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Java

A journey to Java can be the trip of a lifetime, taken without foresaking the comforts of home. Young or old, Louis Vuitton luggage in hand or a pack on your back, visitors to Java will come away with an immensely rich and rewarding experience of a profoundly exotic land and culture. Java is more than a feast for the eyes it is food for the soul.

When travelling across Java, every day will bring a new experience for the intrepid voyager. Geography, climate and culture change every few kilometres, the only constant the smiles of the people who place hospitality above all other concerns. Brooding volcanoes and verdant rice fields, regal splendor and captivating dance are all apart of Java. An endless tropical garden on the shore of an azure sea, Java is an incredible mosaic of sights, sounds and impressions: a pleasurable form of sensory overload.

Indonesia is a full participant in Southeast Asia's economic boom, modernization and a burgeoning affluence have brought the highest standards of accommodation, transportation, communication, health and hygiene to Java's shores. Facilities in Jakarta rival those of any world city, while a dense network of road, rail and air connections bring all of Java within easy reach. Although the modern world has come to Java, it has not conquered the Garden of the East. A few steps away from any hotel lies all the charm and enchantment of Java. Dance, art, drama and the ageless rhythms of daily life are unchanged or adapted to the contemporary world in new and interesting ways.

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Sulabaya

Up until the turn of the century the East Javanese capital of Surabaya was the largest and most important seaport in the archipelago. It still ranks second (after Jakarta's Tanjung Priok), and with more than 400 years of colorful history behind it, one would expect to find much of interest here, though unfortunately, this is not so.

Surabaya's rise to prominence began around 1525, when her rulers converted to Islam and then rapidly subdued all neighboring coastal states. However, in the final years of the 16th Century, the central Javanese kingdom of Mataram expanded eastward and joined a bloody and protracted struggle with Surabaya for control of the area. Dutch descriptions of the city in 1620 paint her as a formidable adversary surrounded by a canal and heavily fortified bastions measuring some 37 kms (23 miles) in circumference. And her army is said to have numbered 30,000. In the end, Surabaya succumbed (in 1625) only after Sultan Agung's armies had devastated her rice-lands and diverted her mighty river.

In the mid-18th Century, Surabaya was ceded to the Dutch, and soon developed into the greatest commercial city of the Indies-the chief sugar port and rail head on Java. Immortalized in many of Joseph Conrad's novels, this era was characterized by square-riggers in full sail, wealthy Chinese and Arab traders, eccentric German hoteliers and lusty seamen brawling over the likes of Surabaya Sue (who really existed). Todays reality is mundane by comparison-Surabaya is a hot, sprawling city of almost 4 million. It is known as the "City of Heroes" because of the momentous first battle of the revolution, fought here in November 1945. Though the ragtag Indonesian rebels were driven from the city at this time by better-equipped British troops, they inflicted heavy casualties and proved to the world (and themselves) that independence could be and would be, fought for.
 

WHERE TO EAT IN SURABAYA
A variety of cuisines are available in Surabaya. Good quality western food is most likely found in hotel outlets while Indonesian or Chinese food is best sampled in the restaurants along the main streets. The Kuningan International Seafood restaurant is a classic Chinese seafood palace. One famous Surabaya restaurant has now opened branches across Java: Soto Ambengan offers authentic Soto Ayam, Surabaya chicken soup.

STAYING IN SURABAYA
Surabaya is well served by up-market chain hotels, including the Hyatt Regency, Radisson Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Patra Hilton Hotel and the local Sahid chain. The Garden Palace is a long established locally operated hotel while the Majapahit is a historical property refurbished and now operated by Mandarin Oriental. The Surya Hotel is a good choice in the hill resort of Tretes.


GETTING AROUND IN SURABAYA
There is an hourly shuttle service from Jakarta, frequent flights form Bali and Ujung Pandang and a direct service from Singapore, Taipei, Guangzhou, Perth and Hong Kong. Fast, comfortable trains travel overnight from Jakarta. Luxury bus services operates from Bali and Yogyakarta.

By Air:
Garuda Indonesia has five daily flights operating from Denpasar to Surabaya, and one from Bandung. In addition the national carrier runs twelve daily shuttle flights between Jakarta and this East Javanese provincial capital, with the private airline Mandala offering three more.

By Sea:
The state-owned company Pelni maintains regular passenger services between Surabaya and Jakarta; Ujungpandang, Balikpapan, Denpasar, Ambon and Manado, with each of its six its six liners-the KM Kambuna, KM Rinjani, KM Umsini, KM Kerinci, KM Tidar and KM Lawit-sailing twice a week in either direction.

By Land:
The 900-kilometer distance between Jakarta and Surabaya can be traveled in about 14 hours over land by private car or bus via Cirebon, Semarang and Tuban, on the north coast. The trip by train over the same northern route normally takes about 16 hours. Trains depart Jakarta's Gambir railroad station for East Java twice a day.

Taxis
A large city with modern conveniences, taxis are readily available from your hotel, alternatively make arrangements with your concierge. Should they not be available, we are sure these numbers will help you.

Car Rental:
Chauffeur-driven rented cars are available in all large towns. Self-driven vehicles are also available, though not recommended, for intricate travel. Established taxi services and car rental companies offer fixed rates for hourly or specific routes. If you choose to drive your self, a valid International Driving License is required. Most International road conventions are observed in Surabaya, although right-of-way tends to go to the larger vehicle and turns are not always signalled. Remember to drive on the left and overtake only on the right. Turning left at a red light is allowed only when indicated. Do not expect other drivers to obey traffic laws or conventions, including traffic lights.

ACTIVITIES
Surabaya is a busy port town, and a walk to the old harbour should not be missed. Filled with a variety of vessels ranging from brightly painted schooners to aging warship, there are always sights to see at the harbour. However, shopping and golf also feature prominently on the Surabaya 'to do list'.

ATTRACTIONS
The most interesting areas of Surabaya are the old Arab and Chinese quarters at the nortern end of the city, not far from the harbour. Spend some time wandering the narrow lanes to the east of Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur, around the mosque and the Holy Grave of Sunan Ampel, one of the nine saints who propagated Islam on the Island. Many stalls around the mosque sell handmade textiles from all over Java.

Just to the south of here, at Jl. Dukuh II/2 is the Hong Tik Hian Temple, where Chinese hand-puppet (potehi) performances are put on daily for the benefit of the assembled deities. And just across Jl. Kembang Jepun, on Jl. Selompretan, stands Surabaya's oldest Chinese shrine-the 18th Century Hok An Kiong Temple-built entirely of wood in the traditional manner by native Chinese craftsmen. The temple's central deity is Ma Co, the protectress of sailors.
From the Chinese quarter, walk West-ward along Jl. Kembang Jepun to the famous "Red Bridge" straddling Kali Mas canal. This lies at the very heart of the 19th Century commercial district, where many dilapidated Dutch ware-houses and office buildings still stand.

Majapahit Sculpture
Named after the bitter (pahit) maja fruit, Majapahit, made Singasari in the late 13th century as the dominant power and became the most powerful kingdom ever in Indonesia, where during the 14th century became the golden age of cultural and ploitical development which until today, historical figures and Hindu and Buddhist influenced motifs remain popular. Located south west from Surabaya and around 10km from the town Mojokerto lies Trowulan, where it is sorrounded by 100 square kilometers of archaeological site.

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Yogyakarta

After a long land dispute dispute in 1755, Prince Mangkubumi established Yogyakarta in defiance of his brother, the Susuhunan of Surakarta; Mangkubumi, the Rebellious Prince built the 'Kraton' Palace and took the title of Sultan, and the name of 'Hamengkubuwono', literally 'the universe on the lap of the king'. Hamengkubuwono's reign flourished, creating the most powerful Javanese Kingdom since the 17th Century. His son, Hamengkubuwono II, however was not as competent; British rule during his reign saw much of the Kraton ransacked and Hamengkubuwono II exiled to a remote corner of his empire.

For the Javanese, Yogya remains a symbol of resistance to Colonial Rule- it was the Republic's capital in 1946, where under Dutch Rule, Indonesian Rebels used the Palace as an open haven to plot over their colonial masters. The Dutch were fully aware of the plotting behind closed doors at the Kraton, but were afraid to directly move against the Sultan, fearful of incurring the wrath of the Javanese people who viewed him as a God. Now however, Yogya remains as a cultural stronghold, filled with the artifacts of an awe-inspiring era. The Sultan is still to be found in the Palace now open to visitors, surrounded by his traditionally garbed Court and Courtesans. If this is not enough, Yogya's cultural heritage makes it an excellent area to shop for antiquities and authentic Javanese crafts and jewellery.


WHERE TO EAT IN YOGYAKARTA
Simple, basic, delicious food in many styles and cuisines is available throughout Yogyakarta. All hotels offer the standard selection of western dishes but often out-do themselves with interesting variations on Indonesian cuisine. On the road to the airport, ayam Goreng Ny. Suharti is less a restaurant than a place of pilgrimage for fried chicken lovers, serving incomparable free-range chicken with rice. The Pesta Perak Restaurant serves a daily buffet of authentic Javanese fare, with or without hot spices. The legian Restaurant overlooking Jl. Malioboro is a charming second-storey garden restaurant serving steaks and chops at reasonable prices. Several tourist-oriented spots such as the Hanuman Forest Restaurant have cultural performances to complement their good-value western dishes. Visitors to Yogyakarta should not miss cross-legged on straw mats at night-time lesehan stall along Jl. Malioboro. As the food is prepared on open tables, sensitive digestive systems can be safeguarded by selecting a vendor who obviously maintains good standards of cleanliness and by drinking only bottled water, soft drinks without ice or hot tea.

GETTING AROUND IN YOGYAKARTA

By Air:
There are several direct flights daily from Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Bali. Night trains from Jakarta, though comfortable, arrive at inconvenient hours.

By Bus:
Luxury buses with hotel pick-up and drop-off services operate from Bali via Surabaya.

By Rail:
Fast, comfortable trains run from Jakarta through Yogyakarta to Surabaya. First or executive class service includes air-conditioning, airline-style seats and complimentary beverage and meal service. The night trains from Jakarta, though comfortable, arrive in Yogya in the early hours of morning while the dawn service arrives in the late afternoon. Many sites of interest are easy walking distance from Jl. Malioboro, the main tourist area where several hotels are located. Otherwise, metered taxis and chauffeur-driven rental automobiles are abundant. The typically innovative Yogyanese tourist authorities have been teaching rudimentary English to pedicab a pleasant option for visiting most attractions. There is also the option to rent a bicycle, a nice way to see the sights at ones own pace. Numerous tour operators and rental automobile agencies organise transport to outlying temple sites at standardised rates


ACTIVITIES

Traditional Ceremonies
From a historical point of view, Yogyakarta Special Region was formerly the centre of several kingdoms, respectively the Ancient. Mataram Kingdom during the Hindu period, the Mataram Kingdom during the Islamic period and the Sultanate of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat.

Sekaten
Sekaten ceremony is held yearly starting on the fifth day of the Javanese month Mulud. The ceremony takes the form of a sequence of celebrating the birth of Muhammad SAW the prophet. People from Yogyakarta and villages around the city still believe that by celebrating Sekaten, particularly when listening to the sets of the Gamelan music, they will get reward from the God almighty, concerning their work, and their future.

Gerebeg Mulud
The climax of the Sekaten ceremony is called Garebeg Mulud. It is held on the 12th of Javanese month Mulud. This festival starts at 07.30 am local time preceded by a parade of the Palace Guard consisting of ten units, namely, Wirobrojo, Daeng, Patangpuluh Jogokaryo, Prawirotomo, Nyutro, Ketanggung, Mantrijero, Surokarso, and Bugis wearing their specific uniform. The parade starts from the yard of the northern Kemandungan of the palace, crosses the Sitihinggil the Pagelaran, and proceeds to the northern square. According to the annual Javanese calendar, there are other ceremonies besides Garebeg Mulud, those are Garebeg Besar and Garebeg Syawal. Garebeg Syawal is held on the first day of Syawal, a Javanese month. It is held after the Ramadhan month of fasting. Garebeg besar is held on the tenth of Javanese month related to the Qurban Idhul Adha, the Moslem sacrificial day.

Tumplak Wajik
Tumplak wajik is held in the yard of Magangan Yogyakarta Palace at 4 pm, two days before the Garebeg ceremony. It. marks the beginning of preparing the food used to make the Gunungan. "Wajik" a delicacy made of sticky rice. Accompanying the ceremony "Kothekan" the orchestra plays by hitting various kind of wooden instruments, such as rice mortar, "Kenthongan" (barrel) which all present a very enchanting and melodious folk music.

Saparan
Saparan is an offering ceremony done by people in Ambarketawang, Gamping, some 6 kilometers from Yogyakarta. A long time ago, most people in Ambarketawang made their living by digging the limestone found in this area. According to research done by geologists, the lime stones hills are more than 50 million years of age. 'People believe that without bringing the offering, they may encounter difficulties and disaster. Although the hills have almost completely gone and only piles of limestone are left, the tradition of an offering still goes on in the second month of Javanese calendar, Sapar, hence the name of the ceremony "Saparan". Starting very early in the morning, hundreds participate in a folk art festival and procession. The climax of ceremony takes place at 02.00 pm, when a couple of "Bekakak" bride and a bridegroom dolls made of sticky rice filled with brown sugar syrup, are beheaded after being carried in a procession, escorted by traditionally uniformed guard and people carrying offerings.

Labuhan (Offering Ceremony)
Labuhan ceremony is held to celebrate the birth of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono. "Labuh" in Javanese means throw something sacred to a river of the sea. The offering from the Yogyakarta palace consists of food, cutting of fingernails and hair Sri Sultan which is thrown to the South Sea of Indian Ocean. The offering is intended to be presented to the Goddess of the South Sea, Kanjeng Ratu Kidul. It is hoped by performing the ceremony the King and the people of Yogyakarta get their welfare. The same ceremony is also held on the top of mount Merapi and lawu.

The Cultural Performances
As the cradle of Javanese culture Yogyakarta show its potencies as a cultural and art educational centre because of its rich history in the art of dancing. At first, the various art forms were only practiced within the Kraton, but eventually spread among the wider layers of society with the result that various art groups were formed- because of the presence of the Kraton (the Sultan's Palace), Yogyakarta became the centre of flourishing Javanese art, which helped to spread its fame Yogyakarta offers besides formal art education also informal art education, at several place such as "padepokan", studios, atelier, etc. The best known are: Siswo Among Bekso, Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardjo, Pamulangan Bekso Ngayogyakarta, Wisnu Wardhana theatre studios' etc. The following art forms can be found in and around Yogyakarta: Karawitan, Langen Mandra Wanara, Kethoprak, Wayang Kulit, Wayang Golek, Jathilan, and many others.

Leather Puppet Play (Wayang Kulit)
Wayang in its original form of shadow play appears to be a Javanese creation, which contains several aspects of Javanese culture. This Wayang or shadow play came into existence long before the arrival of Hindu culture. During the Neoliticum period, wayang performance at first consisted of religious ceremonies, which took place at night in connection with the worship of Hyang. These performances depicted heroism of the ancestor from the mythology. Accompanying the shadow puppet performance is the gamelan. The puppets of the shadow play are made from polished and gilded hide from water buffalo or cow. Shadow play performances have become a national culture heritage, even known abroad. Many foreigners study the art of shadow puppeteering usual presented by the local inhabitant and held on the specified ceremonies i.e. the great harvest celebration, wedding party, "bersih desa" means thanks to the blessing of the God and others ritual or traditional event.

Wooden Puppet Play (Wayang Golek Tengul)
These wooden puppets are 3 dimensional dolls. This form of puppet theatre is well liked, because of the movements, which resemble those of human beings. The wooden puppets are dressed in colourful costume in order to enchant the viewer.

The Royal Classical Dance
Sultan's Palace since a long time declared as the centre of the art and culture in particularly the art of dancing and traditional music (Karawitan). The Royal Dance is still exists colouring Yogyakarta at the present time. New versions of Yogyanese dance are based on the Royal dance. Some of the royal dance is believed as the sacred dance and implicated supernatural power when its playing on the stage. Therefore the sacred royal dance just performs within the court on the special event or ritual ceremonies, such as to commemorate the anniversary of Sultan (tingalan dalem), the crowned of Sultan (jumenengan dalem), wedding party of Sultan's family, official or formal ceremonies and others. Ordinary royal dance rehearsals are practiced regularly on Sunday mornings taking place within the court, and are open for public viewing.

Ramayana Ballet
Ramayana ballet at present time is a popular performance in Yogyakarta. This dance based on the Ramayana story, the epic of Hindu. The performance telling about the story of Rama, the crown-prince of Ayodya and his wife Shinta when they were wandering in the forest by command of the King.
Usually the Ramayana ballet consists of 4 episodes, beginning to the abduction of Shinta, The burning of Hanoman, the death of Kumbokarno and ended by The holy fire of Shinta.

Wayang Kulit (Leather Puppet Shadow Play)

• Agastya Art Institute - School for Narrators Jl. Gedung Kiwo MJ I/996, performed every day except Saturday from 15.00 pm to 17.00 pm.

• Ambar Budaya (Dewi Sri) - Yogyakarta Craft Centre Jl. Adisucipto, performed everyday from 20.00 to 21.30.

• Sasana Hinggil - South Palace Square (Alun-Alun Selatan), performed every second Saturday of the month from 21.00 pm to 05.00 am.

• Sono Budoyo Archaeological Museum, Jl. Trikora, performed everyday from 20.00 pm to 22.00 pm.

Wayang Golek (Wooden Puppets)

• Agastya Art Institute - School for Narrators Jl. Gedung Kiwo MJ I/996, performed every Saturday from 15.00 pm to 17.00 pm.

• Nitour Inc., Jl. K.H.A. Dahlan 71, performed everyday except Sunday from 11.00 am to 13.00 pm.

Ramayana Ballet

• Cultural programmes at Hotel Ambarukmo at Borobudur Restaurant (7^th floor), every night.

• At Dalem Pudjokusuman, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm.

• Ramayana open air Theatre- Prambanan-Yogyakarta 19.00-21.00, performed on moonlight; May-October

• Trimurti Theatre Prambanan-Yogyakarta 19.30-21.30, performed every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

• Pariwisata Open Theatre Jl. Brigjen Katamso Yk 20.00-22.00, performed every night
   

Gamelan Orchestra at Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace
The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the centre of the city between the Winongo and Code Rivers. The palace grounds, courtyards and buildings stretch from north to south, in line with Mount Merapi. The palace today retains the atmosphere of a bygone era through the installations of life-size wedding and palace meeting dioramas, traditional Javanese gamelan orchestras, antiques and heirlooms that adorn the royal buildings.

Labuhan Ceremony at Parang Tritis
Parang Tritis is famous in Javanese mythology as the home of the A popular seaside resort 27 kms south of Yogyakarta on the Indian Ocean, Goddess of the South Seas, who was married to Panembahan Senopati, founder of the Mataram Kingdom. Every year the sultans of Yogyakarta make special offerings to her in a beachside ceremony called "Labuhan". Old Gamelan Instrument and Textiles at Museum Sonobudoyo This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, is built in the traditional Javanese style of architecture. On exhibit are weapons, leather and wooden puppets of wayang theatre, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace. Open everyday except Mondays.

Silverware at Kotagede
Kotagede, a picturesque town about five-kilometre Southeast of Yogyakarta, was once the seat of the mighty Mataram Empire. Since the 1930s Kotagede has become famous as the centre of the Yogya silverware industry. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch the famous silversmiths at work. Kotagede is easily reached by four-wheeled horsedrawn cart, taxi, bus, or car.

Regular Cultural Performances in Yogyakarta
I. YOGYANESE CLASSICAL DANCE REHEARSALS
1. SULTAN PALACE
10.30 - 12.00 ON SUNDAY
The Kraton Classical Dance School.

II. GAMELAN TRADITIONAL MUSIC REHEARSALS
1. SULTAN PALACE
10.30- 12.00
On MONDAY and WEDNESDAY

III. LEATHER PUPPET SHADOW PLAY (Wayang Kulit)
1. AGASTYA Art Institute - School for narrators
Jl. Gedongkiwo MJ I/996 Yogyakarta
15.00 - 17.00 performed EVERYDAY except SATURDAY

AMBAR BUDAYA (DEWI SRI) –Yogyakarta Craft Centre
Jl. Adisucipto, Ambarrukmo - Yogyakarta
20.00 - 21.30 performed EVERYNIGHT

SASANA HINGGIL
South Palace Square (Alun-alun Selatan)
Yogyakarta
21.00 - 05.30 performed every SECOND SATURDAY of the month.

SONOBUDOYO
Archaelogical Museum
Jl. Trikora - Yogyakarta
20.00 - 22.00 performed EVERYNIGHT

ATTRACTIONS

• Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace
  The palace court with its grand and elegant Javanese architecture lies in the centre of the city between the Winongo and Code Rivers. The palace grounds, courtyards and buildings stretch from north to south, in line with Mount Merapi.
  The palace today retains the atmosphere of a bygone era through the installations of life-size wedding and palace meeting dioramas, traditional Javanese gamelan orchestras, antiques and heirlooms that adorn the royal buildings.

• Water Castle
  Just west of the kraton, are the ruins, pools, arches and underground passages of the former pleasure gardens, the Water Castle. Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, the central courtyard with the nymph-baths has been restored. The Water Castle is located in the old part of the city within walking distance from the Bird Market. A number of batik workshops line the avenue leading to the pleasure garden's entrance.

• Prambanan Temple
  This magnificent Hindu temple derives it name from the village where it is located, seventeen kilometres east of Yogyakarta. Locally known as the Loro Jongrang Temple, or the Temple of the Slender Virgin, it is the most magnificent and beautiful Hindu temple in Indonesia. Prambanan is believed to have been built by King Balitung Maha Sambu in the middle of the ninth century. Its parapets are adorned with bas-relief depicting the famous Ramayana story. It has eight shrines; the three main ones are dedicated to Shiva, Wishnu and Brahma. The main temple of Shiva rises to a height of 130 feet and houses the magnificent statue of Shiva's consort, Durga. The Ramayana ballet is performed on an open-air stage during the full moon in the months from May to October.

• Kalasan Temple
  This unique Buddhist temple is located some 16 km east of Yogyakarta, on the south side of the main road between Yogyakarta and Solo. It was built in honour of the marriage between king Pancapana of the Sanjaya Dynasty and a Princess of the Cailendra Dynasty, Dyah Pramudya Wardhani. It is elaborately ornate, with finely carved relief’s preserved with "vajralepa", from the sap of a local tree.

• Museum Sonobudoyo
  This museum, founded in November 1935 and designed by the Dutch architect Kersten, built in the traditional Javanese style of architecture. On exhibit are weapons, leather and wooden puppets of wayang theatre, masks, statues, textiles, curios and old Javanese gamelan instruments. The museum is situated on the northern side of the city's main square in front of the Sultan's Palace. Open everyday except Mondays.

• Affandi Museum
  Set in a lush garden off the main road between the airport and the city stands the Affandi Museum. Affandi was Indonesia's foremost impressionist painter who built a private museum for his own paintings and of those of his daughter Kartika.

• Parang Tritis Beach
  Parang Tritis is famous in Javanese mythology as the home of the a popular seaside resort 27 kms south of Yogyakarta on the Indian Ocean, Goddess of the South Seas, who was married to Panembahan Senopati, founder of the Mataram Kingdom. Every year the sultans of Yogyakarta make special offerings to her in a beachside ceremony called Labuhan".

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Information provided by Department of Tourism. Government of Indonesia.

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