Yogyakarta Vacations - Java, Indonesia

Yogyakarta or simply Yogya, is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, Yogyakarta was in the 16th and 17th centuries the seat of the mighty Javanese empire of Mataram., from which present day Yogyakarta has inherited the best of traditions.

The city is divided into 14 districts (kecamatan). 1. Gondokusuman 2. Jetis 3. Tegalrejo 4. Umbulharjo 5. Kotagede 6. Mergangsan 7. Ngampilan 8. Danurejan 9. Kraton 10. Wirobrajan 11. Pakualaman 12. Mantrijeron 13. Gedongtengen 14. Gondomanan

Museum Sonobudoyo
This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, is built in traditional Javanese architecture. It exhibits weapons, leather and wooden puppets of wayang theater, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace.

Kotagede
Kotagede, about five kilometers southeast of Yogyakarta, is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. In this old palace town with its walled-in houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silverwork industry. Kotagede is easily reached by andong, the four wheeled horse-drawn cart, by taxi, bus, or car.

There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as Yogya Silver.

Affandi Museum
On the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum (1907 - 1990) in a lush garden next to his peculiar private home on stilts. He was Indonesia's foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own paintings and of those of his daughter Kartika. Affandi's grave (died in May 1990) lies in the backyard next to the museum.

The average daily temperature range between 26 degree and 28 degree Celsius with its minimum 18 degree C and maximum 35 degree C respectively. Average humidity is 74% with its minimum of 65% and maximum 84% respectively.

About the Author:

Jerry Hall. Mystical Yogyakarta... Come find out more at http://Yogyakarta.ewhy.info

Things To Do and See in Yogyakarta

Prambanan Temples, Yogyakarta
These ancient masterpieces of Hindu architecture are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story.
Attraction type: Ancient ruins; Architectural building; Historic site; Ballet; Religious site

Kraton (Keraton), Yogyakarta
Attraction type: Historic site; Town center/square/plaza; Castle; History museum

Kota Gede, Yogyakarta
The old section of the town which contains an old mosque that holds the remains of the first sultan of Mataram.
Attraction type: Neighborhood

Yogyakarta Bird Market, Yogyakarta
Attraction type: Flea/street market

Jalan Malioboro, Yogyakarta
Attraction type: Flea/street market