JOGJA Tourist Attraction

2008-07-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

21 Yeas construction the Sambisari Temple "Puzzle"
Mr. Karyowinangun did not have any hunch of what was going to happen on one early morning in 1966. When he was preparing the ground for cultivation with his hoe, he felt it bumping a big stone. When he checked it, he saw carvings on the stone. Karyowinangun and the local people wondered about the existence of the stone.
Knowing the discovery, the archeological department came to the site and defined Karyowinangun's field to be archeological site. The carved stone was supposed to be part of a temple that possibly was buried in the area. Excavation was then executed to find hundreds slabs of stone and ancient statues. It turned to be true that those stones were components of a temple.
After 21 years, we can enjoy the beauty of the temple. The temple building named Sambisari stands grandly in Sambisari Village, Purwomartani Sub-District, Kalasan District, Sleman Regency, 10 kilometer away from Yogyakarta city center. You can reach this place by going eastward through the Yogya-Solo road until you see a signboard directing to this temple. Then, you turn left to follow the road.
Arriving at the area of the temple, YogYES first got surprised. Looking at the center of the temple area, there was an only pile of stones of less than 2 meters high. YogYES wondered if it Sambisari temple was that small? Approaching nearer, we will find the answer. In fact, Sambisari temple is 6,5 meters below the surrounding land.
Sambisari temple is predicted to be constructed between 812 - 838 AD, possibly under the government of Rakai Garung. The complex of the temple consists of 1 main temple and 3 supporting temples. There are 2 fences surrounding the temple complex, on the fences was totally reconstructed, while the other was only showed a little in the east side of the temple. Still function as borders, there are 8 stand phalluses distributed in each point of direction.
The main temple building is unique since it does not have shoe basement like other temples in Java. At the same time, the foot of the temple functions as the foundation to make the temple even on the ground. The foot part of the temple is left plain, without reliefs or decorations. Various elements most of them are of plants ornaments are found on the body to the outer part of the temple top. The ornaments look like batik motif.
Stepping up the stairs of the entrance of the temple, we will see an ornament of a dragon in the open mouth of makara (the magical animal in Hindu mythology). The figure of makara in Sambisari is an evolution of the makara form in India that can be in the form of a unification of elephant and fish or a crocodile and curved-tail fish.
The narrow verandah as wide as 1 meter will be found after passing through the last stair of the main temple entrance. Walking around it, you will see 3 cavities with one statue in each of them. In the north part, there is a statue of Durga (the wife of Siva) with 8 hands each of which is holding a weapon. Meanwhile, in the east side, there is Ganesha statue (son of Durga). In the southern side, there is Agastya statue with aksamala on his neck.
Entering the primary compartment of the temple, we can see quite big phallus and yoni measuring at around 1.5 meters. Its existence shows that this temple was build as the place for worshipping Siva. The phallus and the yoni behind this temple were also used to make the holy water. Usually, the water is poured on the phallus and let flow toward the small ditch on the yoni, then it is accommodated in a container.
Exiting from the main temple to go westwards, we will be able to see the three supporting temples (perwara) standing in the opposite direction. There was a prediction that this perwara temple was intentionally constructed without roof because when excavation was done, no roof stones were discovered. The inner part of the central supporting temples (perwara) has a square saucer decorated with dragon ornament and a padmasana on it. Possibly, padmasana and the saucers were utilized as places for statues or offerings.
When we have been satisfied with enjoying the beauty of the temple, we may leave for the information room. Some photographs featuring the rice field owned by Mr. Karyowinangun before the excavation and the early condition of the temple at the early time of the discovery. There are also photographs of the excavation processes and the temple reconstruction that lasted for tens of years, including the photographs of other goods such as bronze statues found during the excavation that are kept in Building of Archeological Heritance Preservation.
The beauty of Sambisari temple that we can enjoy at present time is the result of hard works of the archeologists for 21 years. The temple that initially looked like a giant puzzle was reconstructed piece by piece for the continuation of one more heritance of the great culture in the past

2008-07-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple)
Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple) is 3 kilometers eastward from Borobudur Temple. It is a Buddhist temple, built in 824 A.D. by King Indera of Cailendra dynasty.
There are three big statues inside, they are:
Cakyamuni sitting in cross legged pose with dharma cakra mudra (= turning the wheel of dharma hand pose)
Awalokiteswara, a bodhi satwa as human being helper.Awalokiteswara is a statue with Amitabha on her crown, Vajrapani. She is holding a red lotus and put on her palm.
Maitreya, a savior of human beings in the future.
There are stories for children on its walls.
Candi Mendut (Mendut Temple) is frequently used to celebrate the Waisak day every May full moon and the pilgrims from Indonesia and all parts of the world come to this ceremony.
It is older than Candi Borobudur. Its architecture is square, and having an entrance on its steps. Its roof is also square and terraced. There are stupas (= bell-shaped structures) on it.

2008-07-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Borobudur, the Biggest Buddhist Temple in the Ninth Century
Who does not know Borobudur? This Buddhist temple has 1460 relief panels and 504 Buddha effigies in its complex. Millions of people are eager to visit this building as one of the World Wonder Heritages. It is not surprising since architecturally and functionally, as the place for Buddhists to say their prayer, Borobudur is attractive.
Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga, one of the kings of Old Mataram Kingdom, the descendant of Sailendra dynasty. Based on Kayumwungan inscription, an Indonesian named Hudaya Kandahjaya revealed that Borobudur was a place for praying that was completed to be built on 26 May 824, almost one hundred years from the time the construction was begun. The name of Borobudur, as some people say, means a mountain having terraces (budhara), while other says that Borobudur means monastery on the high place.
Borobudur is constructed as a ten-terraces building. The height before being renovated was 42 meters and 34.5 meters after the renovation because the lowest level was used as supporting base. The first six terraces are in square form, two upper terraces are in circular form, and on top of them is the terrace where Buddha statue is located facing westward. Each terrace symbolizes the stage of human life. In line with of Buddha Mahayana, anyone who intends to reach the level of Buddha's must go through each of those life stages.
The base of Borobudur, called Kamadhatu, symbolizes human being that are still bound by lust. The upper four stories are called Rupadhatu symbolizing human beings that have set themselves free from lust but are still bound to appearance and shape. On this terrace, Buddha effigies are placed in open space; while the other upper three terraces where Buddha effigies are confined in domes with wholes are called Arupadhatu, symbolizing human beings that have been free from lust, appearance and shape. The top part that is called Arupa symbolizes nirvana, where Buddha is residing.
Each terrace has beautiful relief panels showing how skillful the sculptors were. In order to understand the sequence of the stories on the relief panels, you have to walk clockwise from the entrance of the temple. The relief panels tell the legendary story of Ramayana. Besides, there are relief panels describing the condition of the society by that time; for example, relief of farmers' activity reflecting the advance of agriculture system and relief of sailing boat representing the advance of navigation in Bergotta (Semarang).
All relief panels in Borobudur temple reflect Buddha's teachings. For the reason, this temple functions as educating medium for those who want to learn Buddhism. YogYES suggests that you walk through each narrow passage in Borobudur in order for you to know the philosophy of Buddhism. Atisha, a Buddhist from India in the tenth century once visited this temple that was built 3 centuries before Angkor Wat in Cambodia and 4 centuries before the Grand Cathedrals in Europe.
Thanks to visiting Borobudur and having supply of Buddha teaching script from Serlingpa (King of Sriwijaya), Atisha was able to improve Buddha's teachings after his return to India and he built a religion institution, Vikramasila Buddhism. Later he became the leader of Vikramasila monastery and taught Tibetans of practicing Dharma. Six scripts from Serlingpa were then summarized as the core of the teaching called "The Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment" or well known as Bodhipathapradipa.
A question about Borobudur that is still unanswered by far is how the condition around the temple was at the beginning of its foundation and why at the time of it's finding the temple was buried. Some hypotheses claim that Borobudur in its initial foundation was surrounded by swamps and it was buried because of Merapi explosion. It was based on Kalkutta inscription with the writing 'Amawa' that means sea of milk. The Sanskrit word was used to describe the occurrence of disaster. The sea of milk was then translated into Merapi lava. Some others say that Borobudur was buried by cold lava of Merapi Mountain.
With the existing greatness and mystery, it makes sense if many people put Borobudur in their agenda as a place worth visiting in their lives. Besides enjoying the temple, you may take a walk around the surrounding villages such as Karanganyar and Wanurejo. You can also get to the top of Kendil stone where you can enjoy Borobudur and the surrounding scenery. Please visit Borobudur temple right away...

2008-07-30T20:44:00.000-07:00

Reputated as the biggest and most beautiful Hindhus Temple in Indonesia, and locally known as Roro Jonggrang. Excursion to Prambanan temple complex-the most beautiful Hindu temple then proceed to Solo visit to the Mangkunegaran's Palace, Triwindhu flea-market. Continued drive on to Sukuh temple located on slope of Mount Lawu and surrounded by beautiful sceneries. Also visit to Cetoh temple.
Yogyakarta is the most popular tourist destination on Java. Famous for its rich heritage, cultural performances such as gamelan music, classical dance, shadow puppet shows, can be enjoyed daily. It is also a good base for day trips to 2 of the world's most impressive archeological sites - Borobudur & Prambanan Temple complexes. Yogyakarta also has excellent budget food & accommodation options and has been a travelers favorite for many years.

2008-07-30T20:42:00.000-07:00

The internally giant smoking Mount Merapi is one of the active volcanoes found in Indonesia, presenting its peaceful and sleepy dense forest. Beyond this, there lies a vast deserted land with its deep and steep valley spread out among the mountain hills where sibilant pines and wild grass make out the dominating vegetation, all presents a very exciting panorama. During its resting time of volcanic activities, it will enable those who have
much interest in mountaineering to have fun and to make them more acquainted with the flora of its tropical rain forest. From the observation post located on Plawangan hill that can be reached through the forest resort of Kaliurang, you will see the incredible sights of molten rocks oozing over the rim, sometimes accompanied with hot lava pouring out regularly and leaving a long trail of smoke.
Mount Merapi is 2.920 m above sea level with an average temperature of about 10 degrees Celcius and a difference in temperature between noon and night of 15 - 16 degrees Celcius. At present this resort is provided with an out standing and modern Golf Course, which is setting on 800 meters of sea level. This 18 holes, par 72 course is opened to the public and located only 30 minutes from the city of Yogyakarta.

2008-07-30T20:35:00.000-07:00

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 splendour.
As a mountain resort Kaliurang offers accommodation facilities - villas, bungalows, inns as well as recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts and playground. 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 the Merapi Mountain from Kaliurang.
One can stay overnight in Kaliurang then start, very early in the morning, climbs the Merapi via Kinahrejo village to descend again at noon.
When the weather is clear, a spectacular sight of the panoramic view that covers the surrounding forest of Plawangan and Kaliurang, and the rolling green country side that fades into the distant misty horizon of the blue Indian Ocean can be seen easily. The best time to view the mountain is shortly after sunrise (before 09.00 o'clock ), when the early morning light starts lifting up the shroud of mist around its peak.

2008-06-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

PARANGTRITIS BEACH
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.

2008-06-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

NGOBARAN BEACH
Ngobaran Beach is located at Gunung Kidul region, 50km from Yogyakarta. This is a pure beach with a number of marine attractions to explore. When the tide is low around 3 in the morning, the visitors can join the local fishermen to collect seaweeds or go fishing for stranded fish between the reefs at the beach. The overall panorama creates some unexplainable yet peaceful feelings. Some believe that somewhere in the beach lie the remains of King Brawijaya fort and his men “Sabdo Palon Ngoyogenggong”. Other uniqueness of this beach includes a cave, which leads its explorers to a striking underground stream.
Going to Ngrenehan Beach and enjoying the grilled fish will be complete if we 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. The local people of Ngrenehan Beach even talk and visit Ngobaran Beach.
Ngobaran is such an exotic beach. When the seawater had falls, we can see the spread of both green and brown seaweed. When it looked from the top, the spread of the algae growing in 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 cockleshells.

2008-06-20T22:02:00.002-07:00

NGRENEHAN BEACH
Ngrenehan beach is located at Kanigoro village, Saptosari district, about 30 km at the south of Wonosari city. This beach is gulf that guarded by limestone hill and amazing panorama with the sea waves struck white sand. The visitors could see the fisherman's activities and get various fried or grill fishes as souvenirs. In this area about 1 km west of this beach there are Ngobaran and Nguyahan beaches. Every month when the moon is full, Hindu people do a Melasty ceremony at Ngobaran beach.

2008-06-20T22:02:00.001-07:00

DRINI BEACH
Drini beach, which lies in Ngestirejo village, Tanjungsari district, is located about 1 km away in the east of Sepanjang Beach. The special character of this beach is the coral island with Drini trees on it. As it is said, poisonous snakes avoid this Drini tree wood.

2008-06-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

KRAKAL BEACH
Go to the next beach, about 6 kilometers from Kukup beach, we will find Krakal beach- a white sand beach stretch along 5 kilometers. Krakal beach the longest beach of the junction is located in Ngestirejo village, Tanjungsari district, 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. Krakal beach mostly is a white sandy beach in Yogyakarta area. There's a development now because of its beautiful panorama of the southern sea. It should be careful here because it has big wave and the texture of the beach which are rocks meet the sands.
Among all the beaches that stretch along Java beaches, Krakal with its white sandy beach surrounded with mountainous rocky hills is the most beautiful one. Krakal is close to Kukup beach and Baron cove. This cove is in fact an estuary of an underground river that comes up exactly at the waterfront. It is interesting to observe the combination of the beach and the cove from the protruding rocky hills that flank the caves on both sides.

2008-06-20T21:56:00.000-07:00

KUKUP BEACH
Kukup Beach is a white sandy beach lies in Kemadang village, Tanjungsari district, about 1 km away in the east of Baron beach. It has a pathway trough the hill up to Baron beach and also a coral island, which is connected by a senggol bridge. Kukup Beach, grey black sand dunes, treacherous ocean currents and jagged rocks. This beach is located near Baron Beach, only 1 km east.

2008-06-20T21:52:00.000-07:00

BARON BEACH
Baron beach lies in Kemandang Village, Tanjungsari district about 23 km in the South of Wonosari city. Baron beach is the first beach that would be found in the junction of Baron, Kukup, Sepanjang, Drini, Krakal and Sundak beaches area. It is a bay with big wave. Baron beach is popular as fish catching area. There is a mouth of Underground River that can be used for bathing after playing in the beach. The visitors can also enjoy various kinds of low prices seafood or fresh fish and Baron's special menu namely Kakap fish soup. There is limestone hill in this area. The visitors can reach that place by passing through a path. The way to go there is very interesting because it passes a place called Pegunungan Seribu (a thousand mountains).

2008-03-06T05:01:00.000-08:00

Imogiri Royal Cemetery
This cemetery located on a beautiful hill about 12 km from Yogyakarta. The tomb of Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo, the third king of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, is on the top of the hill. All the kings of the Mataram Kingdom, from Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX and their families as the Surakarta kingdoms as well were all buried at the Imogiri Royal Cemetery.
This cemetery was built in 1645. Tourists have to wear traditional Javanese clothes like in Kotagede. Everyday many people visit Imogiri and step up on 345 stairs to reach the pop of the hill where the tomb of the kings rested. The tomb can only be visited on Monday at 10 AM 12AM, and on Friday at 1PM 4PM

2008-03-06T04:50:00.000-08:00

Biology Museum
Biology museum is located on Sultan Agung Street a part of facility provided by the Faculty of Biology of the Gadjah Mada University. It particularly related to the science of flora and fauna that are found in Indonesia. It is equipped with diorama setting that portrays the life of the animals in Indonesia and their habitat. Among these animals, there is the Komodo dragon (Veranus Komodoensis) the biggest giant lizard on the earth that only lives on Komodo Island in Indonesia, and the only remain survived preshistoric animals.

2008-03-06T04:42:00.000-08:00

Dirgantara Mandala Museum
This museum is situated in Lanuma Adisucipto complex. This museum keeps pictures and models of aeroplanes left by Japanese army, which then were used by the Indonesian air force during the struggle for independence. The other models are fighting, transportation, and exercise aeroplanes. Visitors have to inform the officer in charge at least one day in advance to visit the museum

2008-03-06T04:33:00.000-08:00

Diponegoro Museum
Sasana Wiratama at Tegalrejo is the former residence of Prince Diponegoro, one of Indonesian's national heroes. An heir to the sultanate of Yogyakarta, the Prince led an uprising against the Dutch colonial administration for five years start from 1825 to 1830. He was eventually tricked into negotiations, arrested, and exiled to Sulawesi until he died.
Sasono Wirotomo houses a small museum containing Diponegoro's Keris and possessions. Scratches on the arms of the chairs in the museum are believed as Prince Diponegoro's fingernails while he was are trying to control his anger at having been deceived.

2008-03-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

AFFANDI MUSEUM
This museum is the home and studio of Affandi, a painter of international fame. Affandi museum is located in Adisucipto Street thn main street to reach the airport. The building is a unique architectural design and stands on the bank of the Gajah Wong River. It keeps a collection of Affandi's finest artwork during his lifetime.

2008-02-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

Perjuangan Museum

This museum is situated in Kolonel Sugiono Street. It is a cylindrical building, uniquely roofed in the shape of a crown with its outer walls portray relief about the history of Indonesian's struggle for independence before and after the Declaration of Independence in August 17st, 1945. The collection consists of historical articles during the time of the revolution for independence.

2008-02-23T23:17:00.000-08:00

Sonobudoyo Museum

The Sonobudoyo museum is situated on the northern side of the north square (Alun-alun Utara) of Sultan's Palace. It was built in 1935 with a Javanese architecture. The architecture of the gateway resembles to the entrace of the mosque in Kudus Town especially in the construction of pathway to the auditorium, and the main joglo structure that connected. Kudus is the most ancient town in the island of Java besides Kotagede. Sonobudoyo has the second most complete collection of cultural artefacts after the central museum in Jakarta. Visitor can observe ceramics from the Neolithic age, original eight and ninth century statues and bronze-articles collected form temple in Central Java, various kinds of puppets, masks, and wayang (puppet or shadow-play), to heirlooms and artefacts from Bali. Sonobudoyo museum also has an interesting library that keeps various collections of ancient boojs related to Javanes culture.

2008-02-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

Tugu Monument

One of the monuments that stand as a silent witness to Yogyakarta's development is called Tugu, which means column.The original Tugu was actually built to commemorate the establishment of Ngayogyakarta Sultanate in 1755. It was collapsed once, and replaced by a new form of construction shaped differently from the former cylindrical Tugu.

Leading southward from Tugu towards the Sultans's Palace is the Pangeran Mangkubumi Street pass the railroad station. Both sides of the streets are decorated with artistic lamps, and beautifully arranged small parks. in the old days, the Malioboro Street famously known as a defence base for the Indonesia guerrila fighters in the struggle for independence against the Dutch. Nowadays, the Malioboro Street is well known as gathering place for many creative artists and craftsmen. At night, this main street is always crowded with people selling Yogyakarta's exotic cuisine called GUDEG, and of course other Javanese food. Customers can sit and relax on a mat, while enjoying their meal in Javanese tradition

2008-02-23T20:56:00.000-08:00

Kotagede Royal Cemetry

Kotagede, which is often, called Sargede lies about five km southeast of Yogyakarta. In this old-city, tourist can visit the cemetery of the Mataratam Kings like Sutowijoyo, also known as Ngabei Loring Pasar the founder of the Mataram kingdom who was then called Panembahan Senopati. There is also the uniqe tomb of Ki Ageng Mangir. He was Panembahan Senopati's son in law and his enemy at the same time. His body was buried outside the complex. A hundred meters away from the tomb, there is a stone called "Watu Gilang", the stone on which Panembahan Senopati smashed the head of Ki Ageng Mangir to dead.
Those who want to go inside the cemetry have to wear traditional clothes that one can hire there. Kotagede Royal Cemetry opens on Monday at 10 Am- 12Am, and at 01.30 Pm- 04.00 Pm on Friday. In addtion to cemetry, there are "graceful gates" ponds will be full of Clarius Melenodermas and yellow turtle. This turtle is hundred years of age and also had believed as a sacred miraculous turtle.

2008-02-11T18:12:00.000-08:00

Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari means beautiful park. It is about ten minutes walk from the Sultan's Palace south-west ward. Sultan Hamengku Buwono 1 in 1757 built this park. He created a new style that was a combination and a mixture of javanese and Portuguese architcture. Taman Sari was once beautiful and sophisticated water-park. The area around the park eastward to the city quarters called "Kampung Segaran" was once full of water. This place is now called Suryoputran. Segaran is Javanese word means a man-made ocean or an artificial sea. Every time the Sultan visited the park, he went there by rowing a private canoe through the suspension bridge called "Kreteg Gantung" which lay in front of the Palace gate, southward or northward of Kemandungan. The remained building that was once connected by the suspension bridge can still be seen nowdays. Beside water, there was also an underground passage or alley the Sultan Palace leading to one of the park buildings which is called Pasarean Ledok Sari. The castle once has a place for relaxation and entertainment as well, a uniqe mechanism of defence.

2008-02-11T17:42:00.002-08:00

Monument of March 1st

Monumen 1 Maret or Monument of March 1st is located on Panembahan Senopati Street, exactly next to Fort (Benteng) Vredeburg. And was constructed to comme- morate the total offensive attack on March 1st, 1949 (Serangan Oemoem 1 Maret 1949) when Indonesian guerrilla fighters succeeded in reoccupying Yogyakarta for 6 hours in order to prove the world that Indonesians still possess power to keep struggle for independence against the Dutch colonial. This historical event known as "The Six Hours in Yogyakarta" (Enam Jam di Yogyakarta)
was successfully commanded by young Colonel Soeharto former 2nd President of Republic of Indonesia. As follow-up, both parties (Dutch and Indonesia) held further diplomatic talks in the Round Table Conference ( KMB) at Den Haag.

2008-02-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

Benteng Vredeburg

Benteng Vredeburg (lit.Vredeburg fort) is situated exacity face to face with Gedung Agung. The Dutch colonial built in 1765 during the domination. I t was built in order to anticipate the cannon shot from the Sultan's troops. Its function was also to protect the occupation of the Dutch Residence. This fort is surrounded by moats that still can be seen until now.The fort is rectangular-shaped, with kind of citadel (bastions) on its four corner, which enable Dutch's soldier to walk around and aim a good shot. From the base of the cannon on the southern bastions, visitors may enjoy wonderful views Sultan's Palace and other historical buildings around, and certainly the busy traffic of Yogyakarta. The fort can be reach on foot the centre of the municipality.