Javanese, it called as ayam kampung. Javanese believe that kind of chicken made bakmi more delicious. Normally, bakmi used the yellow noodle mixed with white noodle. Then it's mix together with the chicken and cooked in a clay pot. As the popular Javanese food, Bakmi Jawa is becoming main menu. Sometimes, people eats bakmi and drinks tea with sugar cube.

Bakmi is popular to people who came to Yogyakarta. It wide spread accross age, gender or profession. Even it not expesive, just Rp 7000 to Rp 10.000, bakmi is outstanding meals. It can give you different sensation, like travel imagination from China to Java then else.

Kalasan Temple

2010-02-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

Candi Kalasan (also known as candi Kalibening) is an 8th century Buddhist temple located 13 km east of the Yogyakarta on the way to Prambanan temple, right on south side of main road 'Jalan Solo' between Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Indonesia. Kalasan Temple is built in Kalasan village about 2 km west of Prambanan, 15 km from Yogyakarta. _It is dedicated to a Buddhist Goddess, TARA. It is 6 meters tall and has 52 stupas. This unique Buddhist temple is located east of Yogyakarta, on the south side of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo.

It was built in honor of the marriage between king Pancapana of Sanjaya Dynasty and a Princess of Syailendra Dynasty, named Dyah Pramudya Wardhani. It is beautifully ornamented with finely carved relief and coated with "vajralepa", a yellowish material made from the sap of a certain tree. The vajralepa functioned as an adhesive and as protection against moss and mildew, while at the same time it refined the carvings. This temple is 24 m high and its base built in the form of a Greek cross. Wikipedia.org Indonesia-tourism.com

Gudeg

2010-02-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

Gudeg is a traditional food from Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia which is made from young Nangka (jack fruit) boiled for several hours with palm sugar, and coconut milk. Additional spices include garlic, shallot, candlenut, coriander seed, galangal, bay leaves, and teak leaves, the latter giving a brown color to the dish. It is also called Green Jack Fruit Sweet Stew. Gudeg is served with white rice, chicken, hard-boiled egg, tofu and/or tempeh, and a stew made of crispy beef skins (sambal goreng krecek).

There are three types of gudeg; dry, wet and East-Javanese style. Dry gudeg has only a bit of coconut milk and thus has little sauce. Wet gudeg includes more coconut milk. The East-Javanese style gudeg employs a spicier and hotter taste, compared to the Yogyakarta-style gudeg, which is sweeter.

Hills of The Stars (Bukit Bintang)

2010-02-04T13:34:00.000-08:00

This place can be attached in the list of visiting jogja. The greatest exotic up here. What do you think about stand with the stars shinning above? You do not need to be an astronauts or becoming NASA members anymore. There's a way to make it happen: visit Bukit Bintang (Hills of The Stars), a southern spot in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. You can get it for free; find the exotics of real life there.

People come by driving their motorbikes and cars, parked it along the downhill way. And wait, then the moment of crazy little things happened: sunset. The color blends, just like a rainbow and sea. Like millions leafs of green, strawberry of red and cheese of yellow. The pretty of sunset blows up my head with question: how it could be.

For the next minutes, dark sky comes. It's almost 6.30 p.m. People who lived in the downside of the hill will turn on the lights. And the next crazy things happened: stars-lights are represented by the lamps. It's more than a sunset. Stars came out from their nest. One by one.  They tried for welcoming you. You are above them.  Please, enjoy it first.Mostly, people came there for escape from their daily life routines. They think they can away or at least give space for their own. The wide scenery and landscape of Yogyakarta easily captured. And it's time for relax.

Few young men started their living. They are wearing light orange jacket and holding torch in their hand. Yes, they are parking man. Some of local villagers used the empty space as their business places. They sold meal and coffee. You got everything less than $1. They build their building without no one knows for safety and good knowledge of constructions. Just by bamboo and some with cements. While people tried to be happy and found greatest exotics, the villagers start to make a living. The responsible people leaved them high and dry.

References :
www.yogyes.com

The Amazing Ratu Boko Temple

2010-02-04T04:41:00.000-08:00

Now, you can see the amazing Ratu Boko Temple. Standing on the top of the hill and hide of it beauty. From this place, you can feel the peace and also able to see Jogjakarta/Yogyakarta city and Prambanan temple with Merapi Mountain as the background. Ratu Boko Temple has a width of 2.5 lakh square meters and boasts beautiful monasteries, terraces, ponds and temples.

The impressive entrance gate of the Ratu Boko Temple boasts two separate gateways set at different levels. It is decorated with intricate stone facings. About 50 m from the main gate is a temple of white stone. Just nearby you can see two square terraces used for burning corpses. Within the Ratu Boko Temple, there is a well called Amerta Mantana. The water of this well is considered lucky and used on auspicious days by Indonesia's Hindu people. 

At Ratu Boko Temple you'll also see a series of circular pools carved into the limestone. These were used for royal baths. Two caves formed of sediment stones lie at the eastern end of the palace, The upper cave is called Gua Lanang (Male Cave) and the lower cave Gua Wadon( Female Cave). These Buddhist caves also have Hindu elements of Linga and Yoni, and statue of Ganesha. So, visit the beautiful Ratu Boko Temple, Yogyakarta and get an insight into Indonesia's fascinating heritage.

Plaosan Temple

2010-02-04T04:23:00.000-08:00

After visiting Prambanan temple, you should not rush to your hotel, because close to the beautiful Hindu temple, you can also see other interesting temples. Moving 1 kilometer northwards, you will find Plaosan Temple; a temple constructed by Rakai Pikatan for her wife, Pramudyawardani. The architect of the temple that is located in Bugisan village of Prambanan sub-district is combination of Hindu and Buddha.

Plaosan complex is divided into 2 groups, namely the North Plaosan Temple and the South Plaosan Temple. Both of the temples have square terrace that is encircled by wall, a pillbox for meditation at the west part and dome on other side. Because of that similarity, the appearance of both temples are the same when they are seen from distant so that Plaosan temple is also called the twin temples.The North Plaosan Temple has middle courtyard encircled by wall with the entrance at the west side. In the middle of the courtyard, there is a hall as wide as 21.62 m x 19 m. At the eastern part of the hall, there are 3 altars, namely north, east and south altars. The pictures of Amitbha, Ratnasambhava, Vairochana, and Aksobya are at the east altar. Samantabadhara statue and Ksitigarba figure is at the north altar, while Manjusri picture is at the west alter.

The South Plaosan temple also has a hall at the center that is encircled by 8 small temples that is divided into 2 ranks and each rank consists of 4 temples. There also pictures of Tathagata Amitbha, Vajrapani with vajra attribute at the utpala and Pranjaparamita who was considered "the mother of all Buddha". Some other pictures can still be found but not at their original places. Manujri figure that according to a Dutch scientist named Krom is significant can also be seen.

Part of this bas relief has unique picture of man and woman. There is a man described as sitting cross-legged with worshipping hands and a figure of a man with vara mudra and vse at his leg encircled by six smaller men. A woman is described as standing with vara mudra hands, while there are book, pallet, and vase around her. Krom explains that figures of those man and woman are descriptions of supporting patron from two monasteries.The entire complex of Plaosan temple has 116 ancillary domes and 50 ancillary temples. Ancillary domes can be seen on each side of the main temple, as can smaller ancillary temples. Walking northwards, you can see open building called Mandapa. Two inscriptions can also be found; they are the inscription on gold coin at the north of the main temple and an inscription written on a stone in the first line of the ancillary temples.One of the characteristics of Plaosan temple is the smooth surface of the terrace. Krom explains that such a terrace is different from other temples of the same time. To his opinion, it is related to the function of a temple by that time that is predicted to keep canonical texts owned by Buddhist monks. Other prediction by Dutch scientists, if the number of monks in that area is small then the terrace might be used as a place for Buddhists to pray.

If you go around the temple complex, you will notice that the complex of Plaosan temple is wide. That can also be noticed from long fence stretching 460 meters from north to south and 290 meters from west to east. There is also moat inside stretching as long as 440 meters from north to south and 270 meters from west to east. The moat can be seen by walking eastwards through the middle part of this historical building.

References :

www.yogyes.com

Soto Pak Slamet, Yummmy...

2010-02-03T23:50:00.000-08:00

Cooking is expertise, the Javanese word for a mention talent. That's why many owners like the traditional food stalls, the brand name for its own business. For example, of Sate Mangun Pak, Gudeg Mbok Sadhem, Ayam Goreng Suharti day or so.

Similarly, Slamet choose the name Soto Pak Slamet sotonya to stall. The type of food that he be selling "generic" because soto can be found in almost every road in Yogyakarta. However, soto-owned Pak Slamet different stalls soto other. No need to talk about taste, the evidence stalls Pak Slamet has stood since a quarter century ago.

Starting from a small shop reot the roadside near the railway Patukan Road, south of Hamlet Mejing, Ambarketawang, Dalkeith, Dollar, the original Slamet buyers expect only from workers who each day pass in the lane next kiosk.

Kasongan

2010-02-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Visiting Kasongan village, the tourists will be welcomed warmly by local inhabitants. They may have a look the showroom crowded with ceramic handicrafts. If they are interested in seeing the ceramics making, tourists can visit some ceramic galleries that produce the special handicrafts at site. The processes are material kneading, shaping, drying that takes 2-4 days and burning before finally being finished using wall paint or roof-tile paint. Working collectively, a gallery is usually a family business run from generation to the next generation. Even though ceramics making is now involving neighbors of surrounding dwelling place of the gallery owner, the family is still responsible for material selection and production monitoring. At the beginning, these ceramics did not have style at all. The legend of the dead horse, however, inspired the craftsmen to create horse motifs on many products, especially the horses carrying earthenware goods or roof-tiles complete with bamboo basket placed on the horseback, in addition to frog, rooster and elephant motifs.

The entering modern influence and culture from outside through various media and the first introduction of Kasongan to public by Sapto Hudoyo around 1971-1972 with artistic and commercial touch and commercially sold in major scale by Sahid Keramik around 1980s enables tourists to see various ceramic motifs. Tourists can even order motifs to their like such as peacock, dragon, rose and others. The types of self production include so many forms. They do not only make kid toys (sounding toys, frog, and money box) and kitchen tools (kuali, pengaron, kendil, dandang, kekep, and others). Entering the gate of Kasongan village, you will see ceramics galleries that sell ornamental items alongside the street.

The forms and functions have varied, from small ashtray to flower vase as high as one's shoulder. The ornamental goods either have functions or merely as ornament. One of famous ceramic displays is statue of a couple sitting in polite position. This statue is named Loro Blonyo at the first time by Loro Blonyo gallery owned by Walujo. This statue is adopted from a bridal couple owned by Yogyakarta Kingdom. In Javanese language, Loro means two or a couple, while Blonyo means to be made over through bathing and making up. "The real meaning of Loro Blonyo, however, is still in question among craftsmen in Kasongan," Giman said.

The existing belief of Loro Blonyo statue that brings luck and perpetual family life when located at home, as Giman told YogYES, brings positive impact on the sales of this statue. Some foreigners place order of special statues in certain forms such as dancer, guitar player, models and others. The clothes are not standard Javanese anymore; special clothes of some countries are adopted; statues in Balinese and Thailand clothes are found most. Some ceramic galleries sell this statue in different styles. Since the end of the twentieth century, after economy crisis hit Indonesia, tourists may find other products other than earthenware goods.

References : www.yogyes.com 

Madukismo Sugar Factory (Pabrik Gula Madukismo)

2010-02-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

Visiting Madukismo Sugar Factory, you will feel the nuance of the early industry era. An old, big building with vast yard, old machineries and the railway track used for flatcar to transport sugarcane will greet you and stress such an impression. This factory offers tour enjoyment that is different from others. You can make an appointment first with the management of the company in order to enjoy Madukismo Agro Tourism is tour package since it is not done anytime. When you come to the factory area, you will see Madu Chandya building that is located close to the factory. Then, you will be guided to know the making process of sugar from the sugarcane and the methylated spirit as the side product of sugar. The explanation is given by utilizing audiovisual equipments in order to make the presentation interesting.A short journey on an old train can be made after the presentation. You will be able to feel the nuance of a travel in the past when you are in the compartment of the old train driven by diesel machine made in Germany. The old train will bring you around the factory area and the sugar can plantation close to the factory.Getting down from the train, you will go to the location of the factory. If you come in May - September, you will be able to see the processes of sugar production directly. The processes include molasses tapping, molasses distillation, molasses evaporation, crystallization, sugar stirring and packaging. While observing the production process, you can look at the old machines used in the factory.

Exiting the location of sugar factory, you can go to methylated spirit factory of Madukismo that is located at the west of the sugar factory. In the factory that was built in the same time as the sugar factory, you will see the processes of the spirit production that include raw material dilution, fermentation and distillation. Methylated spirit and other alcohol products produced by this factory are processed from molasses, side product of sugar production.

If you have completed your tour in the factory, you should not rush home. You can still enjoy many things around the factory area. Tracking the route of sugar cane transportation through sugar cane field and villages in Bantul area is an interesting to do. To the east of the factory, you can also see old train compartments that are not functional anymore.The used irons from this factory location were brought to Thailand to construct Kwai River bridge, the bride connecting Thailand to Burma as the battle location during the Second World War and was filmed on The Bridge of the Kwai River that won 7 Oscars in 1957, included the Best Movie award. Now, the bridge that was built using the used irons from Madukismo Sugar Factory becomes one of the main tour destinations in Thailand to commemorate the raid by the allied Forces and the forced labors.

If you come at the early time of sugarcane pressing (May-September), you will see the ritual of cembengan done by the workers and the community around the factory. The ritual is intended to wish the best luck for the sugarcane pressing to be done smoothly. During the ritual, you can see the bride and bridegroom sugarcanes, the first sugarcane pressing, jathilan performance, community market, plantation of buffalo's and cow's heads, offerings, reading of Koran holy verses and night-long performance of leather puppet show. If you want to leave for Kasongan village that is located some kilometers from the factory you can travel southwards.

References : www.yogyes.com

Taman Sari / Water Castle

2010-02-01T03:08:00.000-08:00

Formerly Tamansari was a recreation garden or a resting house for the Sultan and Family. The other resting houses including Warungboto, Manukberi, Ambarbingun, and Ambarrukmo functioned for the vacation and meditation for the royal family. The other function is used as hiding place for royal family to defend against the enemy assault.

Tamansari is located about 2 km south of Yogyakarta Palace. Built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments. Tamansari was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of XVII Century. Tamansari not only just a recreation, but it's also a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms and extremerly large swimming pool (if the canals opened).

Taman Pintar / Jogja Science Park

2010-02-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

Science Park growth of that technology and science, is something that though to thank goodness because promising amenity to make up of civilization of human being. Howeever growth of science also hide challenge in the form of human being attitude to the accelerating growth of it self technology and science.

Program development of Bright Garden in general divided in the plan in general, planning and execution of development and also planning and execution of content items. Planning of content items have instruction to be able to submit technology and science to overall of target group. Approach to submit technology and science through various media with a purpose to improve apresiasi to technology and science.

Marginally items fill Bright Garden divided according to age group divided of age mount pre go to school till garden of elementary school till high school, while according to emphasis of items realized in interaction between visitor with sent items existing bridge.

Bridge as media to submit content items compiled by totally start from bridge as medium of games, introductory bridge, exact elementary items bridge till bridge which is applying of technology and science. Planning of content items bridge compiled with game concept and presentation followed with clarification of sent items.

Items content concept compiled in the form of sub - theme sub at the same time room zonasi to later, then realized in the form of bridge - bridge as media to submit items which consist in.

Bekakak

2010-01-30T13:52:00.000-08:00

Yogyakarta saves the diverse cultures, which may still rarely known by the population outside Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is still a lot of people who lay on cultural diversity that is because some of them are migrants. One of the cultural wealth of its resonance still reverberates less than Grebeg mulud Saparan or ceremony is also known with Kirab Bekakak.

Bekakak carnival held each year in Gamping, Sleman actually this entry in the calendar of tourism government Sleman Yogyakarta province and the government. But somehow because of the location of the implementation of far from the city center, or because of other factors, shows that this is indeed a far to a rousing compared Grebeg mulud or sekatenan. This event is held each Friday, Sunday Sapar to three weeks (weeks in the name of Islam). In fact, this carnival bekakak no less interesting to follow and enjoy.

In each an organized, carnival route begins from Central Village Ambarketawang, running toward Pesanggrahan Ambarketawang, located in the Gamping Mount. In carnival, carnivaled are two pairs of dolls bride, also called bekakak, made from rice flour filled with sticky rice or red sugar water disbursed. In addition carnival bekakak, carnival also followed by a group of brigade soldiers as well as various kinds of traditional art. After reaching in Pesanggarahan, bride or bekakak is cut to exit juruhnya and then distributed to the visitors.

The visitor is always willing to wait while the thrust to get part of bekakak it. They believe, though few, bekakak body made of sticky rice that can bring blessings for the success they have. This tradition is still attached on the part of the Java community in general and Yogyakarta in particular. People call ngalap blessing.The story behind the organization bekakak this carnival of death was trusted Ki Wirosuto with their families due to failure Gamping Mt. Ki Wirosuto itself is a servant of King Mataram Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. Saparan ceremony is a command from the Sultan to the village headman Gamping to create a celebration with a pair of dolls made of sticky rice flour rice containing a red liquid sugar. Dolls must cuted as simbolisasi of Ki Wirosuto.
There are also another story said that this tradition is also for the safety of local residents who generally work as lime Gamping authorities. It seems that many people first slipped and died while taking Gamping.


And the strange are fatal accidents that always happen in Sapar. Therefore, with forged in the tradition Saparan, local people believe that the tradition is able to provide peace and peace for them. With maintain and preserve this tradition, luck and all sorts of dangers can be trusted avoid from the local community

Waroeng, Steak and Shake

2010-01-27T22:56:00.000-08:00

First opened on 4 September 2000, Waroeng Steak & Shake or the more popular with a "WAS" for the first time in Yogyakarta is located at Jl. No Paradise. 30. Just after that, four other Waroeng steak in the open and then follow.

To accommodate the enthusiasm of the people who Yogyakarta welcomes opening of the food with typical yellow color, the owners of these eating places directly respond with the opening of four other branches in different places. With the opening of the branch, the expected needs of the community will be a culinary tour, especially steak can be fulfilled.

WAS made a breakthrough by introducing steak to the people of Yogyakarta in general have not been known to be a popular success. With a relatively affordable price, but maintain the taste that is not typically owned by others is one of the factors that encourage such success. All the good people among children, students, university students and young executives can enjoy a special steak dish typical WAS.

With a capacity of around 80 seats, Radio, which also has opened a branch in Solo, Semarang and Medan this really want to give food to the price of food is relatively cheap and can be enjoyed by all circles. You serve with the motto "Not Steak Ordinary," Waroeng Steak is intended to be a fit for your mad Steak and want to treat your friends. Opening four more branches in Yogyakarta that you want to make it easier to eat this place based on the location nearest you. Enjoy steak ...

Sosrowijayan, A Tourist Kampong

2010-01-26T14:00:00.000-08:00

Walking about 200 meters southwards from Tugu railway station, along Malioboro Street, you will find Sosrowijayan kampong. A plank at the corner of the small street with the same name on it leads you to the area. Connecting Dagen Street and Malioboro Street, Sosrowijayan is split into two areas, namely East Sosrowijayan and West Sosrowijayan. Later, East Sosrowijayan is known as the second famous tourist kampong in Yogyakarta after Prawirotaman.

Arriving at the T-junction of the street named after the past authority of the area (Sosrowijoyo), you will be greeted friendly by pedicab drivers. Usually, they will assist you to get lodgings or take a mini tour along Malioboro Street or to get bakpia (the special snack of this city) at Pathok area by riding their pedicab. Many guides will readily assist you to get lodgings, for example. They will tell you many things about places of interests in Yogyakarta, too.

Entering Sosrowijayan area, you will see an old building functioning as a lodging, namely Aziatic Hotel. The building that was built during the Dutch colonization has typical European architecture. The building has white wall with three doors and some supporting pillars on the front side, while the name of the hotel is directly embossed to the wall in black color. Once, this hotel was used as the shooting location of 'Daun di Atas Bantal (The Leaf on A Pillow)' film that was shown in Cannes Film Festival.

Entering the first alley, there are two bookshops. Most of the works sold there are novels in English; some of them are in Indonesian language. You can freely select or just take a quick reading of the content since they are all unwrapped. Even though most of them are used ones, physical quality of the books is preserved so well that they are worth collecting. The prices vary but they are definitely cheaper than those in bookshops.

References :

www.yogyes.com 

Mandala Krida Stadium

2010-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Mandala Krida Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is used as the home stadium for PSIM Yogyakarta. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 people.

Plengkung Gading

2010-01-25T13:40:00.000-08:00

Plengkung Gading is the largest and most impressive of the remaining gateways which were originally set in the four kilometer stone wall surrounding the Kraton complex. Built after a European model, the gate once had a moat and a drawbride, whice have not survived. Another gate, called Plengkung Tarunosuro, is visible on the northern side of the palace. The eastern gate was rammed by British sepoy Indian Soldiers under Governor raffles in 1812, after which the troops looted the Kraton and made off with seven million dollars worth of booty.

Pakualaman Palace (Puro Pakualaman)

2010-01-25T13:34:00.000-08:00

The magnificent, well preserved Pakualaman Palace or locally known as Puro Pakualaman, located 2 km east of the city main Post office at Sultan Agung street. This palace is belonged to Pakualaman principality (Kadipaten). Its story dated back to March 17, 1813 when Prince Notokusumo, the son of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I with Princess Srenggorowati was throned by the British Lieutenant Governor General Sir Thomas Raffles as Kanjeng Gusti Pangeran Adipati Arya (K.G.P.A.A.) Paku Alam I. This brilliant Prince was coronated as 'Pangeran Merdiko' (Free Prince) on June 1812 as proposed by Sultan Hamengku Buwono II.

This principality was given its own territory, consisting of 4.000 cacah at Pajang, Bagelan, westward of Yogya and an area located between rivers Progo and Bogowonto, in Adikarto Region, western Yogya. The 5,4238 ha palace compound reflects a strong center of Javanese culture. The architect of this Puro was K.G.P.A.A. Paku Alam I himself, who was an expert in culture and literature.

If you wished tour to visit Puro Pakualaman : Upon arrival at Adi Sucipto Yogyakarta airport or Tugu railway station, met by your friendly tour guide, then direct tour to Puro Pakualaman, including visit Sasmitaloka Museum.

References :

www.wisatasejarah.wordpress.com

South Square of Yogyakarta (Alun-alun Kidul)

2010-01-25T03:48:00.000-08:00

Those who had lived in Yogyakarta will never forget friendly nuance of the South Square. With your friends at college, you might have sat in one night on the mat spread close to stalls around the square while discussing your tasks or talking about popular juniors in campus. You might just have a chat with your neighbors or your colleagues when you stayed in Yogyakarta while enjoying the sweet, hot ronde or bajigur beverages.The South Square is an area at the back part of the Sultan's Palace that you can reach southwards from Wijilan, the central place for purchasing of Gudeg as special food of Yogyakarta. Symbolized by a calm elephant, the South Square is the balance of the North Square that is so busy. For the reason, the South Square is considered the resting place for the gods. It is clear now that the area functions as the place for people to calm their hearts down.

The area begins to be busy at five o'clock in the afternoon. Food and drink sellers began to erect tents and to prepare their food and drink to be sold. When night comes, you can begin enjoying the food and beverages. You can try traditional beverage called ronde containing peanut, fruit of sugar palm, and rounded dough of rice flour filled with palm sugar that are poured with hot, light ginger-taste liquid. The price is quite cheap, only at 2,500 Indonesian Rupiah. In addition to ronde, you can try the so-called bajigur beverage. It is similar to ronde with strong taste of ginger but its thick liquid is made from coconut milk, coffee and syrup of palm sugar. It contains slices of bread, coconut and fruit of sugar palm. These hot beverages are the best choices to expel the coldness of night while chatting with your friends. When you are hungry, some choices of dishes are available. Baked corn, baked banana or baked bread are good companions for ronde or bajigur drinks. The corn is spread with margarine and chili sauce before it is baked while the banana is spread with chocolate that will melt when it is baked. Baked bread is available in various tastes. All of them are simply delicious!

If you want to eat rice, it will come with some side dishes such as fried chicken, grilled fish and fried tempe. Those are all common side dishes you can find in most restaurants in Indonesia. However, if you include the nuance of the South Square into its ingredients, the cuisine becomes so special. Served in cross-legged arrangement, most of the food and drink are offered at affordable prices. You will be satisfied with spending 5,000 Indonesian Rupiah only. Then, you can try an attraction called Masangin, namely walking through two banyan trees in the middle of the square with your eyes being closed with black cloth that is available for rent at 3,000 Rupiah. The belief says that those who successfully do it will get unlimited blessing. However, do not try to peep since you will enter to other world so that it is difficult for you to return to the real world!

Please ask the person who has been renting the black cloth for thirty years, namely Mr. Albertus Harjo Suwito, anything about Masangin. He will explain that renting black cloth is not merely a business for him but it is an effort to preserve the culture and belief of the past community. The ritual of going through between two banyan trees is not mystical but it is means of saying our prayer to God. The answering of the prayer will depend on one's belief. At certain occasion, you can see leather puppet performance in Sasono Hinggil Dwi Abad, the building that is located adjacent to the South Square. You have to prepare yourself to enjoy the nightlong performance.

You can also see the troops of Yogyakarta Kingdom are preparing themselves before joining the Grebeg ceremony (to commemorate the birth of Muhammad). They gather in this square before the ceremony and then march to the North Square at the ceremonial day. At day, you can also enjoy different situation of the South Square. You can see the elephants of the Kingdom in its stall or children playing football in the afternoon. Antique things are also sold around the square.

References :

www.yogyes.com

www.gudeg.net

Sasmitaloka Museum, The House of General Sudirman

2010-01-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

After joining tour to enjoy the pakualaman palace, you must go to this place. The house located on Jalan Bintaran Wetan No.3 Yogyakarta is the house where General Sudirman used to live and it now becomes Sasmitaloka museum of the Great Commander General Sudirman. Sasmitaloka in Javanese language means the place to remember, to commemorate. This museum is the place to commemorate services and sacrifices of General Sudirman.

This building that was constructed during the Dutch Indian government in 1890 has very long history. At the early time of its foundation, this historical building was meant for a finance officer of Paku Alam VII castle, Mr Winschenk. During Japanese colony this building was vacant and the goods were confiscated. In the independence time of the Republic of Indonesia, this building was used as the camp for Tukul Company of Suharto Battalion.

Since 18 December 1945 until 19 December 1948 this became official residence of General Sudirman when he became the Highest Commander of TKR. Then, during the Dutch Aggression II it was used by the Dutch colony as the Camp of IVG T Brigade and after the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia on 17 December 1949, was used as the office of Yogyakarta Military Command, then dormitory for XII Infantry Regiment and invalid people respectively. On 17 June 1968 it was used as Infantry Central Museum until it was inaugurated as the Museum of Sasmitaloka General Sudirman on 30 August 1982.

References :
www.yogyes.com
www.berhatinyaman.com

Inna Garuda Hotel....

2010-01-22T02:24:00.000-08:00

Inna Garuda hotel is legendary as an integral part of Yogyakarta since 1908. Inna Garuda's 223 rooms are furnished in classic but modern elegance and face Malioboro Street, the heart of Yogyakarta. All the amenities expected in an international standard hotel are at your fingertips because You are everything to us!

Kotabaru, The Old City

2010-01-22T02:10:00.000-08:00

Cool weather will greet you when you pass by the area north east of Malioboro, the area to the east side of Code River that is now named Kotabaru. Shady trees grow in the center space of the streets, sheltering people from the sun and dividing the two-way street. With old buildings standing firmly on both sides of the street, Kotabaru area becomes an area worth more than being passed by. Kotabaru, previously named Nieuwe Wijk, is an area that has been improving since 1920 as consequence of increased crowdedness of Loji Kecil area. The growth of sugar industry, plantation, and increased interest of developing education and health increased the number of Dutch people who lived in Yogyakarta. Kotabaru becomes an alternative dwelling area with complete facilities, similar to Menteng area in Jakarta.

You will feel distinctive impression once you enter this area. The design of the area was set following radial pattern as common towns in Netherlands. It is different from other areas in Yogyakarta that most of them were set following points of compasses. Big trees, plants of flowers and fruits in this area signaling that Kotabaru was designed as a garden city, completed with boulevard wide streets. Each corners of Kotabaru are not only beautiful, but they also keep stories. Kewek road as the south entrance of this area, for example, keeps funny story. The bridge road connecting the east and west sides of Code River was named Kerkweg road; due to difficulty to pronounce such a word by Javanese people, it became Kewek. Forming as a bridge, the road that is now named Abubakar Ali is also called Kreteg Kewek.

Directing northwards from Kreteg Kewek, you will find Saint Anthony church. Characteristic of European building can be seen from the high minaret in the front part of the church, 16 big concrete columns, and the concave ceiling. The church that was built in the year 1926 and was previously named Antonius van Padua began to grow when the praying place in Mr Perquin's house (in front of Syuhada Mosque) did not accommodate the Catholics anymore.Entering Kotabaru further, you will find some historical buildings, for example Saint Ignatius College building that was used as the office of Defense Ministry, the building of SMAN 3 (high school) as AMS building, the building of SMP 5 (junior school) that was used as Normalschool, and the building of SMU BOPKRI I (high school) that was functioned as Christelijke MULO building and Military Academy.

You will find also the office of Tourism Council as the end of the guerilla war by General Soedirman, an Indonesian national hero that was famous for his guerilla struggle.One building that is architecturally pronounced is Bimo building. The building was designed with art deco concept, an architecture that grew fast in 1920s-1930s, giving priority to local traditional aspect by being open to new things and accompanied by the spirit to be different from the existing buildings. The shape of Bimo building is stretching like other characteristic European buildings, but the upper front part is in arching form.Other prominent, historical building is the office of Jiwasraya Insurance. During the Dutch colonization, this building was inhabited by an officer of Nill Maatschappij Insurance Company, while during the Japanese colonization it was dwelled by Butaico Major Otsuka, a Japanese army senior officer. On 6 October 1945, this building was used as a meeting place between Moh Saleh Bardosono and Otsuka in the frame of weapons handover.If you not yet satisfied looking the old buildings, you can walk along each corners of Kotabaru. A row of old buildings with Dutch architecture is found easily. Some of them having historical value are the building located at the end of the road leading to Gondolayu Bridge that used to function as the office of Foreign Affairs, the house of Brigadier General Katamso to the east of Kridosono Stadium, and the building of electricity post with characteristic Dutch design.

The corners of Kotabaru now grow dynamically. There are some cafes to relax after joining tour to enjoy the old cities, an art gallery to hold exhibitions, and some places where you can taste various cuisines, even a gymnastic place. The enchantment of Kotabaru as a garden city can still be enjoyed while sitting and sheltering on either side of the street.

References :

www.yogyes.com

Tugu Station

2010-01-22T02:03:00.000-08:00

The station is located near Malioboro street in Yogyakarta. When you step for the first time on Tugu Railways Station, your mind will go along the station as if you are brought to the past, the era of Dutch colonialism, since the building is a heritage made by the Dutch. Tugu Railways Station becomes one of the witness of Indonesian people's history and it gives you the trails through details of the building, of exterior and interior which blend with the business in the railways station.

Trains that pass through Tugu station :

    * Argo Dwipangga to Gambir and Solo Balapan

    * Argo Lawu to Gambir and Solo Balapan

    * Argo Wilis to Bandung and Surabaya Gubeng

    * Bima to Gambir and Surabaya Gubeng

    * Gajayana to Gambir and Malang

    * Mutiara Selatan to Bandung and Surabaya Gubeng

* Lodaya Malam to Bandung and Solo Balapan

* Lodaya Siang to Bandung and Solo Balapan

    * Sancaka to Surabaya Gubeng

    * Taksaka to Gambir

    * Turangga to Bandung and Surabaya Gubeng

References :
www.wikipedia.com

Lempuyangan is The Older Train Station

2010-01-21T19:41:00.000-08:00

Jogja as one of train operational zone (DAOP VI) in java have 3 train station : Tugu, Lempuyangan, Maguwo. Where is the older train station? Tugu? you wrong, because Lempuyangan established before. But because of the position of Tugu Station where is near Malioboro Street which very famous for tourists made lempuyangan not known well. Today Economic Class Train will stop only at lempuyangan, Executive Class and Business Class will stop at Tugu, except Prameks (Business Class) which will stop at 3 train station in jogja.

Economic class as the major passenger in train transportation made management of Lempuyangan station build East Gate and closed West Gate as ticketing area. East Gate is a new gate with new and better design than the West Gate that build long long time ago.

Railway services that utilise this station :

* Bangunkarta to Pasar Senen and Jombang

* Bengawan to Tanah Abang and Solo Jebres

* Fajar Utama Yogya to Pasar Senen

* Kahuripan to Padalarang and Kediri

* Logawa to Purwokerto and Jember

* Matarmaja to Pasar Senen and Malang

* Pasundan to Bandung Kiaracondong and Surabaya Gubeng

* Prambanan Ekspress to Kutuarjo and Solo Balapan

    * Progo to Pasar Senen

    * Senja Utama Solo to Pasar Senen and Solo Jebres

    * Senja Utama Yogya to Pasar Senen

    * Sri Tanjung to Banyuwangi

References :

www.wikipedia.com

www.stayinjogja.blogspot.com

Ambarketawang, The First Palace of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom

2010-01-20T17:19:00.000-08:00

I visited this one of historical sites in Yogyakarta at 27 October 2006. Fortunately, this site is not far from my home, say about 3 km. This ruin of palace is located in Padukuhan Tlogo, Ambarketawang, about 6 Km of southwest from the city of Yogyakarta. This Palace was established by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. He used in this site as temporary palace, while he was building the new Mataram Palace (present Kraton mataram Yogyakarta).

This is the remnant of Ambarketawang Palace, consist of ruins of Pendopo, wall, and Padusan (old well and bathroom), also Kestalan (horse barn).Through an excavation in 1981 there are two findings i.e. monumental findings (fence, archway, ground plan of the buildings I and II, urung-urung and gunungan) and non-monumental findings (pieces of foreign ceramics, pieces of local ceramics, and fragments of metals) as recorded on the study result of Provincial Office of Education and Culture DIY, Geology Park and Historical Remnants of Ambarketawang, 1981.

To the east of the wall, there is a big stone encircled with iron fence. The big stone was pas of a limestone hill existing in the area. The story tells that it was the existence of the limestone hill deciding the location of the palace construction. Now, the hill has disappeared since much of the limestone was utilized to build houses.To the right of the big stone, there is a stage as big as the stone, which is not part of the pesanggrahan. The stage was used in one of the offering ceremonies, namely the slaughtering of bekakak (the mannequin of bridal couple). This ceremony is held in commemoration of the many people who were killed while collecting the limestone and now it is done once a year after the date of 20 of Javanese month Sapar.

Generally, the procession of the offering ceremony is done until the front part of pesanggrahan Ambarketawang. Various art performances such as leather puppet, macapat, gamelan and so on are held there. Tarsono told that the offering ceremony that is often called as Saparan is still crowded by visitors both from nearby areas and from distant villages.If we come to visit pesanggrahan Ambarketawang when Saparan ceremony is held, the enchantment of the first area of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom will be complete. However, if you do not have time to visit on the day, you can still enjoy its history anytime. At least, you can enjoy the enchantment of the area of this pesanggrahan. No expenses are imposed to enter this area.

References :
www.wikimapia.org

www.mahandisyoanata.multiply.com
www.yogyes.com

Gadjah Mada University

2010-01-20T17:01:00.000-08:00

Gadjah Mada University is the largest university in Indonesia in terms of student population.[1] It is also one of the oldest universities in the country, founded on December 19, 1949; although the first lecture was given on 13 March 1946. The name was taken from the name of Majapahit's Prime Minister, Gajah Mada.

Gadjah Mada University is located in Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta. It has 18 faculties, 73 undergraduate study programs, 28 diploma study programs, and a graduate program of 62 study programs ranging from Social Sciences to Engineering. It has approximately 55,000 students, 647 foreign students, 2,240 employees, and 2,273 lecturers.[2]Gadjah Mada University has been considered to be the third most prestigious University in Indonesia, behind only to University of Indonesia and Bandung Institute of Technology.

References :

www.wikipedia.org

www.ugm.ac.id

Ijo Temple, Temple of The Highest Located in Yogyakarta

2010-01-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

Until now we just hear only Prambanan and Ratu Boko the most famous temple in jogja. If you tour to Jogjakarta, I will invite you to Ijo Temple!!!. Going along the street leading to the southern part of Queen Boko Palace complex is such an exciting journey, especially for cultural tourism lovers. The reason is that there are so many temples mushrooming in that area. One of them that is rarely talked about is Candi Ijo or Ijo Temple; one temple of which location is the highest compared to other temples in Yogyakarta. Ijo temple is located at the top of a hill known as Gumuk Ijo, the highest hill in Prambanan. Bukit Ijo is on 410 meter from the surface of the sea, and Temple of Ijo is on 357,402 - 395,481 meter above the surface of the sea. If we stand on the temple and take a look at to the south, we can see valley with abrupt terrace or escarpment, however it has magnificent panorama to enjoy.

Temple of Ijo consists of several temples with leveled terrace. The most sacred terrace is on the back yard and on the top. This reminds us to one of the megalithic cultural heritages or artifacts, that is punden with steps. It is still unknown about the period of its establishment, however from the profile of temple, motif of kala-makara accessories, langgam arca and relief of the temple in naturalist style, it has similarity with another temples around which was built from VIII-X century. Therefore, it is predicted that the temple was established also in the same period.The compound of the temple consists of 17 structures lied on 11 terraces with steps on the site. The temple yards are the entrance to the main temple, longwise from west to east. The top temple yard (11th terrace) is the most sacred one where we can find walls sorrounding, eight lingga patok, the main temple, and three perwara temples aligning on the front of the main temple. The renovated are the main temple and the middle perwara temple.

The main temple has entrance at the westward. On the out wall there are relung for arca of Agastya, Ganesha, and Durga. Those artifacts are now kept in Kantor Balai Pelestarian Peninggalan Purbakala Yogyakarta.In the temple, there is lingga-yoni symbolized the god of Siva with the goddess of Parvati. Thus, it can be concluded that the temple is dedicated for Hindu Siva with lingga, called lingga kultus. On the middle of perwara temple, there is arca of lembu (nandi). In Hindu's mythology, nandi is the vehicle of the god of Siva.The other structures of the Temple of Ijo are on the 9th terrace, ruins of batur eastward. On the 8th terrace, there are three temples and four batur, also two stone inscriptions. One of the inscription was found at the top of the entrance F-coded. The inscription is in one meter height written as Guywan, by Soekarto it is read as Bhuyutan which means asceticism. The inscription now becomes one of the collections of Museum Nasional Jakarta. The other stone inscription is 14 cm high, 9 cm long, with 16 sentences consisting of repetitive mantra of condemnation “Om sarwwawinasa, sarwwawinasa”.

The inscription does not mention number of year. However, from paleographic point of view, it is predicted from VIII-IX century. Therefore, there is a possibility that Temple of Ijo comes from the same period. On the 5th terrace, there is a temple with two batur; on the 4th terrace and on the 1st terrace, there is only one temple. Somehow, on the 10th, 7th, 6th, 3rd, and the 2nd terrace there is no temple or building.

 
References :

www.travelindo.com

www.yogyes.com

www.gudeg.net

Ngasem Bird Market

2010-01-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

If you tour to Jogjakarta, i will invite you to Ngasem bird market!!!... Wandering about Ngasem market seems like a must after visiting Yogyakarta Sultan Palace. In addition to its location that is only 400 meters west of the Palace, this market will give important information on what was considered prestige in the past. After horses functioning as means of transportation and kris as a weapon, birds comes the third position as social status measurement. Ngasem Market offers various kinds of birds with their beautiful appearance and voice and the activities of the bird lovers there.

Evidence in the form of a photograph shows that Ngasem market with birds as its main commodity has been operating since 1809. Its location that is not far from the Kingdom was meant for the noblemen to access it easily. In around 1960s, this market was increasingly identical to birds when birds sellers from Beringharjo were moved to this place. It is not surprising that many tourists call this market a bird market since the area for selling birds occupies one third of the market width.The area for birds trading is on the left side of the entrance. The turtledove that many noblemen bought in the past is still one of the main commodities of this market. Other best sellers are bulbuls, orioles, starlings and minas, parakeet and small local birds such as emprit and prenjak. An interesting bird that people rarely buy is owl of which child is sold at 35,000 Rupiah. One of the bird shops had even recently sold an eagle at 350,000 Rupiah. Besides selling birds, the shops also provide care equipments such as cage and feeds.

Ngasem Market has different nuance from other bird market. Here, visitors do not only enjoy the birds beauty but also animal show performed by birds lovers, for example demonstration of doves that return to its cage from distant flight and birds chirp contest. Sometimes, the visitors decided to spend some amount of money to buy birds by listening to the chirp in the contest first. The sellers use the event to train the birds to chirp or just to discuss about the technique of taking care of birds.If you go around the market, you will see that many other animals than birds are sold here. Turning right from the birds block, you will come to a kiosk that sells snakes. The seller tells that the snakes were caught directly from its habitat. The snakes range from water snake to cobra and python. To look the animals in detail, please ask the sellers to take them out for you to inspect. In addition to snakes, the kiosk also sells various reptiles such as iguana and turtle. A small iguana is sold at 75,000 Rupiah and when it sells hundreds thousand when it is already big.Walking westwards of the market, you will see many kiosks selling ornamental fish. The types and prices vary. Small fish that live in a colony is sold 1,000 each. Other ornamental fish are arwana and lou han sold at hundreds thousand. The kiosks also sell equipments for taking care of fish such as aquarium of various shapes, coral reefs, ornamental plants to be put in the aquarium and fish feeds. Some kiosks provide services for setting up sea fish cultivation.Other animals than fish, bird, and snakes that are sold are dog, cat, civet, various kinds of chickens and rabbits with different fur colors. One kiosk sells hamster complete with its cage designed specifically in order to provide playground for it so that buyers will be able to see the behavior of the hamster that is similar to that of mice. In the middle of the market, many people sell crickets. Crickets are used as feeds for certain birds or by students to listen to its sound.If you feel tired or hungry, just like other traditional markets do, Ngasem also provides you with traditional snacks. One of the special, traditional snacks is jenang gempol (round in shape, made from rice flour with rich flavor combined with coconut milk sauce and sweet palm sugar syrup) that is usually sold in front of the market. Other traditional snacks are getuk, lupis, thiwul, and gatot that all of which are made of cassava. Close to the bird kiosks, there are small dining places selling soto and nasi rames. For sure, the exploration to Ngasem Market will be enjoyable.

References :

www.shvoong.com
www.yogyes.com
www.javatourism.com

Great Mosque of Jogjakarta ( Masjid Gedhe Jogjakarta )

2010-01-20T14:14:00.000-08:00

A mosque known as the Great Mosque of Kauman located on west side of the North Square that represents the transcendence to show the existence of Sultan (the King of Yogyakarta). Sultan, besides as the commander of war or the leader of government (senopati ing ngalaga), also has the position as the representative of God(sayidin panatagama khalifatulah) in this world to lead the religious ritual in kasultanan.

Established in the era of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono I by an architect named K. Wiryokusumo, this mosque had its first pengulu named Kyai Faqih Ibrahim Diponingrat. As one of other mosques in Java, it building has triple roof with mustoko. Standing on a square are, it has a terrace and pool on the three sides of the mosque. This mosque has something that others do not have; it is an entrance gate and a pair of pagonan building in the front yard for the sekaten gamelan. It was once renovated after a big earth quake that destroyed its building. This mosque was a mosque for the royal to do ritual, religious ceremony, religion extend and a place for religion enforcement.

 
 The whole area of the mosque is surrounded by high wall where in the north side lays Dalem Pengulon, residence and office for pengulu. While in the west side of it, there is a cemetery where Nyai Ahmad Dahlan lays. She was one of the pengulu that led the royal servants in the matter of religious etc like pamethakan, suronoto, and modin. Area around the mosque is a living area for the santri or ulama (Moslem). It is well known as Kauman and Suronatan. Historically, the religious living in this area inspires the growth of Muhammadyah in 1912 M led by K.H.A. Dahlan. 

References :
www.wikimapia.org
www.yogyes.com
www.javatourism.com

Sasana Wiratama Museum

2010-01-20T14:08:00.000-08:00

Museum Sasana Wiratama honours the Indonesian hero, Prince Diponegoro, who was leader of the bloody but futile rebellion of 1825-30 against the Dutch. A motley collection of the prince's belongings and other exhibits are kept in the small museum at his former Yogya residence.Located about 4 kilometers of Jogja city center, as wide as 2.5 hectares land that used to be managed by Tourism and Culture Department was handed by the heir of Pangeran Diponegoro, Raden Ayu Kanjangteng Diponegoro, to function as a monument after signing a transfer letter with Nyi Hadjar Dewantara and Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung Purejodiningrat.

On the land that is now owned by Yogyakarta Kingdom, beginning from mid of 1968 until 19 August 1969, a monument was built on pringgitan building that adjoined with the pendopo at the center of the complex. The project was initiated by Major General Surono who was the Commander of the Military District and was inaugurated by President Suharto. This place was then named Sasana Wiratama that means the place for soldiers.

Pangeran Diponegoro monument is relief on 20 meters-long and 4 meters-high wall, telling the quiet and peaceful Tegalrejo village and the war of Pangeran Diponegoro opposing the Dutch colony until his capture in Magelang. This monument was carved by Drs. Saptoto of Indonesian Arts Academy assisted by Sutopo, Sokodiharjo and Askabul. On both sides of the monument, there were self portrait of Pangeran Diponegoro on the west side and the painting of Pangeran Diponegoro who was riding his black horse, ready to wage war, on the east side.

Malioboro... Its time to shopping......

2010-01-20T14:02:00.000-08:00

Malioboro Street is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta, Indonesia; the name is also used more generally for the neighborhood around the street. It runs north from the Yogyakarta kraton (palace) towards the roads that lead to either Surakarta Magelang to the north, as well as Mount Merapi. This is in itself is significant to many of the local population, the north south orientation between the palace and the volcano being of importance. to the east, or The street is the centre of Yogyakarta's largest tourist district; many hotels and restaurants are located nearby. Sidewalks on both sides of the street are crowded with small stalls selling a variety of goods. In the evening several open-air streetside restaurants, called lesehan, operate along the street.Less obvious to the tourist, but more for the local population, side streets, lanes and structures that lead on to Malioboro are as important as the street itself.

The street was for many years two-way, but by the 1980s had become one way only, from the railway line (where it starts) to the south - to Beringharjo markets, where it ends. The largest, oldest Dutch era hotel, Hotel Garuda, is located on the street's northern end, on the eastern side adjacent to the railway line. It has the former Dutch era Prime Minister's complex, the kepatihan, on the eastern side.

For many years in the 1980s and later, a cigarette advertisement was placed on the first building south of the railway line - or effectively the last building on Malioboro, which advertised Marlboro cigarettes, no doubt appealing to locals and foreigners who would see a pun with name of the street with a foreign product being advertised.

It does not reach the walls or grounds of the Yogyakarta palace, as Malioboro ceases in name adjacent to the very large market Beringharjo (on the eastern side as well). From this point the street changes name and has on the western side the former Governors residence, and on the eastern side the old Dutch Fort Vredenburg.Stretching on imaginary poles connecting Yogyakarta Sultan Palace, Tugu and the peak of Merapi Mountain, this street forms trading locality after Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I developed means of trading through traditional market since 1758. After 248 years, the place still persists as a trading area; it even becomes the icon of Yogyakarta, known as Malioboro.Located around 800 meters from Yogyakarta Sultan Palace, this place was always crowded with flowers each time the Palace held ceremonies.

Malioboro that in Sanskrit means bouquet serves as a basis for naming this street.Framed by shops, offices, restaurants, star hotels and historical buildings, the street that once functioned as struggling center during the second Dutch military aggression in 1948 was once a place of wandering for the artists joining together in Persada Studi Klub (PSK) community led by Umbul Landu Paranggi since 1970s to around the end of 1990s.

Air Force One Museum of Yogyakarta (Museum Dirgantara Mandala)

2010-01-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

The Indonesian Air Force has an excellent but little known air museum in Yogyakarta called the Museum Dirgantara Mandala. The museum is located behind the main Yogyakarta airport. All aircraft are under cover and beautifully maintained in static condition. A tribute to the curator who must work with a very limited budget. Included are a Badger bomber complete with air-to-ground missiles, Catalina flying boat, Grumman flying boat, Auster MkII, Lavochkin LA-11, PZL-104 Wilga, Mitsubishi Army type 98, Nakajima KI43 Oscar, Zero, Mustang, NA16/AT-6, Vultee Valiant, B25, B26, C47, Hillier 360, DH114 Vampire, Sikorsky UH34D, Boeing Stearman, MIG15, MIG17, MIG19, MIG21, MI4, L-29 Dolphin, CAC F-86 Avon Sabre and T-33A.

The museum also has excellent well maintained displays of missiles, radar and aircraft related equipment as well as model displays telling the history of the Indonesian Air Force and the fight against the Japanese and Dutch.

A check of the visitors book revealed that only locals and school children visited. Admission was by Rp10,000 or larger donation. The museum is supposedly open every day from 8am to 1pm except Friday (Islamic holy day) and public holidays. The museum is mostly manned by volunteers and as such may be closed when none can be found. The guard at the gate requires a bond such as your driver’s licence or credit card before allowing you to enter as the museum is on the Air Force base at Yogyakarta. 

Vredeburg Fort

2010-01-20T01:23:00.000-08:00

Vredeburg Fort is one of history place in Yogyakarta City. Vredeburg Fort that is located across Gedung Agung. This fort was the Dutch protection basis from possible attacks by Yogyakarta Kingdom troops. Similar to other forts, this place built in 1765 is high, square walls confining the area inside with one monitoring tower in each of the four corners for patrolling purpose.

References :
www.yogyes.com

Gembira Loka Zoo

2010-01-20T00:59:00.000-08:00

Gembira Loka Zoo is located about 4 Km east of Central Post-Office. Gembira means happy and Loka is place. Hopefully one should be happy by visiting it. As it is not far away from down town, it is within the reach of andong or becak relax tour. The zoo Park is one of the favorite place in the city visited by mainly domestic tourists (more than 650.000 visitors a year), but there are also some foreign tourists watching closely the famous reptiles Komodos (Varanus Comodoensis), originally live only in Komodo island, nearby Flores.

The well-arranged zoo, amidst a park of green garden, with a large artificial lake for boating has adequate collection of some tropical animals. Gembira Loka zoo management tries to put the animals in more spacious stables, to feel more comfortable. The vast green shadowy park and the lake water and the river Gajah Wong which passes right in the middle of the zoo should regulate the temperature to be a bit cooler or at least fresher.

In about one hour browsing, a traveler could see Sumatra’s elephants, Java’s one-horned Rhinoceros, Tigers, crocodiles, snakes, several kinds of monkey. Such as Orang Utan, Beruk (Sumatra’s monkeys which could be trained to pick-up coconuts), the black singing monkey, with big air bubble on his neck etc. There are also collection of deers, birds etc.

During week-ends and school holidays, there are many parents take their children to the zoo, to see the animals and special animal show. Sometime, in special occasion, open door music performance with some famous singers and artist organized in this park. This should bring a big crowd. But during normal days, everything is calmer, a traveler could enjoy the visit comfortably.

Wonderfull Merapi Mountain and Kaliurang

2010-01-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

Merapi volcano is one of the world's most active and dangerous volcanoes. It contains an active lava dome, which regularly produces pyroclastic flows. Merapi, which means "Mountain of Fire", typically has small eruptions every two to three years, and larger ones about once every 10 to 15 years. Its last major eruption was in 1994, when 66 people were killed. It also spewed smoke and lava in 2001 but no major eruption followed. Located about 30 kilometres north of Yogyakarta City, with villages as high as 1700 m above sea level.

The top of the volcano sometimes has a normal crater, but usually a broad mound of pasty lava (called a dome) fills the crater. The dome plugs up the volcano, making it difficult for other lava and ash to escape. A broad gouge funnels lava and ash flows from the top of Merapi to the south slopes of the volcano.

KALIURANG

After joining tour to enjoy the beautiful merapi mountain, you must go to this place. This resort is located on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, 24 km north of Yogyakarta and surrounded by an enchanting countryside. "Telogo Muncar" waterfall and swimming pool make this resort a very pleasant recreation place. Kaliurang lies at the foot of Plawangan hill on the southern slope of mount Merapi, some 28 km, north of Yogyakarta. This is a refreshing holiday resort for those seeking refuge and tranquility amidst the lush green tropical splendor.

Many people visit Kaliurang, especially during the holidays. Young people, like boy scouts, enjoy going there since the town provides camping sites and places for mountaineering. Those who like mountain climbing can climb Merapi Mountain from Kaliurang. One can stay overnight in Kaliurang then start, in the early morning, climbs Merapi via Kinahrejo village to descend again at noon.

Unforgetable Kotagede

2010-01-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

Kota Gede is one of the most beautiful place in Yogyakarta. Kotagede, which is often called Sargede is located about 5 kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta, Kotagede is a neat little town, which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. Since the 1930s, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as "Yogya Silver". Kotagede is easily reached by "andong", the four-wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.

In that cemetery complex one can still visit the                cemetery of the Mataram kings like Sutowijoyo or Ngabei Loring Pasar,                the founder of Mataram Kingdom, who was then called Panembahan Senopati.                There is also the unique tomb of Ki Ageng Mangir.

He was Panembahan                Senopati son in law and also Panembahan Senopati enemy. His dead                body was buried half inside of the special area for kings and Panembahan                Senopati families, and a half of his body was buried outside of                the complex. There is a stone called " Watu Gilang ",                a stone on which Panembahan Senopati smashed the Ki Ageng Mangir                head to dead.It takes about 15 to 20 minutes from the Adisucipto airport to Kotagede. You can go straight up from Janti Fly Over to Kotagede.

Ullen Sentalu Museum, An Epic Your Journey...

2010-01-19T17:40:00.000-08:00

Ullen Sentalu Museum is one of beautiful place in Yogyakarta. Ullen Sentalu Museum is planned as a museum which present the cultures heritage which is intangible or hidden behind the kraton’s wall because of the prevailing laws. Located on Kaliurang, this place can be reached not more than 30 minutes by car or about 24 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta. Even some culture heritage has came fade and threatened with extinct. Those are came by the “fine art” works. It means, an arts that realize free and display the culture heritage that is tangible to be communicated. The museum choose fine arts to realize and reconstruct the culture heritage by the reason that this arts can realize the documented works which didn’t be documented yet, except literature, especially in Mataram Islam era.

The excess of fine arts that are began from Renaissance era in Europe is able to present the reality in accordance with the appreciation of arts right now. Thus it’s easy to communicate the subject matter of Museum’s object . By those concept and supported by the elder of culture’s doers, the Museum is more free to realize fine art. These aren’t only represent Javanese culture in Yogyakarta but include the entire of Mataram culture heritage.

Though through its Museum’s fine arts has realized culture and history of Mataram from 4 kraton (Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta-Kasunanan Surakarta- Puro Pakualaman-Istana Mangkunegaran), beside that, the museum has “window” concept that express civilization process. By those opuses which are displayed, has opened a space to enter civilization process, than can explore time and space from Mataram Islam era. Even can flashed back through Classic era.

So that the Javanese art and culture of Ullen Sentalu Museum has point of view as the window of art heritage wealth, culture and history from the civilization. It is represented by Mataram dynasty and to legacy the beauty of that culture heritage to the next generation. The mission of its museum is to realize and communicate the art heritage and Javanese culture that threatened extinct thus rise the pride of people about its culture’s identity. Based on the property, Ullen Sentalu Museum is a private museum which the Haryono as the initiator.

The museum is under an Ulating Blencong foundation, as the advisors are The King of Kasunanan Surakarta Hadiningrat: I.S.K.S Paku Buwana XII, the king of Pakualaman:KGPAA. Paku Alam VIII, the brother of Sultan HB IX : GPBH Poeger, the daughter of queen Mangkunegara VII: GRAy. Siti Nurul Kmaaril Ngasarati Kusumawardhani, the former President’s wife : Mrs. Hartini Sukarno, and KP. DR. Samuel Wedyadiningrat.

Colorfull Nglanggeran Mountain

2010-01-19T17:26:00.000-08:00

Gunung Kidul??? Until now we just hear only Sundak and Siung the most beautiful place in Gunung Kidul. Now, i will invite you to Nglanggeran Mountain!!!... You know Nglanggeran Mountain?? Nglanggeran is an ancient mountain that has existed about 60 million years ago. It lies about 200-700 meters above the sea level on area Baturagung, the north side of Regency Gunung Kidul. Located on Village Nglanggeran Distric Patuk, this place can be reached not more than 15 minutes by cars or about 22 kilometers from the city of Wonosari. According to certain research, Mount Nglanggeran is believed as the ancient mountain that has existed long time ago, even before Mount Merapi exist.

The name of Nglanggeran comes from bahasa Jawa 'planggaran' that means evil thing must be known. Some also say that the word Nglanggeran comes from 'langgeng' that means a peaceful village. Beside those terms, the mountain that is formed of rocks also known as Gunung Wayang or Puppet Mountain due to its rock that look alike with puppet figure.

The local people believe that it is guarded by Kyi Ongko Wijaya and Punakawan in puppet story such as Semar, Gareng, Petruk, and Bagong. Other beliefs state that it is a mountain that is believed as the place to meditate and receive revelation from God. No wonder that some people used to used this place for finding peace and safety, especially in Javanese new year or Jumat Kliwon night. Have you ever been to Yogyakarta? maybe I will visit this destination if I go to Yogya in next vacation. Please come, they all are waiting for you!

Depok Beach

2010-01-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

Depok Beach is a fishing village and tourist resort in Yogyakarta. Located about 35 km to the south of Yogyakarta, Depok Beach is a beautiful beach, not only as a beach resort where sand-dunes, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs meet, but also Depok Beach is widely known for the fresh seafood kiosks that are scattered along the beach. We can select the live seafood that they wish to eat, and it is immediately prepared.

If you wished tour to visit Depok beach : Upon arrival at Adi Sucipto Yogyakarta airport or Tugu railway station, met by your friendly tour guide, then direct tour to Depok Beach, including visit Parangkusumo and Parangtritis beach. Afterward, drive to Imogiri, to Jacket and shoes Home Industry at Manding Village, before transfer to Airport, visit Kotagede, then terminated to the Airport for onward flight…

Parangtritis Beach, Full of History

2010-01-18T13:25:00.000-08:00

Located about 35 km to the south of Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beautiful Beach has long been famous, not only as a beach resort where sand-dunes, sandy beaches and rocky cliffs meet, but also as a historical place closely linked to the mysterious legend of the Queen of the South Sea, "Kanjeng Ratu Kidul". Together with her confidant, the feared Nyai or Nyi Roro Kidul, the ever youthful and beautiful queen, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul reigns over sea-nymphs and spirits..

The legends say that Kanjeng Ratu Kidul was married to one of the Mataram Monarchs, Panembahan Senopati, whom she visited and communed with on certain occasions.On certain days known as Suro in the Javanese calender, locals have a ceremonial procession, with many seen presenting offerings on the beach in honour of the Nyai Roro Kidul and Queen of the South Sea. During the day, many visit the beach and hold what is known locally as tirakatan (one-day fasting) as they pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. People in black are frequently seen sitting on the beach in a meditating pose the whole night. Locals who have meditated on the beach have said that through meditating they could see a green dragon and Nyi Roro Kidul, who remains young and beautiful. "The dragon danced before my eyes," one local said in a convincing voice. Another admitted that he meditated there so that he could meet the ever-youthful and beautiful Nyi Roro Kidul. "I can even communicate with spirits here," he added.

The legend of Nyi Roro Kidul herself is very popular. Before turning into a nymph, Nyai Roro Kidul was a young princess named Dewi Kandita, the daughter of King Mundangwangi and his first wife. The popularity of Dewi Kandita and her mother Dewi Rembulan was beyond doubt. They were known for their beauty, kindness and friendliness, and people loved them. However, the misery of their lives began when Dewi Mutiara, another wife of King Mundangwangi, known locally as selir, became green with envy and grew ambitions to become the first wife, thereby deserving full affection and attention from the king.

Dewi Mutiara's dream came true when one day she bore the son that the king had long been yearning for. Through the assistance of a witch, Dewi Mutiara made the king's wives Dewi Rembulan and Dewi Kandita suffer from 'strange' disease, with their bodies covered with scabies that created the odour of fish. The disease led them to be sent into exile in the forest where later Dewi Rembulan died. After a long, hard and helpless journey, the scabies-covered Dewi Kandita eventually arrived at a beach where she met a young, handsome man who promised to cure her illness. At the request of the young man, Dewi Kandita chased after him as he ran along the beach. When she reached the water, the man disappeared and, to her surprise, all the scabies had disappeared but, strangely, she could not move her legs. Half her body, from the waist down, had turned into the body of a fish.Since then she became a sea-nymph, and the locals believe that Nyi Roro Kidul is the manifestation of Dewi Kandita. Want to see Nyi Roro Ridul? Then try meditating the whole night there as locals have suggested.

One of the attractive beaches near Yogyakarta is Parangtritis. It is located about 27 km. from Yogyakarta, Parangtritis may be reached in two ways, through Kretek Village or the longer one but more well - established road through Imogiri and Siluk Village. Parangtritis Beach is a lovely beach with many impressing phenomena, naturally and supra naturally. The waves regularly bring in new wood and bamboo, washing ashore from another nearby beach probably. Some wood is picked and taken away by locals to be used for their own house. Parangtritis is an enchanting sloping beach combined with rocky hills, dunes, and a white sandy beach. Besides being famous as a recreational spot. Parangtritis is also a sacred place. Many people come to the beach to do meditation. Up to now, this area is remaining functioned as the place to perform the traditional ceremony called labuhan. Many hotels and restaurants are available for sunbathe lovers.

Enjoyfull Siung Beach

2010-01-17T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hello.... How are you??? The world's most beautiful beaches are waiting for you. The beaches are clean and appealing. About 70 km in southeast side of Yogyakarta, there is a beautiful Siung beach. It is located in Tepus district. If you are after a cheap rock climbing holiday, you must go to this Beach!!!. The uniqueness of Siung Beach lies climbing line. About 250 climbing line have been woke up, start from low level difficulty till high. Siung beach also offers almost limitless potential for developing new routes and whole rock climbing areas. The most famous rock climbing area within Yogyakarta is found at Siung beach. However Siung beach is interesting tourism object to be promoted to all Indonesia area, even to the world. The position of Siung beach in south sea of Java Island can facilitated the visitors to see the beautiful sunset. The other facility around Siung beach is foods and beverage merchants.

The beach is very clean and has clear water with interesting small heap of white sand. To get to the beach, one can simply head to Wonosari. It takes about 2 to 3 hours from the Adisucipto International airport to Siung beach. This is not hard to find thanks to bold road signs. Just be cautious of the precipitous ascent to the temple. You should make sure your vehicle is in good shape.

Ngrenehan Beach

2010-01-16T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hello… Good Morniiiiiing…. Mmmmm… Until now we just hear only Parangtritis and Baron the most famous beach in jogja. I will invite you to Ngrenehan Beach!!!... Ngrenehan beach is located at Kanigoro village, Saptosari district, around 50 kilometers east of Yogyakarta. To get to the bach, one can simply head to Wonosari. This is not hard to find thanks to bold road signs. Just be cautious of the precipitous ascent to the beach. You should make sure your vehicle is in good shape, because the road climbs a 40 degree incline!!!! Oh my ghost…. Hahahaha… Ngrenehan its a beautiful beach!!!! The uniqueness of Ngrenehan Beach lies in its landscaping, white sand and chalk hill!!! Wow… This beach is gulf that guarded by limestone hill and amazing panorama with the sea waves struck white sand. Visitor's could see the fisherman's activities and get various fried or grill fishes as souvenirs. Have you ever been to Yogyakarta? if you have, you must go to this Beach…

If you wished tour to ngrenehan beach : Upon arrival at Adi Sucipto Yogyakarta airport or Tugu railway station, met by your friendly tour guide, then direct tour to Ngrenehan Beach, including visit Ngobaran and Nguyahan beach. Afterward, drive to local restaurant to have Indonesian buffet lunch and continued to Mask Home Industry at Batur Village, Silver Smith at Kota Gede, before transfer to Airport, visit Prambanan Temple or Boko Temple, then terminated to the Airport for onward flight…. Enjoy