Yogyakarta is rich of history and pastimes stories. The example is Taman Sari, a water castle located in the south of Keraton that is one of the living witnesses from the grand civilization during the 18th century. The building is a mixture of European and Indonesian architecture that serves the royal family for years. As of present, it serves for tourist attraction and one of the must-see attractions when visiting Yogyakarta.
What is Around Taman Sari?
History
Taman Sari was built around the 18th century in Yogyakarta as a resting place,meditation and defense area for Sultan. The area is located approximately 2 km from the south of Keraton, the royal palace. It is also known to be a place for Sultan to meet his concubines and also hunt a new wife. As of now, the main function of the place is simply for tourist attraction. Interestingly, some parts of the complex have become houses for local residents who also makes living in the area and nearby.For history buff, visit Taman Sari.
Highlights
Taman sari is divided into four areas. The first area is the main gate alongside the artificial lake, followed by bathing complex called Umbul Binangun, then Pasarean Ledok sari, which only consisting of ruins, and the Magangan area which is now also overcrowded with housing. According to the locals, the lake used to be connected by underground and underwater tunnel.
The Main Attraction (Segaran Lake)
This is the main attraction where tourists take pictures. The artificial lake is simply mesmerizing surrounded by mossy and decayed walls.
The Bathing Area
It is easy to overlook this area as you have to explore each gate to find this little heaven. Without a guide, it’s easy to miss this beautiful spot of all from the water castle.
The Gates
The gate is located outside the bathing complex. It has a peculiar and unique sculpting.
Underground Meditation Place
The underground meditation place is something that should not be missed by visitors. However, to reach this site, it may get a little tricky. There will be tour guides offering their services to take you to this site. But you can also do it for free, if you are willing to read the road signs and follow where the crowd takes you. Besides, it’s also located nearby the exit area where the underground dark tunnel is located.
Entrance Fee
The entrance fee for locals : 5000 idr and for a Foreigner : 15000 idr. There will be an additional fee if you bring a camera to the site. Taman sari also offers package for pre-wedding and marketing purposes at a reasonable price.
When is The Best Time to Visit Taman Sari?
The best time to visit Taman Sari is around 9 am when its first open. Because this is the time when the area is still empty and you can take better pictures without unnecessary people in the background. Weather wise, it’s best to visit after monsoon season is over.
How To Get Around?
The easiest way to get around is walking from Malioboro. Head south and follow the road sign until you reach Keraton area. Walk until you find Pasar Ngasem, a local market where it is known for selling Batik utensils. There are also a lot of stores selling bulk souvenirs and batik along the road. As you reach pasar ngasem go to the left and follow the road sign to reach the main complex of Taman Sari. Another way to get into the area is by using online transportation called Grab or Gojek. Traditional taxis are also readily available to take you into this attraction site, the driver will instantly know where “ Taman Sari” is.
Wisata Taman Sari Jalan Tamanan, Patehan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133
Personal note
I have visited this place more than a dozen with different people. It never fail to amaze me and there is always some spot to explore. Fun fact, this place was also visited by Mark zuckerberg, well you know who he is. He visited the area especially Kampung Cyber, a place where technology is used for jobs. It is an integration of village and technology where its residents employ technology and internet specifically, Facebook. There are murals along side the village but I was never really finding what makes it worthy to be called as “ cyber village.”
The model of the pictures are friends and my mom. Some of the pictures also appears on my personal instagram account.