Things to do in Yogyakarta

A very popular tourist spot, Prambanan is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound in Yogyakarta. Known to be an icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, which marks the return of the Hindu rule over Indonesia. An earthquake in the 16th century toppled many of the temples in the complex. Yet, the iconic heritage property has a lot to tell about the rich history of Indonesia

Prambanan is a collection of almost 240 temples. The complex now boasts of 8 main shrines called ‘Candi’.

 

The three main shrines, known as ‘Trimurti’, are dedicated to three Hindu Gods: Shiva-the Destroyer, Brahma-the Creator and Vishnu-the Keeper.

 

The Candi dedicated to Shiva is the finest and the largest structure in the complex. Standing almost 47 feet tall, the four-armed Shiva on a lotus is a wonder in itself. Besides, the statue several carved rocks adorn the walls of the temple depicting the tales of Ramayana.

The Vishnu temple, on the other hand, has carvings depicting the story of Lord Krishna from the mythological book Mahabharata. Here too, the four armed statue commands praise as much as the detailed carvings.

Lastly, in Brahma the carving on the stones, depict the final scenes from the  Mahabharata. This four-headed statue is the  most spectacular statue in Prambanan.

If you are curious to know  history and culture of Yogyakarta, be sure to ask your travel guide from Locaguide to show you around. We can assure you that a visit to the Prambanan Temples will surely be the highlight of your Yogyakarta tour.

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The Taman Sari Water Palace is the site of the royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It dates back to the mid 18th century. Once used as a place to rest, work, meditate, hide and defend the Sultanate and his family from the yesteryears. Most of the buildings now serve as accommodation or commercial space for the local residents. Visit this royal palace during your trip to Yogyakarta to discover tales of the past from the locals. Tales as old as the days when Taman Sari belonged to the royalties of Yogyakarta.

How to get to The Taman Sari Water Palace

Undoubtedly one of the most popular places, you can reach the Taman Sari by cab or a short walk. Opt for a local travel guide from the Locaguide portal. Your guide will help you on the short walk to the palace from Kraton. Upon reaching walk around to explore the grounds and your guide will take you through the historical journey of the palace.

The water castle shows a unique infusion of eastern and western concepts of architecture. The unique garden of the Royals holds a mosque, a fort, a meditation space, and a man-made lake. A series of underground tunnels connect the structures on the islands in the lake. Each feature of the Taman Sari Water Palace comprehended a particular ritual and its use during the Sultanates rule. Learn the local names of each area, their use and stories surrounding them from the guide.

If history and architecture excite you, then make sure to soak in Indonesia’s royal past at the Taman Sari Royal Palace. Include a day-long trip to the perfumed gardens of the palace during your Yogyakarta tour for an exciting exploration. The place is also a spectacle for all the photography enthusiasts.

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Built amidst a medley of green paddies and swaying palms, Borobudur Temple is a mammoth Buddhist monument. It survived through the volcanic eruptions, bombs and earthquakes to remain as alluring as during the 9th century. An impressive temple as it stands, one must not miss a visit to the Borobudur Temple during the Indonesia tour.

With an aerial view that resembles the lotus, a sacred flower in Indonesian culture, the temple is not an experience to be missed. Made up of two million slabs of lava rock, reaching a height of 115ft and housing close to 1,500 carved story panels and 504 statues of the Buddha, the Borobudur temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Designed in the shape of a mandala, the layout of the temple symbolizes the cosmetology of the universe according to Buddhist teachings. The temple is built is three levels — the world of lust and desire (Kamadhatu), the world of form (Rupadhatu) and the formless world (Arupadhatu). It also consists of six terraces, three circular platforms and 504 Buddha statues. Moreover, each terrace possesses a different posture of Buddha’s statue. The postures depict contact with earth, giving and helping, meditation, fearlessness, teaching and learning, and turning the wheel of dharma. 

Apart from being the single most popular attraction, Borobudur Temple continues as an important place of worship for Indonesian Buddhists. Make certain to ask your local guide from Locaguide to show you around the temple complex. Also, ask him to help you join the locals during their daily prayers if you wish.

When to visit The Borobudur temple

If you are planning a visit to the Borobudur temple, the best time to be there is at sunrise. The views of the sun lighting up the structure and the mist creeping down the monument formed a magical combination. Therefore, transporting you to an era in the past when the temple was truly at its mystical best!

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