Sambisari is a 9th century Hindu temple located at Sambisari hamlet, Purwomartani village, Kalasan, Sleman regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.   The temple was buried about five metres underground. Parts of the original temple have been excavated . The temple is located about 8 km east of Yogyakarta near Adisucipto International Airport. The temple was accidentally discovered in July 1966 by a farmer when working on land that belongs to Karyowinangun. According to Wanua Tengah inscription III dated 908 that contains the name of kings that ruled Mataram Kingdom, the temple was probably built during the reign of Rakai Garung (ruled 828-846). However, historians also consider that the construction of a temple was not always issued by a king. Lesser nobles might have also ordered and funded the construction. (Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sambisari) Date: 23 & 25 Dec. 2009; Location of Temple from google maps: click here

Just exploring…, enjoy it…

Tamansari (Water Castle) is located 2 km west of Yogyakarta Palace was built in the Sultan Hamengku Buwono I period in the end of XVII Century. Built by Portuguese architect in European aquatic construction adorned with Javanese Symbolize ornaments. Tamansari not only just a recreation, but it’s also a compound of bathing pool, canals, rooms and extremerly large swimming pool (if the canals opened).
Tamansari (Water Castle) was built after the Treaty of Giyanti (1755), after the Sultan Hamengku Buwana long involved in disputes and wars. The building is intended as a building that can be used for rest, and recreation. However, Tamansari was also prepared as a fortress to face the danger situation. In addition, this building was also used for religious facilities. Therefore Tamansari also equipped with a mosque. (Nov 10, 2009)

The principal residence of the sultan is the kraton (palace), sometimes called the Yogyakarta Kraton but otherwise known in formal terms Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Sultan’s Palace is the main object in the city of Yogyakarta. Historic buildings which are the palace and residence of the Sultan Hamengku Buwana and his family.

The building was founded in 1756. Sultan’s Palace with all the customs and culture into community life spirit of Yogyakarta. Sultan Palace is also a major tourist attraction in the city of Yogyakarta either side of the building heritage and traditions in it. In the sultan’s palace can be enjoyed by the beauty of the past through the architecture of the building, can also enjoy traditional art which is presented every day in Ward Manganti.

Currently occupied by the Sultan Palace Sultan Hamengku family X Buwana become king and governor of Yogyakarta. After the 1867 hit by the earthquake, the Palace suffered heavy damage. During HB VII in 1889, the building was restored. Although the layout is retained, but the shape of the building changed, as seen today. (Nov 4, 2009)

Krakal beach is located in the village of Ngestirejo, Tanjungsari, Gunung Kidul, about 3 km to the east of Baron Kukup Drini beach row and is the longest compared to other beaches with white sand. (Nov 1, 2009)

Baron beach is about 65 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta, located on the regency of Gunung Kidul.  This beach is available at the fish market that sells fresh fish and fish dishes. (Nov 1, 2009)

Anniversary celebration of the city of Yogyakarta 253th implemented a thematic cultural parade that is the procession of the arts groups Parking Park and Page Hall Ngabean headed east to the Palace of Yogyakarta.

Thematic parade starts at 14:00 until 17:30 pm by attending as many as 14 art groups, each consisting of 20 personnel. The march was also conducted by 20 groups devile of soldiers, including marching bands, Paskibraka, TNI, Police and Boy Scouts. Date : Oktober 7, 2009

Malioboro Street is the busiest street visited by tourists, is located in the city center, is 900 m from the Yogyakarta Sultan Palace. Malioboro Street is 1 km in length, and the center of trade handicrafts. (Sept 25, 2009)

According to the tradition that has been running for hundreds of years, the palace of Yogyakarta (Kraton Yoggyakarta) held event called the Grebeg Syawal on every 1 syawal. In the event this tradition, the palace of Yogyakarta out one “Gunungan” called Gunungan Jaler (male).
Gunungan is composed of a series of vegetables, fruits and snacks are arranged in such a way or a cone-shaped mountain. Gunungan is a charity king to his people. Therefore, people are always scrambling to get a part of the mountains which is believed to have good luck.

In one year, Yogyakarta palace  held Grebeg ceremony three times, Grebeg Syawal, Grebeg Mulud and Grebeg besar. Once every eight years held Grebeg ceremony: Grebeg Dal.

Grebeg Syawal Ceremony, Monday (September 21, 2009) afternoon, beginning with Gunungan Jaler taken off by GBPH Yudhaningrat, commander representing the palace of Sultan Yogyakarta Hamengkubuwono X. Through Sitihinggil and then through the Festival, Gunungan/Mount Jaler borne by the tens Abdi Dalem Abangan, escorted by eight teams of Kraton guards. After upacacara release in North Square/alun-alun utara marked by gunfire volley by Kraton guards, mountains it was brought forward Mosque Gedhe, and then accepted by the mosque Gedhe leader, KRT Kamaludiningrat, marked by prayer readings and then be contested by the public.

This ceremony expresses praise and gratefulness to God by the Moslems after having completed their fasting duty in the sacred month of Ramadhan. At 11.00 a.m. the ceremony begins with a parade of Kraton guards in their colourful uniforms comprising of Wirobrojo, Daeng, Ketanggung, Jogokaryo, Prawirotomo, Mantrijero,. Troops led by their commander in chief. They march from Siti Hinggil through the Pagelaran to the Southern square and then wait for the Gunugan procession. This ceremony is held at Alun-alun Utara Yogyakarta.

Teklek is sandal made from wood. I bought it from the old man selling the teklek around jogja city. His name is Wakijan from Bantul. (Sept 13, 2009)