|
 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.
|
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.