Jendral Sudirman Museum

Formerly it was a residence of Panglima Besar Jendral Sudirman, the first general of Indonesia Army Service. It is located at jalan Bintaran. Keeping many kinds of guns and other army instruments used in past physic revolution. His private goods like spoon, plate, cattapult, and his tandu ( a palanquin ) as specific of General Sudirman that used to carry him to move from one to another place ( guerilla ), are kept in this museum.

Krakal Beach

To get to Krakal beach you have to pass Wonosari the capital of the Gunungkidul Regency, about 38 km from Yogyakarta. The winding and mountainous road is well asphalt. Krakal is about 21 km, from Wonosari, located some 7 km east from the road that branches off the main road to Baron, crossing limestone hills with their harsh appearance, alternated with terraced rocks which all present a blend of very enchanting scenery.

Geologists say that a long time ago, this place was below sea level. In the remaining coral bed, many fossils can still be found. Among all the beaches that stretch along the coast of Java, Krakal with -its white sandy beach surrounded with mountainous rocky hills is the most beautiful one.

Meanwhile, the battering of its gigantic waves in a mass of white foam gives more enchantment to this beach. It has enchanted many tourism planning experts from foreign countries. They suggest that it should be prepared as a beach resort, particularly for foreign tourists ( like Tourist Resort Nusa Dua in Bali ). Their interest in exploring Krakal is supported by its attractive potentials such as: a sloping and white sandy beach stretching out for about 5 km. There is always warm sun-shine from dawn until twilight during the whole dry and rainy season. The sea wind always blows softly. As a whole, it is most suitable for sun- bathing. It also offers a very hue and multicolored marine growth.

Krakal is close to Kukup beach and Baron cove. This cove is in fact an estuary of an underground river that comes up exactly at the water-front. It is interesting to observe the combination of the beach and the cove from the protruding rocky hills that flank the caves on both sides.

Parangkusumo

According to the people's belief it used to be the meeting place between the kings who reigned Mataram kingdom and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. Every year, on the 30 th day of the Javanese month, " Rejeb ", ( its consideration is based on the rotation of the moon when it revolves giving of offerings to the Queen of the south-sea is held on the shore of Parangkusumo, coincided with the commemoration of the inauguration of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Flowers, food, clothes, cutting the Sultan's nails and hair, will be thrown in to the water of the Indian Ocean. Every night, especially every Friday and Tuesday Klimon ( according to the Javanese calendar ), many people come to visit the rest house built on this place to meditate and to get spiritual tranquillity. The legends say that the rocks resulted from a post volcanic activity found at Parangkusumo used to be the place where Panembahan Senopati and Kanjeng Ratu Kidul sat confering on special occasions.

Banyu Nibo

Banyu Nibo temple can be visited easily after visiting King Boko temple. It is located solitarily amid the farmland about two kilometers southeast of King Boko's Palace, flanked by Gunung Kidul hills to the south. The fantastic view of its exotic scenery makes this temple most enjoyable. This Budhist temple is fairly small. The slightly curved roof functions as the top of the stupa and gives the temple certain allure. This temples dates from the 9th century and has been restored.

Kiskendo Cave

Some 38 km at northwest side of Yogya and 21 km from Wates natural cave on Menoreh hill, located in Jatimulyo, sub district of Girimulyo. The cave ornamented with various shape of stalactites-stalagmites. One of the stalactites is in big tongue shape, assumed as the tongue of Mahesosuro.

The area lies + 700 m above sea level, so that the air there is cool and fresh. The panorama of its environment is beautiful indeed. To the east, vast lowlands extending around the Progo river can be admired and to the south, vaguely, the Indian Ocean.

This cave can be reached by motor bikes or cars. But those using big vehicles ( big buses ) are advised to stop at the Kecamatan ( district ) Girimulyo and to proceed by smaller vehicles because of the narrow road. Along the way to the cave the beautiful view of the mountainous area and the terraced rice field are beautiful sight.

Apart from the stalagmites clinging to the roof and mounting from the floor of the cave, it is said that the cave treasures a well known legend about the fight between Mahesasura, Lembusura and Jathasura against Sugriwa and Subali.

This story is depicted by relief made in front of the cave. In connection with above story, inside the Kiskendo cave local people belief the presence of several places as being the remainders of Sekandang Kingdom, among others:

Santri Tani and Subali meditation places, Selumbung (royal food storage), Kraton Sekandang (centre of the Kingdom), Selansur (hiding place of royal soldiers during the fight between Subali againt Mahesasura and Lembusura; this place can only be reached by crawling ) and Sumelong (a hole through the roof of the cave the escape of Subali from the cave because Sugriwa has blocked the entrance of the cave).

Benteng Vredeburg

Benteng Vredeburg is opposite Gedung Agung. It was built in the year 1765 by the Dutch during the colonial domination against the cannon shot from the Sultan's palace. Its function was to protect the residence of the Dutch Residence. This fort is also surrounded by a moat which still can be seen at present. The fort is rectangular in shape with bastions on the four corners and ramparts which enable the Dutch soldiers to walk around and shoot from.

From the base of the cannon on the southern rampart, one has a good view of the Sultan's Palace and other historical buildings and busy traffic around these places. The fort is within walking distance from the centre of town.

Merapi Volcano

The internally giant smoking Mount Merapi is one of the active volcanoes found in Indonesia, presenting its peaceful and sleepy dense forest. Beyond this, there lies a vast deserted land with its deep and steep valley spread out among the mountain hills where sibilant pines and wild grass make out the dominating vegetation, all presents a very exciting panorama. During its resting time of volcanic activities, it will enable those who have

much interest in mountaineering to have fun and to make them more acquainted with the flora of its tropical rain forest. From the observation post located on Plawangan hill that can be reached through the forest resort of Kaliurang, you will see the incredible sights of molten rocks oozing over the rim, sometimes accompanied with hot lava pouring out regularly and leaving a long trail of smoke.

Mount Merapi is 2.920 m above sea level with an average temperature of about 10 degrees Celcius and a difference in temperature between noon and night of 15 - 16 degrees Celcius. At present this resort is provided with an out standing and modern Golf Course, which is setting on 800 meters of sea level. This 18 holes, par 72 course is opened to the public and located only 30 minutes from the city of Yogyakarta.

Monument of March 1st

Monument 1 Maret is located on Jalan Panembahan Senopati, next to Fort Vredeburg and was erected in commemoration of the total offensive on March 1, 1949 (Serangan Oemoem 1 Maret ), when the Indonesian guerilla fighters succeeded within 6 hours to reoccupy Yogyakarta, again st the Dutch colonial. This event, known as " The Six Hours in Yogyakarta " (Enam Jam di Yogya ), commanded by Kolonel Soeharto. Both parties were brought to the Round Table Conference ( KMB ) in Den Haag.

Sambisari Temple

The temple, which has been restored recently, is located some 12 kilometers east of Yogyakarta, on the north of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo. Sambisari temple is very unique, it lies 6,5 meters bellow the ground level. It was erected in the 10th century. Because of the eruption of mount Merapi in 1006 the area surrounding the temple covered with volcanic material.

Kaliurang Mountain Resort

Kaliurang lies at the foot of Plawangan hill on the southern slope of mount Merapi, some 28 km, north of Yogyakarta. This is a refreshing holiday resort for those seeking refuge and tranquility amidst the lush green tropical splendour.

As a mountain resort Kaliurang offers accommodation facilities - villas, bungalows, inns as well as recreational facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts and playground. Many people visit Kaliurang, especially during the holidays. Young people, like boy scouts, enjoy going there since the town provides camping sites and places for mountaineering. Those who like mountain climbing can climb the Merapi Mountain from Kaliurang.

One can stay overnight in Kaliurang then start, very early in the morning, climbs the Merapi via Kinahrejo village to descend again at noon.

When the weather is clear, a spectacular sight of the panoramic view that covers the surrounding forest of Plawangan and Kaliurang, and the rolling green country side that fades into the distant misty horizon of the blue Indian Ocean can be seen easily. The best time to view the mountain is shortly after sunrise (before 09.00 o'clock ), when the early morning light starts lifting up the shroud of mist around its peak.

Malioboro

Malioboro is well known for walking and shopping very popular among Indonesian and international tourists. Spread the station Tugu Sultan in place, Malioboro is 2 km long and home to hundreds of shops and street stalls offering different types of handicrafts. Several places Malioboro are as follows:

• Pasar Beringharjo (Beringharjo market), Jalan Pabringan 1, Yogyakarta 55122 (north of Fort Vredeburg), +62 274 515871, 561510. Literally means inclined land, Beringaharjo is the biggest traditional market in Yogyakarta. Vendors sell many types of goods, ranging from basic household items (vegetables, fruits, meat) to many types of handicrafts. Haggle furiously.

• Mirota Batik (opp Beringharjo Pasar), Jalan Ahmad Yani 9, Yogyakarta 55122, +62 274 588524, 518127, 547016. The large family-owned store offers many crafts, not only in Yogyakarta, but all part of Indonesia.

• Dagadu (ground floor below Malioboro Mall). Offers contemporary funny t-shirts and souvenirs that revolves around Yogyakarta culture.

If you move a foot is not your thing, you can surf on the pedal power called trishaw becak, or horsecart Andong.

Warning: If Yogyakarta is safer than Jakarta, it is not free of Pickpockets. Most of the time, Malioboro sidewalk is crowded, take standard precautions to protect your property.

Kraton Complex

The Sri Sultan's palace or Kraton encompasses the main palace, Sultan's residential, two Sultan's grounds, and large residential area where sultan servants used to reside. Notable attraction in Kraton complex are:

• Kraton Yogyakarta. A calm yet elegant Javanese heritage that consists of two separate entrances: the Main Court (Pagilaran & Siti Hinggil), and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of Sultan's monarchy, while the Residence is more homey while still exhibiting the royal family's luxurious lifestyle. Open 8.30 AM to 1 PM daily, on Friday the attraction is closed at 11 AM. While the guide is part of the entrance fee, they might expecting tips. Some guide might offer extended trip to sultan's servants batik workshop, this is a scam as they only bring you to a regular batik shop with steep price. It's a good idea to refuse their offer politely. Rp 12500 (foreign tourist price) or Rp 5000 (Indonesian tourist price), Rp 1000 extra for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

• Sultan's Carriage Museum (Museum Kereta) . This museum houses Sultan's horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as Golden Carts (kereta kencana).

• Taman Sari, Jalan Taman, Kraton Yogyakarta 55133. Also known by the Dutch name waterkasteel (water castle), this is a partly ruined complex built as a pleasure garden by the first Sultan in 1765. One of the bathing pools was dedicated to the sultan's harem, and he had a tower overlooking the area so he could take his pick. Entrance fee does not cover the guide, who will expect tips. Open 9 AM to 3 PM daily. Rp 7000 for entrance, Rp 1000 for a photo permit (price as of June 15, 2008).

• Siti Hinggil Selatan. This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for formal occasion. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend night.

• Alun-Alun or the Sultan's ground. There are two Sultan's grounds: Alun-alun Utara and Alun-alun Selatan or the northern and southern Sultan's ground, consecutively. If you are lucky, you can see the Gerebeg Maulud parade during Prophet Muhammad's birthday.

• Masjid Gede Kauman, one of the oldest and largest mosque in Yogyakarta. Located on the west of Alun-alun Utara, this mosque was where the Sultan performs his religious rites and ceremonies. Non-muslim visitors should wear decent clothing. It may be a good idea to ask the mosque authorities prior to entering the mosque due to some rules that must be abide.

Yogyakarta city was built with deep philosophy: the city was designed so that the main elements of the city forms a imaginary line. This straight line starts from Parangtritis on the coast, to Kraton Yogyakarta, to Tugu Monument, and finally to Mount Merapi. This represents Sultan's strong relationship with the guardian spirits of Mt. Merapi and the beach of Parangtritis.

Kotagede

Kota Gede in Yogyakarta is a very important place and is suspended as remains of a complex called Kraton housing in the palace of King and other important buildings. However, it was the end of the 1500s, that Kota Gede, a place of the palace.

Kota Gede is famous for the many legends and myths engulfing prices. There are many important stories in terms of Kota Gede and all these legends have contributed largely to the popularity of the place. The location is currently still a Royal graveyard and there are few remains of the wall in place for all tourists, preserved to come and see.

What is Kota Gede now?

Kota Gede actually inside the suburb of the city of Yogyakarta. The workers were given for advertising during the two Indonesian independence in 1940, and also in subsequent years. In Kota Gede actually Royal boy and the place is noted for the many grave dug within the inner depths of the grave.

In Kota Gede be considered a grave physical manifestation of "silsilah" or records of offspring or generations that follow. In Kota Gede supported by showing Kunci who is employed by the two palaces in Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The place is a cemetery of Mataram kings who were very popular during their time. It is attracting city called Penembahan Senopati and the amazing tomb of Ki Ageng Mangir. The bodies were buried in the graveyard and there is old, called "Watu Gilang".

Particularites regarding Kota Gede:

All those wishing to visit the cemetery or graveyard can only come here dressed in traditional clothing. All are advised to adhere to the dress code. Kota Gede has some strict rules to be followed as far as discipline and decorum are affected. In the cemetery is open on Mondays from 10 and closes at 12am sharp, while for other days as Friday of the cemetery is open from 1.30pm and again closes at 4pm sharpness. In Kota Gede cemetery also has pods on the premises where the turtles. This turtle is considered by many to miraculous by some supernatural powers.

Prambanan Temple

This magnificent Hindu temple derives its name from the village, where a small, Seventeen kilometers east of Yogyakarta. Locally known as Loro Jongrang Temple, or temple in the slender Virgin, which is the most magnificent and beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia. Prambanan is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the mid-ninth century. His parapets are decorated with relief depicting the Ramayana-famous story. Has eight sanctuaries, three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Visnhu and brahma. The main temple of Shiva rises to a height of 130 feet and houses in a magnificent statue of Shiva is the husband, Durga. The Ramayana ballet performed in the open stage during the time the full moon in the months from May to October.

Borobudur

Borobudur is a ninth century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.A main dome is located at the center of the top platform, and is surrounded by seventy-two Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupa.

The monument is both a shrine to the Lord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path circumambulating the monument while ascending to the top through the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely, Kamadhatu (the world of desire); Rupadhatu (the world of forms); and Arupadhatu (the world of formless). During the journey, the monument guides the pilgrims through a system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the wall and the balustrades.

Evidence suggests Borobudur was abandoned following the fourteenth century decline of Buddhist and Hindu kingdoms in Java, and the Javanese conversion to Islam. It was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java. Borobudur has since been preserved through several restorations. The largest restoration project was undertaken between 1975 and 1982 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO, following which the monument was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur is still used for pilgrimage, where once a year Buddhists in Indonesia celebrate Vesak at the monument, and Borobudur is Indonesia's single most visited tourist attraction.

Etymology
In Indonesian, temples are known as candi, thus "Borobudur Temple" is locally known as Candi Borobudur. The term candi is also used more loosely to describe any ancient structure, for example, gates and bathing structures. The origins of the name Borobudur however are unclear, although the original names of most ancient Indonesian temples are no longer known. The name 'Borobudur' was first written in the Sir Thomas Raffles book on Java history. Raffles wrote about a monument called borobudur, but there are no older documents suggesting the same name. The only old Javanese manuscript that hints at the monument as a holy Buddhist sanctuary is Nagarakertagama, written by Mpu Prapanca in 1365.

The name 'Bore-Budur', and thus 'BoroBudur', is thought to have been written by Raffles in English grammar to mean the nearby village of Bore; most candi are named after a nearby village. If it followed Javanese language, the monument should have been named 'BudurBoro'. Raffles also suggested that 'Budur' might correspond to the modern Javanese word Buda ('ancient') - i.e., 'ancient Boro'. However, another archaeologist suggests the second component of the name ('Budur') comes from Javanese term bhudhara (or mountain).

Location
Approximately 40 kilometers (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur is located in an elevated area between two twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo. According to local myth, the area known as Kedu Plain is a Javanese 'sacred' place and has been dubbed 'the garden of Java' due to its high agricultural fertility. Besides Borobudur, there are other Buddhist and Hindu temples in the area, including the Prambanan temples compound. During the restoration in the early 1900s, it was discovered that three Buddhist temples in the region, Borobudur, Pawon and Mendut, are lined in one straight line position. It might be accidental, but the temples' alignment is in conjunction with a native folk tale that a long time ago, there was a brick-paved road from Borobudur to Mendut with walls on both sides. The three temples (Borobudur–Pawon–Mendut) have similar architecture and ornamentation derived from the same time period, which suggests that ritual relationship between the three temples, in order to have formed a sacred unity, must have existed, although exact ritual process is yet unknown.

Unlike other temples, which were built on a flat surface, Borobudur was built on a bedrock hill, 265 m (869 ft) above sea level and 15 m (49 ft) above the floor of the dried-out paleolake. The lake's existence was the subject of intense discussion among archaeologists in the twentieth century; Borobudur was thought to have been built on a lake shore or even floated on a lake. In 1931, a Dutch artist and a scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, developed a theory that Kedu Plain was once a lake and Borobudur initially represented a lotus flower floating on the lake. Lotus flowers are found in almost every Buddhist work of art, often serving as a throne for buddhas and base for stupas. The architecture of Borobudur itself suggests a lotus depiction, in which Buddha postures in Borobudur symbolize the Lotus Sutra, mostly found in many Mahayana Buddhism (a school of Buddhism widely spread in the east Asia region) texts. Three circular platforms on the top are also thought to represent a lotus leaf. Nieuwenkamp's theory, however, was contested by many archaeologists because the natural environment surrounding the monument is a dry land.

Geologists, on the other hand, support Nieuwenkamp's view, pointing out clay sediments found near the site. A study of stratigraphy, sediment and pollen samples conducted in 2000 supports the existence of a paleolake environment near Borobudur, which tends to confirm Nieuwenkamp's theory. The lake area fluctuated with time and the study also proves that Borobudur was near the lake shore circa thirteenth and fourteenth century. River flows and volcanic activities shape the surrounding landscape, including the lake. One of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, Mount Merapi, is in the direct vicinity of Borobudur and has been very active since the Pleistocene.

Nine villages to highlight Yogyakarta art festival 2008

The 20th Yogyakarta Arts Festival 2008 will be held July 6 - August 3."Nine kampongs (villages) will take part in the so-called `babad kampung` (chronicle of village) program," spokesperson of the festival Rinda Maria said on Thursday.She added the nine kampongs are Tukangan, Kricak Kidul, Pandean, Samirono, Mergangsan Kidul, Suryowijayan, Minggiran, Dolahan and Pajeksan.She said the festival would make kampongs as the focus of the festival as it has always been identical with a dirty and old fashioned object.Such condition could be changed with the reposition of the kampongs as productive and creative part of the city.In the program, she added, the art performance could function as a media in the form of contemporary and traditional arts."The most important thing is how a kampong`s society understand the meaning of its past and how they think of their identities," she added.Besides performing the historical story of the villages, she added, the program would organize a documentary exhibition in the villages. (*)

The History of Yogyakarta

People have lived in Central Java and the Yogyakarta area since time immemorial as over the centuries they have been attracted by the rich soil caused by the numerous volcanic eruptions. Earliest recorded history dares from the 9th century and was dominated by Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms that gave rise to the magnificent temples such as Prambanan, Ratu Boko, Kalasan, Sambisari and Borobudur found in this area.

Yogyakarta itself dates back to the 18th century. In the early 18th century, the Muslim Mataram Kingdom of the time was ruled by Pakubuwono II. After he passed away, there was a conflict between his son and his brother which was encouraged by the Dutch who were trying to colonize the region on a 'divide and rule' basis.

The Kingdom was divided into two regions namely Surakarta Hadiningrat kingdom under the rule of Sunan Pakubuwono III, and Nyayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom under the rule of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. He was the founder of the present line of Sultans who still live in the Kraton and play important role in Javanese culture. The second kingdom was later called Yogyakarta, now better known as Yogyakarta.

After the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was proclaimed, Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX and Sri Paku Alam VIII launched a statement that the Kasultanan and Kadipaten (the two royal regions), belonged to the Republic of Indonesia as a part of the whole area of the Indonesia Republic. Since then, it has been known as Yogyakarta Special Region and was given provincial status in 1950 in recognition of its important role in the fight for independence.

Culture of Yogyakarta

The culture Yogyakarta province with its status as a special region lies in the Southern part of Central Java, in the heartland of Javanese culture. As the former capital and the center of several kingdoms in the past, this region and its people are very rich in a variety of cultures. It is widely known from to historical records that the civilization, art and culture had developed well in the center of those kingdoms respectively in the Ancient Mataram Kingdom (8th - 10th Century) era, the second Mataram Kingdom (17th - 18th Century) and Sultanate Ngayogyokarto from the mid of 18th Century up today.
It should be noted that the cultural heritage from the past includes the magnificent temples, the ruins of palaces and monasteries, the various kind of traditions, cultural events, traditional folk and performing arts, architecture and other traditional activities. It is important to note that this is all part of the living culture of Yogyakarta, color of daily activities of live and the local inhabitants behavior, particularly the Javanese community with its traditional way of life and customs. Therefore, because of its culture richness and heritage, Yogyakarta has long been known as the cradle of Javanese culture.
The other legendary name for Yogyakarta City, among the elders as well as the youth generation that is the City of Art and Culture. Traditional and modern exhibition are held almost every day and night about the art of theater, pantomime, music, classic and contemporary dances, poems, etc. Those are flow in the heart of the city. Even more, there are abundant of cultural ceremony, such as Sekaten, Gunungan, Labuhan, Malioboro Fair, etc, which make the city has high value of tradition, art, and culture.

Populations of Yogyakarta

Based on 2000, the total population of Yogyakarta special Region amounted to 3.311.812. Yogyakarta Municipality that has 461,800 inhabitants spread over 32,50 kilometers or the average population density is thus over 14,200 persons per square kilometer. The least densely populated districts is in Gunung Kidul regency which has 720.643 inhabitants and cover 1,485 square kilometers or the density rate is 485 persons per square kilometer. Since a very long time ago the Provincial territory of Yogyakarta Special Region and its surrounding has been decently populated.

The majority residents of Yogyakarta Special Region are Javanese whose language derives from ancient Sanskrit. However, as Yogyakarta is considered to be "Indonesia's academic city" due to the numerous centers for higher learning, many of the inhabitants are student who come from all over Indonesia to study.

Climate and Weather in Yogyakarta

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. The Yogyakarta Special Region lays approximately 7 South of the equator line and is bathed in tropical; sunshine along the year. This region has a tropic climate the daily atmosphere feels a little bit hot and humid. These are only two seasons along the year, the wet or rainy seasons and dry monsoon. Usually the wet seasons begin at September and lasts about August. Generally there is no rainfalls from may to August and there fore the atmosphere feels hot and humid on the day and cool in the night and early morning. The monthly rain falling Yogyakarta varies between 3mm and 496mm in which those above 300mm take place during the month of January up to April. The heaviest rainfall usually occurs in February while the lowest commonly happens between May and October Average annually rainfall is about 1,900mm.

Geographically

Yogyakarta Special Region is geographically located almost equidistant from Indonesia's two most important international gateways, about 600 km from Jakarta and 1000 km from Bali. Yogyakarta also has excellent transport connections by bus, train or plane to the rest of Java, Sumatra, Bali and Lombok. Yogyakarta's Adisucipto Airport is in the process of changing its status in order to receive not only domestics' flights from Bali and Jakarta, but also direct charter and scheduled flights from other countries.
Geographically, Yogyakarta Special Province is situated in the Southern part of Central Java and lies between 7 degree 33' and 8 degree 12', South altitude between 110 degree and 50' East longitude. Some regencies of central Java Province surround the administrative boundaries of this region:
Southern East: Wonogiri Regency
Eastern: Klaten Regency
Northwestern: Magelang Regency
Western: Purworejo Regency
The Indonesian Ocean borders the Southern part of Yogyakarta. The borderline of the seashore stretches from West to East of which the length is around 100 km, started from Congot Beach in Kulon Progo Regency and ended at Sadeng Beach in Gunung Kidul Regency.
Because of its location, Yogyakarta is strategically positioned for the economic activity network in Java as well as for the tourist destination area. The special region of Yogyakarta lies midway on the axis of several main tourist destination areas, Jakarta and West Java westward, Central Java northward, East Java and Bali eastward. It is linked by regular rail, road and air services to other parts of Indonesian archipelago.

YOGYAKARTA - JOGJAKARTA

Yogyakarta Special Region (Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, DIY) is officially one of Indonesia's 32 provinces. Yogyakarta is one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. This region is 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 the best inherited of traditions. The city itself has a special charm, which seldom fails to captivate the visitor. This province is one of the most densely populated areas of Indonesia. The city came into being in 1755, after the Mataram division into the Sultanates of Yogyakarta and Surakarta (Solo). Gamelan, classical and contemporary Javanese dances, wayang kulit (leather puppet), theater and other expressions of traditional art will keep the visitor spellbound. Local craftsmen excel in arts such batiks, silver and leather works. Next to the traditional, contemporary art has found fertile soil in Yogya's culture oriented society. ASRI, the Academy of Fine Arts is the center of arts and Yogyakarta itself has given its name to an important school of modern painting in Indonesia, perhaps best personified by the famed Indonesian impressionist, the late Affandi.
Yogyakarta is often called the main gateway to the Central Java as where it is geographically located. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean. There is daily air service to Yogya from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali as well as regular train service and easy accessibility by road. Yogyakarta is commonly considered as the modern cultural of Central Java. Although some may prefer Solo as a good runner up, Yogyakarta remains the clear front-runner for traditional dance, Wayang (traditional puppetry) and music. Yogyakarta has more than just culture though. It is a very lively city and a shopper's delight. The main road, Malioboro Street, is always crowded and famous for its night street food-culture and street vendors. Many tourist shops and cheap hotels are concentrated along this street or in the adjoining tourist area such Sosrowijayan Street.
The key attraction of Yogyakarta is 'Kraton' (the Sultan's Palace). The Sultan's palace is the centre of Yogya's traditional life and despite the advance of modernity; it still emanates the spirit of refinement, which has been the hallmark of Yogya's art for centuries. This vast complex of decaying buildings was built in the 18th century, and is actually a walled city within the city with luxurious pavilions and in which the current Sultan still resides. Yogyakarta is also the only major city, which still has traditional 'Becak' (rickshaw-style) transport.