Tugu Jogja, the Most Popular Landmark in Yogyakarta
Tugu Jogja is the most popular landmark of Yogyakarta. This monument is located right in the center of the crossroad between the Mangkubumi, Soedirman, A.M. Sangaji and Diponegoro roads. The Tugu Jogja that is almost 3 centuries old has a very deep meaning and it keeps some history records of Yogyakarta.

Tugu Jogja was built around one year after the construction of Yogyakarta Kingdom. At the early time of its construction, it clearly described the philosophy of the unity of God’s creatures that means the spirit of togetherness of lay people and authorities to fight colonials. In Javanese term, the spirit of togetherness is called golong gilig that is clearly described in the construction of the monument: the pole is of gilig (cylinder) form and the top part is golong (rounded). This monument was known as Tugu Golong-Gilig.

In details, the monument was originally constructed in the form of a cylindrical pole with conical form upwards. The base is an encircling fence while the top is rounded. The preliminary height of the monument was 25 meters.

Everything changed when on Monday, 10 June 1867, a big earthquake in Yogyakarta ruined the monument. The collapse of the monument was the transition time when the unity was not really reflected on the monument.

The situation changed totally when in 1889 the Dutch government renovated the monument. The monument was constructed as a square with each side being decorated with a kind of inscription containing the names of people who were involved in the renovation. The top portion is no longer rounded but a pointed cone. The height of the monument is also lower, namely 15 meters. Since then, this monument was also called as De Witt Paal or Tugu Pal Putih (white pole monument).

The renovation of the monument was actually the tactic used by the Dutch colonial to erase the philosophy of togetherness between lay people and the king. Learning from the result of the struggle afterwards, however, the effort did not seem to be successful.

If we want to look at the monument satisfactorily while remembering its philosophical meaning, there are benches facing the monument on the corner of Mangkubumi Street. At 05:00 a.m. - 06:00 a.m. is the right time since the air is still fresh and not much passerby yet. Occasionally, the newspaper boy will greet us politely while riding his bicycle to go to the distribution office of the biggest local newspaper, the Kedaulatan Rakyat.

In the evening, we find the seller of gudeg (traditional menu cooked from young jackfruit) at the corner of Diponegoro Road. The gudeg sold here is delicious at reasonable price. You may have it in crossed-legs seating arrangement while looking at the view of the Tugu Jogja that is bathed with lights.

Being so identical of the Tugu Jogja to Yogyakarta makes many university students from outside of Yogyakarta to express their happiness after the graduation day by hugging and kissing the Tugu Jogja. That may also express their love to Yogyakarta that they will about to leave soon and at the same time say their promise to return to this city.

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Affandi Museum, Visiting the Palace of a Maestro
Visiting Affandi Museum that is located on Jalan Raya Yogyakarta - Solo, or by the west bank of Gajah Wong River, give an opportunity for you to trace all meaningful parts of Affandi’s life. You can see the great works when he was alive, the works of other painters that he kept, the vehicles that he used in the past, the house where he used to live and a gallery that now functions as a place to educate gifted children in painting.

The complex of the museum consists of 3 galleries with gallery I as the ticket box and the starting point of your exploration. Gallery I that was personally opened by Affandi in 1962 and was inaugurated in 1974 contains some of his paintings from the early time of his work to the late time of his life. The paintings most of which are sketches and reproductions are placed in two rows - upper and lower - that fill the curved room.

Still in Gallery I, you can see valuable things belonging to Affandi. At one corner of the room, there is a 1976 Colt Gallant car in greenish yellow color that was modified to form a fish, and an old wind-cycle as his means of transportation. The reproduction of the statue of Affandi and her daughter, Kartika, is shown as well.

Entering Gallery II, you will see paintings by different painters, both junior and senior ones. The gallery that was inaugurated in 1988 consists of two floors with paintings that you can see from different angles. The first floor is full of abstract paintings and the second floor contains realist-style paintings.

Gallery III as the next destination is a unique building of which roof resembles banana leaf. The three-stories floor is a multifunction gallery with the first floor functions as an exhibition room as well as the location of “Gajah Wong Gallery” for children who sharpen their painting ability, the second floor functions as paintings treatment and restoration room, and the room underground is utilized to keep painting collections.

There is a tower close to Gallery III where you can see the scenery of the entire museum, Gajah wong River and the hurly-burly of the main street. Walking to the west, you will come to a house with unique architecture where Affandi and his family used to live.

The house was built with the concept of a stage-house with concrete as the main pillars and other poles are from wood. The roof is shingle roof forming banana leaf and the shape of the building is uniquely curving. The ground floor is used for Kafe Loteng where you can buy foods and drinks and the upper floor is personal room of Affandi’s.

At the left side of the house, there is a cart functioning as a place for praying. The cart used to be the resting place for Affandi’s wife, Maryati. Initially, Maryati wanted a caravan as the ones used by many Americans as a mobile living place. Affandi agreed to the concept but with more Indonesian style, namely a cart.

Before leaving the museum, take a little time to visit the tomb of the maestro who passed away on 23 May 1990. The tomb lays between Gallery I and II. The eternal home of Affandi’s lays beside his wife’s eternal home. The yard of the homes is decorated by lushness of rose trees.

In order to visit Affandi Museum, you only have to spend IDR 10,000 for domestic tourists and IDR 20,000 for foreign tourists and additional IDR 10,000 for taking photographs.

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Museum Affandi
Jl. Laksda Adisutjipto 167 Yogyakarta 55281
Phone/Fax: +62 274 562593

Visiting hours: Monday to Sunday
Open : 10.00 a.m. to 16.00 p.m.
Holiday: closed
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Source from http://www.yogyes.com

6 December 2008
NUMPLAK WAJIK
Time : 04.00 WIB
Venue : Keraton Yogyakarta
Category : Cultural celebration
Description : Upacara pembuatan wajik (sejenis makanan terbuat dari beras ketan dan gula kelapa) untuk mengawali pembuatan gunungan yang akan dikeluarkan pada saat upacara Grebeg
Ticketing : Free

9 December 2008
GREBEG BESAR
Time : 09.00 WIB
Venue : Variuos Venues
Category : Cultural celebration
Description : Upacara yang dilaksanakan Keraton Yogyakarta menyambut Hari Raya Kurban. Upacara ini ditandai dengan keluarnya beberapa gunungan yang terbuat dari sayuran, buah- buahan, palawija (hasil bumi), serta makanan dari ketan dan lain-lain. Keluarnya gunungan diiringi Brigade Prajurit Keraton. Sesampai di Masjid Agung, dilakukan doa oleh abdi dalem Pamethaan. Di bagian akhir, gunungan dibagikan kepada masyarakat. Itulah saat paling meriah pada upacara Grebeg. Masyarakat saling berebut untuk memperoleh bagian dari Gunungan. Mereka percaya akan mendapat rejeki jika mendapatkan bagian tersebut.
Ticketing : Free

19 December 2008 (Monday off)
PAMERAN AAA ISI YOGYAKARTA
Time : 09.00 - 21.00 WIB
Venue : Jogja Gallery
Jl. Pekapalan 7 Alun-alun Utara
Phone: +62 274 412021, +62 274 419999

Category : Exhibition
Description :
Ticketing : Rp 3000

23 December 2008
SAPARAN KI GONOTIRTO
Time :
Venue : Desa Hargotirto, Kokap
Category : Cultural celebration
Description : Upacara yang dilakukan di petilasan Ki Gonotirto. Dimaksudkan sebagai ungkapan rasa syukur dan memohon keselamatan
Ticketing : Free

28 December 2008
MERTI BUMI KALIURANG
Time : 08.00 WIB - selesai
Venue : Kaliurang
Category : Cultural celebration
Description : Upacara ungkapan rasa syukur masyarakat lereng Merapi atas limpahan rahmat Tuhan. Pada pagi hari prosesi diawali dengan prosesi pengambilan air kehidupan dari 7 sumber mata air yaitu Sumber Kembang, Sumber Jebug, Sumber Sari, Sumber Gondang, Tlogo Putri, Umbul Wadon dan Tlogo Muncar. Di malam hari diadakan kenduri selamatan di Sanggar Pangesti Jawi. Prosesi puncak upacara ini adalah Kirab Brata Merti Bumi, yaitu mengelilingi kawasan Kaliurang. Para peserta yang mengikuti kirab tidak boleh mengeluarkan suara atau tapa bisu.
Ticketing : Free
Kontak : +62 274 895201 (Kantor Kecamatan Pakem)

Credit cards are widely accepted in Yogyakarta. Cards accepted by merchants are usually displayed on the front door or near the cashier.

You are well advised to use your credit cards very selectively. Also it’s a good idea to keep all receipts for verification.

Unfortunately Indonesia and Yogya in particular is a source of a great deal of credit card fraud. Thieves insert small memory chips into those devices used to swipe the card, then return to ’service’ the device, take out the chip and then start making illegal cards. Many times you will be long gone before fraudulent charges start showing up on your statement.

Most expats living in Indonesia use their credit cards in ATMs to get cash and then pay cash for all of their purchases - a good habit to get into while in Indonesia.

In addition, it is common practice to add 3% to the cost of your purchase for the privilege of using plastic. You do not have to accept this, but arguing with the shop keeper is not going to help. If you want to get this 3% back make sure the retailer or restaurant writes this surcharge down as an extra charge for using the card and then claim it from your month end billing.

Melia Purosani Yogyakarta
One of Yogyakarta’s favourite and most luxurious hotels, the Melia Purosani couldn’t be better located. Situated at the corner at the corner of Jl. Suryatmajan and Jl. Suryotomo in the midst of the historic district of Yogyakarta, Melia Purosani gives you easy access to and from anywhere in Yogyakarta and is just a city block from Jl. Malioboro, the city’s main shopping street and within easy walking distance to the Keraton. Staff is professional, warm and friendly.

Grand Mercure Yogyakarta
Aptly named, the Grand Mercure Yogyakarta, has been restored with painstaking care from a historical building to emerge as an elegant boutique hotel. Strategically and conveniently located the Grand Mercure Yogyakarta has been designed to highlight the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta together with personalised service that is relaxing and enchanting.

Nasi Gudeg
Nasi Gudeg is a plate of warm rice served with young jackfruit cut in small pieces and a variety of dishes including chicken, boiled egg, tofu, and tempe cooked in thick, slightly spicy coconut sauce, very sweet and slightly spicy.. For added flavour, try having it with Sambel Goreng Krecek (buffalo skin). for add on spicy flavour. Ask any local and they will proclaim proudly that Nasi Gudeg is originated originally from Yogyakarta,. aAnd, they’re probably correctit’s probably true! Some of the most popular Gudeg restaurants are:

Nasi Langgi
Another unique food wrapped in banana leaves, consisting of warm rice with Empal (Fried Beef), Abon (preserved and sweetened beef), Perkedel (potato cake), rolled omelette and Sambal.

Mee Goreng Jawa (Javanese fried noodles)
Tired of the usual fish and pork flavour ofin Chinese style fFried nNoodles or Thai padthai? Give Javanese fried noodles a try! Spicy with a tint of sweetness, don’t be surprised if you consider going back for ait sets you for a second serving.

Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek (Mbok Berek’s Fried Chicken)
A must tryaste! The fried chicken is flavoured with garlic and coriander.

Soto
Commonly ate for breakfast. Soto is a light and appetising soup served with tempe, Perkedel and Liver Satay.

Kipo Kotagede
Kipo Kotagede is a famous bite size snack only to be found in Kota Gede. It made of green coloured tapioca dough filled with sweetened grated coconut.

Bakpia Pathuk
Bakpia Pathuk is another popular snack made from baked green beans wrapped with thin dough pastry.

Wedang Ronde
Often served at night but push-cart vendor. This is a warm ginger flavoured desert served with peanuts and tapioca cake.

Pecel
Green beans, spinach, sprouts etc. It served with spicy peanut sauce.

Yogyakarta Travel Guide

I’ve came across one interesting article By Maree Peters that talks about his 6 months stay in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Check his culture shock out at http://www.acicis.murdoch.edu.au/hi/shock.html .

Dixie
What do they serve here,
Various western and asian dishes.
Address: Jl. Gejayan No. 40b Selatan Selokan Mataram
Price range: $4-10
Phone: +62 274 560745, +62 274 560746
Url: http://www.yogyes.com/dixie

BALE RAOS
What do they serve here,
Bale Raos is the only restaurant that serves the favorite cuisines of Sultan Yogyakarta (The King of Yogyakarta).
Address: Jl. Magangan Kulon No.1 Kraton Yogyakarta (Close to Pasar Ngasem)
Price range: IDR 5,000 - IDR 35,000
Phone/Fax: +62 274 415550
Url: http://www.yogyes.com/bale-raos

Sagan Resto
Sagan Resto, Seaffod Resto & Lounge comes with the concept of Oriental-Malay seafood from fresh and alive sea creatures, combined with the riches of Indonesia seafood spice, offers a particular taste.
Address: Jl. Colombo No. 35 Karang Malang, Yogyakarta
Phone: +62 274 550293 (hunting) ext-104
Url: http://www.yogyes.com/sagan-resto

I came across this hotel through the internet and i found it very very pleasing. If you’re looking for a decent place to stay in Yogyakarta, this is a place you should consider. But be warned that it’s slightly pricey as their room rates ranges from 60 USD - 648 USD ( presidential suite ). The hotel is javanese style architectured.

Malioboro shopping arcades and Keraton is in walking distance, while Merapi Volcano, famous Buddhist and Hindu temples, Borobudur and Prambanan is not far away from the hotel. Adisucipto airpot is only 15 minutes away. You can also find Tugu Railway station nearby the hotel.

Check out their website for more info http://www.jogja.pphotels.com

If you are in the mood for cross-cultural experiences, Yogyakarta is the right place to be! As the heart of Javanese culture, there are many festivals lined up throughout the year.

If you visit Yogyakarta either December, January or February, you’ll get to experience the Greberb Syawal Ceremony. A celebration by the Muslim, often at the end of Ramadhan (fasting) month.

Garebeg Besar is a Muslim festival celebrated with splendour and show in March. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad’ha which is also the Muslim Day of Sacrifice.

A sacred ceremony held to clean and purify the ancient heirlooms such as royal coach, keris (dagger) and lances. Siraman Pusaka held in April every year.

A ceremony called Labuhan Ceremony is to celebrate the birth of Sultans of Yogyakarta - held at Parangkusomo beach (West of Parangtritis). It’s often done with a royal touch by ‘throwing’ food, cuts of fingernails and the hair of the Sultan into the South Sea as an offering to Kanjeng Ratu Kidul (The Goddess of the South Sea).

Waisak Day is celebrated by Javanese on every 20th May of the year to remember birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The celebration takes place at Mendut Temple and Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument.

Sekatan ceremony is held in the month of June, this one week long celebration is to honour the birth of Prophet Mohammed. Performance of traditional Javanese dances and folk songs are abundant during the celebration.

Yogyakarta Arts Festival is really something you shouldn’t miss! It is held annually in the month of June and July - the art festival offers wide range of traditional dances, music and puppetry performances.