Taman Sari (Water Castle)

History:

Taman Sari belonged to Jogjakarta, a part of Mataram Kingdom. Mataram originally had been a great kingdom consisted of many sovereignties. The largest was Surakarta.

Jogjakarta was founded by Prince Mangkubumi, a relative of Pakubuwono II, who is the ruler of Surakarta. Having a grudge against VOC whose influence in Mataram kingdom kept growing, he turned against his former sovereignty, Surakarta and VOC. After years of guerrilla warfare, he finally established a sovereignty of his own, called Jogjakarta.




Ascending the throne, Prince Mangkubumi became Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. VOC and Surakarta acknowledged Hamengku Buwono I’s rule through the Giyanti Agreement in 1755.

Taman Sari was located at the capital city, with the same name as the sovereignty itself, Jogjakarta.



References:

1. http://watercastletamansariyogyakarta.blogspot.com/
2. fiveprime.org/hivemind/Tags/jogj...amansari
3. www.bodew.com/2010/01/
4. dolandolanrusdi.multiply.com/journal
5. fabianfoo.com/category/architect.../page/3/

Kraton Jogjakarta (Palace)

Jogjakarta, a little town with its motto "pleasurable hearted" is not only well known as a student's city, but also for its Java's culture richness. Kraton Jogja, which is a Sultan Palace, is an exotic place with traditional Java ambience in the middle of this city's rapid modernization. Kraton Jogja, tourist objects which has captivating lots of tourists both local and foreign countries is really provides a unique, interesting, beautiful, pleasurable and fun atmosphere. Lots of life aspects here in Kraton Jogja that still maintains values of glorious Java's culture from the ancient times, so it's reasonable if this place is called "the never ending Asia"

Going around Jogja for a vacation means there are lots of tourist objects which will be a pity if you miss it. You will have some kinds of tourist objects which are available here based on your interests. You can visit many historical buildings, have a culinary tour, even a tour that will add your experience and knowledge about Jogja's traditional specialty handicraft.



For you who love to hunt and taste the new food surely will be delighted if you can share the same menu with Kraton kings' favorite menus. Just try to visit one of the famous restaurants here, Gadri Resto. This is the restaurant that will bring our sense of taste wandering around through the great taste and the originality of the recipes (which have been hereditary used in Kraton). You can also eat traditional Jogja's foods in a joglo (Javanese traditional house) in a unique restaurant, Bale Raos.

The historical buildings around Kraton are also interesting to be seen. The traditional structure whose originality, beauty, and the shape of the uniqueness of the building's structure which is also symbolized the Kraton people's life. That is definitely useful for you to widen your tour experience.

Not only culinary tour and historical buildings, you can also dig a new lesson by learning how to make batik cloth, kite, music, with expert teacher in its field; Pak Hadjir (batik teacher whose name is well known by world). Kraton Jogja, offers more than just a cultural tourism.

References:

1. http://kratonjogja.com/
2. wisataqoke-susan.blogspot.com/20...rta.html
3. bangjotours.com/2009/11/kraton-y...yakarta/

Prambanan Temple

Reputated as the biggest and most beautiful Hindhus Temple in Indonesia, and locally known as Roro Jonggrang. Excursion to Prambanan temple complex-the most beautiful Hindu temple then proceed to Solo visit to the Mangkunegaran's Palace, Triwindhu flea-market. Continued drive on to Sukuh temple located on slope of Mount Lawu and surrounded by beautiful sceneries. Also visit to Cetoh temple.

Yogyakarta is the most popular tourist destination on Java. Famous for its rich heritage, cultural performances such as gamelan music, classical dance, shadow puppet shows, can be enjoyed daily.
It is also a good base for day trips to 2 of the world's most impressive archeological sites - Borobudur & Prambanan Temple complexes. Yogyakarta also has excellent budget food & accommodation options and has been a travelers favorite for many years.

References:

1. www.richard-seaman.com/Travel/In...dex.html

2. http://www.indonesia-tourism.com/central-java/klaten/prambanan/

3. seeaboutindonesia.blogspot.com/2...ive.html

Borobudur Temple

The most famous of Indonesia's temples is this huge Buddhist pyramid. This is a Buddhism's largest shrine in Indonesia, built in the 9th century. Located north west of Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple was completed in the second half of the ninth century. Like the Hindu temple complexes Prambanan and the Dieng plateau, Borobudur was unknown and neglected for almost a thousand years, covered under thick layers of volcanic ash. From a far Borobudur Temple looks like a huge but ordinary stone construction. But from nearby we can see that it consists of hundreds of wonderfully detailed statues and sculptures, representing Buddhist teachings mixed with images of Javanese life of a thousand years ago.
History
There is no written record of who built Borobudur or of its intended purpose. The construction time has been estimated by comparison between carved reliefs on the temple's hidden foot and the inscriptions commonly used in royal charters during the eight and ninth centuries. Borobudur was likely founded around 750 AD. This corresponds to the peak of the Sailendra dynasty in central Java (760–830 AD), when it was under the influence of the Srivijayan Empire. The construction has been estimated to have taken 75 years and been completed during the reign of Samaratungga in 825.

For centuries, Borobodur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash. The reasons behind the desertion of this magnificent monument still remain a mystery. Some scholars believe that famine caused by an eruption of Mount Merapi forced the inhabitants of Central Java to leave their lands behind in search of a new place to live. When people once again inhabited this area, the glory of Borobudur was buried by ash from Mount Merapi.

Borobudur was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles who, during his visit in Semarang, received a report indicating the discovery of a hill full of many carved stones. The hill was believed by the local inhabitants to be the site of an ancient monument called budur. Raffles then commissioned a team led by Cornelius to investigate the hill.

It was in 1835 that the site was cleared. Some efforts were made to restore and preserve the colossal monument since then. Unfortunately, in 1896 the Dutch colonial government gave away eight containers of Borobudur stones, including reliefs, statues, stairs and gates, as presents for the King of Siam who was visiting Indonesia.

A restoration program undertaken between 1973 and 1984 returned much of the complex to its former glory, and the site has since become a destination of Buddhist pilgrimage. On January 21, 1985 the temple suffered minor damage due to a bomb attack. In 1991, Borobudur was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

References:

1. last-travel.blogspot.com/2009/12...ury.html

2. trulydotnet.wordpress.com/catego.../temple/

3. http://www.adventureindonesia.com/jogyakarta-welcome.htm?gclid=CPSQ4466rKMCFcZS6wodinO86A

4. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/indonesia/borobudur

Ratu Boko Temple

Standing on the top of the hill and hide of it beauty. From this place, you can feel the peace and also able to see Jogjakarta/Yogyakarta city and Prambanan temple with Merapi Mountain as the background.

By history, King Boko Palace was a glorious building that was constructed descendant of Sailendra dynasty and during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran. Named initailly as Abhayagiri Vihara (that means a monastery on a peaceful hill), this palace was built for seclusion purpose and to focus on spiritual life.
References:

1. http://www.jogjaportrait.com/the-amazing-ratu-boko-temple/
2. yolagani.wordpress.com/2008/02/0...tu-boko/