Yogyakarta is one of city's most desirable tourist
destinations in Indonesia, offers a variety of tourist destinations ranging
from natural attractions, historical tours to culinary.
One of historical sites in Yogyakarta is Taman SariWater Castle located at Taman Street, Yogyakarta. Taman Sari was park of SultanPalace built on Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono I era (1758-1765).
First thing that impress when visiting Taman Sari is a
unique gate with beautiful carvings as entrance of Taman Sari. Entered into a
two-door you will find two pools with blue water. First pool is bathing place for
princess and king's concubines. Decorations like fountain shaped head of dragon
and flower pots around it add interior more beautiful.
Another specialty is underground mosque. To get there,
you must pass through long hallways road and stairs. The architectural style of
mosque is not like general mosques which are square-shaped, but this mosque is circular.
There is a well in the middle of the mosque, name “Gumilang well”. This mosque
was a place for Sultan to pray.
Taman Sari is divided into 4 sections:
1.
The
first part is an artificial lake that is located in west side.
2.
The
second part is building which is located in south of artificial lake, among
others Baths Bannerman Binangun.
3.
The
third part is Pasarean Ledok Sari and Swimming Garjitawati located in southern
part of second part.
4.
The
fourth Part extends from Bannerman baths Binangun until Pasarean Ledok Sari and
Garjitawati pool, an artificial lake with an island and a suspension bridge and
canal.
From four existing complex in Taman Sari, only Umbul
Binangun are still intact, while the other three parts are already a township
resident who was men of Sultan Palace.
HISTORY
Initially, the park gets the title "The Fragrant
Garden" has an area of over
10 hectares with about 57 buildings in the form of buildings, swimming baths,
hanging bridges, water canals, and artificial lakes along artificial island and
underwater corridor. But this time, the remains of part of Taman Sari which can
be seen just a few.
Although officially a royal garden, but some buildings
indicate Taman Sari serves as last bastion when the palace was attacked by
enemy. It is said that one of architects of the royal garden is a Portuguese,
better known by Demat Tegis.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Taman Sari is located not far from Sultan Palace. It is
only approximately 1 km and close to square of South Yogyakarta. If departing
from Jalan Malioboro, then you simply drive heading south towards Sultan Palace
or north square of Yogyakarta. It would be easier if you park your car in
parking area of the
palace which is located east of square and then use services of a rickshaw at
rate of 10,000, while enjoying the old buildings that you can encounter on the
way to Taman Sari.
ATTRACTION
Pulo Kenongo
Pulo Kenongo is an island in the middle of an
artificial lake complex of Taman Sari. There is building named Gedhong Kenongo,
this building is highest place in Sultan Palace, so you can see a whole palace
from here. There are air vents for underground tunnels that could be used to
escape from enemy.
You can see sunset from here because until now, this
place is still one of the highest buildings in Yogyakarta. Against the city of
Yogyakarta, sunset will be very memorable.
Pulo Cemethi
Pulo Cemethi located in south of Pulo Kenongo is a
place for Sultan’s meditation. To reach Pulo Cemethi, you must pass through an
underground tunnel.
Gumuling Wells
Gumuling wells located in western part of Pulo Kenongo
and a place of worship for sultan. it can be achieved through an underground
tunnel. Although intended as a mosque, the mosque is different from general mosque
because it’s circular. Gumuling wells consist of two floors, the first floor is
for men, while the second floor is for women.
Umbul Pasiraman (Umbul
Binangun)
Umbul Pasiraman or commonly known as Umbul Binangun is
bathing place for sultan, his daughters and concubines surrounded by high walls
on each side. Umbul Pasiraman has 3 pools named “Umbul Muncar”, “Blumbang Kuras”,
and “Umbul Binangun”. Umbul Binangun decorate with mushroom-shaped fountain and
accessible through two entrance gates on the west and east.
In northern part, there are buildings used for a place
of rest and change clothes for wives and daughters of sultan, while in south
area there is a tower used by sultan to observe his concubine and her daughter
who was taking a shower under.
Gedhong Gapura Panggung
Currently Gedhong Gapura Panggung is the main gate used
by visitor to enter Taman Sari complex and is located on east of Taman Sari
Water Castle. This two floors building has a snake reliefs on the walls.
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