Jogjakarta / Yogyakarta’s Sights and Attractions

Have limited time to visit Jogjakarta / Yogyakarta? Don’t worry, here’s some list of the sight and attractions of Jogjakarta / Yogyakarta, as our recommendations :

Prambanan Temple, The Most Beautiful Hindu’s Temple in World

Prambanan Temple was badly affected during the earthquake this year , May 2006. Currently, the site is being restoration in some part. Located 17 km from the city of Jogjakarta / Yogyakarta, Prambanan temple was built between the 9th and 10th centuries. Its an imposing Hindu temple complex consisting of more than 220 temples.

Ratu Boko Temple, The Boko King Palace

The Ratu Boko Temple is considered to have been built as a dormitory for monks, according to inscriptions dating back to the mid 700’s. It is also a remainder of King Boko’s palace built around 8th century. Ratu Boko Temple was originally named Abhayagiri Vihara. Several legends say that the temple was used for staging mortal combats.

Borobudur Temple, The Largest Buddhist Temple in The World

The Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is believed to be the world’s largest Buddhist temple located at the Borobudur District. It was built by Sanmaratungga in the 8th century and belongs to Buddha Mahayana.  In total, there are 10 floors, with the top floor known as the “Nirvana”. To reach there, you need to climb 1,000 steps.

Tamansari, The Water Castle of Jogja / Yogya

Just to the west of the kraton is the Taman Sari, which once served as a splendid pleasure park of palaces, pools and waterways for the sultan and his entourage. The Portuguese architect of this elaborate retreat, built between 1758 and 1765, was from Batavia – the story goes that the sultan had him executed in order to keep his hidden pleasure rooms secret.

Malioboro Street

Malioboro Street, or locally known as Jalan Malioboro, is one of the most popular destinations in Jogjakarta / Yogyakarta. Its also known as the longest market in Yogyakarta because it takes 2 kilometers from one end to the other end. It basically a place to shop any kind of beautiful souvenirs like all the traditional Javanese artworks, clothes, accessories, et.

Keraton Yogyakarta, The Sultan Palace

Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Palace) or Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat is currently the palace of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. He is the sultan of Yogyakarta and also the governor of Yogyakarta province. The palace was built by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755.

Kota Gede

Kota Gede has been famed as the hub of Yogya’s silver industry since the 1930s. But this quiet old town, which is now a suburb of Yogya, was the first capital of the Mataram kingdom, founded by Panembahan Senopati in 1582. Senopati is buried in the small mossy graveyard of an old mosque to the south of the town’s central market. You can visit Kota Gede, but be sure to wear conservative dress. On days when the tomb is closed there is little to see here.

Imogiri, The Royal Cemetary of Yogyakarata

The Imogiri is the royal graveyard in Yogyakarta that acts as the burial ground of the royal people in Java and Indonesia. The graveyard was built under the instructions of Sultan Agung of Mataram during 1640.

The tourists are supposed to wear traditional Javanese clothes when they enter the Imogiri Royal Cemetery and also pay a certain admission charge. The graveyard is almost saturated at present and has to be extended in order to continue the tradition in the future. The entire graveyard complex is situated on a beautiful hill and a peaceful and tranquil ambience pervades the atmosphere. The place is almost 12 kilometers away from the city of Yogyakarta.

The Imogiri Royal Cemetery is of great cultural and historical value. Many historians and research workers frequent the cemetery to know and explore the past. The surrounding areas are picturesque and a visit to the graveyard will really take you back to the ancient days.