Gembira Loka Zoo

Meet and Know Animals in Easy and Attractive Ways 

When you visit Yogyakarta with family, especially kids, it will be nice to find a place to enjoy yourself with all of family member. In Yogyakarta City, there is Gembira Loka Zoo which can be nice place to visit with family. The zoo has various plant and animal collections from all over Indonesia. It also offers interesting learning and enjoyment for your holidays experience.

..........................................................

Gembira Loka Zoo is one of the alternatives for family recreation in Yogyakarta. It's located around four kilometres from Yogyakarta city centre. The zoo has varies kinds of animal and plant species collections. It also has many kinds of supporting facilities and attractions that are offered for you to enjoy. 

Gembira Loka is located in Kebon Raya Street, Yogyakarta. It's about four kilometres from Yogyakarta city centre. It takes around 15 minute car rides from city centre to go to the zoo. Near the zoo, there is a Trans Jogja shelter that makes it possible to reach by this public transportation.  

The zoo was initiated in 1933 by Sri Sultan Hamengjubuwono IX idea to build amusement park in Yogyakarta. That idea then continued by establishment of Kebon Rojo (King's Garden) in west side of Winongo river, in eastern part of Yogyakrta. The establishment was led by Dutch architect named Karsten, before it was stopped because of Japanese occupation in Java. It was stalled for several years, before the establishment was continued. It was in 1953, when Sri Paduka Pakulam VIII instructed to continue Kebon Rojo establishment. Later, the name of Kebon Rojo changed into Gembira Loka, which is mean place to have fun. Then, over the time Gembira Loka has been develop to be a zoo, which is becomes one of Yogyakarta city pride.

There are varies kinds of flora and fauna collections on the zoo. There are more than 300 animals collections from various species that are can be found in the zoo. Those are such as:orang-utan, elephant, tiger, deer, hippopotamus, zebra, camel, turtle, lizard, snake, komodo, fish, frog, eagle, owl, etc. It also has more than 50 flora species collections that are planted on the zoo complex.  

Beside it varies collections, Gembira Loka has other attractions that are offered. It has interactive attractions such as: feeding the animals and skilled animals show. In feeding time show, visitor can see animals feeding process directly. In skilled animals show, it shows skilled animals action that has been trained to perform awesome actions. There are also supporting attraction such as: elephant ride, camel ride, paddle boat, touching pond, catching pond, water scooter, banana boat, fish therapy, ATV rent, bumper boat, speed boat, and katamaran boat.

The facilities that are provides in Gembira Loka Zoo is quite complete. There are basic facilities such as: toilet, rest area, and information board. It also has a building named Mayang Tirta that is located in artificial lake in centre of the zoo, in this building visitor can enjoy the artificial lake while seeing performances on stage. In that building, there is also a restaurant that offers various meals and drinks. 

Gembira Loka Zoo is nice place to visit with family. It's a best place for kids to learn about animals with safe and fun. It will be good to learn about animals with kids by seeing the animals and explain to them in easy and interactive ways. Kids also will be entertained with animal shows that are offered by the zoo, such as: animal talent shows and feeding shows. It's also possible to enjoy your time by getting into several supporting attractions that are provided. 

Tembi Village

Learn Culture with Attractive Ways in Tembi

Each village usually has its unique culture. Those are such as: way of life, arts, and customs. Here, in Tembi tourism village you will be able to learn some rare Javanese tradition.

....................................................

Tembi is a tourism village that is located in south part of Yogyakarta City. It is located in Timbulharjo Village, Bantul District, Yogyakarta Special Region. This tourism village is located around eight kilometres south from Yogyakarta City and it can be reached by car for around 20 minutes. Tembi village is easily accessible since it is located near main road between Yogyakarta City and Parangtritis Beach 

There are many activities that are offered in Tembi. Those are such as: learning how to make traditional meals, village sightseeing, learning traditional art and shopping some merchandise that is sold by villagers. Those activities can help you understand local people's way of life while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere there.

There are several traditional culinary making courses that are offered in Tembi Village. First, there is course about how to make Sagon. It is a rare traditional snack that is made from coconut, sugar and corn flour.  Second, there is course about how to make tempe dele. It is a popular side dish that made from soybean. Both of them are typical meal which still produced with traditional way. At the end of the course, after it has been produced, it can be together consumed. 

In Tembi you also can see unique music performance. One of the unique music performances that are shown for visitor is Bang Bung performance, which is a unique traditional music performance from Tembi Village. It's played by using several music instruments such as: kencrung, bass, gong and kendhang. The sound of this music performance is like the sound of bamboo. In the performance, visitor is invited to actively participate by playing some of music instruments.   

For art learning, there are several courses that are offered. First of all, there are batik learning courses. There are two choices that are offered, learning batik on fabric or on wooden mask. Secondly, there are art production courses about making simple handicraft. There are also courses about wayang and ceramics making process. With those various art courses, it makes Tembi known as one of the cultural centre in southern Yogyakarta.  

Others activities that are offered by Tembi tourism village are: outbound activities and village sightseeing. In outbound activities, visitor will be doing some activities such as: exploring rice field, catching duck in rice field, bakiak race, and many others traditional games Visitors can enjoy the scenery of Tembi village by using dokar or sepeda onthel. Dokar is a horse carriage while sepeda onthel is antique bike. With those vehicles visitor will be able to enjoy exploring the village in interesting ways.

Sasana Wiratama Diponegoro Musuem

Memorize the Spirit of Diponegoro 

This museum was built to memorize a prince named Diponegoro, who led Java War against Dutch which was politically control the Yogyakarta Sultanate in 19th century. In this museum you will be able to see several collections, which is shows the struggle spirit and heroism of Diponegoro.

..........................................

Sasana Wiratama Museum or usually known as Pangeran Diponegoro Museum is one of historical museums that are located in Yogyakarta. It's located in HOS Cokroaminoto Street, Tegalrejo Village, Yogyakarta. It's located around four kilometres northwest from Yogyakarta City centre and about twenty minutes car rides from Malioboro Street. 

This museum was built in 1968 to memorize and honour the heroic struggle of a prince named Diponegoro. He was a national hero who led Diponegoro War or usually called Java War against Dutch in Yogyakarta and Central Java. In that war, he was able to make strong resistance against Dutch before he was captured.

Diponegoro War was caused by conflict between Diponegoro and Dutch which was supported by Patih Danureja. Diponegoro was a son of Hamengkubuwono III the third king from Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace which has different political view in the palace. Diponegoro was not happy when he lived in the palace, it was because political policies in palace which were highly influenced by Dutch, so he decided to leave the palace and live in Tegalrejo. In Tegalrejo, he still seen by Dutch as a threat, so there was a plan to force him out from Tegalrejo with road construction that planned to pass his house. The conflicts was more complicated when Patih Danureja ordered put poles as sign of road construction that will begin while Diponegoro was never accepted the road construction plan. This action made him very disappointed and the conflict went higher when Dutch Military involved to force him out from his house and started his war against Dutch.

Diponegoro War was a bloody war, it was started from 1825 and ended in 1830 when Diponegoro was arrested. He used guerrilla war tactic against Dutch, his guerrilla base was in Selarong Cave in Bantul, south of Yogyakarta. In the cave, Diponegoro with his people troops planned attack to several Dutch important places in Central Java and Yogyakarta. The war has significant effect for Dutch, it was cost them more than 15.000 soldiers lost and 200.000 Gulden finance lost. The war finally ended in 1930 when he was tricked by Dutch, then was arrested and expelled to Sulawesi.

Diponegoro Museum complex was established in area that previously used by Diponegoro as residence. The 2,5 hectare wide area, was previously owned by the descendant of Dipenogoro, but then it was given to build the museum.

The museum complex consists of several buildings on it. Those are such as: joglo, library, musholla and barracks. In the museum complex, there is pringgitan, it is a kind of inscription that shows relief of Diponegoro War, the inscription is located near Joglo in the centre of museum complex. In the museum complex, it can be found several objects that belong to Diponegoro period, those are such as: comboran and tembok jebol. Comboran is stone that used as water place for Diponegoro's horses. Tembok jebol is the broken wall from Diponegoro house that was broken due to the attack of Dutch military which was destroyed Diponegoro house. This broken wall was believed made and used by Diponegoro and his family to escape from the Dutch attack.

Inside the museum, there are various collections related to Diponegoro. Those are such as: pikes, arrows, keris, cannon and others weapons that used to fight against Dutch. Those weapons are believed was used by Diponegoro followers in Diponegoro War. In the museum, there are housing equipment, furniture and gamelan set that belongs to Hamengkubuwono II the second king of Yogyakarta Sultanate, which is grandfather of Diponegoro.

At the end, Diponegoro Museum is a nice place to learn history, especially about Diponegoro War. Here, you will be able to see some collections related to the war and know stories about the prince struggle.

Sonobudoyo Museum

Learn and Appreciate Javanese Culture in Sonobudoyo Museum

Yogyakarta is known as Javanese cultural centre. It has been the centre of Javanese civilization from the past in early of Ancient Mataram Kingdom until present in 21th century. In Yogyakarta you can find many Javanese cultures and traditions that still exist today, those are such as: wayang, wooden mask and batik. Therefore, it will be nice for you, if you try to see and learn Javanese culture and tradition when you visit Yogyakarta.

.............................................................

Sonobudoyo Museum is a cultural museum that is located in Yogyakarta. It's located in the north side of Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace. It's situated in two locations, the first building is in Trikora Street in the north of Alun Alun Lor Yogyakarta, the second location is in Wijilan area in the east side of Alun Alun Lor. The main museum is the building that located in the Trikora Street, while the second museum building is in Wijilan area and used to showing additional museum collection.  

The museum is easily accessible due to its strategic location. It's located between the straight line of popular tourism attractions in Yogyakarta, such as: Malioboro Street, Vredeburg Fort and Yogyakrta Sultanate Palace. It's located less than one kilometre away from Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace or Vredeburg Fort, which is means you can walk to reach this museum from both places. If you are not prefers to walk, there are also some options to use becak or andhong to reach this museum.

Sonobudoyo Museum was firstly open for public in 6 November 1935. The establishment of this museum was started at 1934 and led by a Dutch architect Ir. Karsten. The establishment of this museum was the project from Java Institute, an institute that concerned to collect, preserve and develop Javanese culture. Sonobudoyo museum was established as place to preserve and show the collection that has been discovered by this institute. The purpose of this museum was symbolized in the museum name, “sono” means place and “budoyo” means culture, so this museum means as a place of culture.  

Sonobudoyo Museum is known as museum that has many collections related to Javanese culture. It has more than 43.000 collections related to the Javanese history and culture. Those collections varies from several historical period, started from pre-historic in Java, Hinduism and Buddhism period, Islamic period, until colonial period in Java. The collection type on this museum also varies from weapon, ceramic, old manuscript, old article, stamp, money, stone statue, sculpture and many others priceless collection.      

The museum building is divided into several rooms based on its collections. Museum rooms are divided into several theme rooms that show certain collection themes. Those rooms are such as: pendopo room, introduction room, batik room, Islamic and classic room, prehistory room, gold room, mask room, Central Java room, Bali room and wayang room. The themes of collection rooms are basically based on two things, historical period or type of collection. The example of collection room that has historical period based theme is such as: prehistory room that shows collection that is related to prehistory period in Java. In other side, some collection room based on its collection type, for the example: batik room shows collection about batik, wayang room shows collection that is related to wayang, gold room that shows collection made from gold. With this collection room division, visitor can more easily understand about collection in each room.

Beside, varies collections on the museum, Sonobudoyo Museum also offers another activity. At night, when the museum has closed, it has wayang kulit performance on the museum complex. Wayang kulit is shadow puppets theatre that is commonly played in Java and Bali area. The usual wayang performance mainly played during the whole night, with more than six hours of performance. But, in Sonobudoyo Museum you can see the performance in shorter duration. It's usually take only two hours for this short wayang performance. You just need to come to the museum complex and pay the performance ticket for Rp20.000 and you will be able to see wayang performance. It will be started at 20.00 until 22.00 and can be a nice way to spend night in Yogyakarta

Kotabaru, Yogyakarta

Explore Remaining Colonial Heritage of Yogyakarta

Located in the east side of Yogyakarta Train Station, Kotabaru is a unique part of Yogyakarta City. This area has several important buildings that are still maintain its Dutch architecture, which are stand firmly with harmony in this city. 

..............................................................

Yogyakarta City history cannot be separated from Dutch influence on it. Dutch not only influences the political condition in Yogyakarta Sultanate, but also influence condition of social, economy and culture on the Yogyakarta city in the past. One of Dutch influenced heritages that are still exist today in the city is Kotabaru area.  

Kotabaru is an area in Yogyakarta that has high Dutch influence on it. It has several historical buildings which are still maintain its European architecture style. This area was projected as the alternative resident area for Dutch and European people that lived in Yogyakarta at that time. It was planned and conceptualized followed the model of European cities in that time.

The establishment of Kotabaru was caused by the development of Yogyakarta City in the early of 20th century. At that time, after Dutch initiated sugar factory production and developed business in Yogyakarta, there was European flow to the city. This make the city need a new residential area for them, it was because Loji Kecil that located near Yogyakarta Palace cannot accommodate the increase of Dutch and European that lived in the city. 

Kotabaru area concept was highly influenced by cities in Europe. It has radial layout patterns that imitate from the city pattern in Dutch. It was quite different with Yogyakarta city pattern in that time, which was still based on wind direction layout pattern. It was planned to be a garden city that has various plants which were planted on the roadside and boulevard. The area was also designed with complete facilities on it, there were several important office building and facilities: such as: schools, hospital and churches.

Today's, Kotabaru is part of modern Yogyakarta city and become one of the important city part. In this area, there are some important offices building that based on it, those are such as: Telecommunication Office, Yogyakarta City Tourism Office, Schools, Kridosono Sport Centre, and other private institution office. With those important buildings situated on this area, it makes this area become one of the busiest area in Yogyakarta.

Although has been develop to be a modern area, there are still some Dutch influence on that can be seen in Kotabaru. Some of the buildings in the area still maintain and well preserve its European architecture with good building condition. Even though some of buildings has been changed its function, but those buildings are still well-preserved, so it's not lost its identity. The area also not get much of change from its original layout design, it's still be a unique city part of Yogyakarta.

There are several interesting buildings that can be seen in Kotabaru area. Firstly, there is Saint Antonius Church, this church has European architecture and located just after Syuhada Mosque. There is also Bimo building that has art deco architecture and has unique curve roof. There are several schools that still maintain the original architecture, those schools are such as: SMA Negeri 3 Yogyakarta, SMA BOPKRI 1 Yogyakarta and SMP Negeri 5 Yogyakarta. There are also buildings that have historical story on it such as: Yogyakarta Tourism Office, Brigade General Katamso House and Jiwasraya Insurance Office.

There are many choices about how to enjoy your time in Kotabaru. Walking or cycling around is good alternative to see and explore the area. You also can spend your time by visiting some cafes and art galleries that spread on the area. It will be nice experiences to feel this historical city part of Yogyakarta that still exist in harmony.

Alun Alun Kidul Yogyakarta

Feel Excitement Atmosphere of Yogyakarta City

The best place to feel the atmosphere of city that you visit is in its main square. In Yogyakarta, there is a main square named Alun Alun Kidul, which is used by Yogyakarta citizens to spend their time for enjoying some foods, games or some little talk with others.  

..............................................

Alun Alun Kidul is one of the main squares in Yogyakarta City. There are two main squares in the city, those are: Alun-Alun Kidul (Southern Main Square) and Alun-Alun Lor (Northern Main Square). Both of the main squares are located just outside Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace. Alun Alun Kidul is located in the south side of the palace, while Alun Alun Lor is located in northern side.

Two main squares in Yogyakarta are believed related to the mystical belief in Yogyakarta Sultanate. Those main square are related to imaginary line that lies between Southern Sea, Sultanate Palace and Merapi Mount. The southern main square was built to make Yogyakrta Sultanate Palace position not blocking Southern Sea position, which is considered inappropriate according to Javanese belief. With two main squares lies on the imaginary line, it's believed that life in Yogyakarta City can be balance and prosper

Alun Alun Kidul is located around two kilometers from Malioboro Street. It's in the southern side of Yogyakarta Sultanate complex. It usually takes around 15 minutes to reach Alun Alun Kidul by becak from Malioboro, or if you would like to use car it takes around five minutes. It's also possible to reach the main square by using public transportation. There are Trans Jogja and city bus that can be alternative transportation choice.

In the past, Alun Alun Kidul was used by Yogyakarta Palace soldiers for training. The training is not only for psychical training, but also mental or psychological training. One of the training methods to train soldiers mental and soul is masangin. It requires soldiers to walk through two banyan trees that are located in the square with closed eyes. It's believed only person with clean soul and has good motives that can succeed walk through between two banyan trees with closed eyes. 

Nowadays, Masangin game is still exists, now it become popular activity in Alun Alun Kidul. Many people curious to try this game, whether they will succeed or fail to walk between those two trees. This game is an interesting activity that has to be tried when you come to visit.

The square usually starts its activities around three in the afternoon. There are some sellers that prepare their stalls in the side of the square. Usually, there are some people that play football in the field or playing kites in the field. Some people also like to enjoy and relax in the late afternoon by visiting the square.   

At night, there are more options of activities that can be done in Alun Alun Kidul. There are some becak which has been modified with decorative lamp that can be used to cycling around the square. There are also some food stalls that offer various foods and drinks, such as: grilled corn, toast, wedang ronde, wedang uwuh, and many others interesting local culinary. Those are can be enjoyed while listens some street musician that entertains you with their performance. 

Alun Alun Kidul is a good place to spend your night at Yogyakarta. Here, you will be able to see and experience Yogyakarta City life at night. If you visit with family or friends, there are many options of games that can be played together. Have some meals and chat with local people also can add your experience when visiting this city. 

Monument Yogya Kembali

Indonesia Sovereignty Struggle Monument

Monument Yogya Kembali or usually called as Monjali is monument that was built to remember important historic events in Yogyakarta. It's a place to learn and memorize Indonesia independence struggle to defend its sovereignty

Yogyakarta is important city in Indonesia for more than hundreds of years. It was the central of Ancient Mataram Kingdom and Mataram Sultanate which was based on this region.  This city also served the title as capital city of Indonesia during independence defence struggle period, from January 1946 until August 1950. During that period, it had several events that occurred on this city, which had impacts for the country struggle.

One of the important events that happened in Yogyakarta is Serangan Umum Satu Maret. This event is an attack of Indonesian Military Force (TNI) at 1 March 1949 against Dutch Military occupation in Yogyakarta. The purpose of this attack is to gain control of Yogyakarta, Indonesia capital city, which has occupied by Dutch Military after the Second Dutch Military Aggression.

In 1 March 1949 morning, Indonesian Military Force supported by Yogyakarta citizens was launched attack to Yogyakarta City. Indonesian Force succeeds took over the city and push Dutch Military out from Yogyakarta. The city was controlled by Indonesian Force for almost six hours, before Dutch Military backup came to Yogyakarta and took over the city back.

Although the attack was only succeeded took over Yogyakarta for six hours, this battle was very significance for Indonesia. It shows to international world that Republic of Indonesia still exists and increase international attention for the country independence. Afterward, United Nations by Three Country Commission helps arrange Roem-Roijen Agreement on 7 June 1949 to stop military conflict between Dutch and Indonesia. Later in 29 June 1949, Dutch Military finally left out Yogyakarta and Indonesia gain back its capital city, which was another huge boost for Indonesia independence recognition.  

The event when Dutch Military left out Yogyakarta then memorized by a monument in northern side of the city. The monument is named Monumen Yogya Kembali, it's named Yogya Kembali to remember moments of Yogyakarta back to Indonesia control. It's located in Sariharjo Village, Ngaglik Sub-district, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. It was built in 29 June 1985 and finished in 6 July 1989. It has 31 metres high with cone shape, which is symbolized fertility and honour to ancestors.

Monument Yogya Kembali is consisted of three floors that divided into several rooms. On the first floor, there are several rooms that are used to shows historical collections. It's such as: documents, weapons, photographs, uniforms, replicas, military kitchen sets and General Sudirman carriage which used to bring him during his guerrilla. On the second floor, there are several reliefs and dioramas that show historic events in Yogyakarta, which is related to national sovereignty struggle. There are 40 reliefs and 10 dioramas on the second floor that show historic events from Indonesia independence in 17 August 1945 until 17 August 1949. It's such as: Dutch Military Aggression to Yogyakarta, Serangan Umum 1 Maret, Dutch Left from Yogyakarta and Roem-Roijen Agreement.  On the third floor, there is only one room with a flagpole on it.  It's a room that used to memorize nation struggle and people who sacrifices for the country sovereignty.

The monument is good place to learn history of Indonesia, especially about historical events in Yogyakarta and the struggle to defend Indonesia independence. It's a place to remember and take good values from nation historical events.

Kalisuci

The Breathtaking Underground River Experience

If you would like to see amazing natural view with bit sense of adventure, Kalisuci cave tubing is one of the alternatives. Located just around two hours ride from Yogyakarta City, Kalisuci offers awesome experience to explore beauty caves with its karst topography by floated follow underground river stream.     

.....................................................

Below the ground of Gunung Kidul Regency in Yogyakarta Special Region, there is hidden natural treasure. There are many amazing caves that become the special characteristic of this region, which is known with its karst topography. In this region, karst topography is not only formed cave and underground valley, it is also formed some underground rivers across the region that has amazing view to offers.

Kalisuci is one of the underground rivers that located in Gunung Kidul Regency.  It's located in Pacarejo Village, Semanu Sub district around two hours ride from Yogyakarta City. The river is situated in the area that has many karst topography beauties on it.  There are several caves that are spread around the area such as Jomblang and Grubug Cave that has been known for the adventure exploration activity. The river is named Kalisuci because it has very clean water source, which is never gets dirty. Kalisuci River flows from its source into several caves such as Suci Cave, Glatik Cave and Gelung Cave.

Activity that is offers in Kalisuci is cave tubing. It is the combination of two activities, cave exploration and body rafting along Kalisuci River. Here, you will be able to explore caves while enjoying yourself floated by using tire along the river stream. It's usually takes around two hours to explore Suci Cave, Glatik Cave and Gelung Cave.  After tubing activity, you will have short tracking to see awesome view of the area while getting to finish line.

In the cave you will see magnificent view. There you will be able to see typical karst characteristics form such as stalactites and stalagmites that has been formed in the cave for thousands years. Your adrenaline, is also will be pumped with amazing eternal darkness and varies stream level on caves exploration.

It doesn't need to worry about safety in this adventure activity. The activity organizer is always provide skilled guide which has trained before. Every person that follows the cave tubing activity also gets insurance to prevent the unpredicted things. There is also safety equipment to ensure your safety during the activity such as: helmet and life jacket. For the safety, it's better to visit Kalisuci at dry season. It's because in the rainy season the water level in caves sometimes can be very high and it might make cave exploration can be closed for safety reason.

The tourism activity in Kalisuci is organized by local tourism organization. This organization is consisted of local villagers that are gather and try to develop tourism in local area for community welfare development.

The basic fee for Kalisuci cave tubing activity is around Rp.65.000. With that amount of money you will be able to explore Kalisuci accompanied by skilled guide, standard safety equipment, insurance, drinks and snacks.

The organizer also has some other services that are offered. There are such as: village sightseeing by using bicycle and outbound. It's also possible to try some local foods, but you need to contact the organizer first to arrange your meals. It will be a nice experience to taste some daily local meals after your Kalisuci cave tubing adventure.

Jomblang Cave

Amazing Natural Artistry Below the  Surface

Jomblang Cave is a perfect place to test your adventure skill. This vertical cave offers varies of track to choose depends on your skill. The cave offers you amazing natural beauty under the earth surface. On the cave floor, there are trees and plants that formed underground forest. The charm of natural power is not stop there, near cave floor you can see the very rare ray of light phenomenon. It will give you memorable lifetime experience to see the natural grace in the darkness of underground.  

.........................................

Gunung Kidul, a region in southern part of Yogyakarta is known with its natural beauty. It is not only known with its beauty mounts and beaches, but also hidden beauty below the ground. This region is known with numerous caves that spread along karst mountains that are formed thousands years ago.  One of the caves that has fascinating beauty is Jomblang cave that located in Sentanu, Gunung Kidul, around two hours ride from Yogyakarta City.

Jomblang Cave is a vertical cave that has around 80 meters deep under the ground. This cave is formed by the geological process that makes the land collapse and drop into below the ground. The process makes a sinkhole in the surface and latter became this cave. In below Jomblang Cave there is unique scenery, in the cave there is underground forest.  The forest formed by the vegetation that grows in the dropped land still able to live and grow below the ground for million years and constructed the underground forest.

Near Jomblang Cave, there is also another vertical cave called Grubug Cave.  Grubug cave can be explored from the Jomblang cave floor by walking via gateway tunnel that connect both caves. In Grubug cave, there is amazing ray of light that happen in the noon. The phenomenon is the light of sun that passes through the cave hole and makes a ray in the underground darkness. The ray of light phenomena only happen around 11.00 until 13.00 with no clear weather around the cave.

Jomblang Cave exploration is recommended people with high interest in adventure activities. There are several things that must be considered for people want to explore the cave, it such as: the physical condition, mental condition, the exploration skill and the complete exploration gear. The SRT (Single Rope Technique) is needed to climb down the cave and climb up to the surface. Therefore, before the cave exploration there will be briefing about the technique that use in the exploration. If you were still not mastering SRT skill, you can ask for assistance from exploration guide. There are varies of track that depends on the skill that mastered, each of exploration track has different level of difficulties and characteristic skill that need to master.

The activity in Jomblang and Grubug Cave is managed under Jomblang Resort. The resort manages the cave exploration activities.  The resort provide guide which give assistance in the exploration, exploration gear and also safety gear. The resort has policy to limit the visitor of Jomblang and Grubug Cave to protect the ecosystem of both caves. Therefore, only 25 visitors that allowed to explore the caves in each day. The basic fares that offer is around 450.000 IDR or about 40 USD. The resort also provides accommodation for visitor who wants to stay overnight and enjoys the atmosphere around the cave in traditional way of life.

The best time to start the exploration activity is around 09.00, to make the exploration time able to reach the ray of light phenomena at noon. It suggested departing early from Yogyakarta around 06.00 and with two hours car ride it will be not too late to start the activity.  It's recommended  contacting the Jomblang Resort first to arrange the exploration schedule do the limited access to the cave to protect the ecosystem and maintain the safety of exploration activity.  

Ijo Temple

Ijo Temple the Ancient Heritage with Charming Scenery 

Located in a hill Ijo Temple not only offer ancient heritages artefact, but also offer amazing view from the hill to the area around it. It’s one of the temples that represent life of people on the area in the Hinduism and Buddhism era.   

Surrounding area near Prambanan is believed as the centre of Ancient Mataram Kingdom. This can be seen by the numerous Candi and artefact that found in the area that related to the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. There are such as: Prambanan Temple, Sewu Temple, Plaosan Temple, Kalasan, Temple, Ratu Boko Temple, and many other temples that spread surround the area.

One of temples that located in Prambanan area is Ijo Temple or Candi Ijo as its name called by local people. Ijo temple is located four kilometres south from Ratu Boko Temple. It’s around 10 kilometres from the city of Yogyakarta.  It’s located in Sambirejo Village, Prambanan Sub-district, Sleman Regency Yogyakarta. The temple is named Ijo because it located in a hill named Gumuk Ijo.
From the Pramabanan Temple, Ijo temple can reach by taxi or ojek (motorcycle cab). It needs around 15 minutes to reach the temple complex. Therefore, if you come from Yogyakarta City by private vehicle, just turn right at Prambanan Market junction and go south and follow the road sign that show the direction to Candi Ijo.

Ijo Temple was built during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom era. It was built in 9th century, when Hinduism and Buddhism share influence in the Mataram Kingdom. It can be seen from the culture acculturation between Hinduism, Buddhism, and Ancient Beliefs in the temple complex. The Buddhism influences can be seen in the temple gate, there is kala mangkara and two headed dragon sculpture. The ancient belief can be seen from the levelled terrace that used in temple complex structure, levelled terrace is one of the megalithic traditions in ancient java.  Therefore, the Hinduism influence can be seen from the temple architecture, statue and artefact that found in the temple.

Located in a hill, the road into Ijo temple is quiet uphill. The temple complex is located at 375 metre high from sea level and its top temple has 410 metre high from sea level.  The temple complex is consist 17 structures that divided into 11 terrace. The terrace is formed uphill in the Gumuk Ijo.  The main temple is located in the top of temple complex with three ancillary temples in the front of it. The ancillary temple is symbolized the honour for trimurti Gods in Hinduism, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. In the main temple there is lingga and yoni which symbolized the unity between Shiva and his wife Parvati.

Besides seeing the temple and artefact, Ijo temple complex offer awesome scenery. From the temple complex you can see the scenery under the hill. It shows the green rice field surround the hill area. In the east side there is the view of Klaten Regency area. In the west side there is view of Yogyakarta city, it also has view of Adi Sucipto International Airport, you could see airplanes take off and landing from the temple complex. In the south side you can see the Gunung Kidul Regency with Sewu Mountains in the area. In north side you can see the famous Merapi Mount.

Kalasan Temple

The Artistic Ancient Java Temple

Located just before Prambanan Temple, Kalasan Temple is a decent place to see the magnificent ancient art, especially on stone carving art. 
The temple is the oldest Buddhist temple from Ancient Mataram Kingdom era. 
There are varies of awesome stone carving on the temple structure that show the great masterpiece of ancient java art.

Ancient Mataram Kingdom is known with varies of temple and artifacts that found around Central Java and Yogyakarta area. The masterpieces of Ancient Mataram Kingdom are such as Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple which has been become world heritage. Temple and artifacts that related to Ancient Mataram Kingdom refers to both dynasties that rule the kingdom. The two dynasties are Sanjaya Dynasty and Syailendra Dynasty which ruled the kingdom for around two centuries.

The oldest Buddhist temples that built during Ancient Mataram Kingdom is Kalasan Temple. Kalasan Temple is built by Rakai Panangkaran the second king of Mataram Kingdom. The temple is built in 8^th century as the worship for Buddhism goddess named Tara. Kalasan Temple construction is show the influence of Buddhism that emerges in the Ancient Mataram Kingdom that previously dominated with Hinduism influence. 

The story of temple construction is written in Kalasan inscription that located not far from the temple. According to Kalasan inscription which dated at 778, the temple construction is a request from Buddhist monk that asks for worship place and also a monastery for Buddhist monk to live. The inscription is also said that Rakai Panangkaran as king of Mataram present Kalasan Village to Buddhist monk. From the Kalasan inscription, it can be assumed that Sari Temple that located not far from the Kalasan Temple is the vihara or monastery that built in the same period with Kalasan Temple.  

Kalasan Temple is located in Tirtomartani Village, Kalasan Sub-district, Sleman Regency, Yogyakrta Special Region. It’s located around 50 metres south from the Yogyakarta-Solo main road. The name of Kalasan Temple is come from the area that temple located, beside that the temple is also known as Tara Temple in the past for the worship to the goddess. Kalasan Temple is located around 13 kilometres east from the Yogyakarta City. The temple is just before the famous Prambanan Temple Complex, and around ten minutes ride from Pramabanan.

Kalasan Temple is a rectangular temple with around 34 metres high from ground. The temple has 45 metres long for each side of the temple. Each of temple side has one niche to the temple main chamber. The temple has magnificent decoration on it. The decoration ornaments are stone carving and sculpture that can be found from the lower part of the temple into the top of the temple. 

There are varies of awesome carving in the temple structure. The example of magnificent carving is Kala carving that located in the entrance of temple. In the temple top there is octagonal shape with Bodhisattva carving on it. There are also some carving of lotus flower, Buddha and Dyani Buddha in the temple structure. The temple decoration is show how the Javanese stone artist in the past has very high skill of stone carving. 

With the history that the temple keeps and artistry sense on its structure, Kalasan Temple is a decent place to visit. With situated in the strategic position between Yogyakarta City and the famous Prambanan Temple, the temple is one of the alternatives for historical tour around Yogyakarta. The temple is one of the temple options to visit before or after your visit to Prambanan Temple. 

Parangtritis Beach

The Legendary Beach in Southern Yogyakarta

Have you heard the story of Nyai Roro Kidul, the queen of South Java Sea mystical kingdom?Parangtritis is one of place that known has many stories related to it.  

Just one hour drive from Yogyakarta, this beach is easy to reach. T

he wide black sand beaches and the typical southern java sea waves surely wait for your visit.   

Travelling in Yogyakarta is incomplete without visit its beauty beaches in the southern shoreline. There are varies of beaches with its natural beauty and characteristic that spread from the Gunung Kidul, Bantul and Kulon Progo. Those beaches are perfect for you who want to get out of city and have some relax time. From those beaches, Parangtritis Beach is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta. This beach is always crowded by local and foreigner enjoys the beach.

Parangtritis is famous with the legend of Nyai Roro Kidul or the Queen of Southern Sea. Nyai Roro Kidul is known as the queen of mystical kingdom under the southern java sea.  The legend is also linked the queen with the Yogyakarta Sultanate, it’s said that Nyai Roro Kidul is the bride of the first king of Mataram Kingdom, the ancestor of Yogyakarta Sultanate. This make the Southern Sea Mystical Kingdom has intense metaphysical relation with Yogyakarta Sultanate. In the myth that believed by locals is said that there is a mystical line that connects Parangtritis, Sultanate Palace and Merapi Mount.   In the beach area itself, there is a myth to do not wear green colour clothes. It because, there is tale that Nyai Roro Kidul loves green colour.  It said that, person who wear green colour clothes is would be track down into sea and goes to the mystical kingdom of Southern Sea.

Parangtritis is located around 40 kilometres from Yogyakarta City. It’s around one hour car ride from the city. This beach is easy to reach, there are several transportation option whether use public transportation or private vehicle. There are many rental services in Yogyakarta, just decide which motorcycle or car do you want to use. If you like to use public transportation, there is bus from Giwangan Bus Station that can take you to Parangtritis.  Therefore, the bus were operated only until 17.00, it’s better to consider your visit time if you use public transportation.    

The beach has complete facilities. There are several accommodations near the beach area with inexpensive rates. Those accommodations can be good option to stay overnight near the beach area.  Near the beach, there are also some restaurant that serves food and drink. Most of them are serve seafood menu such as: crab, shrimp, snapper fish, lobster, and other kind of fish from the sea.  Despite directly order to restaurant, there is an option to buy  fresh fish from the Depok fish market that located in Depok Beach in the west side of Parangtritis, or from the fisherman that just arrive at the shore.

In the beach there are varies of activities that can be done. It is such as by walking around the beach to see the wide ocean ahead with its big waves. If you feel tired, just sit to relax and the wind blow, it will make you cool even in very hot day. There are also additional attractions such as: horse riding, ATV riding and horse carriage that offer in the beach area that worth to try. The most beauty scenery is when sunset come.  In that time you will see the sun go to fade into shadows under the southern sea. If you are lucky and there is no cloud in the sky, you will be able to see this awesome moment.

Pok Tunggal Beach

Pok Tunggal Beach

Awesome Beauty Hidden Under Rock Cliff

"There is always worth to take bit long journey in the unusual road condition, in case find the awesome natural beauty of white sand beach and cliff around it.  Pok Tunggal may be nice place for you to have relaxed with bit of adventure." 

Pok Tungal beach is beautiful beach that located in Tepus Village, Gunung Kidul. The beach is located between Indrayanti Beach and Siung Beach. Like others beach in Gunung Kidul, this beach has its uniqueness and beauty. It has white sand and surround by rock cliff, which makes this beach decent alternative to visit.

This beach is can be reached around two hour’s car ride from Yogyakarta City. The transportation that recommended getting to the beach is motorcycle or car. This is because there is no public transportation that has direct access to the beach.  You just need to rent motorcycle or car in the rental service.

The journey to the beach has varies of road condition, start with good road condition from Yogyakarta City into quite bad road condition when you approach the beach.  It is quite challenging journey with rocky road when we get into Pok Tunggal beach, Therefore, it’s worth for you to see the charming beauty of the beach.

White sand along the shore is welcome you, when your first step to the beach is taken. It constructs awesome image combine with the blue Indian Ocean ahead.  Rock cliff around the beach was looked alike give you protection while you enjoy the beach.  Get yourself walk around the beach and you will feel the nice texture of the white sand, it's not too soft, but not hard. The beach sand is clean it does not consist corral that makes sand colour become dark and has hard texture.  If you like to do some adventure, just try to go up to the cliff. There are steps that provided to walk in the cliff. There you can see the beach scenery from above.

The best time to visit the beach is in the weekdays.  It is relatively quiet; usually there are only few visitors on the beach. It will perfect for you who want to relax and get out of crowd. The wave sounds and the wind that blows can refresh your mind and soul.  In the weekends and holiday period the beaches will get more crowded than the weekday. Therefore, you will not disappoint with the beauty of the beach when you visit. 

The beach is managed by the local society. There are several local people who provide facilities for visitor in the beach. The facilities are such as: food stall, bathroom, umbrella rent and also tent rent.  If you feel hungry you can just go to food stall for some meal and drink.  You can also rent umbrella if you want to relax without getting high intense of temperature and sunlight.  Even if you want to overnight or want to camp at the beach, the local people are provide tent for rent.

Pok Tunggal is one of hidden natural beauty treasure in the southern part of Yogyakarta. The beach, with its white sands is a hidden treasure behind the rock cliff. The sound of ocean wave that is attracts you to play with the water remarkable. The beach is waiting for you to get explored it. It will give you nice experience and get your journey to the beach paid off with its beauty.