Recently, the New Sarawak Tribune, along with several representatives from other print media and local travel agencies, participated in a five-day Familiarisation Trip to Yogyakarta on the island of Java, Indonesia.
The trip was organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, and supported by the Department of Tourism in Yogyakarta Province as well as Express Airlines Indonesia; the latter being the official carrier for the trip. The group was led by the Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Bapak Jahar Gultom.
The trip included visits to some of the famous tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Besides the opportunity to sample the delicious and exotic local cuisine, the trip was a fantastic chance to explore and experience the day-to-day life and traditional customs of Yogyakarta.
In Yogyakarta, one of the main attractions to visit is the Kraton, the historical Palace where the Sultan lives with his family. It is also the heart of Yogyakarta’s traditional background, as well as of Javanese culture and art.
It is the most popular destination among both domestic and international tourists. Don’t miss exploring the museum within the vast compound of the Palace, where the Sultanate’s artifacts and portraits of past Sultans are displayed. Watch the beautiful cultural performances held daily at the Kraton, which include the Gamelan, Javanese traditional dances as well as Wayang Golek Menak (puppetry show).
Located at about a 15-minute walk from the Palace is Taman Sari Water Castle, which used to be the exclusive recreational area for the royal family. Within the area, there are huge (swimming) pools and stunning architecture. This place would provide you a prized insight into the leisurely pursuits of the blue-blooded in days gone by, which probably counted swimming and meditating among them.
Drive to the suburbs along narrow, winding roads cutting through picturesque villages and fertile paddy fields and take a stroll along Parangtritis Beach and take in the golden majesty of the sunset.
The beach is located about 30 kilometres south of Yogya City. It features a long coastline of dark-grey sand and big waves; thus swimming is not recommended here. ATVs (buggies) as well as pony-or horse-drawn carts are readily available for hire for rides along the beach.
One must never leave Yogyakarta without dropping by at one of its most iconic tourist attractions: Malioboro Street. As the centre of Yogyakarta’s largest and most popular tourist district, the Street is always crowded with shoppers.
The approximately 1-kilometre-long major shopping street is alive at all hours of the day, but visit is better done in the evening, when it is cooler and the best time to browse through the small stalls that occupy the sidewalk on both sides of the street.
There is a colourful and exotic variety of goods being sold, among which are traditional handicrafts, carefully-detailed batik shirts and sarongs, and local-made leather bags and souvenirs.
Besides the promise of great purchases, there are enticing local delicacies to be sampled along Malioboro Street which is also famous for its street-food culture and vendors. As dusk approaches, several open-air restaurants, also known as “lesehan” open for business along the side-walks.
Go ahead and pick a spot on the mat, and sample the taste of Yogyakarta’s enticing traditional dishes, some of which are named “Gudeg”, “Opor Ayam” and “Gado-gado”, and quench your thirst with “Es Dawet” and “Es Teler” among other refreshing choices of local concoctions.
Malioboro is also an artsy destination where street-musicians busk and painters and other artists display their creations proudly along the street. In order to fully take in all this, the best way to explore Malioboro Street is on foot.
If you, with your load of purchases, wear out easily or simply do not appreciate the idea of walking all the way, you may choose to hire a “becak” (pedi-cab) or a horse-drawn cart.
