Enjoying The Traditional Nuance Of Yogyakarta Palace

You can find a variety of Javanese culture in the center of Yogyakarta, especially the Yogyakarta Palace. Yogyakarta Palace is a must-visit place when you come to Yogyakarta as it represents not only the philosophical values but also the culture of the Javanese people.

Furthermore, Yogyakarta Palace is also a testament to the glory of the kingdom in the past and can still survive until now. They can maintain the value of Javanese culture even in this modern era. In other words, they have not lost their cultural roots.

Moreover, the royal family still lives in the palace. Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, the king of Yogyakarta, still lives in the palace.

The location of the private residence of the royal family or nobles is in the city center and not far from Tugu. In the past, the location was chosen for reasons of security and safety of the royal family.

There are two rivers opposite the palace, namely Code and Winongo. Both became a defense when an enemy attacked. Then, the river will also block floods that want to enter the palace.

A Brief History About the Buildings

The complex of Yogyakarta Palace was built in 1755 to 1756. Sultan Hamengku Buwono I was the chief architect during the construction process. This construction completed the basic design of the old city of Yogyakarta. Meanwhile, the next Sultan of Yogyakarta added another building.

Furthermore, Theodoor Gautier Thomas Pigeaud and Lucien Adam appreciated the architectural expertise of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. Gautier Thomas was a Dutch scientist.

The Sultan’s area has the Palace, the Water Castle, the Royal Horse Carriage Museum, the Grand Palace Mosque, etc.

The total area is about 14,000 m2 and the Palace is in the center. Furthermore, the Palace has open building areas named Plataran. There are seven main Platarans which are the core of the Yogyakarta Palace. Each Plataran is separated by gates called Regol.

You have to explore from North to South Alun Alun to learn better the historical significance of the buildings. Each Plataran has a different typology and distinguished by its roof. The Bangsal construction has no wall as a platform. Meanwhile, the Gedhong has walls made of bricks or wood.

Furthermore, a 3.5 meter high and 3-4 meters thick wall surrounds the Yogyakarta Palace as a fortress. In the four corners of the fortress, you may notice small holes known as bastions. In the past, bastions were used to spy on the enemy. Presently, some parts of the fort are still used for storing weapons and ammunition.

The Palace Today

As with most tourist attractions, you’ll need to pay a ticket of around IDR15,000 to enter the Yogyakarta Palace. You can visit on Tuesday until Sunday from 08.00 up to 14.00.

The Palace is located at Jl. Rotowijayan, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta. It is right in the center of Yogyakarta City. You can reach it If arrived at the Tugu Railway Station, you can walk along about 400 meters to Malioboro 1 shelter bus. Then, take a Transjogja bus line 2A. You can stop in the shelter right in front of the Palace.

If you want to experience more, you can try the traditional vehicles. For instance, you may have an andong to take you to the Palace from Tugu or Malioboro. Andong is a horse carriage. It’ll take you slower than the bus, but more experience you’ll get on the journey.

Various Attractions at the Yogyakarta Palace

Tourism and cultural destinations mean offering a unique culture that draws visitors. This is also the same with the Yogyakarta Palace. You can explore the museum within the Palace and discover the cultural heritage of the Palace. You will marvel Sultan’s collection of ancient ceramics as well as the traditional dress of the royal family and servants. The museum also exhibits a collection of paintings.

Moreover, there is also the Batik Museum which is so unique. You can spot various batik patterns from ancient times as well as complete batik equipment. More interestingly, you will also get knowledge about plants used to color batik cloth.

Another attraction for tourists is the presence of an old well that is filled with ancient coins. Visitors coming to the well believe that their wishes will come true if they throw a coin into the well.

Not only museums, you can also watch different traditional performances every day at the Yogyakarta Palace. There are dance performances in Bangsal Sri Manganti from 09.00 to 12.00. The dance will be different every day. Then, you can see gamelan performances every Monday and Tuesday.

You can enjoy folklore tales and puppet shows on Wednesdays, while gamelan performances and traditional Javanese dances on Thursdays. Furthermore, Macapat performance are held on Fridays. You can enjoy poems and songs in Javanese.

Well, every Saturday you can admire puppet performances and dances that tell the history of Javanese culture. Don’t worry you don’t have to pay extra for these performances.

Tips for the Visitors of the Yogyakarta Palace

There are some basic tips that you should keep in mind when travelling to the Palace of Yogyakarta.

You should wear decent clothes when visiting the Palace. Visitors are not allowed to wear shorts, miniskirts, hats, and sunglasses.  The rules exist because the Palace is the most significant place for the people of Yogyakarta.

There are some parts of the Palace that visitors, or even courtiers, are not allowed to enter. You should not even try to enter these rooms or sections even if you are very curious.

Furthermore, the Palace also prohibits visitors from taking pictures in some areas, including exhibition halls. For example, the Batik Museum.

Don’t worry about being lost or confused when travelling in the Palace. There are guides who are already on hand at the entrance gate. It is recommended that you negotiate and agree on the price first before hiring their services. The average price of a guide for a group session is around IDR100,000. The guides will be ready to explain the ins and outs of the Yogyakarta Palace to you and your group or family.

In the area of the Palace, the courtiers are also willing to interact with visitors and answer your questions pleasantly.

Meanwhile, you can easily find a line of souvenir shops along the street in front of the Palace. Visitors will usually stop and buy various souvenirs. You may opt for souvenirs such as clothes, batik, masks, paintings, and key chains.