The Special Region of Jogjakarta is iconic, with world-renowned culture and heritage sites. One might think there’s too much to do in Jogjakarta, as it is affectionately known, from Candi (temple) Prambanan and Candi Borobudur to the Keraton (palace) and Taman Sari. As central as those places are to the culture of Jogja, it is often fun to explore beyond them.
This list is merely a small selection of the alternate, lesser-known activities and destinations in Jogja. The city’s vibrant culture and history mean there is a never-ending list of things to do during your stay, so to make it easier for you to choose, here are our recommended destinations in Jogja that are off the beaten path.
The list begins with a couple of places geared towards the inquisitive tourist looking to dig deep into the heritage of Jogjakarta. These destinations are not only memorable but will also allow you to explore this beautiful city’s history and cultural development.
Museum Ullen Sentalu
Ullen Sentalu Museum is one of the most memorable museums in Jogja. The museum is in the Kaliurang highlands, surrounded by trees and cool mountain air. The name ‘Ullen Sentalu’ is an acronym of a Javanese proverb “Ulating Blencong Sejatining Tataraning Lumaku“ meaning “light leads the path of life”. Appropriate to its name, the museum reconstructs the history of Javanese civilization to create an image of its culture and attitude. In doing so, the museum hopes to preserve not only Javanese history but the essence of its culture.
Ullen Sentalu Museum achieves this by providing two different tours. The Adiluhung Mataram Tour takes you through the museum’s collection of paintings, prose, and batik woven together into a fairytale of their origins. For those interested in the royal and colonial history of Jogjakarta, there is the Vorstenladen Tour. Literally meaning ‘The Land of the Kings’, Vorstenladen was the name given to the Jogja Kingdom during colonial times. Joining a tour is mandatory to access the museum. Foreigners need not worry as the museum also provides English-speaking versions of both tours,
The tours also include hot beverages and biscuits. You can enjoy them in the underground café or in their beautiful outdoor area. The Museum policy bans photography in certain areas. Though some might find that disappointing, the no-photos rule allows for a smoother tour experience and preserves the serene feeling throughout the area. Don’t worry; photos are allowed on the grounds surrounding the museum, which is full of striking contemporary architecture yet pays homage to the traditions of Jogjakarta.
Visit their website www.ullensentalu.com/museum to find out more.
Tur Adiluhung Mataram : Rp 50.000
Tur Vorstenlanden : Rp 100.000
English Guided Tour : Rp 100.000
Pasar Buku near Taman Pintar
Pasar Buku, literally meaning ‘Book Market’, is precisely what its name suggests. Located next to ‘Taman Pintar’ (’Learning Park’), this market might look dusty and run down. But beyond its façade, this book market has some of the best items waiting to be found.
If you are a book collector or avid reader, I recommend setting aside time to get your hands dirty and dig for those gems. The books you find may come in many languages, primarily Indonesian, English, Dutch and Javanese. Books, vintage leaflets, magazines and posters can be found at this market. This destination is particularly popular with university students and scholars interested in Dutch-era literature. Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for, digging through the market is always an enjoyable experience as it opens your eyes to the literary history of Jogja.
Address: Jalan Sriwedari No.1, Ngupasan, Gondomanan,
Teater Trimurti at Candi Prambanan
Everyone knows to visit Candi Borobudur and Candi Prambanan on your trip to Jogja. What is not often known is the theatre located within the grounds of Candi Prambanan. Trimurti Theatre is a traditional Javanese ballet group with over 200 artists participating in their shows.
Their main show, Ramayana, depicts a story taken from the Hindu epic and adapted to Javanese culture to create a truly unique tradition. It’s the legendary story of Rama’s quest to rescue his wife, Sita, who the powerful King Rahwana has kidnaped. Their second show, Roro Jonggrang (The Slender Princess), is a Javanese folktale explaining the origins of Ratu Boko Palace. The tale goes that in an attempt to dissuade his advances, Roro Jonggrang commands a prince to build her 1,000 temples overnight if he wishes to marry her.
If you time your visit correctly, you can watch the show with a breathtaking sunset view of Candi Prambanan. These outdoor shows are available in the summer months from May-October, with the shows performed indoors for the rest of the year. Trimurti Theatre is strongly recommended for its breathtaking show and its support to the local artistic community.
Book your tickets at www.borobudurpark.com.
Next, we cater to the art lovers. Jogjakarta’s rich heritage has given birth to a vibrant, creative community that marries tradition with contemporary influences. The locations below will allow you to peek into the fantastic art produced here in Jogjakarta, from music to the visual arts.
Bentara Budaya Jogjakarta
Bentara Budaya is a cultural institution belonging to the national media company Kompas Gramedia. With sister locations in Jogja and Jakarta, Bentara Budaya is dedicated to being a space that facilitates the creativity of local artists. Bentara Budaya Jogja first opened in 1982 to facilitate the vibrant arts scene, which had no gallery space to accommodate it. Since then, it has transformed and grown with the artistic community.
Though it has its own permanent collection, Bentara Budaya hosts many shows and events. One of their most popular events is Mben Senen, a Monday jazz night held during the summer, where local musicians fill the air with vibrant sounds. The jazz is a unique combination of western music influences by the local culture and geriateg. A wide array of art shows and events occur year-round, making this art space worth a visit for those looking to experience Jogja’s rich and diverse creative community.
Visit their website www.bentarabudaya.com to access their events schedule and find out more.
Papermoon Puppet Theatre and Residency
Papermoon Puppet Theatre is a Jogja-based puppeteering troupe that has reached international fame, touring more than 10 countries. Founded in 2006, the group has grown to iconic status in Jogja’s artistic community. Their puppetry goes beyond the slapstick comedy visitors often expect as they explore the medium of moveable art through performances discussing themes such as change, the flow of time, and confronting one’s own humanity.
In 2008, they began to host Pesta Boneka (Doll Party), an international puppet biennale. If your visit doesn’t allow you to see the Pesta Boneka, don’t worry. Papermoon has bookable workshops available for both adults and families. They range from clay puppet making to traditional shadow puppetry to puppet performance workshops. Papermoon also has several permanent and changing exhibitions available for viewing if you have a more limited schedule.
Their most unique program is their Papermoon Puppet Theatre Residency. Though you will technically be an Artist in Residence, you need not be an artist to join. The program is also advertised to students and scholars interested in puppetry and the arts. Those looking to immerse themselves in Jogja’s creative community should consider this program. It provides a unique insight into Papermoon and provides you access to the network of artists in Jogja.
Check their website www.papermoonpuppet.com for more information on the programs available.
Lastly, we explore the Jogja food scene, which like almost everywhere in Indonesia, has a diverse culinary scene. From traditional foods to unique concepts, we recommended these food experiences in order to explore what Jogja has to offer.
Jejamuran Jogja
Jejamuran is a restaurant serving no meat, just mushrooms. The local restaurant is famous for this bizarre yet playful concept. Customers, most of whom are meat eaters, are often shocked by how much the food tastes and feels like meat! This creative dining experience is popular with local tourists, even those from Jogja and surrounding areas.
The concept began as a kaki-lima (street vendor) run by Pak Ratidjo, who has always believed in the benefits of eating mushrooms. The well-known restaurant continues to educate its visitors on the health and environmental benefits of eating mushrooms. Through their social media platforms, Jejamuran gives its customers behind-the-scenes access to how their mushrooms are grown and processed. Thanks to his success, Pak Ratidjo, now a local celebrity, continues to popularise the habit of eating mushrooms. From dishes such as Mushroom Sate to Sweet and Sour Mushroom, there is something to cater to everyone. Jejamuran’s efforts have had many people reconsidering the way they view their fungi.
Though the menu is mainly vegetarian-friendly, it can be enjoyed by meat eaters looking to be pleasantly surprised. Additionally, Jejamuran still has other non-mushroom menu items available. Whether you are looking to learn more about mushrooms or simply want to have a unique dining experience, Jejamuran is for you.
Instagram: @jejamuran.id ; Contact: (0274)-868170
Gudeg Yu Djum
Gudeg Yu Djum opened in 1950 as a street stall and has grown into a restaurant chain that only serves one meal: Gudeg which is a traditional dish native to Central Java made from young unripe jack fruit stewed for several hours with palm sugar, and coconut milk. The dish is served with rice, hardboiled soy egg, chicken, and Krecek (beef skin fried with sambal).
Though there are many Gudeg stalls in Jogja, Local tourists from around Indonesia race to Gudeg Yu Djum every morning to taste the iconic dish, but it is lesser known amongst international visitors. Waking up early and planning a trip to one of their traditionally decorated outlets, such as the one near Tugu Train Station, is highly recommended to get a taste of Jogjakarta culture. Gudeg Yu Djum also provides frozen portions of Gudeg that can be bought as souvenirs to bring home!
Locations:
Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan 167, Jl. Wijilan No.167, Panembahan, Kecamatan Kraton,
Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan167, Stasiun Kereta Api Tugu Yogyakarta – Area parkir selatan
Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan 167, Bandara YIA, COFFE & RESTO, Jl. Wates – Purworejo Km.12 Melangsen, Palihan, Taman, Kulonprogo, DIY.
Gudeg Yu Djum Wijilan 167, Jalan Tamansiswa No.53 Yogyakarta
Those who have visited Yogyakarta know how unique the city is and by exploring further than the average guidebook would have you do, visitors can gain genuine insight into the beauty of Jogja. From the history to the arts and the food, Jogja will forever have a special place in your heart. Enjoy your visit to Jogjakarta, and remember to explore off the beaten path!
