> Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta 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 itself has a special charm which seldom fails to captivate the visitor.

Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization of Java. Thus city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram Kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Until today this city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, masters, master painters and master craftsmen.

Yogya is famous as a centre of traditional textile production, particularly batik. The distinctive batik of Yogya uses the basic colors of brown, indigo and white with in geometric designs. Many young artists of Yogya have also embraced the modern art of batik-painting. Yogya is also known for its leather and wooden puppets crafts used for traditional shadow-puppet performances, as well as wooden puppet performances (wayang golek) that are used to act out ancient epics which contain popular but deep philosophical thoughts and teachings.

Yogya is often called the main gateway to the center of Java where it is geographically located. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean.

People & Culture:

The people of Yogyakarta are known for their hospitality and good manners. If you show proper respect, you will be welcome in any part of the city. While its bustling cultural hub, Yogya is also slower paced and more relaxed than other cities in Indonesia. Many locals consider Yogya the perfect place to retire because of its air of serenity, tolerance and harmony. There is a reason why people say time moves slower in Yogya.

Local Cuisine:

Yogyakarta is truly a unique city. Ruled by a king (sultan) whose lineage can be traced to centuries, this city offers plenty cultural and historical heritage. Here in the street of Yogya you can eat lesehan style (without chair, only floor mat and table). The rather sweet cuisine of Yogyakarta might surprise you first, but many people have been longing for good Javanese food after trying it once, so you might have the same experience.

This city offers many tasty delicacies. From bakpia cake (is a cake made of green beans, palm sugar and other flavours), bakmi jawa (is a traditional Javanese noodle soup dish, usually used the yellow and white noodle, then mix with the chicken pieces and cooked in a clay pot), to gudeg (is a curry young jackfruit with traditional herbs, simmered in coconut cream, sometimes combining with eggs and chicken). And so on.