Yogyakarta Sultanate has a lot of interesting building toexplore. Most people understandably would go to the Royal Palace (Keraton) toknow the rich heritage of the Sultanate. In the palace, you’ll see a lot ofrelics, a heritage from the previous generations of sultans.
However, a vastly different sight can be found when you arevisiting Taman Sari, the former bathing place for the Queens, princesses, andconcubines of the Sultans. It was built in the middle of the eighteenthcentury, during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I. Here are some of theattractions you can find in Taman Sari, the water castle of Yogyakarta.
Umbul Pasiraman
This is by far the most popular attraction in Taman Sari.This is the actual bathing place for the Queen, concubines, and princesses.There are two pools separated by a small path. Tall walls are built around thepools to protect the privacy of the royal family.
Pulo Kenongo
This is a man-made island in the middle of a man-made lake.There was a luxurious mansion on the island which was also the tallest buildingin the city. Unfortunately, the mansion was destroyed by natural disasters andnow we can only see its ruins.
Subterranean Mosque
Another unique place in this complex is the subterraneanmosque. To reach this mosque, you’ll need to climb down several flights of fiveunique stairs. There is a well called Sumur Gumuling with an oculus for naturallighting, all combined to be aesthetically very pleasing view.
Gedhong Gapura Panggung
Even the gate of the garden is also wonderful andinstagramable. There are two dragons facing each other at each side of the gateas if to guard the door into the garden. The triangle-shaped gate is adornedwith many beautiful ornaments. At the other side of the gate, you can find evenmore intricate patterns on the wall.
Pulo Cemethi
This is another island on this water castle, located to thesouth of Pulo Kenongo. The name literally means ‘Meditation Island’. True toits name, this is where the Sultans meditate when he is faced with big decisionsto make. This island is also the place where the Sultans and his Generalsprepare war strategies, cleanse their sacred krises, and keep their warregalia. To reach this island, you have to walk through an underground tunnel.
Gedhong Temanten
Gedhong Temanten is the twin guard posts located in thefront of the gate. These two small buildings are where the guards are postedwith each a small room with a chair. They are called Gedhong Temanten (brideand groom building) because they look similar. Today, these buildings functionas a ticket booth.
Even though Taman Sari was made for the Javanese royalfamily, the architecture itself was heavily influenced by European style,especially the Portuguese one. If you come with an expectation of seeing primeand pure Javanese architecture, you would be surprised because this garden ismuch more than that.