Considered the heart of Javanese culture, Jogyakarta has long been revered for its history that shaped the island of Java. The language of Jogyakartans, especially around the palace of Joyakarta, is thought to be the most refined version of the Javanese language. Jogyakarta is served by the Jakarta-Surabaya railway line as well as a branch line to Semarang.

The region surrounding the city is one of the most fertile in Java. Sugar cane, rice, and tobacco are the leading crops. The living plantations and the panorama of the rice fields decorate most outer areas of Joyakarta. The city is overshadowed by the presence of Mount Merapi and Merbabu, two volcanoes that provide mineral sources that contribute to the land's fertility and plenty of traditional folktales.

Temples

The temple of Borobudur, a magnificent 8th-century Buddhist temple, is within easy reach of Yogyakarta, but it is actually situated in the province of Central Java. Another renowned temple is Prambanan. This magnificent Shivaite temple derives it name from the village where it is located. Locally known as the Loro Jonggrang Temple, or the Temple of the "Slender Virgin", it is the biggest and most beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia. The first open-air theater on the southern side of the temple was built in 1960 and a newer theater on the western side of the temple in 1988. During full moon evenings between the months of May to October, there are enchanting performances of the Ramayana ballet. The temple complex of Prambanan lies amongst green fields and villages. It has eight shrines, of which the three main ones are dedicated to the Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma.

Food

Gudeg and Cakes The most famous traditional food of Jogyakarta, the sweet and delicious gudeg is the regional specialty. Made from young jackfruit, palm sugar and coconut milk, it is served for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Gudeg takes several days to cook. The best gudeg is usually served in a clay "kendhil" (cooking-pot). It is sold late at night along Malioboro Street, which is a popular area to come and absorb the sights and sounds of the city. Gudeg Juminten at Kranggan is served early in the morning. Try Gudeg Bu Citro at 17th kilometer Solo Street, Gudeg Yu Jum at Kaliurang Street or North Square (Alun-alun Utara). Jogyakarta also specializes in fried chicken and fried pigeon as well as sweet cakes such as Bakpia Pathok, Geplak, Suwar-suwir or Brem. These treats can be purchased all along KS Tubun Street.

Ngayogyakarta Palace

The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the center of the city. It was founded by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755. The Prince was then called Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono. Visitors to the palace can enjoy the ambience of the kraton in former times by visiting the life-size diorama of wedding ceremonies in the palace meeting hall, performed by puppets which are intentionally arranged to create such an atmosphere. Sets of Javanese musical instruments, antiques and heirlooms make the palace of Jogyakarta worth a visit. The Water Castle, built in 1758, in the west of the Keraton is also an interesting site.

Imogiri

Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendants from Jogyakarta and Surakarta. The royal graveyard is located on a hilltop, reached by 345 stone steps leading to it. It is about 17 kms southeast of Jogyakarta and easily accessible by bus or car. The tombs are built within three main courtyards. Entry into the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is permitted only on Monday 09.00 - 12.00 or Friday 13.00 - 16.00. Traditional Javanese dress must be worn, which however can be hired on the spot for a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Moslem month of Ramadhan.

Museum Sonobudoyo

This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, is built in traditional Javanese architecture. It exhibits weapons, leather and wooden puppets of the Wayang Theater, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace.

Kotagede

Kotagede, about five kilometers southeast of Jogyakarta, is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram can still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Jogya's silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by "andong", the four wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as "Jogya Silver".

Affandi Museum

On the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum in a lush garden next to his peculiar private home on stilts. He was Indonesia's foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own paintings and of those of his daughter Kartika. Affandi's grave (he passed away in 1990) lies in the backyard next to the museum.

Kasongan

Southwest of Jogyakarta lies the village of Kasongan, known for its artistic pottery and earthenware. Guidance from contemporary Indonesian artists has turned Kasongan earthenware into works of art which can be bought inexpensively at art shops all over Java.

Parang Tritis Beach

This seaside resort lies just 27 km south of Jogyakarta on the Indian Ocean. According to Javanese mythology, the Goddess of the South Seas, Nyai Loro Kidul or Ratu Kidul, was married to Panembahan Senopati who founded the Mataram Kingdom. Since that era, every year the sultans of Yogyakarta make special offerings to her in a beach-side ceremony called "Labuhan".

Kaliurang

This resort on the slopes of Mt. Merapi, 24 km north of Jogyakarta is surrounded by enchanting countryside. The "Telogo Muncar" waterfall and swimming pool make this resort a very pleasant destination for recreation. Quaint bungalows are available for rent.