Touring the Motherland Series: Yogyakarta, Central Java

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by Harini Riana

Last Post: Bali Island

Almost every Indonesian I know loves visiting Jogja (short for Jogjakarta. Also known as Yogyakarta or Yogya.) There’s something romantic about this folksy, laid back town that holds such rich history of Java. As a cultural center of Indonesia’s most populated island, Jogja continues to preserve its tradition and uphold its cultural heritage. Tranquility and hospitality, some characteristics identical to the delightful Javanese way of life demonstrate themselves clearly in this town. They seem to send calm vibration to the town’s active streets and people. The people of Jogja are known for being patient and pleasant—traits that might easily separate them from local tourists or newcomers. A fascinating juxtaposition to observe. It’s comforting to feel the strong pulse of Javanese cultural identity in the midst of Indonesia’s growth and changes.

I remembered coming to Jogja with my family a few times when I was little and then in another occasion with my junior high classmates on a school field trip. The last time I visited Jogja was 14 years ago. I came with my childhood best friend in Surabaya. Along with her family, we helped her move to attend college in Jogja. So I wasn’t sure what the town would look like when Jeff and I planned to stop by for a weekend in December. What a relief it was to see the town’s familiar scenes. Other than the traffic jam, not much has changed. It still felt like that old romantic Jogja I had remembered from a long time ago.

One thing to note: It might be more enjoyable to visit Jogja during the off-season when it is less crowded. I was told by family and friends that tourists fill up the town during big national holidays like Christmas/New Year and Eid. We were included in that group of people who overcrowded Jogja during the New Year’s Eve long weekend! 🙂

Andong, a traditional form of transportation
Andong or horse carriage, a traditional form of transportation
Malioboro Street
Performing on the always-crowded Malioboro Street
The crowded sidewalks of Malioboro where I managed to shop tons of batik handicrafts.
The crowded sidewalks of Malioboro where I bought lots of batik handicrafts.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple, a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, a little bit outside of Jogja.
Borobudur Temple, a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple in Magelang, a short distance driving from Jogja.
Inside the stupa
Inside the stupa
A Buddha statue inside of the stupa
A Buddha statue inside of the stupa
The Buddha's teaching carved in stone.
The Buddha’s teaching carved in stone.

More BuddhaBuddha1

StupaThe Buddha

Selling salak fruit
Selling salak fruit
Traditional ceremony celebrating harvest time
Traditional ceremony celebrating harvest time, Kaliurang, outside of Jogja
The volcanic Mount Merapi covered by clouds. Jogja is located close to the volcanic Mount Merapi.
The volcanic Mount Merapi covered by clouds. Jogja is located close to the volcanic Mount Merapi.
The Sultan's Palace of Jogjakarta
At the entrance of the Sultanate Palace of Yogyakarta
Ancient ruins of Tamansari, a bathing complex and water castle of the Sultanate of Jogjakarta
Searching for the ancient ruins of Tamansari, a bathing complex and water castle of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta
Rice field in the rain
Rice field in the rain

Mendut Temple

Mendut Temple, another 9th century Buddhist temple close to Borobudur
Mendut Temple, another 9th century Buddhist temple close to Borobudur

Hoped you enjoyed the read!

Next post: Surabaya and East Java

Photos property of The Traveling Chili Pepper

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Harini Riana

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