PARANGTRITIS BEACH

Parangtritis beach is one that must be visited, not only because it is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta, but also has close links with various other attractions, such as the Sultan's Palace, Beach Parangkusumo and the Merapi area. The beach is located 27 kilometers from the city center is also part of the Queen of South.

Naming of the beach has its own history. That said, a man named Dipokusumo, defectors from the kingdom of Majapahit came to this area hundreds of years ago to do the meditation. When looking at the drops of water flowing from the crack rock, he was named the area became Parangtritis, from the word parang (= stone) and Tumaritis (= water droplets). The beach is located in an area that was eventually named the same.

Parangtritis a beach full of myths, believed to be a manifestation of the triune unity consisting of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta and Parangtritis. This beach is also believed to be a meeting place with Sunan Kalijaga Panembahan Senopati shortly after undergoing hermitage. In a meeting & Senopati reminded of being a humble ruler despite his supernatural powers.

A number of the attraction of this beach. Enjoy the natural view the most important. Natural charm that can spy from a variety of locations and ways that are seen more varied scenery, and you also have a different experience. When you are standing on the seashore, is a view of nature which seemed vast open sea with strong waves and high cliffs on the east side.
To enjoy it, you can simply run from east to west and look toward the south. In addition, you can also hire the services of gig that will take you through a similar route tirelessly. There is also a bid to
unggang horse to explore the coast. The cost, you can discuss with the tenant services.
After enjoying the scenery Parangtritis from the seashore, you can go to the Cave Langse
different experience. On the dirt road leading to the cave, you can look west and see Parangtritis.
The high waves rushing to the shore will look silvery under the sun, and will be golden by the sun began to redden or dusk. This exotic scenery YogYES had enjoyed while visiting a few days ago.
Satisfied with the landscape you can enjoy the experience of other tours with leading historic sites located in the vicinity Parangtritis. One is the Tomb of Sheikh Bela Belu are situated on the road to the beach. You can ride through the staircase that connects the highway with this sacred hill where the tomb. Generally, many pilgrims come on Tuesday kliwon.

 From the graveyard, you can challenge yourself to get to the cave, the cave that must be reached on foot as far as 3 miles and over 400 meters high cliff with a slope of almost 900. To enter the cave which is also often referred to as Queen of South cave, you must request permission from the tomb guard. According to the guard of Depok Beach is at the time of his youth often down the cave, you can see the scenery more beautiful southern ocean so successfully entered the cave.
On the 5th of the month 5 in the Chinese calendar, you can see Peh Cun ceremony procession in Parangtritis. Peh Cun, originating from the word Peh that means oar and Cun that means boat, is a form of thanksgiving to God Tioghoa community. This celebration is also intended to commemorate Khut Gwan (Qi Yuan), a patriot and as well as ministers in the kingdom, known loyalty to the king until he was vilified by his colleagues and chose to commit suicide.
Peh Cun Parangtritis celebration is unique because it is not filled with attractions dragon-decorated boats rowing like in other places, but with the attraction of standing egg.

 Places starts around 11:00 and peaked at 12.00. At noon, according to the trust, the egg will stand upright without support are needed. However, once entered at 13.00, the eggs will fall down and can not be built again. 
To achieve Parangtritis, you can choose two routes. First, the route of Yogyakarta - Imogiri - Siluk - Parangtritis which offers views of the river and coral. Secondly, through the route of Yogyakarta - Parangtritis which can be reached by mdah because the roads are relatively good. It is recommended you do not wear green clothes to respect local residents who believe that green clothes will bring misfortune.

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

The history of Borobudur
Borobudur was built around the year 800 AD or the 9th century. Borobudur was built by the adherents of Mahayana Buddhism during the reign of Dynasty dynasty. This temple was built at the height of the dynasty dynasty. The founder of the Borobudur Temple, King Samaratungga originating from or dynasty dynasty dynasty. The possibility of this temple was built around 824 AD and was completed around the year 900 AD during the reign of Queen Pramudawardhani who is the daughter of Samaratungga. While the architects who contributed to build this temple according to the story of hereditary named Gunadharma.Borobudur Temple
Borobudur own words based on the first written evidence that was written by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, Governor General of the United Kingdom in Java, which gives the name of this temple. There is no written evidence that older who gave name to this temple of Borobudur. Only one of the oldest document that shows the existence of this temple is Nagarakretagama book, written by mpu Prapanca in 1365. In the book is written that this temple was used as a place of Buddhist meditation.
Meaning of the name Borobudur is "monastery in the hills", which comes from the word "coal" (temple or monastery) and "beduhur" (hills or high places) in Sanskrit. Therefore, in accordance with the meaning of the name Borobudur, so this place long ago used as a place of Buddhist worship.
This temple for centuries are no longer used. Then because of volcanic eruptions, most of the buildings covered with volcanic soil Borobudur. In addition, the building is also covered with various trees and shrubs for centuries. Then the building of this temple began forgotten in the time Islam arrived in Indonesia around the 15th century.
In 1814 when the British occupied Indonesia, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles heard of the discovery of archaeological objects in the giant-sized village of Magelang Bumisegoro. Due to the great interest the history of Java, Raffles immediately ordered the HC Cornelius, a Dutch engineer, to investigate the location of the discovery which was a hill covered with shrubs.
Cornelius assisted by about 200 men cut down trees and remove shrubs that covered the giant building. Because the building considering the already fragile and could collapse, then report to the Raffles Cornelius invention includes several pictures. Since that discovery, Raffles was also honored as the man who started the restoration of Borobudur and the world's attention. In 1835, the entire area of ​​the temple has been unearthed. This temple continues restored in the Dutch colonial period.
After Indonesia gained its independence, in 1956, the Indonesian government requested the assistance of UNESCO to examine the damage to Borobudur. Then in 1963, out of the official Indonesian government's decision to conduct the restoration of Borobudur temple with the help of UNESCO. However, this restoration was only really started on August 10, 1973. The process of restoration was recently completed in 1984. Since 1991, the Borobudur Temple designated as World Heritage Sites or World Heritage by UNESCO.

Borobudur Temple Architecture
Borobudur temple is located in Magelang, Central Java, about 40 km from Yogyakarta. Borobudur has 10 levels consisting of 6 levels of a square, 3 levels of circular and a main stupa as a peak. At every level there are several stupas. Altogether there are 72 stupas in addition to the main stupa. In every stupa there is a statue of Buddha. Ten levels of Buddhist philosophy the ten levels of Bodhisattva who must pass to reach the perfection of the Buddha in nirvana. Perfection is denoted by the main stupa at the top level. Borobudur structure when viewed from above form a mandala structure that describes the Buddhist cosmology and human thinking.
On the fourth side of the temple there is the gate and stairs to the level above it like a pyramid. This illustrates the Buddhist philosophy that all life came from rocks. Stone later became the sand, then a plant, then the insects, then become a wild animal and pets, and finally became a man. This process is known as reincarnation. The last process is to be the soul and finally into nirvana. Each stage in the process of enlightenment is based on the Buddhist philosophy of life depicted in the reliefs and sculptures in the temple of Borobudur.
This huge building just a giant pile of stone blocks which have a total height of 42 meters. Each stone spliced ​​without using cement or adhesive. These stones are simply spliced ​​based on the pattern and stacked. The base of Borobudur temple is about 118 m on each side. The stones used approximately 55,000 cubic meters. All the stones were taken from the river around the Borobudur Temple. These stones are cut and then transported and connected with a pattern like a lego game. All without using glue or cement.
While the relief began to be made after the stones are stacked and jointed finish. Reliefs found on the temple walls. Borobudur has 2670 different relief. Relief is read clockwise. This relief illustrates a story that I read it starts and ends at the gate to the east. This suggests that the main gate facing east Borobudur like most other Buddhist temples.

 Vesak celebration at Borobudur
Every year on the full moon in May (or June in leap years), Buddhists in Indonesia commemorating Vesak at Borobudur. Vesak is celebrated as the day of birth, death and the time when Siddhartha Gautama obtained the highest wisdom to become the Buddha Shakyamuni. The third event is called Vesak Trisuci. Vesak ceremony centered at three Buddhist temples by walking from Mendut to Pawon and ending at Borobudur.
On the eve of Vesak, especially during the peak moment of full moon, Buddhists gathered around Borobudur. At that time, Borobudur is believed to be a gathering place of supernatural powers. According to belief, during Vesak, the Buddha will appear in a look at the top of the mountain in the south.

 Borobudur
Today, Borobudur has become a tourist attraction which attracts many tourists both local and foreign tourists. In addition, the Borobudur Temple has become a holy place for Buddhists in Indonesia and became the center of the most important annual celebration of Vesak Buddhists.
Borobudur be one proof of the greatness and human intelligence ever made in Indonesia. Borobudur become a major tourist attraction and culture in Indonesia other than Bali and Jakarta. After visiting Borobudur, you can also visit the surrounding villages like Karanganyar which has some interesting sights

South Square Yogyakarta, Finding Peace of Heart and Blessing

You who have lived in Yogyakarta, certainly never forget the feel of the familiar in the South Square. In the middle of the night with a friend in college, you've probably sat on mats are available in shops around while talking about the project work until the younger class of idol. It could be that you also enjoyed the warmth of a drink while chatting with neighbors or co-workers during the entire village in Yogyakarta.
Indonesian-tourism21.blogspot.com invites you to commemorate the memory of all that and visit again to Yogyakarta to greet your friends and feel more sense of the South Square. For those who have never been to Yogyakarta, this paper will introduce warmth and familiarity with the area that is often abbreviated name of this alkyd. You will know that the nuances of the South Square can be enjoyed by anyone without knowing the social status and become increasingly crowded as the night before.
South Square is an area behind the Sultan's Palace complex of buildings which can be reached by walking south from the Center Gudeg Wijilan Typical Foods. Symbolized by an elephant that has a calm disposition, South Square is a counterweight to the North Square which has a noisy character. Therefore, the South Square is considered the place palereman (break) of the Gods. And obviously now become a place ngleremke ati (reassuring) for many people.
Five o'clock is early crowd Square South. Tents were erected and traders began to food or beverages to be sold was prepared. So dark, you can begin to try out the food and beverages are sold. When you walk into one corner, you will find shops round, a beverage berkomposisi wedang ginger, peanuts, kolang fro and dots of brown sugar rice flour contains a warm liquid. The price is quite cheap, only about USD 2500.00.
Not far from the vendor of rounds, you'll find a seller wedang bajigur. While still presenting ginger flavored drinks, but the composition of the drink remained distinct. Wedang bajigur gravy made of coconut milk, ginger, coffee powder and sugar syrup. Usually, it is filled wedang slices of bread, sliced ​​coconut squares and fro. Warmth can sweep a cold night and enliven the atmosphere of your gathering.
If hungry, you can also eat a variety of dishes. Bebakaran like roasted corn, grilled bananas and toast is the right friends if you order wedang bajigur. Roasted corn sold here burned with butter and chili sauce until cooked but not burnt, while the grilled bananas were given chocolate that will melt when burned. Both are really able to indulge tongue. Toast is also available in a variety of flavors so as to arouse appetite.
Choice of side dish if you want to dine with rice is also available. Grilled chicken, assorted grilled fish until tempeh is available. Cooking may be normal, but if it is able to make the feel of the plaza south as a cooking spice, it will be awesome. With the concept of Lesbian, general food stalls in the area of ​​this square selling food at a price not expensive. You will be satisfied with just issuing USD 5000.00 only.
After indulging tongue, you can try the attractions named Masangin, namely through the streets between two banyan trees in the middle of the square with his eyes covered with black cloth. That said, if people can get through it and did not unfaithful or crashing then he will get infinite blessings. But, do not try to peek, because if you do you will go to another world. You will find the square in a state of quiet and hard to get back to reality lagi.Untuk try it, you simply hire a black cloth for USD 3000.00.
You can also chat with one of the tenants named Albertus Harjo black cloth that has been made square Suwito Square South as a place to earn a living for 30 years. According to him, a black cloth rental business not only business but also a form of cultural preservation and public confidence in antiquity. Rituals through two banyan tree called relented Blessing was not superstitious, but a means to deliver the petition to God. Granted or not depends on the power.
At certain times, you can see the puppet in Sasono Hinggil Dwi Abad. However, to view you will need to prepare because it is generally held all-night wayang. You can also see the preparation of the palace to celebrate the soldiers Grebeg (Maulud celebration commemorating the Prophet). In the square is all the soldiers assembled to carry out the dress rehearsal the day before the celebration and went to the plaza north on the day of celebration.
In addition to the evening, you can also visit this plaza, sure to see something different. You can view the palace elephant in the elephant enclosure during the day or see a football match children and adolescents around the square in the afternoon. On the edge of the square is also the time during the many merchants who sell Klithikan. You can hunt for antiques in it.

Jogja Kembali Monument

Jogja Kembali Monument was built on 29 June 1985. Initiated by Colonel Soegiarto, mayor of Yogyakarta in 1983. The name 'Jogja Back' was chosen as a memorial to the withdrawal of Dutch troops from the capital of the Republic of Indonesia on June 29, 1949.
Entering the area attractions, visitors are required to walk the 300 meters to go to Jogja Kembali Monument. On the way, we pass a wall bearing the names of heroes who fought and died in battle. Some old cannons displayed in front of Jogja Kembali Monument. Entering the inside of the monument, in it there is a museum, dioramas, and a library.
Entering the museum, we see quite a large collection of historic objects displayed here are some replica. Then enter the area the diorama, there is some explanation of the events that occurred in the days of the Republic of Indonesia to maintain independence from the hands of the invaders (the Netherlands) the following picture of the situation.

Jogja Kembali Monument in which there is a museum that consists of 3 floors equipped library and multipurpose room. At first floor there is a collection of objects: replicas, photographs, documents, heraldika, various types of weapons, sculptures, cannons, a common kitchen in the evocative atmosphere of the war of independence 1945-1949. Stretcher and gig (carriage) ever used by the Great Commander General Sudirman also stored here.
Finally, we entered the top floor is a quiet place a circle, equipped with a flagpole fitted with red and white flag in the middle of the room, and relief of a hand depicting a physical struggle on the west wall and the struggle of diplomacy on the east wall. This room is named Garbha Graha it serves as a place to pray and reflect on the heroes of the struggle.

COFEE JOSS IN ANGKRINGAN YOGYAKARTA

Coffee sensation Joss JogjaIf by chance the kopiers a trip to Jogjakarta, do not miss the sensation of coffee other than normal. The kopiers often called "coffee joss" or "coffee areng". Almost all coffee lovers in the city of Yogyakarta to know the term, because the place is fun. Various circles of artists, officials, students, a pedicab driver to have a hobby hanging around the place. I myself took some time sipping coffee joss each stopover to Jogjakarta.

A popular coffee shop is located near the Tugu Station, slightly to the east and just north of the railroad tracks. If the Tugu Jogja, wrote to the south continued. Towards the rails there is a small alley right of way, there are several stalls lesehan full of people, that's a coffee shop joss. The place is simple but make at home. Occasional street artist accompany jogja seruputan our coffee with a distinctive songs.

The place is not fancy, just a few carts angkringan, plus a few pieces of worn kitar dijejer on the sidewalk. But then there will definitely want to come again. If the night of the week, please be patient if you did not get a seat or a parking lot. Because as soon as night fell, hundreds of people soon filled the place. Practical narrow streets filled with motorcycles and cars are parked side by side.

Trade mark where it is coffee or coffee areng joss. Given black coffee areng burning heat, so that when inserted reads "joss". Areng the coffee cup floats on the surface of large size. The aroma then fused with the aroma of coffee. An incredible sensation that is not in Starbucks coffee shops or other luxury.

In addition to coffee Joss, I've tried milk and tea areng areng. But still the most delicious coffee areng. To accompany the coffee thrill at the site, like most angkringan, there are also rice and various kinds of fried cats, also satay chicken innards. We may linger at the spot, while chatting or whatever. To place a date is fine.

No need to fear because the effects of abdominal pain areng which sold for about 2,000 rupiah. That said, areng coffee drinks has been known since antiquity. Even kings areng also like coffee, which he said could be absorbing toxic antioxidant. Not believe? Come to Jogja.

Angkringan In Yogyakarta

About Angkringan

Angkringan is a place selling a wide range of food on almost every street and alley Jogjakarta. If you can describe, it's tangible angkringan like a wheelbarrow containing a full food and snacks, operates in the evening, night and dawn and use senthir lamp lighting (mostly) and mercury lamps light the streets of Yogyakarta.

Consumer angkringan, though often labeled as a lowly stall, in fact composed of various circles. Starting from a pedicab driver, a child overseas, students, humanists and artists, employees until executives sometimes do not hesitate to spend the night to eat and drink ginger tea in Angkringan.

Consumer behavior also vary in there. There are only bought to take home, some are buying, eating for a while and then go home, but the most common are buying, chatting, buying again, and again in the shop chatting with this famous colleagues as well as "colleagues" and the newly encountered know there. Automatic, on angkringan no distinction of social strata, religions and races. They are all equal in the dim light senthir, as the figure of a human child who eats and drinks from the hands of the same seller.

TAMAN SARI In YOGYAKARTA

Taman Sari Taman Sari Yogyakarta or Yogyakarta Palace is the site of the former park or garden palace of Yogyakarta Palace, which can be compared with the Bogor Botanical Gardens Bogor Palace gardens. This garden was built in the days of Sultan lane I (HB I) in the years 1758-1765/9. Initially, the park is the title of "The Fragrant Garden" has an area of ​​more than 10 hectares with around 57 buildings in the form of buildings, swimming baths, a suspension bridge, canal water, as well as artificial lakes and man-made islands and underwater tunnel. Gardens are used effectively between 1765-1812 was originally stretched from southwest to southeast Kedhaton complex Magangan complex. But today, the remnants of the Taman Sari, which can be seen only in complex southwest Kedhaton only.
That said, Taman Sari was built in the former palace of the old, Pesanggrahan Garjitawati, which was founded by His Majesty Pakubuwono II as a resting place that will train a horse go to Imogiri. As head of development projects instituted Tumenggung Mangundipuro Taman Sari. The entire development cost borne by the Regent Madison, Tumenggung Prawirosentiko, besrta all of his people. Therefore Madiun area exempt from taxation. In the midst of the leadership development project was taken over by Prince Notokusumo, after Mangundipuro resigned. Although officially a royal garden, but bebrapa existing buildings indicates Taman Sari serves as the last bastion if the palace was attacked by the enemy. It is said that one of the architects of this garden was a Portuguese royal better known as the Demat Tegis.
Taman Sari least complex can be divided into 4 sections. The first part is an artificial lake which lies to the west. The next section is a building located in the south of the artificial lake, among others, the Baths Bannerman Binangun. The third part is Pasarean Ledok Sari and Outdoor Garjitawati located in the southern part of the second. The last part is the eastern part of the first and second and extends eastward to southeastern Magangan complex.

MALIOBORO

 Malioboro, reminisce in Souvenirs Paradise
Extends over the imaginary axis connecting the sultan's palace, monument and the peak of Mount Merapi, the road is formed into a locality of trading after the lane I developed a means of trading through a traditional market since 1758. After 248 years passed, where it still survives as a trade area even be one of the icon known as Malioboro Yogyakarta.
Located about 800 meters from the sultan's palace, this place was once filled with a bouquet of flowers every time the Palace implement celebration. Malioboro, which in Sanskrit means "bouquet" became the basis of naming the street.
Flanked by shops, offices, restaurants, hotels and historic buildings, streets that were once could be the basis of the current struggle of the Dutch military aggression to-2 in 1948 was also the land of wandering the artists who are members of the community Persada Studies Club (PSK) led artists Landu Paranggi pennant since 1970's until about 1990.Souvenirs Paradise
Enjoying the experience of shopping, souvenir hunting of Jogja, tourists can walk along the shoulder of the road corridor (arcade). Here you will find many vendors that roll out merchandise. Ranging from local handicrafts such as batik, rattan ornament, leather puppets, bamboo crafts (key chains, decorative lamps, etc.) also blangkon (hat typical Java / Yogyakarta) and silver goods, to vendors selling many general knickknacks encountered in other trades. Throughout the arcade, tourists can shop in peace in a sunny or rainy conditions, also can enjoy a pleasant shopping experience at bargain prices. If lucky, can be reduced by one third or even separohnya.
Do not forget to leave little energy. There is still a traditional market that should be visited. In the place known as Beringharjo market, but tourists can find similar goods are sold along the arcade, this market provides a variety of traditional products is more complete. In addition to local products Jogja, neighboring areas are also available products such as batik or batik Pekalongan Solo. Looking for batik or batik prints, or just looking for curtains decorating the windows with unique motifs and batik bed sheets beautiful. This place will satisfy your shopping desires unique items with a cheaper price.
Shopping in the area of ​​Malioboro and Beringharjo, be sure not to be fooled by the price offered. Usually the sellers to raise prices than usual for tourists.Vredeburg and the Great House
At the end of the road "bouquet" of this, tourists can stop at Vredeburg facing the Great House. This fort was once the basis of protection from possible attack troops Dutch Palace. As usual every fortress, a place that was built in 1765 is a square-shaped high wall encircling the area in which the monitors at the four corners of the tower is used as a patrol. From the south tower, YogYES enjoying views over the Sultan of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and several other historical buildings.
While the Great House is located in front of him had been the residence of the Head of the Dutch colonial administration from 1946 to 1949. In addition he became the Presidential Palace during Sukarno's presidency when the State Capital was moved to Yogyakarta.Lesehan Malioboro
As the sun began to set, when the lights came on streets and shops that add a beautiful atmosphere Malioboro, one by one lesehan shanties sprung up. Foods such as warm or Jogja pecel catfish can be enjoyed here in addition to oriental cuisine or sea food and cuisine of Padang. Entertainment as well as hits or song memories by street singers when dining.
For tourists who want to taste the cuisine along Malioboro street, ask for price list and make sure the seller, to avoid the rising prices are not reasonable.
Visiting Yogyakarta, known as "Living Museum Javanese Culture", feels incomplete without a stop at the road that has kept many stories and history of the struggle of the Indonesian nation is filled with various souvenirs. A paradise for lovers of history and souvenir hunters.

Prambanan's Hindu Temple Beautiful in the World

 Prambanan temple is incredibly beautiful building that was built in the 10th century during the reign of two kings, and Rakai Rakai Pikatan Balitung. Rose as high as 47 feet (5 meters higher than Borobudur temple), the foundation of this temple has fulfilled the desire to show Hindu triumph in the land of Java. This temple is located 17 kilometers from the city center, in the middle of the area that is now a beautiful park.
There is a legend that Javanese people always tell about this temple. Once, a man named Roro Jonggrang Bondowoso love. Because of his love, Jonggrang asked Bondowoso make 1000 temples with statues in one night. The request was nearly fulfilled Jonggrang asked the villagers to pound rice and make a big fire that created an atmosphere like the morning. Bondowoso who only completed 999 statues cursed into a statue to Jonggrang-1000 because he felt cheated.
Prambanan temple has three main temples in the primary yard, namely Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. These three temples are symbols of Trimurti in Hindu belief. All three temples were facing east. Each main temple has accompanying temple facing to the west, namely Nandini for Shiva, Swan to Brahma, and Garuda for Vishnu. In addition, there are two temples wedge, 4 temples color, and 4 corner temples. In the second there are 224 temples.
Entering the Shiva temple located in the middle and the highest building, you will find a room 4. One main room contains a statue of Shiva, while the other three rooms each containing a statue of Durga (Shiva's wife), Agastya (Shiva's teacher), and Ganesha (Shiva's son). Durga is touted as the statue of Roro Jonggrang described in the legend above.
In the Vishnu temple is located in the north of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Vishnu. Brahma temple, which lies south of Shiva temple, you will only find one room with a statue of Brahma.
Quite attractive accompanying temple is Garuda temple that is located near the Vishnu temple. This temple keeps a story of half-bird human being named Garuda. Garuda is a mystical bird in Hindu mythology, who was gold, white face, red wings, beak and wings like an eagle. It is estimated, the figure is Hindu adaptation of Bennu figure (means 'rises' or 'shining', usually associated with the god Re) in ancient Egyptian mythology or Phoenix in Old Greek mythology. Garuda succeeded in saving his mother from the curse of Aruna (Garuda's handicapped brother) by stealing Tirta Amrita (holy water of the gods).
The ability to save that which is admired by many people until now and used for various purposes. Indonesia used it to sign the country. That said, the creator of the emblem of Garuda Pancasila looking for inspiration in this temple. Other countries also use it to sign the country is Thailand, with the same reason but adaptation to the shape and appearance. In Thailand, Garuda is known or Krut Pha Krut.
Prambanan also has panels of relief describing the story of Ramayana. According to experts, the relief is similar to the Ramayana story is revealed through oral traditions. Another interesting relief is Kalpataru tree that the Hindu religion is considered as a tree of life, sustainability and environmental compatibility. In Prambanan, relief of Kalpataru tree is described lions flanking the center. The existence of this tree makes experts consider that the people of the 9th century had wisdom to manage its environment.
Just as the figure of Garuda, Kalpataru is now also used for various purposes. In Indonesia, Kalpataru is a symbol of Forum for Environment (WALHI). In fact, some scientists in Bali to develop the concept of Tri Hita Karana for environment conservation by seeing Kalpataru relief in this temple. The tree of life also can be found in the mountains that used to open the puppet arts. A proof that the relief panels in Prambanan has worldwide.
If careful, you can also see various birds relief, this time a real bird. Bird reliefs at Prambanan are so natural that biologists can identify their genus. One was relief of Yellow-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea) that question. Why, the bird was actually just there Masakambing Island, an island in the Java Sea. Then, whether the type that were once numerous in Yogyakarta? Please find out yourself. Because, until now no single person who could solve the mystery.
Well, there are many more which can be extracted at Prambanan. You certainly should not be bored. If it was finally exhausted, you can rest in the garden around the temple. Interested? Come soon. Since September 18, 2006, you can enter a zone of Prambanan temple, although not yet able to enter the temple. Some of the damage caused by the earthquake last May 27, 2006 is now being repaired.

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.

Photo by : Indra
text by : Yunanto Wiji Utomo
URL  : http://www.yogyes.com/en/yogyakarta-tourism-object/museum-and-monument/tugu-jogja/