Yogyakarta (some people call it Jogja, Jogjakarta, or Yogya) is a city with an outstanding historical and cultural heritage. Yogyakarta was the centre of the Mataram Dynasty (1575-1640), and the kraton (the sultan’s palace) still remains fully functional. Also, Yogyakarta has numerous thousand-year-old temples as an inheritances of the great ancient kingdoms, such as the Borobudur temple established in the ninth century by the dynasty of Syailendra.
Besides
the cultural heritage, Yogyakarta is blessed with beautiful natural
surroundings. The green rice fields cover the suburban areas, while the
skyline is back-dropped by the breathtaking Merapi Volcano. The beaches
can be easily found south of Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta
lives in peace and it’s people offer typical Javanese hospitality. Just
try to go around the city by bike, becak, or horse cart; and you will
find sincere smiles and warm greetings at every corner and on every
street of the city.
An
artistic atmosphere exudes in Yogyakarta. Malioboro, as the center of
Yogyakarta, is a showcase of handicraft from all around the city. Street
musicians are always ready entertain the visitors, and the numerous
food stalls fill the air with the dish of the day.
Those
who have visited Yogyakarta confess that this city makes them long for
it. Just visit it, then you will understand what this means.
