by Frances Stanford

Created on: May 25, 2009   Last Updated: June 07, 2009

The beautiful city of Jogjakarta, also spelled Yogyakarta, on the island of Java is one destination where you will have a true experience of the blending of the old and the new in Indonesia. Here you will find history living side by side with the modern age. The historical buildings have retained the character they displayed in earlier times and still look as glorious as they did when they were first built. It is renowned the world over as the premier destination if you want to experience the finest examples of the fine art and culture of the Javanese people.

The city of Jogjakarta is not very large, measuring only 35 square kilometres. However, that small area packs a punch in the huge number of attractions and things to do. The Royal Palace, called the Kraton, is the center of the city and it expands in all directions from this focal point. In the core of the city, you will find many buildings featuring Dutch architecture dating back to the days when this island was a colony of the Netherlands. Jalan Maliaboro is the commercial shopping district of the city where you will find stalls of vendors lining both sides of the streets.

The main tourist attraction in the city is the Kraton, which was once the private domain of the sultan. In the inner court, you can visit a museum that has exhibits and artifacts from the Palace and from the Yogyakarta Province giving you an image of the amount of history that is in this part of Indonesia. With the gardens and statues, you will get a glimpse of what it was like for the people who lived within these palace walls in its heyday. It is an exotic location and will give you a true cultural experience on your vacation.

It is very easy to find your way around Jogjakarta on foot, but you will be hassled by moto drivers and rickshaw drivers who are anxious to make some money by driving you to your destination. Shopping is a dream in this city with such a wide assortment of items that you can buy to take back home with you. The silver and leather products that are produced here are some of the best in the world.

While there are many fine restaurants and eateries where you can dine on traditional or international cuisine, you will feel right at home when you visit the Malioboro Mall where there is a MacDonald's outlet and a KFC restaurant.

You do have to expand your horizons and travel a short distance outside the city to experience all that this area has to offer. A mere ten miles outside Jogjakarta, you can visit the vast complex of Hindu temples known as Prambanan. The decorative architecture is exquisite and in the evening you will be treated to a traditional Javanese dance performance. Another site to visit is the Buddhist temple, which is 25 miles outside the city. Here you have a commanding view of the surrounding countryside from the terraces and the temples themselves are filled with statues and relief carvings. These day trips will make your vacation all that more memorable.

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