Friday, April 3, 2020

Yogyakarta: Regal Wonders and Indonesian Tastes

It's time to talk about the buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi, and trust me, you're in for a treat! I haven't yet introduced you to this culinary delight, and now is the perfect moment (JOGYAKARTA EXPOSURE). By now, you probably know how much I adore Indonesian cuisine and our local Malay Malaysian food. Oh, yes, please! The buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi was a feast for the senses during my stay (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION). 

The variety was astounding, even featuring different Jamu concoctions, those traditional herbal drinks. Although I’m not a big eater and not usually a breakfast person, I couldn't resist sampling the array of dishes. Such a sensational meal, including the desserts that left me in awe. I know I'll miss this breakfast spread (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST) once I leave, and I'm sure you'll agree with me after seeing it for yourself.






With breakfast over, it was time to explore the Museum Kereta Karaton. Also known as the Yogyakarta Royal Carriage Museum, this historic site is a treasure trove of Javanese culture and royalty. The museum’s origins are deeply tied to the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, established in the late 16th century. Officially opened to the public in 1989, the museum boasts a collection dating back to the 19th century, featuring carriages from the reigns of Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII and IX. These carriages, used in ceremonial events and royal processions, reflect the grandeur and ritual significance of the Javanese court. The museum preserves these historical artifacts, showcasing the rich cultural traditions and artistry of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

Though the museum is compact, allowing you to cover it in a single loop, the vintage and antique carriages are truly captivating. Mostly made in the Netherlands, these splendid vehicles are a sight to behold, and they brought me joy just looking at them. After about 15 minutes, I had explored the museum and stepped out, feeling enriched by the experience.





Next, we walked past bustling shops, charming cottage industries, vibrant roadside cart stalls, and a local school before stepping into the regal Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, or Keraton Palace. Keraton Palace, a historic and cultural gem in the heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, was established in 1755 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. 

This grand palace complex beautifully blends Javanese and Islamic architectural influences, showcasing intricately carved wooden structures, spacious courtyards, and serene gardens. Serving as both the residence of the Sultan and a vibrant center for Javanese culture and traditions, the palace functions as a living museum. It features royal regalia, ceremonial artifacts, and traditional Javanese arts such as gamelan music and dance.

Notable structures include the Gedong Kuning (Yellow Building) and the Siti Hinggil, used for ceremonial events. The Kraton remains a crucial hub for preserving and celebrating the rich artistic and cultural heritage of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Walking from one section to another, I ensured I didn’t miss anything before leaving this captivating palace.







Our journey continued with a walk to the Water Castle (Taman Sari). The Water Castle, an exquisite historical site in Yogyakarta, is renowned for its intricate blend of Javanese and Portuguese architectural styles. Built in the mid-18th century during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, this former royal garden complex served as a leisure retreat and bathing area for the Sultan and his court. The site features a network of pools, fountains, and artificial lakes surrounded by beautifully ornate pavilions and ruins. Taman Sari's unique design includes an elaborate network of underground tunnels and chambers, used for privacy and security.

Today, the Water Castle stands as a captivating reminder of the Sultanate’s opulent past, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Javanese royal life. However, I found it somewhat run-down and overcrowded on this day. After the first 10 minutes, I decided it wasn’t quite the place for me. Instead, I grabbed a drink at the central open area and had a delightful time chatting with some older Indonesian men. These down-to-earth, humble guys were amazing, and their company turned out to be the highlight of my visit.





Lunch on this day was Nasi Padang at an unassuming eatery. Standing in line, you could top your plate of rice with whichever dishes you desired before finding a place to sit and enjoy your meal. Unfortunately, our meal turned out to be quite ordinary, and the ambiance left much to be desired, so I didn’t bother noting down the name of the eatery.




After lunch, we headed to Prambanan Temple. Prambanan Temple, also known as Candi Prambanan, is a majestic Hindu temple complex located near Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Dating back to the 9th century, it is one of the largest and most significant Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The complex is renowned for its stunning architecture, featuring tall, ornate spires and intricately carved reliefs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Krishna legends.

Prambanan consists of a central group of towering sanctuaries dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, with the central temple dedicated to Shiva being the tallest and most prominent. The temple's design exemplifies the peak of classical Hindu art and architecture, reflecting the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Javanese civilization. Despite facing damage from natural disasters and the passage of time, Prambanan has been meticulously restored and continues to serve as a major cultural and religious landmark, attracting visitors from around the world to marvel at its historical and artistic significance.

 

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan is the largest temple compound dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia. The long walk inside and climbing up to see the different Hindu gods requires careful navigation of the uneven stone staircases. From Prambanan Temple, we walked to the museum via the garden lined with deities of various shapes and sizes. Before exiting, make sure to turn around and take a broad-angle look at Prambanan Temple from a distance- it’s a meaningful and ultimate visit, though rather tiring.











Dinner took place at Ayam Penyet Surabaya Monjali. While I’ve had my share of such meals many times in Malaysia, it was a must-try here in its country of origin. The ambiance was ordinary, but the service was attentive. We enjoyed not only the varieties of set meal, including the Ayam Penyet, but also extra dishes. It was a meal worth praising, though the Indonesian version of ice kacang (ABC) was overwhelming. The colorful concoction, including croutons, was overloaded with sugar, making us give up after a few mouthfuls.


To be continued....

 












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