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