Yogyakarta : The Cultural Soul of Java

As a place that is highly independent and protective of its customs and traditions, Yogyakarta can be considered as the cultural soul of Java, and indeed the place is known as Java's cultural capital, a center of historical, political, and cultural development. Many of Java's cultural landmarks can be found at Yogyakarta. On equal footing with its cultural attributes, however, are its plethora of natural attractions that also made it one of Java's most admired travel destinations.

To fully experience the magnificence of Yogyakarta as a travel destination, some of its hottest attractions and activities are given below:

Kraton

The official palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, known as the Kraton, is a fascinating cultural and political landmark that is much more of a walled city within a city. It is home to about 25,000 residents, 1,000 of whom are under the employment of the sultan. The Kraton is a self contained community, with its own vital establishments such as markets, schools, mosque, cottage industries, and even a museum. The Kraton is one of the structures that exemplify the finest of Javanese architecture and culture. Its museum holds an extensive collection of historical and cultural memorabilias. Guided tours and performances are regularly held for the benefit of tourists and visitors.

Pasar Beringharjo

Pasar Beringharjo is Yogyakarta's main market, located just 800 meters north of Kraton. Mostly inexpensive batik cap are sold in its front section. On the second floor, cheap shoes and shoes can be found. Pasar Beringharjo's section towards the south is still very much a traditional market.

Kota Gede

Kota Gede is famous as Yogyakarta's center for the silver industry since 1930. Prior to that, however, the town was once the first capital of the Mataram Kingdom, which was founded in 1852 by Senopati. Located near the southern end of the central market lies Senopati's grave, whom the locals consider as sacred.

Tembi

Located at the southern portion of the city, Tembi is a beautiful Javanese cultural center seated in a unique position, surrounded by rice paddies. Its wooden houses, old but beautiful, is home to cultural artifacts including batik and basketry, a fine collection of kris, wayang puppets, and historic photographs of Yogyakarta. A restaurant and an accommodation is available, too!

Sono-Budoyo Museum

Structurally speaking, this museum is poorly lit and a little unkempt and dusty, but it boasts of a fine, first- class collection of Javanese art including batik, kris, puppets, topeng, and wayang kulit. Its courtyard is a location for a Hindu statuary and artefacts collected including Balinese carvings. Apart from these function of being home to such collections, this museum is also a venue for wayang kulit performances.

Handycraft Villages
The Sentolo District of Kulonprogo Regency, has a handycraft villages like Sentolo, Salamrejo, Tuksono and Sukoreno, etc. each has an individual style of handycrafts and due to this individuality and uniqueness, the handycrafts coming from these regions are not only different but above par excellence as well.