Jogja Landmarks

A city with long history, Jogja actually has many landmarks. With the theme of "Jogja Landmarks" this edition, Tour de Djokdja invites you to explore three sites that have been parts of the daily life of Yogyakarta people for years to disclose the almost-forgotten, interesting stories behind them.

Selokan Mataram (The Mataram ditch) that many people in Jogja will pass by almost everyday will tell about the wisdom of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. The famous Tugu Jogja (Jogja Monument) keeps the history of the struggle spirit against colonials, so does Panggung Krapyak that is as old as Yogyakarta Kingdom.

Bon Voyage!

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Going along the Bank of the Mataram Ditch
If you were raised as "city people", going along the Mataram ditch can be a minor yet pleasant adventure to enjoy the sceneries of green rice fields and shepherds, and to go off road by crossing Krasak River while carrying our mountain bike on our shoulder.
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Tugu Jogja, the Most Popular Landmark in Yogyakarta
Tugu Jogja or the Jogja Monument keeps philosophical meaning with regards to the spirit of the struggle against the colonials and becomes the landmark that is closely linked to Yogyakarta. There is a tradition to hug and kiss this monument after finishing the study in a university.
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Panggung Krapyak, where the Kings Went Hunting
Panggung Krapyak was a hunting place owned by the kings of Yogyakarta Kingdom that has been 250 years of age and it is now one of the central elements of Yogyakarta spaces.

source : yogyes

Arts Museum in Yogyakarta

Being a culture city, Yogyakarta becomes the growing place of various arts, from batik, painting, puppets and so on. The variants of those arts often cannot be seen directly since some of them are difficult to find. Tour de Djokdja this edition takes the theme of "Arts Museum in Yogyakarta" to invite you to explore some arts museums as the place to document the great arts works.

The exploration begins from Ullen Sentalu Museum in Kaswargan Park as the documentation room for the works by the Kingdom ladies. Then, it continues to Affandi Museum containing some works of the Indonesian painting maestro, Affandi. Finally, Tour de Djokdja invites you to Kekayon Museum presenting record of Indonesian history and Puppet Art.

Bon Voyage!

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Ullen Sentalu Museum, Reflection of the Kingdom Ladies' Beauty
Poem, batik, clothes and paintings of the ladies of Yogyakarta Kingdom, Surakarta, Mangkunegaran and Pakualaman, are all presented beautifully in Ullen Sentalu museum. A museum seemingly becomes the reflection of the kingdom ladies' beauty.
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Affandi Museum, Visiting the Palace of a Maestro
Affandi museum is all part of Affandi's life as a painting maestro. At the bank of Gajah Wong River, Affandi used to live, work, and transform his knowledge and now he lives in his eternal home there.
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Kekayon Museum, Turning On the Record of Indonesian History
A recording of Indonesian history in the form of a replica signing each scene of its development can bee seen in Kekayon Museum. Included in it is the history of the world-known puppet leather.

source : yogyes

Catholic Pilgrimage Places in Yogyakarta

Some sacred places in Yogyakarta are worth visiting by Christians before Christmas. Tour de Djokdja with the theme of "Catholic pilgrimage places in Yogyakarta" this week will take you to some legendary pilgrimage places in Yogyakarta. They are not the ones with European style and are apart from the society but the ones with Javanese appearance and are close to local community culture.

Tour de Djokdja will take you to Sendang Sono as the place where the first baptism in Kalibawang, Kulon Progo was done. Then, we proceed our pilgrimage to the Church and the Temple of Jesus Sacred Heart in Ganjuran where you will see Jesus in His Javanese face. Tour de Djokdja will also take you to Sendang Sriningsih where holy mass is celebrated on certain Fridays called kliwon as sacred days in Javanese belief.

Bon Voyage!

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Sendang Sono, Lourdes in Indonesia
Sendang Sono is a place with so many stories, memories and tranquility. Here, you can pay a visit to the tomb of Mr. Sarikromo, enjoy the architecture winning AGA Khan Awards and send letters to God in front of the Cave of Maria.
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The Church of Ganjuran, Seeing Jesus in Javanese Face
Ganjuran Church that was built in 1927 is not just a place to contemplate, but it also offers an opportunity to see the global Jesus in local appearance, wearing the Javanese clothes named surjan while listening to gamelan.
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Sendang Sriningsih, the Medium of God's Blessing
Sendang Sriningsih that was found in 1934 is a pilgrimage place for Catholic people in Prambanan, the area that is famous for religious Hindu Buddha tourism objects. The Cave of Mary and the spring water will be the media of God's blessings.

source : yogyes

Javanese Chinese - Chinese Javanese

Since hundreds years ago, Yogyakarta has been dwelling place for people of different ethnics; one of them is Chinese ethnic. It is not surprising that there are many cultural heritages in the forms of inscriptions, foods or historical places symbolizing harmony of Javanese and Chinese culture.

Tour de Djokdja will invite you to see Javanese-Chinese inscription as a token of gratitude of Chinese inhabitants in Yogyakarta to Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX as the King of Yogyarkata. We also invite you to try Beringharjo Fried Rice as one of the most delicious fried rice in Yogyakarta. Finally, we invite you to explore the Chinese area to the south of Malioboro as one of historical trading places in Yogyakarta.

Bon Voyage!

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Chinese Area in Yogyakarta, Historical Trading Area
Chinese Area in Yogyakarta is one of historical Chinese dwelling places in Indonesia. This kampong is the place where the success of Chinese merchants began with shops and services kiosks of tens years old.
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Javanese-Chinese Inscription as an Expression of Gratitude to the Wise Authority
Javanese-Chinese inscription that is located at back of Traju Mas Hall in the Kingdom complex, even though small in shape, turns to keep deep memory. From the story of Japanese raid to China and Indonesia, we know the relationship between Javanese and Chinese in Yogyakarta.
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Beringharjo Fried Rice, Deliciousness of Javanese-Chinese Culinary
Enjoying the taste of Beringharjo Fried Rice is just as occupied as listening to a plate of story around the harmony of Javanese and Chinese cultures in Indonesia, especially in terms of culinary, not just its deliciousness.

source : yogyes

The Places for Young People to Hang Out in Yogyakarta

Visiting certain cities will be complete only after touching those places or public areas where young people usually hang out. For the reason, the theme of Tour de Djokdja this edition is "The places for young people to hang out in Yogyakarta" that will invite those who are youthful to touch them. You have opportunities to know Yogyakarta better through the communities gathering in such places and feel their young spirit.

Such places range from coffee shops offering delicious coffee and other facilities to spend the night such as books, art exhibitions to hotspots. Otherwise, you can enjoy famous, traditional warongs such as Poci Pak Min, Warung Kopi Blandongan and Kedai Kopi Grek. Finally, you can relax in public spaces like Boulevard of Gadjah Mada University or the area in front of Vredeburg Fortress while enjoying some meals or looking at the activities of the citizens.

Bon Voyage!

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Coffee Shops in Yogyakarta, from Just Hanging Around to Seeing Indie Films
Some coffee shops in Yogyakarta serve the right places to spend the evening and night while sipping delicious coffee. While enjoy such things, you can also do other activities such as chatting, reading, browsing the Internet or watching film.
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Teh Poci Pak Min and Kopi Blandongan, the Warongs for Young People
Some characteristics of the places where young people in Yogyakarta hang around are its friendliness and simplicity. You can find them in some places such as Poci Pak Min and Warung Kopi Blandongan.
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UGM Boulevard and Before Vredeburg Fortress, the Atmosphere of Young People in Jogja
Looking at the activities of the citizens centering in some public areas can be a pleasant tourism agenda. You can see the attraction by street musicians, the activities of young people in Yogyakarta and to try the so-called sate kere.

source : yogyes

The Old Factories in Yogyakarta

It is not only Europe that has historical big factories that support thousands of its inhabitants even though the continent was the place where Industry Revolution began. Yogyakarta as part of Indonesia that is identical as an agricultural country also has historical factories of which ages is older than the Republic of Indonesia. Some of the factories that were triumphant in its time are still on operation now. Tour de Djokdja invites you to visit those places in its theme "The Old Factories".

Tour de Djokdja will bring you around to visit Taru Martani Cigar Factory, a legendary cigar factory. The next visit will be Madukismo Sugar Factory to remember the construction of Kwai River Bridge in Thailand since the iron as the raw material of the bridge were taken from this factory. Finally, Tour de Djokdja invites you to enjoy the process of classic floor tile production in Kunci Floor Tile Factory on Jalan Pathuk.

Bon Voyage!

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Taru Martani Cigar Factory, the Legend of Cigar van Java
Taru Martani that was founded in 1918 offers valuable tour package for you, especially tobacco lovers. You can see directly the production process of hand-rolled-cigar of good quality and buy them 'fresh from the factory'.
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Madukismo Sugar Factory and the Iron of Kwai River Bridge in Thailand
You will be amazed by the building of this factory built in 1955. Madukismo is not just legendary because of its oldness, but because of its used irons that were utilized to construct the legendary Kwai bridge.
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Kunci Floor Tile Factory, to Know the Production of Classic Floor Tiles
Kunci Floor Tile Factory is a legendary factory that took part in the production of luxurious symbols in the past and the present. Founded in 1929, this factory produces classic floor tiles that also decorated the floors in Yogyakarta Kingdom.

source : yogyes

Javanese Art Performance

Enjoying some forms of Javanese arts in Yogyakarta must become your tour agenda that you should not skip. Tour de Djokdja this edition will present you information on art performances in the theme of "Javanese Performance Arts in Jogja".

We will elaborate three forms of art performance, namely Wayang Kulit, Sendratari Ramayana and Gamelan. Wayang kulit or the leather puppet show presents the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata and other Javanese stories. Ramayana Ballet invites you to enjoy typical Javanese drama dance telling about Ramayana story. Gamelan is traditional Javanese music instruments that will amaze you with amusing Javanese songs. You can see all the performances in some favorite tourism objects in Yogyakarta.

Bon Voyage!

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Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppet), the Masterpiece of Javanese Performance Arts
This performance art has been more than five centuries of age. Presenting the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata, this overnight performance serves the proper space to spend the night, reflect and understand Javanese life philosophy.
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Ramayana Ballet, a Drama in Typical Javanese Dance
This dance-drama is a marvelous visualization of legendary epos in Javanese culture, Ramayana. Performed in an open stage, Ramayana ballet invites you to enjoy the story in a set of typical Javanese dance accompanied by gamelan music.
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Gamelan, the Javanese Orchestra
Gamelan is the music created by integrating voices of gong, kenong and other Javanese music instruments. Soft music that reflects the life harmony of Javanese people will soon greet and calm the soul down once someone is listening to it.

source : yogyes

The Hidden Temples

Yogyakarta turns to have other temples of which enchantment is not less interesting than Borobudur and Prambanan temples; two temples that are most often visited by far. For the reason, Tour de Djokdja this edition takes the theme of "The Hidden Temples" to invite you to visit and know them from closer distance.

You will know Ijo Temple that is located at the highest place in Yogyakarta that causes the taxiway of Adisutjipto Airport unable to be lengthened eastwards. Besides, Tour de Djokdja, will invite you to visit Tara Temple that was designed by the same designer of Borobudur Temple. Finally, you will visit Plaosan Temple, the twin temples at the north of Prambanan Temple.

Bon Voyage!

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Ijo Temple, the Temple Located at the Highest Place in Yogyakarta
Ijo (in Javanese language, this word means 'Green') temple is a temple located at the highest place in Yogyakarta that presents natural and cultural enchantment with additional view of taking off and landing airplane. This temple causes the taxiway of Adisutjipto International Airport unable to be prolonged eastwards.
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Tara Temple, the Oldest Buddhism Inheritance in Yogyakarta
Tara Temple is a temple presented for goddess Tara of which external wall is coated with typical cement. This oldest Buddhism temple in Yogyakarta was built by Rakai Panangkaran, the king of Syailendra dynasty who also conceptualized the construction of Borobudur Temple.
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Plaosan Temple, the Twin Temple in Yogyakarta
Plaosan temple that was built by Rakai Pikatan has some uniqueness compared to other temples, namely its twin main temple and the terrace with smooth surface. In this temple, there are Vajrapani, Amitbha, and Prajnaparamitha figures.

source : yogyes

What Is in A Name?

The names of many places in Yogyakarta were given through unique processes. There are some kampongs named based on the skill, profession or ethnic of the inhabitants. Other places were named by contracting its original name(s) so that it produces the same name of certain city or country.

The theme of Tour de Djokdja this edition is "What Is in A Name?" that invites you to trace the history of the kampongs' names, to solve the puzzle of Yogyakarta with its 1001 names and to find out names containing typical humor of Yogyakarta.

Bon Voyage!

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Yogyakarta Toponym, Tracing the History of Kampongs Naming
Many historical kampongs in Yogyakarta are unique due to their naming. The naming could be based on the profession of its inhabitants or the ethnic of the dominating dwellers. You can wander about them while enjoying their enchantment.
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Yogyakarta, Jogja, Jogjakarta or Yogya?
Different people call Yogyakarta by different names such as Jogja, Jogjakarta, Yogya or even Djokdja. All those names make Yogyakarta sounds like a city with 1001 names.
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Paris van Djokdja
Some areas in Yogyakarta turn to have the same name as other areas such as Bandung and Kuningan in West Java. Typical humor of Djokdja can also be found in some names of certain areas in Yogyakarta, such as Pakistan and Paris.

source : yogyes

The Gates to Yogyakarta

The enchantment of places where means of public transportation stop, be it airport, railway station or bus station is often neglected since many people hurriedly leave those places. Actually, you can enjoy much beauty of those gates to Yogyakarta if you spend more time for each corner of them. For the reason, bringing the theme of 'The Gates to Yogyakarta', Tour de Djokdja this week invites you to enjoy the hidden enchantment of those stops.

There are three main stops in Yogyakarta of which beauty you can enjoy, namely Tugu Railway Station, Adisucipto (or spelled as Adisutjipto) Airport , and Giwangan Bus Station. Tugu railway station offers building beauty and old train spare parts as well as the beautiful twilight scenery. Adisucipto International Airport invites you to remember the event of 29 July 1947 and the beautiful mountains of Pegunungan Seribu. Giwangan Bus Station, on the other hand, presents its fame as the biggest type A bus station in Indonesia.

Bon Voyage!

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Tugu Railway Station, One of the Oldest Train Stops in Indonesia
Tugu Railway Station that started to function as a train-stop in 1887 turns to have tourism potential. You can enjoy the grand, old building architecture; observe locomotive details, old crane and exotic twilight.
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Adisutjipto, an International Airport in Yogyakarta
Adisutjipto (or Adisucipto) airport of which width reaches 88,690 m2 has been affirmed as an international airport. The airport that is located in Maguwo area keeps both happy and sad stories.
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Giwangan, the Biggest Type-A Bus Station in Indonesia
Terminal GiwanganGiwangan bus station has been operating for 2 years. This biggest type-A terminal in Indonesia is a transit and stop place for buses from all big cities in Sumatra, Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara.

source : yogyes