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 Yogyakarta
or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers
of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano,
Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat
of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which
present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions.
The city itself has a special charm which seldom fails
to captivate the visitor. This province is one of the
most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city
came into being in 1755, after the division of
Mataram into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta
(Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese
dances, the wayang kulit leather puppet theater and
other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor
spellbound.
Local craftsmen excel in the arts of batiks, silver
and leather work. The Sultan's palace is the hub of
Yogya's traditional life and despite the advance of
modernity, it still emanates the spirit of refinement
which has been the hallmark of Yogya's art for centuries.
Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found
fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society. ASRI,
the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogya
itself has given its name to an important school of
modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best personified
by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.
Yogya is often called the main gateway to the center
of Java where it is geographically located. It stretches
from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean. There is daily
air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali
as well as regular train service and easy accessibility
by road.
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Arriving
at Yogya, our guide will take you strait to Borobudur
temple, Mendut temple, and Pawon temple, three of many
more magnificent remnants of Indonesia’s glorious past.
Then continue to Yogya down town as we visit the Sultan’s
Royal Palace, along with the Taman Sari Water Castle.
After lunch, witness Yogyakarta’s richness of artwork
as we bring you to visit Batik home industry, Wayang
leather puppet gallery, and silversmith at Kota Gede
area. A last stop before going back to the airport will
be the magnificent Prambanan hindunese temple.
