Madeira is one of the islands are an autonomous region of Portugal in the Atlantic Ocean.Though composed of several island but only Madeira Island and Porto Santo Island is uninhabited.

Islands who “discovered” the sailors of Portugal 1418 until 1420 was known as a popular tourist area.In addition to its warm climate, Madeira is also famous for its wine, the flowers, and evening fireworks new year very well known in the world as the largest recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Although a region of Portugal, Madeira precisely geographically closer to the African continent which is only a distance of about 450 km only. Meanwhile, the Portuguese archipelago located about 900 km or 1.5 hour flight to the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

Tourism became the economic backbone of the Madeira for at least 20% contributed income area.This condition makes Madeira develop infrastructure to support this tourism sector. On the island of Porto Santo for example all the needs of tourism such as hotels are mushrooming in the beach along the 9 km.

The main tourists in Madeira, mostly from countries of the European Union, especially from Germany, England, Scandinavian countries and Portugal.The high number of tourists seen from the hotel occupancy rate averaged 60% and reached its peak in March and April. Do you want to go to Madeira for late holidays ?

Besides known as a tourist destination, Madeira is also known as one of the hometown famous soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo this time. Apart from Ronaldo, the famous character who was born in Madeira is famous sailors inventor of the Americas, Columbus Christoporus. If you want to go to Madeira for special rate air fare  , you can get it here at last minute holidays , go and don’t miss your chance to visit one of the most beautiful place on Portugal , place you must visit before you die.

Chinatown located in residential area City Tours Cibubur. Chinese Village to go, you’ll pass a row of mansions with characteristics of the various countries. There are also parks with unique sculptures are unique as a statue liberty, the Indians and other statue.

Chinatown as a sort of interesting places to shop for all buildings in this area kiosk architecture China, As well as the red color that is identical to the dominant Chinese culture. At the entrance, there is a similar gate entrance to a town in China that is Forbidden City. This gate semicircular and called Prosperity Gate.

There is also a statue of the Chinese people with clothes and hair like that used in China. In addition there is a bridge to the river below and goldfish. This place was built to resemble a bamboo curtain country. Along the way, there are the chairs of stone and other sculptures that feel of the township still feels Chinese.

Knick-knacks are sold associated with the existing concept, ie goods that represent the Chinese nation. The most widely sold is clothing chongsam (red shirt with a collar and buttons typical of Tionghoa), umbrellas, bags, purses embroidered with Chinese characteristic, the sculptures for display and other paraphernalia. However, there are also stalls selling hats or bags that are not nuanced China.

Goods are sold from one stall to another stall not much different. The price offered is almost the same and can not be offered too much. The sellers here do not take advantage of the situation by fixing the price too high. Perhaps this is why still many people who love to shop here. Visitors can buy knick-knacks are unique at a price not too expensive.

Family Tour in Kampung China

On the back of the Chinese Village area there are lakes with a duck-shaped water bike and boat which will take you around in the water of the lake. Less is more, this boat 1 can accommodate 12 people. There is also a region called “Fantasy Island” where there is a large dinosaur replica. This can be a favorite place for children.

When you feel hungry, there are also stalls that sell food to fill your stomach. Near the lake there food court which provides snacks like meatballs, fried dumplings, iced durian and other types.

Japan Kampung, Kampung Indonesia, and the American Regions

In addition to the Chinese village, there are Japanese Villages. In the village there is a statue with a Japanese samurai memagang or other sculpture that makes us as if he were in Japan. The stalls still adopt Japanese culture that is very interesting to see.

In other parts there are also Kampung Indonesia. In the village of Indonesia, you will see many houses and other building areas that describe the state of Indonesia. One example is a replica of the statue suro fish and crocodiles that are characteristic of Surabaya. There are also buildings Balinese.

One other area is America. Here you’ll also find areas that resemble the world in the American cowboy. You can find a statue of a horse and carriage complete with a cowboy riding.

Traveling to China Village

The area is still busy to visit is in the Village area of China. At certain moments, the Chinese Village area to provide entertainment that remains typical of China, for example, shows that attract attention barongsai. As for other villages such as Kampung Kampung Japan and Indonesia has been slow, many stalls are closed fewer sehinngga patrons. To enter the Chinese Village free of charge, except if you want to go to Fantasy Land, water bike or boat motor, you have to prepare more money to visit.

The renters can actually deduct only the amount which has been used to upgrade the part of apartment used for the business. This leaves the renters with no option but to keep the apartment in the same state as it was at the time of rent.

But if you report the expenses as the income by the landlord, then those expenses will get a mention in the tax deductions. This is not normally practiced but it is a way out after all. The people who are seeking professional advice on Riverside property management should consult the tax experts to know even more about the deductions. That’s will be the right place to whom want to seek the right answer.

Ijen Crater located at the top Mount Ijen which is one of a series of volcanoes in East Java such as Bromo, Semeru and Merapi. Mount Ijen is located in the east Mount Merapi (in East Java there is also a mountain that has the same name with a mountain in Central Java is Mount Merapi). Ijen Crater Tourism Area or Park Nature Reserve is located in the region Ijen Slippery District, County and District Klobang Banyuwangi, Bondowoso District.

Ijen Crater lies at an altitude of 2368 meters above sea level. What’s interesting is this crater is located in the middle of the largest caldera on the island of Java. The size of the caldera about 20 miles. Kawahnya own size approximately 960 meters x 600 meters with a depth of 200 meters. This crater is located at a depth of more than 300 meters below the caldera wall.

Why Ijen Crater is one of the most acidic crater in the world? Do you know how the degree of acidity (pH) of this crater? This crater has a level of very high acidity which is close to zero so that the human body can dissolve quickly. In addition, the temperature of the crater is 200 degrees Celsius reach amazed by adding a very large crater was. However, behind the numbers that make these fears, this crater was present charm is also amazing beauty. The beauty of what you can get in Ijen Crater?

Enchantment Beauty Ijen Crater

Ijen crater of the Mount Ijen looks very beautiful. This crater is a large lake with a bluish-green mist and smoke of the sulfur that is fascinating. In addition, cold air with temperatures 10 degrees Celsius, the temperature might reach 2 degrees Celsius, will add its own sensation. Various plants that exist only in the plateau can also be found, such as Edelweis Flowers and Pine Mountain.

As the morning when the sun began to shine Ijen Crater region, beautiful scenery you can expect. Ijen Crater bluish green light will add a golden sun reflecting in the crater. Stunning scenery you can also get to see the charm of the beauty of the nearby Mount Merapi. Mount Merapi has a similar shape to Mount Ijen. The most appropriate moment to witness the beauty Ijen is in the morning.

Ijen Crater to go, you have to down a path along the caldera cliffs. Do not forget to bring life cover because sometimes sulfur smoke blown through the track. You can also surround the caldera in the region that takes to reach 8 to 10 hours on foot.

Traditional Sulfur miners

One of the attention of visitors in the area of Ijen Crater is a traditional sulfur miners. They boldly approached the lake to dig sulfur with simple equipment and carry a basket.

The miners are taking sulfur sulfur from the crater bottom. Here was a thick smoke, but to the degree necessary equipment such as masks gloves, they are still looking for molten sulfur. Molten sulfur obtained from the pipe leading to the source of the volcanic gases that contain sulfur. This gas then flows through a pipe out of molten sulfur in the form of red. Once frozen yellow sulfur.

After sulfur cut, the miners would carry it through the path. The burden is heavy enough to carry between 80 to 100 kg. The miners are used to carry this heavy burden as he walked along the path on the caldera cliffs down the mountain as far as 3 miles.

Towards Ijen Crater

You can reach Ijen crater via two alternative routes. Here is the route used by the visitors Ijen Crater:

You can go to Bondowoso and Banyuwangi with public transportation from Surabaya. Distance from Surabaya to Banyuwangi Bondowoso and approximately 200 kilometers. For security reasons, Ijen Crater closed starting at 14:00 because the intensity of the toxic fumes of sulfur increases after that hour.

In the western Atlantic ocean, lies the Bermuda Triangle. Within this triangle there are 7 major islands and 150 smaller islands which are really the rock clusters. This triangle is also known as the triangle of evil – all the high technology tools and all the navigation equipment is not working properly in place. Often even the communication with the world outside this triangle becomes a problem. No one knows why and how to prevent this. So, if you are brave, who knows you to be the first to solve this mystery.

One of the most mysterious places and magical on the planet. Located in North Africa, this country has more than 80 pyramids spread along the river Nile. Masing2 approaching 100 meters high, and a giant stone weighing each up to 100 tons. Until now the legend of the pyramid is still inviting the new gossip, new myths and beliefs are also emerging. Of all the pyramids, the Pyramid of Cheops is the highest. All of the pyramid was built only by piling one stone on another stone. Not found in glue, nails, or any adhesive used in making the pyramids. All the stones fit together somehow, so it is very difficult to find any cracks or gaps. Problems regarding the construction techniques used are also not answered until now. So if you are looking for mystery, pyramid-pyramid Egypt will remain a mystery for you provides.

This island lies between Tahiti and Chile, and won international fame as the colossal statue of remarkable human face shape. Each statue is 14 feet tall (about 4 meters), weighing about 14 and made of volcanic stone, and are the work of the Rapa Nui society. As yet unknown how this statue is made with primitive technology owned by these communities. There are various theories about the origin and meaning statues, including one of them is fantastic theory that says that the statue was made by a UFO. But, until now the truth of all the existing theory has not been revealed. Will you be one who can reveal it?

The word “paradise” is used a lot in Bali and not without reason. The combination of friendly, hospitable people, a magnificently visual culture infused with spirituality and (not least) spectacular beaches with great surfing and diving have made Bali Indonesia’s unrivaled number one tourist attraction. Eighty percent of international visitors to Indonesia visit Bali and Bali alone.

The popularity is not without its flip sides—once paradisaical Kuta has degenerated into a congested warren of concrete, touts and scammers live on overcharging tourists, and the island’s visibility has even drawn the unwanted attention of terrorists in 2002 and 2005—but Bali has managed to retain its magic. Bali is a wonderful destination with something for everyone, and though heavily traveled, it is still easy to find some peace and quiet, if you like.

History

Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple which dates from the 15th century.

The first Hindus arrived in Bali as early as 100 BC, but the unique culture which is so apparent to any current day visitor to Bali hails largely from neighbouring Java, with some influence from Bali’s distant animist past. The Javanese Majapahit Empire’s rule over Bali became complete in the 14th century when Gajah Mada, Prime Minister of the Javanese king, defeated the Balinese king at Bedulu.

The rule of the Majapahit Empire resulted in the initial influx of Javanese culture, most of all in architecture, dance, painting, sculpture and the wayang puppet theatre. All of this is still very apparent today.

The very few Balinese who did not adopt this Javanese Hindu culture are known today as the Bali Aga (“original Balinese”) and still live in the isolated villages of Tenganan near Candidasa and Trunyan on the remote eastern shore of Lake Batur at Kintamani.

With the rise of Islam in the Indonesian archipelago, the Majapahit Empire in Java fell and Bali became independent near the turn of the 16th century. The Javanese aristocracy found refuge in Bali, bringing an even stronger influx of Hindu arts, literature and religion.

Divided among a number of ruling rajas, occasionally battling off invaders from now Islamic Java to the west and making forays to conquer Lombok to the east, the north of the island was finally captured by the Dutch colonialists in a series of brutal wars from 1846 to 1849. Southern Bali was not conquered until 1906, and eastern Bali did not surrender until 1908. In both 1906 and 1908, many Balinese chose death over disgrace and fought en-masse until the bitter end, often walking straight into Dutch cannons and gunfire. This manner of suicidal fighting to the death is known as puputan. Victory was bittersweet, as the images of the puputan highly tarnished the Dutch in the international community. Perhaps to make up for this, the Dutch did not make the Balinese enter into a forced cultivation system, as had happended in Java, and instead tried to promote Balinese culture through their policy of Baliseering or the “Balinisation of Bali”.

Bali became part of the newly independent Republic of Indonesia in 1945. In 1965, after the failed coup d’etat which was allegedly backed by the Communist Party (PKI), state-instigated, anti-communist violence spread across Indonesia. In Bali, it has been said that the rivers ran red with the reprisal killings of suspected communists—most estimates of the death toll say 80,000, or about five percent of the population at the time.

The current chapter in Bali’s history began in the seventies when intrepid hippies and surfers discovered Bali’s beaches and waves, and tourism soon became the biggest income earner. Despite the shocks of the terrorist attacks in 2002 and 2005, the magical island continues to draw crowds, and Bali’s culture remains as spectacular as ever.

Culture

Ubiquitous canang sari offerings

Unlike any other island in largely Muslim Indonesia, Bali is a pocket of Hindu religion and culture. Every aspect of Balinese life is suffused with religion, but the most visible signs are the tiny offerings (canang sari) found in every Balinese house, work place, restaurant, souvenir stall and airport check-in desk. These leaf trays are made daily and can contain an enormous range of offering items: flowers, glutinous rice, cookies, salt, and even cigarettes and coffee! They are set out with burning incense sticks and sprinkled with holy water no less than three times a day, before every meal. Don’t worry if you step on one, as they are placed on the ground for this very purpose and will be swept away anyway. (Any ants enjoying the feast may not appreciate your foot quite as much though!)

Balinese Hinduism diverged from the mainstream well over 500 years ago and is quite radically different from what you would see in India. The primary deity is Sanghyang Widi Wasa (Acintya), the “all-in-one god” for which other gods like Vishnu (Wisnu) and Shiva (Civa) are merely manifestations, and instead of being shown directly, he is depicted by an empty throne wrapped in the distinctive poleng black-and-white chessboard pattern and protected by a ceremonial tedung umbrella.

An empty throne of Sanghyang Widi Wasa, with poleng cloth and tedung umbrella, Ubud

The Balinese are master sculptors, and temples and courtyards are replete with statues of gods and goddesses like Dewi Sri, the goddess of rice and fertility, as well as guardians and protecting demons like toothy Rakasa, armed with a club. These days, though, entire villages like Batubulan have twigged onto the tourist potential and churn out everything imaginable from Buddhas to couples entwined in acrobatic poses for the export market.

Balinese dance and music are also justly famous and a major attraction for visitors to the island. As on neighbouring Java, the gamelan orchestra and wayang kulit shadow puppet theatre predominate. Dances are extremely visual and dramatic, and the most famous include:

• Barong or “lion dance” — a ritual dance depicting the fight between good and evil, with performers wearing fearsome lion-like masks. This dance is often staged specifically for tourists as it is one of the most visually spectacular and the storyline is relatively easy to follow. Barong dance performances are not hard to find.
• Calonarang — a spectacular dance which is a tale of combating dark magic and exorcising the evil spirits aligned with the witch-queen Rangda. The story has many variations and rarely are two calonarang plays the same. If you can find an authentic Calonarang performance, then you are in for a truly magical experience.
• Kecak or “monkey dance” — actually invented in the 1930s by resident German artist Walter Spies for a movie but a spectacle nonetheless, with up to 250 dancers in concentric circles chanting “kecak kecak”, while a performer in the centre acts out a spiritual dance. An especially popular Kecak dance performance is staged daily at Uluwatu Temple.
• Legong Keraton — perhaps the most famous and feted of all Balinese dances. Performed by young girls, this is a dance of divine nymphs hailing from 12th century Java. Try to find an authentic Legong Keraton with a full-length performance. The short dance performances often found in tourist restaurants and hotels are usually extracts from the Legong Keraton.

Bank Indonesia Building

Understand

Yogyakarta is both the name of a province Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), literally the Special Area Yogyakarta, and the name of one of DIY’s 5 Districts, Kota (or city) Yogyakarta’. The other districts are Sleman on the slopes of fiery Mt Merapi to the North, Bantul all the way to the sea to the South, the hills of Gunungkidul to the East and the low lands of Kulon Progo to the West

One of Indonesia’s few Special regions (another being Aceh), the Yogyakarta Special Region owes its special status to the sultanate of Hamengkubuwono, which has ruled the area since 1749 and steered the state through difficult times of occupation and revolution. When the central government tried to weaken the sultan’s power by calling a direct election for the state leader, present sultan Hamengkubuwono X was chosen by an overwhelming majority.

Today’s Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some 500,000 people and the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The town is a center of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourist facilities.

At 6:30AM on Saturday morning, May 27th 2006, a Richter 5.9 earthquake struck the province of Yogyakarta and the adjoining district of Klaten in Central Java. Although relatively mild, from 40 km below the surface the earthquake produced violent shockwaves that wobbled through the soft clay soils of Yogya’s southern and eastern rice paddy districts for a brutal 60 odd seconds. In this briefest moment in time nearly 6,000 people died and over 300,000 houses were completely destroyed, with another 300,000 seriously damaged, making the Jogja earthquake, (in terms of physical damage) one of the worst in global history

Although Yogyakarta city was less than 25 km from the epicenter few areas of the city suffered significant visual damage, with most damage confined to the south and east of the city centre in areas such as the famous silver smithing area of Kota Gede and the artsy areas to the south of Jl Prawirotaman

The massive response by the people of Java, the Indonesian government and the national and international aid community has resulted in one of the most rapid and effective disaster recovery operations ever.

The above said, many residents of the affected districts of Jogja and Central Java still remain deeply traumatized, continuing to suffer from the deep pain caused by the loss of family, injuries and loss of livelihoods. Aid efforts continue to this day, with many families still housed in makeshift or semi complete accommodation. Visitors should feel encouraged to travel through the earthquake affected area, assisting however they can

Get in

Yogyakarta City map

By plane

Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport (JOG), 8 km east of town, is a small but busy mostly-domestic hub. There are near-hourly connections on Garuda to Jakarta (50 minutes) and Denpasar, while other domestic airlines service major cities in Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi. International services are provided to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore by AirAsia.

There is a tourist information desk, ATM and taxi stand in the arrivals hall. A metered taxi to the city or direct to Prambanan costs about Rp 50,000. A departure tax of Rp 25,000 is charged for domestic flights and Rp 100,000 for international flights.

Yogyakarta airport is the sole rail-connected airport in Indonesia. Those arriving from (and departing into) the airport can take a Prambanan Ekspres regional train from Kutoarjo (west of Yogyakarta) or Palur (just east of Surakarta) and several stations in between.

• Bandar Udara Internasional Adisucipto (Adisucipto International AIrport), Jalan Solo km9, Yogyakarta 55282, +62 274 484261 (fax: +62 274 488155).

By bus

The main bus station is Giwangan, 4 km to the southeast of the center. There are regular services throughout the island, including Jakarta (9 hours), Bandung (6 hours), and Surabaya (8 hours).

• Terminal Penumpang Giwangan (Giwangan Bus Terminal). Jalan Imogiri, Giwangan, Yogyakarta 55163, +62 274 378288, 7482222 (fax: +62 274 7483333

There is also a new bus station as of March 2008 which is part of the Trans Jogja Busway System inside the airport. From there you can get to any one of the many bus stations in the system. It costs Rp 3000 for a ticket.

If you are planning to come to Yogyakarta from Bandung then you need to go to Cicaheum Terminal in Bandung to get bus. If direct bus is not available then take bus to Purvakatro (6-7 hrs, IDR 45000). From Purvakarto there are regular buses available for Yogyakarta (4-5 hrs, IDR 30000).

By train

Trains to Jakarta take between 7 to 12 hours from the main Yogyakarta station, commonly called Tugu Station. The Argo-class trains (Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga) are the best of the lot: most comfortable and fastest (~8 hours, Rp 200.000 including mineral water and snacks). Taksaka is almost as good. These expresses connect Yogyakarta and Jakarta in 7-8 hours, either at daytime or overnight. The line between Kroya and Prupuk, where the railway crosses the main backbone mountains of Java, is scenic.

Passengers to/from Bandung should take the Argo Wilis or Lodaya expresses which traverse a scenic part of Java during daylight hours, with rice fields and mountains (although there is an overnight Lodaya and the Turangga from Surabaya also travels overnight. The fare is Rp 155.000 including mineral water and food (or more like snacks).

Passengers to Surabaya are served by the twice-daily Sancaka service departing in the morning and afternoon.

Yogyakarta and Solo are connected by several Prambanan Ekspres trains. Despite the name, the train does not stop at Prambanan station, and even if it does make an unscheduled stop, the station is rather far from the temple complex of Prambanan. The Prambanan Ekspres does stop at Maguwo station (for the airport) making it easy for travelers to change modes.

• Stasiun Tugu (Tugu Central Railway Station), Jalan Mangkubumi 1, Yogyakarta 55232, +62 274 589685. The main central station, serves big city destinations such as Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Solo.
• Stasiun Lempuyangan (Lempuyangan Railway Station), Jalan Lempuyangan, Yogyakarta 552224. Serves economy class trains and small city destinations.

Get around

Muscle-powered transport: becak and andong

Yogyakarta is a relatively small city, so travelling around town should not be too expensive.

By taxi

Yogyakarta’s taxis are metered and nowadays most taxi drivers are trustworthy. Flagfall is Rp 5000 and most trips around the center of town should not cost more than Rp 15,000. After dark the minimum fare for a taxi is Rp 10,000 even if the meter reads less that Rp 10,000. If by chance you find a taxi driver that you feel comfortable with and trustworthy, ask for his cellular phone number so that next time you need to travel you can call directly to his cell phone and arrange your travel needs. Most taxi drivers will be more than happy to do this.

By trishaw

Traditional three-wheeled and pedal-powered cart, known as becak, which can be found in most part of Yogyakarta. Haggle furiously before getting into the becak. Be sure to determine whether the price is for a one-way or return (pulang) trip and if you want the driver to wait whilst you conduct your shopping or business. A ride from within the city to the Malioboro shopping precinct should not cost more than Rp 20,000.

By horse cart

Traditional horse-pulled carts, known as andong, or dokar, wait for tourists outside hotspots like the train station, the Kraton and Mal Malioboro. Haggle furiously. The traditional route is from Jalan Malioboro to Keraton, and this is where you’ll find most andong. Usually, andong opt to take you to shop for fake Dagadu t-shirt in Ngasem area with hefty prices. Then, andong will take you back to your initial journey. The cost for one round trip for andong is Rp 20,000 (twenty thousand rupiahs). Usually they ask for Rp 30,000 but they may settle for less. Andong can accommodate up to 5 adult passengers.

By bus

Medium and small size buses are the main public transport in Yogyakarta.

There are two kind of bus: regular and patas. Patas buses, known as TransJogja operates from 6AM to 10PM and stops only at designated shelters. Unlike regular buses, TransJogja is air-conditioned and generally safer. Tickets can be purchased directly at the shelters and cost for single trip is Rp 3000. Passengers may purchase regular trip cards which cuts per tip cost to Rp 2700, and allows transit to other shelter.

Regular buses normally operates from 6AM to 5PM, and some long routes extend their operation until 9PM. Please never bring anything valuable on public buses, pickpockets in buses are now more common than ever before. Cost for single trip is Rp 2000 regardless of distance (within the city). Usually on a bus there will be one driver and one helper who will hang from the side of the bus and handle money and try to get passengers. The helper will usually tap you on the shoulder to indicate you should pay him. If there is no helper you can pay the driver directly. When you are ready to get off a bus, tell the driver or helper “Kiri,” which means left. Animated bus route maps are available at Transportation Agency of Yogyakarta website.

The tranquil sultan residence, Kraton Yogyakarta

Being one of the oldest cities in Indonesia, Yogyakarta has many heritage buildings and monuments. The number one must-see attraction is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono’s palace, better known as Kraton Ngayogyakarta. Other heritage buildings from colonial era are: BNI ‘46 building, Kantor Pos Besar (Central Post Office) building, and Bank Indonesia building, all of them are located near Sultan’s palace.

Other notable landmarks and attractions are:

• Tugu Monument. A well known landmark located in the center of downtown Yogyakarta. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VI, the top spire was originally a round sphere which represents the universe. During the colonial era, the spire was replaced with a golden cylinder.

• Benteng Vredeburg, Jalan Jenderal Ahmad Yani 6, Yogyakarta 55122, +62 274 586934, 510996 (fax: +62 274 586934). A Dutch fort located in front of Gedung Agung (President’s Palace). A great example of the Dutch colonial architecture. A few warfare items are still preserved, including a twin cannon.

• Kotagede. The capital of ancient Islamic Mataram kingdom. The tomb of Mataram Kingdom’s first king, Panembahan Senopati, is also located in this place. Before independence, Kotagede was the central economic district of Yogyakarta, as it held the largest marketplace and was home to many wealthy batik merchants. Although some ancient buildings have been modernized or replaced with newer buildings, Kotagede remains a prime example of ancient Javanese architecture and city structure. Be sure to check out the local silver handicrafts.

• Imogiri, southwest of town. Graveyard of the Yogyakarta and Surakarta royal families. Suffered damage during 2006 earthquake but has reopened.

• Kotabaru, which used to be Dutch officials residential area, has few heritage homes as well as a colonial style church and monastery (Gereja Kotabaru) and a stadium (Stadion Kridosono).

Kraton Complex

The Sri Sultan’s palace or Kraton encompasses the main palace, Sultan’s residential, two Sultan’s grounds, and large residential area where sultan servants used to reside. Notable attraction in Kraton complex are:

• Kraton Yogyakarta. A calm yet elegant Javanese heritage that consists of two separate entrances: the Main Court (Pagilaran & Siti Hinggil), and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of Sultan’s monarchy, while the Residence is more homey while still exhibiting the royal family’s luxurious lifestyle. Open 8.30 AM to 1 PM daily, on Friday the attraction is closed at 11 AM. While the guide is part of the entrance fee, they might expecting tips. Some guide might offer extended trip to sultan’s servants batik workshop, this is a scam as they only bring you to a regular batik shop with steep price. It’s a good idea to refuse their offer politely. Rp 12500 (foreign tourist price) or Rp 5000 (Indonesian tourist price), Rp 1000 extra for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

• Sultan’s Carriage Museum (Museum Kereta) . This museum houses Sultan’s horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as Golden Carts (kereta kencana).

• Taman Sari, Jalan Taman, Kraton Yogyakarta 55133. Also known by the Dutch name waterkasteel (water castle), this is a partly ruined complex built as a pleasure garden by the first Sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan’s harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick. Entrance fee does not cover the guide, who will expect tips. Open 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Rp 7000 for entrance, Rp 1000 for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

• Siti Hinggil Selatan. This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for formal occasion. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend night.

• Alun-Alun or the Sultan’s ground. There are two Sultan’s grounds: Alun-alun Utara and Alun-alun Selatan or the northern and southern Sultan’s ground, consecutively. If you are lucky, you can see the Gerebeg Maulud parade during Prophet Muhammad’s birthday.

• Masjid Gede Kauman, one of the oldest and largest mosque in Yogyakarta. Located on the west of Alun-alun Utara, this mosque was where the Sultan performs his religious rites and ceremonies. Non-muslim visitors should wear decent clothing. It may be a good idea to ask the mosque authorities prior to entering the mosque due to some rules that must be abide.

Yogyakarta city was built with deep philosophy: the city was designed so that the main elements of the city forms a imaginary line. This straight line starts from Parangtritis on the coast, to Kraton Yogyakarta, to Tugu Monument, and finally to Mount Merapi. This represents Sultan’s strong relationship with the guardian spirits of Mt. Merapi and the beach of Parangtritis.

Museum

• Museum Dirgantara (aircraft museum), Jalan Kolonel Sugiono, Yogyakarta 55002 (behind Adi Sucipito Airport), +62 0274 564465, 564466. M-Th 8AM-1PM, Sa 8AM-12PM. This Indonesian aircraft museum holds several antique aircraft from WWII era such as Badger bomber, MIG-15 to MIG-21, P-51 Mustang, Catalina flying boat, Auster MkII, Lavochkin LA-11, F-86 Sabre, T-33 Bird, A6M5 Zero, etc. Rp 5000.

• Museum Sonobudoyo, Jalan Trikora 6, Yogyakarta 55122 (north alun-alun), +62 274 76775, 373617 (fax: +62 274 385664). A Javanese archeology museum, has many Javanese artefacts like wayang puppets, masks, statues, textiles, weapons, as well as a full set of Javanese gamelan instruments. Worth a visit if you have some extra time in Yogya, or you are interested in Javanese culture study. Rp 3000.

• Museum Kekayon, Jalan Raya Yogya–Wonosari (km 7) 277, Baturetno, Banguntapan, Bantul, Yogyakarta 55179, +62 0274 513218, 379058, 0818260020. e-mail: museumkekayon@usa.net. Tu-Su 8AM-3PM. A wayang (puppet) museum with a lush javanese style garden. It is divided into 10 sectors, where each holds a vast amount of wayang puppets from various places in Indonesia. Rp 5000.

Candi (Ancient Temples)

Candi is ancient archeological structure constructed during 7th-9th century aimed for a specific religion (Budha or Hindu). It was constructed from hundreds of volcanic or river stone blocks and assembled solely by human labor. Candi walls is often carved with reliefs depicting stories, and a stone God or Godess statue usually sits at the center.

There are several candi located in Yogyakarta and it’s proximity. Borobudur, one of famous candi is in Magelang, not far from Yogyakarta. Prambanan, also a well-known candi is in the Yogyakarta-Central Java border area.

• Candi Sambisari
  Candi Sambisari is very unique. Unlike other candi, it sits at estimated 6m below the ground line. It is easy to reach because it is located close to Adisucipto International Airport. You can go there by taxi. Candi Sambisari consists of one main candi and three supporting candis (perwara). You can see lingga and yoni, symbol of male and female sex, inside the main candi. In the main candi’s wall, there are three statue, Agastya in south side, Ganesha in east side, and Dewi Durga in north side. From the lingga, yoni, and the statues, it has been concluded that the Sambisari was built to adore Siva Gods. There is no fixed reference about when and who built this candi. But from the Wanua III inscriptions, Candi Sambisari is predicted to be cunstructed in 9th century (812-838 AD).

• Candi Kalasan
  Candi Kalasan is located not far from Prambanan, around 2 km to the west from Prambanan or 14 km to the east from Yogyakarta. This candi is on the south side of the Prambanan-Yogyakarta main road. It is the oldest Buddhist temple in Yogyakarta. Constructed in late 7th century (778 AD) by Rakai Panangkaran from Sanjaya Dinasty. He was Hindu but he built a Buddhist temple, thus it reflects peacefully religion life during that time. The relief carved in this candi are known to be the most beautiful. The wall is covered by ancient white cement called bajralepa. Candi Kalasan was built to adore Dewi Tara (Tara Godess). A Boddhisatva bronze statue used to be placed inside the candi, but this statue is not there anymore.

• Candi Sari
  Candi Sari is located not far from Candi Kalasan, estimated 600 m to north-east from Candi Kalasan. This candi was built as an ancient Buddhist monk dormitory. Inside the candi, there are two floors with three rooms on each floor. The reliefs is similar with Candi Kalasan’s and the wall is also covered with bajralepa. There are Boddhisatva and Tara Godess carved beside the windows that show us the relation between Candi Kalasan and Candi Sari. The unique rooftop consists of 9 stupas in grid. The holes in some areas shows that woods was used to complete the construction. This candi is predicted to be build in the same era with Candi Kalasan.

Art Gallery

• Bentara Budaya, Jalan Suroto 2, Kota Baru, +62 0274 560404. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions.
• Cemeti Art House, Jalan D.I. Panjaitan 41, +62 0274 371105, (cemetiah@indosat.net.id). Fine art and modern art exhibitions, book discussions and performances.
• French/Indonesian Cultural Center (LIP), Jalan Sagan 3, +62 0274 566520. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions, performances, library.
• Jogja Gallery, Jalan Pekapalan 7, Alun-Alun Utara. +62 0274 419999, 412021, 7161188, (jogjagallery@yahoo.co.id). Modern art gallery exhibiting avant garde artworks.
• Kedai Kebun, Jalan Tirtodipuran 3, +62 274 376114, (email:kkforum@indosat.net.id). Art exhibitions, performances, book discussions.