The Gembiraloka Zoological Garden

Opened in 1958 and covering 22 hectares, with a tropical botanical garden, an orchard nursery, ponds for fish and aquatic plants beside an artificial lake for boating. The Gajahwong river splits it up into two parts where walking bridges connect both sides. The lush landscaped greenery is a relief for weary city people looking for recreation with their family, and no wonder that is averaged more than a million visitors per annum. it is a favourit place for people who come to find a quiet, cool and breezy spot under a big tree to relax. it has at present only some 470 animals in it, some are kept in a natural habitat of moated enclosures. Mostly indigenous, but there are some noteworthy to mention. 

The Komodo dragon (Varanus Komodoensis) from an island of the Lesser Sunda group in East Indonesia, is said to be the oldest genus of living lizards from some 60 million years ago. They attain length of 3,5 meter and weight 130 kilograms. The Tapir (Tapirus Indicus) from Sumatera and the scaly ant-eater Trenggiling (Manis Javanicus), which have become very scarce and threatened by extinction, can be seen there. Beside the Hippopotamus, one of the latest acquisitions, and the Orangutan (Pongo Pigmaeus), the ape species which are most attract visitors.

The beginning thought development of the Botanical Gardens and Zoo Gembiraloka originates from the yearning path VIII in 1933 will be a position of diversion, who later called the Garden Rojo. The thought is acknowledged by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX with the assistance of Ir. Karsten, an architect from Netherlands. Ir. Karsten then pick the area of the west side of the stream Winongo, in light of the fact that it is considered as the most perfect spot for the development of the Garden Rojo. Then again, because of the effect of World War II and the Japanese occupation, the development stalled. 

At the time of the exchange state capital of Yogyakarta over to Jakarta in 1949 after the culmination of World War II, again started a thought to give a keepsake to the populace of Yogyakarta as a problem area of the focal government, drove by Januismadi and Hadi, SH. The thought got a warm welcome from the populace of Yogyakarta, yet its acknowledgment is still not seen by masyarakat.hingga in 1953, with the foundation of the Foundation Zoo Gembiraloka Yogyakarta (focused around notarial deed RM. Wiranto No. 11 dated September 10, 1953), led by Sri Paduka KGPAA Paku Alam VIII, the advancement of new pending Rojo enclosures can really be figured it out. 

A couple of years after the fact, in 1959, KGPAA Paku Alam VIII delegated Tirtowinoto to proceed with the improvement of Zoo Gembiraloka. Tirtowinoto picked on the grounds that that was seen to have an adoration for nature and a distinct fascination in the advancement of the Zoo Gembiraloka. It just so happens not a couple of Tirtowinoto commitment, both regarding thoughts and material, demonstrated fit for bringing advancement pesatbagi Zoo Gembiraloka. The crest in 1978, when an accumulation of creatures claimed more finish, so guests Zoo Gembiraloka ready to achieve 1.5 million visitors.

Pictures :

Komodo, Zoo Gembiraloka Yogyakarta

Orangutan, Zoo Gembiraloka Yogyakarta

Elephant, Zoo Gembiraloka Yogyakarta

The Masjid Agung

There is Masjid Agung at the west side of Alun-Alun Lor. It stands on large yard with a stately gate covered by a roof specific design called “Semar Tinandu”, where the whole root is supported by four short pillars resting on two horizontally hanging beams. Two plaques on the walls with Arabic and Javanese inscriptions mark the date of its construction on 29 May 1773 by the court architect Wiryokusumo on order of Hamengku Buwono I. Being a patron of the Moslem belief whose epithet is “Khalifatullah Sayidin Panotogomo” (Chalif upholder of the faith), the Sultan built this masjid to win more followers and keeps an entourage of learned men “Pengulus” and “Kaums” in charge with the spiritual guidance of his subjects. The first Pengulu and initiator for the building of the masjid was Kyai Faqih Ibrahim Dipaningrat. The huge “pendopo” type structure in the centre with its three tiered roof is the main prayer hall. it has round pillars of teakwood each of 75 cm diameter and 15 meter high. The interior is kept simple, rather dim but reflect a grand and serene atmosphere. The front hall where the “bedug” drum stands is an addition of 1778. it has undergone some renovation and enlargements afer it was destroyed by the eartquake of 10 June 1876. 

During the Sekaten days, a week prior the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, the court gamelan sets named Kyai Nogowilogo and Kyai Gunturmadu are brought to the masjid to be played there. Actually Islam repudiated the playing of music in the masjid but this syncretic tradition was after Sunan Kalijogo’s practice in his campaigns to win people and convert them to Islam. He is one of the foremost Moslem preachers who introduced the belief to Javanese in the early 16th century. Visitors are allowed to enter, with barefoot off and not on Fridays noon when it is used for prayers. Since it is a place for workship people appreciate your treating it with reverence. 

Walking across the masjid, you're going to discover unique encircling partitions. The left wall was once built of greater bricks in measurement with brighter color and marble-looking stone on the outside with Javanese writings on it. The opposite wall on the opposite section is of less vibrant bricks with smaller dimension and no ornament on it. The left wall used to be built within the work of Sultan Agung reign at the same time the other wall was once the effect of the renovation achieved with the aid of Paku Buwono X. The wall developed within the work of Sultan Agung reign was cemented by way of utilising the juice of sugar palm for more advantageous sure.

This elderly masjid still appears vivid to the present time. People make use of it form devout activities. When praying time comes, plenty of individuals will come to it. After praying, plenty of of them keep there to be in contact to one another, to be taught Koran or even to take a nap.

Pictures :

Masjid Agung, Yogyakarta

Masjid Agung, Yogyakarta

Masjid Agung, Yogyakarta

Masjid Agung, Yogyakarta

Kotagede Heritage

As a reward for a skillful exploit in securing the feeble position of Sultan Pajang from feuding rival-heirs, Senopati and his father received a forest area in Mentaok as a appanage. Kotagede, now sub-district occupying the South East corner of the Yogyakarta Municipality, was founded by Senopati in 1575 as a simple settlement in that forest area before it grew into a flourising trading post and became finally the capital of his kingdom of Mataram. 

As a trading centre it attracted many merchants and gilds of artisans and craftsmen who came to settle and who apparently passed down their skill to the present day woodcarvers, jewellers, gold and silversmiths who brought Kotagede to its fame. Senopati, whose descendants become the Sultans of Yogyakarta and Surakarta, lies buried behind the Masjid Agung of Kotagede where an age old white turtle is kept in a pound and said to be his pet. Not much of his castle is left except the foundation stones and some banyan trees. There is a collection of round yellow stones called “Selo Ganthang” most possible a model to calibrate the founding of canonballs and the “Selo Gilang” a square stone seat of Senopati with inscription in French, Dutch, Latin and Portuguese reading “Ainsi vaa le monde – Zoo geat de wereld - Cosiva il mondo – its movetur Mundus. Ad aeternam memoriam sorti infelici. Contemmite vos contemuntuveredigni infortuna ...” etc. Meaning shortly “so is life”. It was evidently a philosophic contemplation of a long endured life of a Portuguese captive kept in Kotagede at the time of Senopati. 

As told by the people he was found shipwrecked on the shore and with his long beard and hair growing over his pale body, he was thought an apparition of the sea ghost or an animal coming out from the sea and fed by the people raw meat and fruits the way the feed animals. Under Senopati’s grandson, Sultan Agung (1613 - 1645), Mataram reached its culminating point. He managed to make it one of the mighties kingdoms in Indonesia, second only the 13th century empire of Majapahit. Outside the Masjid Agung and what remained of the castle which is Hindu – Javanese in style, the buildings along the streets of this 16th century Javanese town are clearly influenced by Moslem trends. Luxurious mozaic tiled houses within tall brick-wall enclosures  accessible only from the front wrought-iron gates utterly revealed its Moorish touch. In these houses lived the wealthy merchants of Kotagede whose names and addresses are registered in the customers file of Antwerp diamond traders as steady patrons. The royal cemetery of the Mataram kings is open on Monday after 10 am and Friday after 1.30pm. Visitors must wear the batik cloth which can be hired from the ward. The Selo Ganthang and Selo Gilang collection is open anytime upon request. The silversmiths welcome any visitor from 8.30 am to 4 pm.

Pictures :

Kotagede Heritage, Yogyakarta

Kotagede Heritage, Yogyakarta

Kotagede Heritage, Yogyakarta

The Ruins of The Taman Sari Water Castle

The ruins are visible from the Ngasem Bird Market, however the usual entrance for visitors is from the east side through the gate at Jalan Taman. The construction of this castle strated in 1758 done by the native architect R.T. Mangundipuro under supervision of Prince Notokusumo, who later became Paku Alam I. it took 11 years to finish. The funds needed was initially supplied by Ronggo Prawirosentiko, regent of Madiun and vasal of Yogyakarta. But after 4 years it turned out he was unable to bear it any longer and the task was assumed by 8 other vasal regencies. A legend says, a Portuguese captive, shipwrecked on the South coast, was involved with the construction and for his excellent services he was granted the title of “demang” by the Sultan, hence his name Demang Tegis (Portegis – Portuguese). The idea of building this aquatic structure could have been inspired by the secret water sewers of Majapahit which enabled the king and his family to escape from enemy assault. 

Many parts of the Taman Sari were indeed connected by canals, tunnels and underground passage ways. The Ngasem Birds Market occupies a part of the former artificial lake where the four storeyed “Pulo Kenongo” hall, which ruins can be seen from the market place, formed an island in the middle. it housed at banquet hall, a stage for entertainment, living quarters for the Sultan’s family and the top of which made an observation tower to envisage the surrounding area. Worthwhile seeing of this part are the Pulo Cemethi and Sumur Gumuling, the underground prayer house, accessible from a tunnel. Taman Umbul Binangun facing the entrance gates is the real pleasure garden after which meaning the whole compound is named Taman Sari (Beautiful Pleasure Garden). This part has been restored. There are swimming pools in the inner courtyard and a balcony for the Sultan to look at the ladies bathing in the pools. Through explanations on this compound can be obtained from the local guides. 

The Gedong Pasareyan Ledoksari used to be the most secret part, as an underground sewer conceale under the stone bedstead of the Sultan gave passage to a village outside the moated citadel. Studios or workshops of cheap quality batik paintings are now crowding the area. They in fact make imitations of prominent painter’s work and reproductions of paintings that sell well. Unless you really mean it to avoid annoying situations, don’t listen to “touts” who persuades you to visit the workshop. They could sometimes be unfriendly if you leave the place without purchasing.

Pictures :

Taman Sari Water Castle, Yogyakarta

Taman Sari Water Castle, Yogyakarta

Taman Sari Water Castle, Yogyakarta

The Beringharjo Central Market

Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII named the market place “Beringharjo” after the forest area opened up on 2 August 1756 for the purpose. The appointment of Yap Sa Ting Ho, a contemporary and close acquaintance of Danurejo I, the first court administrator of Yogyakarta (1755-1799), as Captain of the Chinese community whose mainstays are commerce and trade indicates that Yogyakarta thrived quite early and must have had contributed substantially to the existence of the market place. Remains of old Chinese's warehouses that used to line the North side can still be seen. The present building was constructed by the Nederlandsch Indische Beton Maatschappij (the Netherland India Concerete Co) on 24 March 1925 and completed in March 1926. it underwent some minor renovation and extensions by an inner side street in 1960 and 1974. 

Area where current Beringharjo market lies used to be forest of banyan trees. After the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, this area was used as a place for economy transaction by people of Yogyakarta and its vicinities. Just hundreds years later, namely in 1925, this place had a permanent building. The name 'Beringharjo' was given by Hamengku Buwono VIII that's mean place where banyan tree (bering) used to grow is expected to bring welfare (harjo). 

As a central market, here is found the most compact collection of merchandise: clothes, textile, batik, shoes, bags, baskets, mats, spices, foodstuff, agriculture product and other household articles. A narrow alley outside the northern fence a lined by shabby stalls but loaded with the most unlikely articles. From motorcycle spare parts, obsolete parts of machines, used armary boots, broken clocks, old records, used cameras and others more considered as scrap and junk. However, chances are; you may find an old brass incense burner to adorn your book shelve, a housecart lantern for your wall or a fine “baju encim” embroidered muslim shirt Chinese's ladies used to wear, which is “in” with the young fancy fashion fans. Business hours is 9 am to 4 pm. Just as interesting as the wares are the people and the whole colorful market scene. 

As part of Malioboro, Beringharjo becomes one of the visiting destinations in Yogya. its existence has philosophical meaning, and this market has been the center of economy activity since years ago. As it symbolizes stages of human life and economy fulfillment, the market that was renovated several times. Furthermore, as symbolizing economy functions, Beringharjo also one of the poles (consisting of South Square, Sultan Palace, North Square, and Beringharjo market).

Pictures :

Beringharjo Central Market, Yogyakarta

Food at Beringharjo Central Market, Yogyakarta

Tourist at Beringharjo Central Market, Yogyakarta

Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Ahmad Yani

Despite the growing appeal of the new shopping street Jalan Urip Sumoharjo, with its updated commercial trapping, the vibrant life of the city is still centered along Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Ahmad Yani, extending from the railway tracks to the public square faced by Sultan’s Palace. The shops that hems in this thoroughfare are packed ceiling to floor with colorful articles. Merchandise spread on mats and trestles lined the covered foot ways, where itinerant hawkers, street vendors and quacks vie for your attention. The incredible array of goods and the fair prices draw in the teeming thousands who seek bargains or just come to see, to compare, to be part of the swirling current of people, noise, color and atmosphere. This street is packed with an intense life, but that’s just what makes the interesting scenes for a kaleidoscopic view of the city. 

The shops open 9 am to 2 pm and 6 pm to 9 pm, including Sundays. There are dozens of cosy restaurants with reasonable prices and serving wide selections of dishes as early as 10 am through 10 pm. After shop closing hours, the footways are occupied by eating stalls serving local specialties like nasi gudeg, sate, bakso, martabak etc., with make Jalan Malioboro and Jalan Ahmad Yani a nice place to hang out in the evening and start your sightseeing in the morning.

Pictures :

Malioboro Street at Morning, Yogyakarta

Malioboro Street at Noon, Yogyakarta

Malioboro Street at Evening, Yogyakarta

A couple at Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, Places of Interest

The Keraton or literally palace compound of the Sultan, comprises an area of over 14.000 square meters, enclosed by stick stone walls. Lying at the Southern end of the centre of the city, the Keraton was founded by Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755 and reached completion in 1792.

The main buildings of the compound are a compendium of traditional Javanese style and have changed little since their initial completion. Facing a large square of grass called the Alun-Alun, the main gateway of the Keratonis guarded by two silver painted guardians the inner most group of building called “Proboyekso” is still the private domain of the Sultan and his family and is also the house where the revered “Pusaka” or sacred heirlooms are kept. In the old days “Sitinggil” and “Pagelaran”, two pavillions facing the Alun-Alun North Square, once were lent to the Gadjah Mada University. The splendid reception hall known as “Bangsal Kencono” or Golden Pavillion is the crowning glory of the Keraton and is used only for state functions and family ceremonies. 

On the Southern part of the Keraton complex, facing the Magangan court yard is an ancient clock and two venerable retainers sitting cross-legged as though sipping tea. The ancient clock still keeps time but no longer chimes. To help the clock with its task, the two gentlemen dutifully sound a small gong at the appropriate times. A further extension of the Keraton is the recently restored “Pendopo”, a country retreat built in 1890 by Sultan Hamengku Buwono VIII and now the luxurious Grand Hotel Ambarrukmo Palace.

Pictures :

North Alun-Alun, Yogyakarta

Sitinggil, Yogyakarta

Bangsal Kencono, Yogyakarta

Approaches to Yogyakarta

The Special Region of Yogyakarta is made easily accessible by main roads connecting this region to the immediate East and West. A long this route, is the railway, which crisis crossing the entire length of Java makes Yogyakarta one or its main stopping junctions.

Located to the west of the city is the National airport Adisucipto, which provides regular air services to the capital Jakarta and Denpasar, the main cities of Surabaya in East Java and Bandung in West Java.

Due to inaccessibility and strong tides of the Indian Ocean, Yogyakarta is not connected with a port city and its three rivers, Opak, Progo and Oya area too small making river transportation impossible. Therefore Yogyakarta depends on its land and air accesses to neighboring cities.

Yogyakarta at present served by jet aircraft that operate an acceptable level. The airport in Yogyakarta in which is the facility that handles most foreign visitors is located close to town. Roads in the destination area are frequently somewhat congested but this tends to add to its charm.

Some foreign visitors like to travel overland using rail services, to make the journey more attractive. The Indonesia’s State Railways connects Yogya with Jakarta, Bandung and Surabaya. The Indonesia’s most luxurious train named “Taksaka” runs from Gambir Jakarta to Tugu Yogyakarta. Day trains from Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya to Yogyakarta are also available with comfortable services. Air conditioning compartments available. For more information please visit the official web of Indonesian State Railways.

Scheduled services of long distance buses, many at night link Yogya with Surabaya, Denpasar, Malang, Bandung dan Jakarta. Advance booking is essential.

Pictures :

Adi Sucipto International Airport, Yogyakarta

Giwangan Bus Station, Yogyakarta

Tugu Railway Station, Yogyakarta

The Population of Yogyakarta

Quite apart from the historical and cultural assets, the life of the city as a whole is colorful and appealing to the foreign visitors. The pace is slow in the vehicular traffic less bothersome and there is a new sight to be seen from every corner. 

The population of Yogyakarta is composed nominally of people of Javanese descent. Of all the many ethnic groups in Indonesia, the Javanese are the largest with more than 50 million in the number. Like other main ethnic groups, the Javanese save their own language and customs. 

Yogyakarta, is also the home for many persons of Chinese descent whose ancestors came to Central Java as merchants hundreds of years ago under the sanction of the Dutch. For the visitor, this can still be seen as many of the businesses and restaurants on the main avenues are largely Chinese owned and operated. 

Another interesting factor in the population of Yogyakarta is the immense student population the city hosts. This creates special characters of the city in that many of the students are from other parts of Indonesia, such as Sumatra, Bali, Sulawesi and Kalimantan. This unique mixture gives Yogya a truly Indonesian character, while at the same time retaining its strong central Javanese feeling. Yogyakarta is very densely populated. Quite apart from the scenery, the villages and small towns are full of activity that is new and interesting to the visitors.  

The Geographic of Yogyakarta

The Special Region of Yogyakarta located in Southern part of Central Java, is considered to be one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Covering only about 3.100 square kilometers (2,4 % of the total area of Java), this same area constitutes more 5% of population. Out of the entire Region more than 50% (1,754 square km) is used for agricultural purposes, leaving approximately 25 % for residential purposes and the remaining 17% for ceads and forests.

The region covering the Special Region of Yogyakarta enjoys a tropical climate with temperate varying from 70 Fahrenheit to 98 Fahrenheit. Fortunately, Yogyakarta receives favorable coasted breezed from the South Seas and does not suffer from as the usual high humidity temperatures that most tropical cities do. In fact it can be a bit chilly in the evenings and many visitors have found themselves pleasantly surprised by this variation in temperature.

The seasons are divided into two: the dry season from March to September and the wet season from October to March. The dry season is characterized by almost a complete absence of rainfall, while the rainy season receives almost daily showers, sometime light dressles and sometime torrid downpours accompanied by lightning and thunder. Whatever the season, Yogyakarta enjoys sunshine year around, making even the rainy season a pleasant time for vacation. The average total rainfall for much of the area is more than 20.000 mm. Even in the wet season, however, much of the rain falls in short periods.

Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) is a special territory headed by a Governor which is the only one in Indonesia not appointed by election. During the revolution period Yogyakarta was the capital of the Republic Indonesia from January 4, 1946 through December 27, 1949.

Yogya’s population is around three millions and mostly Moslem. Though it is not consider as one among the rich provinces in Indonesia the Yogyanese average life expectancy is the highest a lot of Yogyanese consider life on earth is a temporary obligation for human being. A way of life toward the eternal life after deceased. They hold in high esteem harmonious and peaceful life derived from ancestor’s philosophy and tradition and these might explain their long life.

Ancient monument, temple and other archeological remains spread out in the realm of Yogyakarta and its surrounding indicate Yogya is the cradle of Javanese civilization. The Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) is still dominating as a centre of tradition and court art that attract visitors.

The drawing power of Yogya attracts many students from other parts of Republic to come studying. Visitors and modern life affects Yogyakarta, still it is not affecting the root of their life style and tradition. The Yogyakartanese remain sort spoken and friendly.

Yogyakarta and Vicinity (2)

Yogyakarta (also called Jogja) is referred to as a Special Region within the Republic of Indonesia. The reason of this is explained partly by its long history of self rule under the Dutch and Javanese regimes and further explained by the active role that Yogyakarta played in the struggle for national independence. This special status of Yogyakarta has been explicitly recognized by the Republic government ever since. 

In Yogyakarta, more so then most other Javanese cities the presence of an older more highly developed culture can still be left the strong influence of the high Javanese culture with its aristocratic is still preserved today within the Kraton walls. Though much less subtle is the boisterous vitality of the market and the villager, who are living in the surrounding area have come to Yogyakarta to sell their wares, these contrasting elements patrician and plebeian, constantly meeting and blending give Yogyakarta its vitality. Perhaps, this contrast of elements reflected in its arts and life styles is the reason why so many visitors become enamored with Yogyakarta.

One of the most rewarding delights of the city if those things are always happening in quiet and subtle way. You might spend hours browsing through the markets or watching young students practice their lessons at one of the many dance schools in the city. New and different experiences await the visitor, whether it be young children are practicing Gamelan (Javanese orchestra), a batik artist at his work or a skillful Dalang (master puppeter) operating the shadow puppets. For Yogyakarta is not just a site of previous cultures but still very much a centre of culture alive with the continual perfecting of its arts.

Situated 25 kilometers to the North of the city is the semi volcano, Merapi. Seen clearly on cloudless days, this loftily neighbor is both companionable and ominous at the same. For the Yogyakarta, this strange “friend” to the North of the city is consistent reminder of the time lessness of life. Like all of Java, Yogyakarta reflects this tranquil feeling amongst the hustle and bustle of the 20th century. Yogyakarta will need time to discover but given that trance will certainly capture the hearts of many. 

Yogyakarta and Vicinity

Peaceful and gentle, prosperous and unique, these are the words that city of Yogyakarta evokes. As the ancient capital of Java and the former capital of the new nation, this city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia.

The city, rich in Javanese culture and steeped in the traditional way of life, presents a people with an air of quiet, dignity, a people proud of the aristocratic influences of the Sultanate court, throughout its history. Yogyakarta has been a progressive leader in both national liberty and education.  The name of the Sultan holds a special significance for all Yogyanese, evoking both the traditional Javanese aristocrat, as well as the progressive founder of the Indonesian Republic. 

The earliest historical records of Yogyakarta can be traced back as the early 8th century with the emergence of the Hindu kingdom of Sanjaya and later the Buddhist dynasty of Syailendra. But already by the 10th century, the centre of those kingdoms had shifted to East Java, and Yogyakarta would seemingly disappear from historical record until the 16th century and the emergence of the Islamic Kingdom of Mataram. Founded by Panembahan Senopati, the Mataram’s seat of government was first in Kotagede. As the Dutch began to make commercial inroads and finally assuming the role of colonial rulers, the centre of the kingdom shifted to Kartosuro and then finally to Surakarta (Solo). But in the year 1755 the Mataram Kingdoms was split permanently into two kingdoms, Yogyakarta and Surakarta, with Prince Mangkubumi assuming the title of Sultan of Yogyakarta. Later be set with fractionalism, in 1816 Yogyakarta was split once again under the sanction of the British led by Thomas Raffles. At this time, the lesser house of Paku Alam was established. Eventually, the original house of Mataram would be permanently divided into four Kratons (courts). Kraton Ngayogyakarto , Kraton Paku Alaman, Kraton Kasunanan (Solo) and Kraton Mangkunegaran (Solo).