KRATON - The Palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta

It lies between Tugu as the north border and Panggung Krapyak as the south border, between Code River in the east and Winongo River in the west; between the Merapi Mountain and the South Sea. In the mind of the Javanese community, kraton is defined as center of the world that is described as center of the universe.

After the Giyanti Agreeement, Yogyakarta territory was given to Pangeran Mangkubumi. To run his governance, he built a palace in 1755 in Hutan Beringan area; such a good place flanked by two rivers that protect it from being flooded. The first king of Yogyakarta Palace was Pangeran Mangkubumi with the title Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (HB I).

Naming and Meaning of the Lay Out

Karaton, Keraton or Kraton, originates from the word ke-ratu-an that means the place where the queen/king lives. Simple explanation of its broader meaning is that all structures and buildings in the Kraton area have significant meaning related to essential Javanese philosophy of life, namely Sangkan Paraning Dumadi that means the origin and the destination of human being.
In general, the Kraton area stretches 5 kilometers southwards to Krapyak village and 2 kilometers northwards until the Tugu monument. In this imaginary line, there is a reversed dualism linear line that tells symbolical philosophy: the direction from south to north symbolizes the birth of human being from the high place to the perishable world, and the opposite direction symbolizes the return of human being to the Dumadi (God in Javanese philosophy). Kraton is physical symbol and the King is the symbol of the real soul that presents into the physical body.
The direction from the Palace to the Tugu monument represents the road of life that is full of temptations. Beringharjo market symbolizes women temptation and temptation of power is symbolized by Kepatihan building. The straight street connecting the Palace to Tugu monument symbolizes close relationship between human being and the Creator (Sangkan Paraning Dumadi).
In short, Tugu monument is a symbol of lingga (male sex organ) and Krapyak symbolizes yoni (female sex organ) and kraton is physical blend of the two.

The Meaning of Yogyakarta Space Arrangement

Hit by the earthquake in 1867, the Sultan Palace was severely damaged. During the reign of HB VII in 1889, the building was renovated. The lay out being retained, the shape of the building was changed to the current look.
Tugu monument and Manguntur Tangkil hall or Bangsal Kencana (where the king is seated), are straight in a line. This means that while sitting on his throne and looking toward the Tugu monument, he will always remember his people.
In general, the space arrangement of the current Sultan Palace is similar to the one of Mataram Dynasty. The center of the Palace is the so called Bangsal Kencana that is adjacent to Bangsal Prabayeksa as the place to keep sacred weapons (in this room, there is an oil lamp called Kyai Wiji that is kept lit by the Palace servants). This hall is surrounded by Kedhaton yard so that people must go through layers of the yard that seem like waves in order to reach the center.
This special arrangement of the Palace looks similar to constellation of mountain and Jambu Dwipa land that is considered to be central archipelago of the universe.
From north part to west part of the Palace area, there are North Square, North Siti Hinggil, North Kemandhungan, Srimanganti, Kedhaton, Kemagangan, South Kemandungan, South Siti Hinggil and South Square (the yard that is protected by high walls).
In order to reach all of the places, there are nine gates (called regol) that must be passed through, namely: gerbang, pangurukan, tarub agung, brajanala, srimanganti, kamagangan, gadhung mlati, kemandhungan and gading.
Brongtodiningrat sees the significance of this number, as the highest number to describe excellence. This is related to nine holes in human beings, commonly called babahan hawa sanga.
The sacredness of each Palace building is indicated by the frequency and intensity of Sultan activities in the location.
Sultan only visits the Square, Pagelaran, and Siti Hinggil three times a year, namely during the events of Pisowan Ageng Grebeg Maulud, Sawal and Besar and other very special, incidental events such as coronation of the Sultan and the crown prince or Pangeran Adipati Anom.
Yogyakarta Sultan Palace is an old building that was once damaged and restored. In general, it looks like other Kingdom buildings. When we understand the philosophy of them deeper, however, we will understand the symbolical meaning of life philosophy, human nature, how the nature works and human beings live their lives and various symbols of life existence in them.

Sepanjang, The Old Kuta Beach

If you want to enjoy the nostalgia of Kuta Beach in the past time, Sepanjang Beach is the right place. Sepanjang has long coastal lines, clean water sands, and medium waves. You can just choose: sun bathing under the bright sun, surfing, or just enjoy the beach beauty. You can enjoy all the things when you come to the beach that lies some kilometers from Sundak Beach.

Sepanjang Beach is one of newly opened beaches. The name 'Sepanjang' which means 'long' derives from the characteristic of the beach that has the longest coastal lines of all beaches in Gunung Kidul. The atmosphere of this beach is so natural. The seaside is decorated with palm trees and huts roofed with dry leaves. The coral reef in the rise and fall of tides area is kept well. The dashes of waves reflect blue color signaling uncontaminated sea water. With such a situation, it is not false if the local government and investors plan to make this beach the second Kuta Beach.
The natural atmosphere makes Sepanjang Beach superior to Kuta Beach. Sepanjang does not offer such cliché things as beach café and luxurious cottages, but closeness to nature. You can still dig out coral reef to find mollusk and starfish (Echinodermata). You can also pull out seaweed from the coral. However, you must be careful in order not to stick the sea urchin's spines. You will not find those all in Kuta, will you?
The community sticks firmly to the coastal culture. No permanent buildings alongside the beach, only some huts where local people are living. Still on the coastal area, there is field where people plant soy bean. The slope beach that is directly dashed by waves prevents people from going to sea. Looking at the back, there are two hills on which valley where people plant corn as their main food. The land on top of the hill has been bought by an investor to make villa where visitors can stay.
Sepanjang also has a historical site, namely Banyusepuh. 'Banyu' means 'water' and 'sepuh' means to wash. Thus, the name means that the place that used to be a water spring is used to wash or to bathe. Those who used the place were Islamic pious leaders who washed their sacred weapons. You must ask local people to locate this site. When YogYES came to the place, there was only dry trash damp with wild plants around it.
When you get tired, have a rest. Local people usually sell food and drink in the huts alongside the beach. You may sit on bamboo seat while chatting and enjoying the wind of the sea. YogYES had the opportunity to enjoy the cool weather under the hut. When daylight is fading, look westwards where the sun sets. Local people will warmly welcome you to stay in their house because there are no villas yet.
For the souvenirs that you are going to take home, you do not have to worry. You do not have to take food as souvenir, do you? Some people living some kilometers from the beach make handicrafts from seashell that then are sold by coastal people. Even though it is not as commercial as those in Malaysia, the handicrafts vary. The shapes are royal carriage, statue, hair pinch or the dried ones and buried in white sands. Some of them are painted. The price is so fair, only five thousand Rupiah each.
Low price does not necessarily mean low value. Handicrafts made from seashell have precious historical value. If you read articles or books on Conchology Mollusca, you will know that such handicrafts are of high culture developing in coastal community. The people in Hawaii of the United States of America, Melanesia islands, or Maori in New Zealand develop similar handicrafts. They set seashell to become necklace, pant, belt, and carve them to make marvelous fine arts.
If you have no budget for the souvenirs, you can collect the seashell on the seaside. This small thing becomes interesting present with further processing. Take a piece of seashell and put it into plastic bag. Arriving at home, buy some tobacco or mint and mix it with alcohol 90%. After you soak it one night, take it and polish it slowly. The process will eliminate the lime layer on the seashell, leaving the central layer (prismatic layer). Polishing will make the color of the seashell brighter.
Isn't it interesting to make a tour to Sepanjang Beach? What are you waiting for? You can just ride your motorcycle or step on the gas pedal of your car. You do not have to worry about the stony road to this place since the beauty of nature and culture you are going to enjoy pay for it. Trust me, it pays everything and you will agree to a tourist from the Netherlands saying, "This is the real new Kuta. There are many beaches here and there have been so many tourists in Bali; the beach here is so quiet, so enjoyable."

KALIURANG - Tour a la Madam and Meneer

In the early of the nineteenth century, some Dutch geologists living in Yogyakarta intended to find a place for their family to spend their vacation. They went along the edge of the north area as the high land. Arriving at Kaliurang that is located on 900 meter above sea level, the "meneers" were enchanted by the nature beauty and coolness in that foot of the mountain. They finally built bungalows and decided to make the area their place for vacation.

The trip from Yogyakarta to Kaliurang reminds us of the scenery picture we (=Indonesian people) made in the kindergarten. A mountain with the street lying in the middle and the green spread on both sides ornamented with people's houses will release tiredness in the frame of nature painting.

Covered with the breeze, even when the sun is over our head, the coolness is still felt. The air dancing through the trees and slowly going down hill gives fresh feeling to our body.

The view of Merapi Mountain gives special sensation in this area. Just like village girls who will cover their face when we look at them, this mountain will also be covered with fog when we come to see it.

Going along the west side of Plawangan Hill as long as 1,100 meters, traveling cross country, through soil path framed with trees and green slopes, and series of 22 caves as the inheritance of the Japanese colonial are some uniqueness of Kaliurang natural tourism.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kaliurang also has some historical buildings. Some of them are Wisma Kaliurang and Pesanggrahan Dalem Ngeksigondo that is owned by the Sultan Palace that used to be functioned as the meeting place of the Three Nation Commission, and Ullen Sentalu museum which part of the building is under ground. This museum reveals the mystery of the culture and values of Javanese history, especially those related to the princess of Yogyakarta and Surakarta kingdoms in the nineteenth century.

Family Recreation Area

Located 28 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta city, Kaliurang now has an enchanting cultural and natural tourism area that becomes en enjoyable place for family recreation.

Parents may relax while keeping their children playing in the Play Ground. In an area of 10,000 meter square width, children can play swing, sliding, or swimming in a mini pool. Besides, in the play ground that is ornamented with the statue of a genie a la 1001 night stories and some kinds of animal, children can play mini cars or pass through a dragon statue by entering from its mouth and exiting from its tail.

About 300 meters to the north east of the recreation garden, there is Plawangan Turgo garden. There is Tlogo Putri swimming pool of which water originates from a spring at the slope of Plawangan Hill. Playing swing or behaving playfully with the family in the garden will release tiredness among the green forest of the forestry department.

Walking along the east side, seeing some monkeys jumping and swinging on the branches, enjoying the chirp of birds in the sloping up path of layered stones and stairs as long as 900 meters can be a little tiring, but the top of Merapi Mountain viewed on a bright day from Pronojiwo Hill will replace the tiredness with admiration. On the way to the top of Pronojiwo Hill, YogYES had the opportunity to run race with Nick (47 years old), an English tourist. I won the race, but the feeling of being united with nature was more pleasant. Mineral water sold by the drink sellers will quench your thirst while seeing Merapi that stands amidst the green spread of the forest. Binocular is rent for IDR 3,000 per 30 minutes to see the Merapi Mountain more clearly.

Arriving back to the garden, have relax at Tlogo Muncar to enjoy the waterfall. During rainy season, water will flow down swiftly.

To enjoy the Kaliurang scenery, visitors may go around by a rabbit carriage that is most popularly called sepoer. This vehicle usually stands by in the parking lot in front of the food shops. The route is going around from the east to the west to encircle Kaliurang tourism area, passing through the viewing post on the west side where Merapi can be seen clearly on bright days. For minimum of seven people, each person will be charged IDR 3,000. For exclusive trip, the charge is IDR 20,000 per person with services like those for a nobleman.

If you want to enjoy the coolness of the air and the quietness of the night at Kaliurang, there are many choices of villas, bungalows, and inns. The tariffs vary from IDR 25,000 to IDR 300,000. Some lodgings where you can stay are: Bukit Surya (most recommended), Puri Indah Inn (3-stars), and Wisma Sejahtera.

Before leaving, make sure that you buy gifts ranging from local fruits to special food namely tahu and tempe bacem (sweet, fried tofu and tempeh) and jadah (made from sticky rice and grated coconut).

The green spread at the foot of Merapi Mountain, cool air and all natural, luxurious packages will release your tiredness and refresh you from the noise of the city. 

 

Loji Arsitekktur - Jogja

Colonizing Indonesia for hundreds of years, including Yogyakarta, Dutch people left some historical buildings. The buildings were called loji by local people because of its grand size and wide yard. You can enjoy the beauty of some of the buildings cheaply; you only have to walk along the area in the city center of Yogyakarta, starting from the crossroad of the Grand Post Office or kilometer 0.
The oldest loji in Yogyakarta is located precisely opposite the Grand Post Office, namely a building named Benteng Vredeburg or Vredeburg Fortress. The building of the fortress that is often called Loji Besar or Loji Gede meaning the Grand Building was built in 1776 - 1778, only two years after the foundation of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Kingdom, one of Mataram Kingdom fractions. The fortress initially named Rustenburg was intentionally built in the axis of Kingdom - Tugu in order to control what the Kingdom did.
Being a fortress, the Loji Besar area was equipped with various supporting buildings, for example the spying place and the resting place for the soldiers. When Loji Besar was still used as fortress, there was a canon that intentionally was directed to the Kingdom in a ready-to-fire position to ease the raid. It was done in order for the Kingdom to acknowledge the power of Dutch troops.
Now, you can explore each corners of Loji Besar because it is open for public. In addition to the fortress with characteristic European architecture, you can also see diorama of Indonesian struggle to reach the independence. The weird thing of the fortress is that the name does not reflect the image of a fortress; rustmeans resting, vrede means peace and burg means fortress. Rustenberg that means fortress for resting and Vredeburg meaning fortress of peace are not suitable names.
From Vredeburg, the most visible loji is Loji Kebon, which is now known as Gedung Agung or the Great Building. The building with European style was built in 1824 and functioned as Residence Building. The yard of Loji Kebon is so wide and is decorated with statues that Dutch officers collected from different corners of Yogyakarta. In 1912, the complex of Loji Kebon was equipped with Societeit de Vereniging building where Dutch officials danced accompanied by violin.
Just like Loji Besar, Loji Kebon also serves as historical witness. The construction of the building that was designed by A Payen was stopped during Prince Diponegoro war in 1825 - 1830 that nearly made the Dutch went bankrupt. During Japanese colonization, this building served as dwelling place of a Japanese official named Koochi Zimmukyoku Tyookan. When the capital of Indonesia was moved to Yogyakarta on 6 January 1946, this building functioned as presidential palace. Up to present time, even though the capital of Indonesia is in Jakarta, this building still serves as a presidential palace.
The other loji area is Loji Kecil that is located to the east of Vredeburg fortress, to be exact in the area of Shopping Center to the crossroad of Gondomanan. Different from Loji Besar that functioned as a fortress and Loji Kebon as government building, Loji Kecil serves as a dwelling place. Now, even though only a few left, you can still enjoy several old buildings, one of them is located in Taman Pintar complex. In the same complex, there is also Societet Militair building where Dutch military troops used to relax.
The area of Loji kecil was the center of dwelling place of the first Dutch people in Yogyakarta. Now, you can enjoy the beauty of some supporting facilities such as Protestansche Kerk church that was built in 1857 (it is now named Marga Mulya Christian church, located to the north of Gedung Agung) and Francis the Xavier church of Kudul Loji (the old building) that was founded in 1870, which is located to the south of Loji Kecil area.
Another loji area that is not less interesting is Loji Setan or the Satanic Building. It bears the name since the building that by far is not known when it was built is eerie. Many people tell that in the eastern room and the center hall there are often crying voices for help and sound of dance music. Governor Raffles was told to drop by in the building that now functions as the office of Local House of Representative on 15 May 1812 when Dutch was triumphant in Yogyakarta.
Loji Setan had functioned for different purposes. In the past, the building was often used for meditation and exhibition room, for example the exhibition by Luch Bescherming Dienst in 1940. After the independence, the building that initially was named Loji Marlborough was used as the office of Indonesian National Committee (1945 - 1949), the office of Nation Defense Council and the place where cabinet meeting was held (1948).
Walk around each loji, and you will enrich your history insight from compiling each story of them.

Senggigi Beach - Lombok Indonesia

You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, discotheques, travel agents, photo processors, money changers, souvenir shop and a range of accommodations starting from budget guest house to 5 star hotels. Restaurants and small cafes line the colorful main beach road. Swimming off the beach is safe. The town of Senggigi spreads out along nearly 10 kilometers of coastal road. This road continues north to Bangsal, port for the Gili Islands. Along the way, a fantastic scenery of the north west coast of Lombok awaits. Most travelers start or end their stay at Senggigi because of the easy access to Mataram Airport and accommodations options are available to all budgets. If you are frugal or intrepid and take the slow ferry from Bali, it's best to arrange transport in advance from the ferry dock to Senggigi, since the dock on the Lombok side is in a remote spot several kilometers south of Mataram. There are plenty of activities you can do to complete your holiday. Sightseeing or touring organized by reputable local tour operators is the best option to discover what Lombok has to offer. Renting a car or motor cycle is also good alternative to get around, either self-driving, or with a driver so you can relax and enjoy the view. Car rental in Lombok is more expensive than Bali. Tip driver pocket money for meals if you stop for lunch or diner. If you are pleased with service, tip the driver or local guide at the end. If you collide with anything, or it collides with you, you are responsible for all costs  INFORMATION Senggigi Post Office located on the main street of Senggigi, opposite from Pamour Art & Antique shop. Health Centre or Puskesmas located near Hotel Puri Saron. Drugstore or Apotik available next to the gate of Intan Lombok Hotel. Dentist available at Meninting Puskesmas 10 minutes drive from Senggigi towards direction to the airport. Bank BNI available during office hours 5 days a week located near the Post Office. ATM's (Automatic Teller Machine) are easy to find. ATM BCA, ATM BNI, ATM Mandiri are available, you can swift your credit card and withdraw local currency IDR (Rupiah).  Police office located in Senggigi Art Market, near The Sheraton Senggigi Beach Resort. Telephone Service (Wartel) available near Melati Dua Hotel. Internet Cafes are: Millenium Internet (opposite Papaya Restaurant) and Star Internet Service located in Senggigi Plaza with dedicated broadband speed at reasonable rates. Cellular phone in Indonesia is GSM and CDMA. If you have brought your cellular handphone, you can purchase prepaid calling cards to make outgoing calls at lower cost than calling on your home SIM. Shops which sell these cards are prolific. Major service providers are: Telkomsel, Satelindo and XL Ritel. Look for signs and banners with those markings.

Money changers are available almost in every corner of Senggigi. Double count your money before leaving the money changers to get the accurate amount. Hotel reception also change foreign money with lower rates. Mini markets are located next to Bank BNI and near the Papaya Cafe. Local Indonesian Foods sells nasi campur and warung Padang can be found right opposite from Taman Restaurant. At night, you can find the famous Nasi Goreng at Warung Cak Poer. Tipping Most larger hotels and restaurants automatically add Government Tax and Service charge up to 21% to the bill. Tipping is expected in main tourist area, but you're not compelled to tip at restaurants. If you like your driver or local tour guide, a tip of 10-15% is appreciated. Carry small changes with you as taxi drivers often have none. Airport or hotel porters expect Rp. 2000 - 10,000 per bag depending on the size and weights. Disabled Wheelchair ramps and van lifts are non existent. Many major hotels have limited handicapped facilities and accommodation. Advise your tour operators or hotel for special assistance.

Pacitan - Goa Gong

Gua Gong is one of the most popular cave with stalactites and stalagmites Pacitan fascinating. Along the cave is quite large this will take you to enjoy the beautiful forms of limestone water droplets results for hundreds or even thousands of years. 
What do you think of when they hear the word cave? Dark, muddy, and scary? Well, it means that you have never entered the cave Gong. Located about 30 km west of Pacitan, this cave is far from scary. The government has built a path from cement to ease your journey. Locals congregate at the mouth of the cave that is not how wide, offering guide services and also a flashlight. 

 Go to the first room that is not how much you will be greeted by the number of straw, ornaments shaped like a straw contained in the ceiling of the cave. Starting from this room, the cave is divided into 2 lane entrance and exit paths. Passing through a narrow slit, you are taken to the second room. Outside estimates, the room was very large with hundreds of beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. The lights have been installed in several sections, providing an increasingly dim light beautify the cave. 

The cave is equipped with a ladder and an iron grip so you do not need to bother looking for a place to tread down the leg. Walking through the tunnel with stalactites stalagmites cave cavity prop stands firmly as if to take you into another dimension that is different. Flowstone-shaped curtain Flowstone visible in some places, decorate the cave with the shape of dazzling. It's amazing to imagine how many thousands of years if needed to form this remarkable formation. A giant stalagmite a boundary with the third room on the end of the cave. Crystal ornaments adorn the shimmering white space called the space of this crystal. 

If you want to enjoy its beauty with the more liberal, you should avoid coming on Sundays and other holidays. In those days, hundreds of people always thronged this cave. You certainly do not want to lose the opportunity to admire the natural beauty of this carving with jostling, is not it? 

Pacitan - Banyu Anget

Husodo Tirto hot springs are a special attraction which is owned by Pacitan. More popularly known as Banyu anget, hot springs is different from other hot water sources, namely the lack of a distinctive smell of sulfur. 

You've never visited the hot springs or also popularly known as hot springs? Well, you would be familiar with the typical sulfur smell. Hot water source is identical with this odor.But unlike Hot Springs Tirto Husodo in Pacitan. There is absolutely no smell of sulfur that can interfere with the water enjoying a warm bath. 
More hot spring baths known as Banyu anget by the surrounding community is located about 15 km north of downtown and is relatively easy to reach. The streets are relatively wide and flat so that the car will easily pass through. Although located quite far away, this resort is equipped with adequate supporting facilities, including parking space.From the parking lot we still have to walk up the path with some stairs flanked by shady trees. Forest at the foot of Mount Screen is still natural and awake. viewnatureworld even had time to see some tail squirrel playing with fun in the trees. 

There are 4 pools at the baths, where hot springs pools, 2 adult pools, and children's pool. There is a prohibition to enter or touch the water in the main pool because the temperature is hot enough. Hot water is channeled to other pools in 3 and mixed with cold water for temperature in accordance with human body temperature. Interestingly, no sulfur smell at all! 

The smell of sulfur sting that often appear in the hot spring is the smell of hydrogen sulfide produced by anaerobic bacteria when water is heated naturally in the bowels of the earth. This substance is then dragged to the ground, except in some cases when the levels of hydrogen sulfide formed is not enough or when the substance is oxidized by Oxygen before reaching the surface. Banyu baths anget this one example. The absence of sulfur smell is of course will make you more comfortable in the bath enjoying the warm water can soothe and blood circulation. It's really fitting to end the day after a full day surfing or along the beaches and caves in Pacitan.