Yogyakarta is the center of Javanese culture. It is located on the foot of the active Merapi volcano. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Yogyakarta was the centre of the mighty Javanese empire; Mataram, from which Yogyakarta has inherited its unique traditions that is maintained until today .Jogyakarta is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia, established  after the division of Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo) in 1755.

Yogyakarta is often called as main gateway to the center of Java. There is daily flight  to Yogyakarta from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali as well as regular train services, besides, bus transportation.

Yogyakarta is also called ?city for education?, for its ideal place and surrounding for education One of Indonesia?s well-known university, Gadjahmada University, is located in Jogyakarta.

Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theather and other expressions of traditional arts are some arts and culture of the Yogyakarta.  Batiks, silver and leather work are produced locally from generation
to generation as the way of living of the

Yogyakarta people.  That?s way, Yogyakarta  known as one of centra Batik producer in Indonesia.  

GETTING AROUND

Becak or tri-saws bicycle are the most popular form of transport for getting around in Yogyakarta.. Travelling by Andong (horse drawn carriage) is also an enjoyable way of sight seeing in Yogyakarta. Bargain is always needed before using any kind of transportation in the city of Yogyakarta.

PLACES OF INTEREST:

MALIOBORO STREET

The heart of Yogya is Jalan Malioboro or Malioboro Street. Jalan Malioboro is a two-kilometer street running north to south. The Malioboro street is the hub of the city life. During the day, stalls line the street where vendors sell their wares. When the night comes, the food vendors attract visitors with the delicacy traditional cuisines of Yogyakarta and a unique way of eating called ?Lecehan?.

NGAYOGYAKARTA HADININGRAT PALACE

Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. Prince Mangkubumi founded it in 1755. The Prince was then called Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono.

WATER CASTLE

Water Castle  is in the west of Kraton, built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. It is located in the older part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market. A number of batik workshops line the avenue leading to the pleasure garden?s entrance.

 PRAMBANAN TEMPLE

This magnificent Hindu temple derives its name from the village where it is located. Locally known as Loro Jonggrang temple, or the Temple of the ?Slender Virgin?, it is the biggest and most beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia.

Situated seventeen kilometers east of Yogyakarta, this temple is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century. Its parapets are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story.

KOTA GEDE

It is about five kilometers southeast of Yogjakarta and famous for being the center of the silverwork industry. There is a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch the process of silver being transformed into beautiful art works,  known as ? Yogya Silver?

IMOGIRI

Imogiri, the official cemetery of the royal descendents from Yogyakarta and Surakarta, is about 17 km southeast of Yogyakarta and easily accessible by the bus or car. The tombs lie within three main courtyards perched on a hilltop. Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princess is allowed only for visitors wearing traditional Javanese dress, which can be hired on the spot for a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Moslem month of Ramadhan.

KALASAN TEMPLE AND SARI TEMPLE

Kalasan Temple, a unique Buddhist temple, located some 16 km 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 the Sanjaya Dynasty and a Princess of the Cailendra Dynasty, Dyah Pramudya Wardhani. 600 m northeast of the Kalasan temple sits the slender and beautiful Sari Temple, formerly a Buddhist sanctuary (Vihara) where Buddhiest priests used to live, meditate and teach their followers.

BATIK RESEARCH CENTRE

Situated on the eastern outskirts of the city, the Batik Research Centre has an interesting permanent exhibition of batiks in classic and modern designs. Both the hand-drawn and hand stamped batik processes are displayed here.

KALIURANG

A pleasant escape from the city, this resort on the slopes of Mt. Merapi is surrounded by enchanting countryside. The ?Telogo Muncar? water fall and charming bungalows for rent make this a perfect place to get away from it all while traveling.

MUSEUMS

There are three museums can be visited in Yogjakarta, the Struggle for Independence Museum on Jalan Colonel Sugiyono,  Museum Sonobudoyo in front of Sultan?s Palace and Affandi Museum on the main road between airport to the city. The Struggle Museum is featuring the history of the struggle for independence, Museum Sonobudoyo displaying ancient culture and art o Javanese. Affandi Museum is a private museum built by Affandi, Indonesian impressionist painter for his own collections as well as his daughter Kartika.

TRANSPORTATIONS:

There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur  (KLIA), Malaysia to Yogyakarta and Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, they are:

Garuda Indonesia
Malaysian Airlines (MAS)
Air Asia