2008 Jogjakarta: 02 Exploring the Spirit of Jogja...

“If you want to know what a man's like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals...” - J.K. Rowling

(Batara Kala, the Hindu-Buddhist God)

Day 02: Thursday, May 29, 2008
Route: Exploring Jogjakarta
Hotel: Hotel: Hotel Mutiara, Jogjakarta

Morning came gently over Jogjakarta, with soft rays of sunlight spilling through the curtains. After a hearty breakfast, we set out to explore the heart of the city - a place where history and daily life still intertwine beautifully.

Our first stop was the Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace, a living symbol of Javanese culture and heritage. Situated right in the centre of Jogjakarta, the Kraton isn’t just a palace - it’s a community where royal traditions continue to thrive. Within its walls, we walked through grand courtyards and open halls, listening to the faint sounds of gamelan music echoing from afar. It felt as though time had slowed, allowing us to step back into a more graceful age.

(The Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat) 

(Dwarapala statues, giant gatekeepers)

(Bangsal Mandalasana, a bandstand within the palace)

(Intricate carvings and decorations of the Kraton)

(A group of Abdi Dalem, servants of the Kraton)

(Visiting the Kraton's Museum)

Just nearby stood the Taman Sari, or Water Castle - once the royal garden where the sultan and his family came to rest and reflect. Although many parts of it have been reclaimed by time, the charm remains. The moss-covered walls, hidden passageways, and tranquil pools whispered stories of a bygone era.

(The entrance to Taman Sari, the Water Castle)

(Intricate carvings on the wall)

(Built in the 18th Century, a blend of Javanese and Portuguese)

(The Sumur Gemuling entrance, an underground mosque)

(Dragon statue at Taman Sari)

(A holiday castle for the Royal family)

(The private swimming pool in the Water Castle)

(Leaving Taman Sari via Gedhong Gapura Panggung gate)

We passed by the lively bird market, where colourful cages filled the air with cheerful chirps and chatter, before heading to Kota Gede, famous for its intricate silverwork. The delicate craftsmanship on display was simply captivating - every piece told its own story in shining detail. We also made a brief stop at Kampung Kasongan, a small artisans’ village known for its pottery and handmade souvenirs.

(The silverwork shop)

Lunch was served at a lovely local restaurant overlooking a stretch of lush paddy fields. The gentle breeze carried the scent of the earth and the soft rustle of rice stalks - a simple but peaceful moment that remains vivid in my memory.

(A restaurant with scenic paddy fields view)

(A neat rows of paddy plants)

In the afternoon, we travelled south to Parangtritis Beach, a vast stretch of black sand where the waves of the Indian Ocean crash endlessly against the shore. The day was hot and windy, and as we stood watching the rolling surf, I could feel both the power and calm of nature blending in perfect rhythm. From there, we stopped at Kampung Manding, a small village known for its leather goods, before heading back to the city.

(A beautiful black sand beach)

(A hot sunny day at the beach)

(Riding the dolman, a traditional 2-wheeled horse drawn carriage)

Dinner was at a local Nasi Padang restaurant, where dishes were served in generous portions and bursting with flavour - spicy rendang, sambal, and fragrant rice that filled the table. The night ended with an easy stroll along Malioboro Street, soaking in the energy of the crowds, street musicians, and glittering shopfronts. We wandered through Matahari Mall for some window shopping before returning to the hotel - our hearts full and our feet pleasantly tired from another beautiful day in Jogjakarta.

(Resto Kapau Melawai - a Padang restaurant)

(Shopping for souvenirs)