CULTURAL SITES

Cultural Sites includes cultural heritage sites, historic places, cultural landscapes, natural sacred sites, the underwater cultural heritage, museums, movable cultural heritage, handicrafts, the documentary and digital heritage, and the cinematographic heritage.

Tantalizing Taman Sari (Water Castle), Yogyakarta

A bathing place in the past, Taman Sari was the place to relax for the kings and the wives of the kings. more»

A Memory of an old time in Semarang, Central Java

The old records of this city date back to the 15th to the 18th century AD in where captivating ancient and colonial monuments still standing to present date. In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch Colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company more»

Basking on Beautiful Borobudur

About 41 kilometers northward from Jogjakarta, Borobudur offers spectacular sight in this modern world. more»

Exploring Jakarta Heritage

The older parts of Jakarta offer the chance to view the sceneries of the past. Explore Sunda Kelapa Harbor and other places of interest to the fullest, where modernity and remnants of the past can be found. more»

Kindling Moments of the Past in Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

Kraton (palace) of Jogjakarta is rich with history. Built in 1756, this palace has witnessed many generations of royalties ruling Jogjakarta and the surroundings. The building is located on a huge site. more»

Prambanan,The 1000 Temples Minus One

Many, many years ago, so they say, lived a beautiful and haughty princess called Loro Jonggrang. Many people wish to marry her but she always refused, setting impossible tasks for her suitors to perform. more»

Tantalizing Taman Sari (Water Castle), Yogyakarta

When a traveler is browsing in Kraton, then she/he should not miss The Water Castle or known as amansari, less than 1 Km west of Kraton. Just west of the Kraton, are the ruins, pools, arches and underground passages of the former pleasure gardens. It was built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as a rest house and pleasure park for the Royal family. Tamansari means beautiful garden. It was badly damaged due to an earthquake in 1867. Some parts of it, for instance "Umbul Binangun" bathing pools have been restored.

Upon seeing the ruins of Taman Sari, some cultural experts say that it has multi purposed functions, such as:

1. A Rest house, in the form of water castle with beautiful park. The air is fresh due to:

• Artificial lakes and canals
  
• Bathing pools
  
• Large gardens with several kind of varieties of trees
  

2. A place for sport and entertainment

• Boating and swimming
  
• Deer hunting
  
• Classical dance Bedoyo and Srimpi
  
• Gamelan music

3. A place for meditation
4. An important palace and shelter for the Sultan. It was well protected. It had 2 Bastions with 12 and 6 Cannons.

The Castle itself divided into two (2) complexes. They are:

1. Umbul Binangun - swimming pool complex

It is the swimming pool where only the Sultans women can frolic. In this complex only woman employees serve the Sultan. Theres also a three story tower, with Sultan private bedroom stands south of the swimming pool and The Sultans private bath-pool is behind the tower. Somewhere in the south part of the palace, there is a special place, believed to be Sultans meeting place, from time to time with the Goddess of the South Sea, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul.

2. Pulo Kenongo " Complex

Pulo Kenongo, the Palace of Kenongo Island was found in the middle of Segaran Taman Sari. (Taman Sari artificial lake, which was connected by water canal to the other artificial lake nearby the kraton) Kenongo is a name of flower trees planted in the front yard, where the fragrance spread out in the palace.
Just like in a palace, there were living rooms, bedrooms, rooms to make Batik, a hall to perform classical sacred dance of Bedoyo and Srimpi, gates and sentry-boxes guarded strongly by the palace soldiers.

Getting There:

There are two ways to visit this place. The one is through Pasar Ngasem Bird Market, just go inside and find an alley called KP III, turn left, walk about 200 m, there is the Pulo Kenongo rest house complex. The other is through Jalan Taman Sari, from Pasar Ngasem, go by becak to South Square, around 0,5 Km turn right, there is the East-main Entrance, leads the way to the Royal Swimming pools.

Where to Stay:

Tourist who wants to stay in the heart of the city has many choices since there are a lot of star and non-star hotels available.

Moving Around:
On foot

Other Things To See or Do:

Sightseeing into the castles complex and buy some souvenirs at Pasar Ngasem.

Dining Guide:

There are many local 'warungs' (food stalls) that serve local foods. You can try one of the famous Yogyakarta local dish calledGudeg, a curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice.

Souvenir Tips :

Pasar Ngasem " Bird Market, here is a market place which sells several kinds of cute birds and pets. Traditional products and household earthenwares are also sold here. In this area Batik Painters do not only sell their products, but some also give instruction in this art. Art shops and galleries of medium quality can be found allong the alleys.

Travel Tips:

• No travelers is allowed to take picture of Sultan private bedroom at Umbul Binangun " Swimming Pool Complex.

For short distances you can take a becak (pedicab) to drive you around.

Some drivers offer you a city-tour for almost a whole day for 10.000 Rp per person.

Dress comfortably. Wear sneakers and a hat, the temperature in Jogjakarta is quite high. Bring along an umbrella, in case of rain.

• When visiting Kraton or Taman Sari, avoid wearing shorts or mini-kirts. Your pants or skirts should be long enough to cover your knees. This conveys the message that you understand the local customs. And the locals will also respect you more.
  
• Bring along a camera to capture the memorable moments. You are allowed to take pictures in this site with a minimum fee.

A Memory of an old time in Semarang, Central Java

Semarang is situated on Java's northern coast and is called the capital of Centarl Java, as it lies just about halfway between the extreme east and west coasts of the island. The environs around Semarang are perfect for day trips and side and side excursions.

The old records of this city date back to the 15th to the 18th century AD in where captivating ancient and colonial monuments still standing to present date. In the older part of the city, near the harbour, you can still find an interesting collection of buildings dating back to the Dutch Colonial era and the Dutch East Indies Company, such as GEREJA BLENDUK, is the eldest Christian Church in Central Java built by the Dutch community in 1753. It shows the Church architecture of the 18th century with its huge dome and a baroque organ inside the building. Nearby the Church, there are some buildings from the Dutch colonial time. STASIUN TAWANG, the main railways station with its "Old Time" architecture located also in this area. While LAWANG SEWU or usually called as Thousand Doors, situated in the downtown of Semarang is also a remarkable building from the "Old Dutch Time".

Beside an interesting collection of Dutch Colonial buildings, there's an also Chinese buildings remain in Semarang. In the west part of Semarang, a temple SAMPOKONG or locally known as Gedong Batu (Stone Building) was dedicated to Chinese Moslem Admiral Cheng Ho, his fleet arrived in the first time at 1406 AD. The other Chinese Buddhist temple is Tay Kak Sie at Lombok Street built in the year 1772.

GettingThere

• By Plane
  To and from Semarang is easily accessible by Air, the airport name is Ahmad Yani located in West Semarang around five km from the downtown.
  There are several airlines, such as Garuda and Merpati, connect with other cities of Indonesia such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, etc.

• By Train
  The main railway station is Tawang, in the old part of the town. The main train connection is between Semarang, Cirebon and Surabaya. There is also
  service to Solo.
  
  
• By Bus
  The main Bus Terminal is in Terboyo, in the eastern part of the city. Several Bus companies serve the inter-city connections with many cities in Java, Bali and Sumatra. Direct information can be collected directly in the terminal.
  
• By Boat
  The Semarang harbor is in Tanjung Mas. There are regular shipping lines for passengers sail to and from Semarang to other island, as Kalimantan. The main line is Pelni. Inquire also for occasional cargo boats, taking passengers in the harbor.

Where to Stay

This city has enough accommodation for its visitors, from budget hotels to the star-rated hotels. Some top hotels located in downtown and in any luxurious area. The facilities meet international demands with combination of traditional specialties.

Moving Around

You can move around the city by becak (a three wheels vehicle) only in the north part of the city, mini-buses,
buses and taxi.

Other Things to See or Do

While in Semarang, you can visit other interesting places, such as:

• Simpang Lima, it is a square with many shops and cinemas around. In the evening a lot of people are here taking a walk or window-shopping. Early in the morning, people are jogging along the street.
  
• Gombel, its a favorite place on the hill with its fresh air and picturesque landscape. In the evening, people like to be here to relax while enjoying the panoramic vista to the city and the harbor.
  
• Puri Maerakaca, it is a well arranged park on the beach exhibiting traditional houses of every Central Java regencies. In these houses, specific crafts of each regency are displayed.

Dining Guide

There are a lot of restaurants in Semarang offering delicious food of Indonesian, Chinese, and European cuisine. One should find easily in Jl. Pemuda around Pasar Johar the best speciality market in Simpang Lima mall.

The area of Gang Lombok and Jl. Gadjah Mada are famous with its Chinese restaurants, in Jl. A. Yani there are tasteful Javanese restaurants.

Semarang is famous for its Lumpia (Chinese Spring Rolls ), Pia, Wingko Babat and Bandeng Presto (Tendered Fish).

Souvenir Tips

Souvenir and art objects are available in Semarang, mostly in the downtown areas and popular market places or shopping centres. Batik cloths and garments, handwoven fabrics, traditional and local jewellery, leather puppets, basketry and many.

Travel Tips

• The weather is most pleasant between May to September and it is recommended that travelers choose this time of year to visit
  
• Dress light and comfortable to wear
  
• Don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat, in case of rain
  
  
  

Basking on Beautiful Borobudur

Budha's Statue in BorobudurOne of the 7 wonders in the ancient world, Borobudur is located near Magelang. Borobudur, a Hindu-Buddhist temple, was built in the 9^th century. This temple has Gupta architecture of India?s influence.

Constructed on a hill about 46 meters high, Borobudur has about 55,000 m3 or stones. Borobudur?s design symbolizes the structure of the universe. This design influences temples in Angkor, Cambodia. This temple was ?found? in 1815, under volcanic ash. About 41 kilometers northward from Jogjakarta, Borobudur offers spectacular sight in this modern world.

Getting There

Borobudur is only 1 hour away by car from Jogjakarta. You can either join a tour or rent a car to this spot.

Where to Stay

Inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

You'll explore this site on foot. Climb this magnificent temple and marvel at various carvings on the stone around you.

Dining Guide

You can bring your own food or buy them around this site.

Souvenir Tips

Souvenirs related to Borobudur can be bought in Jogjakarta. You can buy silver Borobudur's miniature (silver plated ones are also available), keychains, and many more. T-Shirts and postcards with an overview of Borobudur are popular as keepsakes.

Other Things to See or Do

Marvel at the magnificent view. For better understanding of this temple, you can join a tour or hire a licensed tour guide here. Climb the temple to reach the top, where you
can see an vacant space signifying emptiness as completion. There's a superstition saying that if you climb this temple with one wish deep in mind, try touching Buddha's figure inside the stupa, which is bell-like in structure. If you're able to touch the Buddha, your wish will come true. Take note of the stone carvings. There are many stories in these stones.

Travel Tips

• Dress lightly and comfortably.
  
• Hire a licensed tour guide, so you'll get better information.
  
• Wear a hat or an umbrella. Bring along a raincoat, just in case.

Exploring Jakarta Heritage

The older parts of Jakarta offer the chance to view the sceneries of the past. Explore Sunda Kelapa Harbor and other places of interest to the fullest, where modernity and remnants of the past can still be found.

Here, aside from Sunda Kelapa Harbor, you can found Harbor-Master Tower (Menara Syahbandar), Maritime Museum (Museum Bahari), Fatahillah Museum, Wayang Puppet Museum, Arts Museum and Beos Station.

Getting There

Using busway, motorcycle, taxi, or by renting a car.

Where to Stay

Nearby hotels such as Omni Batavia. Or various lodgings in Jakarta area.

Moving Around

On foot. You can also use public transportation to move around.

Dining Guide

Various restaurants nearby. Fast food joints such as A&W and Dunkin' Donuts are also available. Alternatively, you can buy fresh seafood from the Fish Market and ask the cooks in restaurants in Muara Angke area to cook them to your liking.

Souvenir Tips

• Fresh seafood from the nearby Fish Market.
  
• Miniatures of ship in Maritime Museum.
  
• Wayang puppets from Wayang Puppet Museum.
  
• Clothes, Accessories.
  
• T-Shirts, postcards, keychains.
  
• Frames, wall adornments, from Wayang Puppet Museum.

Other Things to See or Do

• Climb Harbor-Master Tower to view Jakarta from the top.
  
• Watch the ships loading and unloading the cargo in the harbor.
  
• Buy fishing apparels to fish in this area, or buy fresh seafood from the market.
  
• Take pictures in Beos Station.
  
• Visit the museums.
  
• Attend the events done by the museum--such as open theaters portraying people in the olden times.
  
• Joining wayang workshops in the museum.

Travel Tips

• Dress light.
  
• Bring an umbrella or raincoat, in case of rain.

Kindling Moments of the Past in Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

Kraton (palace) of Jogjakarta is rich with history. Built in 1756, this palace has witnessed many generations of royalties ruling Jogjakarta and the surroundings. The building is located on a huge site. Kraton's building is located in the center. Thick walls were built around this palace in 1785, causing the palace to look fortress-like. This used to be the residence of the servants, soldiers, and lesser royal families. These days, this place has become small villages inside the kraton, the residence of artists,most notably painters and batik-makers.

Consisting of several buildings, walls, and gardens, Jogjakarta's present monarch still lives in this historical place. Some parts of this palace are open for public.

Getting There
Kraton is located in the middle of Jogjakarta city. You can visit this place on foot, by becak (pedicab), or by taxi.

Where to Stay

Numerous inns and hotels in Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

On foot.

Dining Guide

There are many restaurants and eateries in Jogjakarta, some are located near kraton.

Souvenir Tips

There are many souvenirs related to kraton but,it is much cheaper if you buy it on Malioboro street. Postcards and T-Shirts depicting kraton are among the
favorites.

Other Things to See or Do

Explore this rich cultural heritage and admire the buildings and relic leisurely. You might be interested in visiting Taman Sari, another historical place. Taman Sari is within walking distance.

Travel Tips

• Respect the locals dress casually but please cast aside your flesh-revealing outfits. Kraton is a sacred place among locals. Wear shoes instead of sandals.
  
• Hire a guide for better understanding of this spectacular palace.

Prambanan,The 1000 Temples Minus One

Located about 15 kilometers away from Jogjakarta, this Hindu temple was built in the 9^th century. Sometimes Prambanan is called Loro Jonggrang. There's a legend involved, concerning Loro Jonggrang. Many, many years ago, so they say, lived a beautiful and haughty princess
called Loro Jonggrang. Many people wish to marry her but she always refused, setting impossible tasks for her suitors to perform. One day, a noble told Loro Jonggrang that he'd like to marry her. Loro Jonggrang agreed, in one condition: he had to built one thousand temples during the night. The man had extraordinary powers, so he did not even flinch upon hearing this. Loro Jonggrang watched in horror at this man's ability. The noble managed to build one temple and then another, efficiently and quickly. Loro Jonggrang did not want to get married, so she cunningly roused the roosters to crow before dawn. That way, the man would lose the bargain. When the roosters crowed, the man had finished building 999 shrines. Angry for being tricked, he turned Loro Jonggrang into a big statue and use it as an adornment for the 1,000^th temple.

Nowadays, an open theater has been constructed in front of this temple. On certain months, especially during the full moon, traditional dances depicting Ramayana and other legends are performed here.

Getting There

You can rent a car to go to this place.Alternatively, join a tour.

Where to Stay

Innumberable inns and hotels scatterred around Jogjakarta.

Moving Around

Explore the temple (and 200 or so smaller shrines remained from the so-called 1,000 temples) on foot.

Dining Guide

There are no restaurants nearby, but you can buy snacks here. Bring your own food and drink, if you wish.

Souvenir Tips

Even though there are many peddlars around this site, it is best if you buy souvenirs at Malioboro street. Should you wish to buy the souvenirs from the peddlars, don't forget to bargain.

Other Things to See or Do
Admire the big statue of a woman (some say that it was Loro Jonggrang herself), take a look at the bigger and smaller temples.

Travel Tips

• To save money and time, join a tour.
  
• Ask the locals and tourist centers for information concerning the traditional dances and events.