When you think of sightseeing in Yogyakarta, famous spots like Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple come to mind, but there’s actually another hidden gem. That’s the Water Castle, “Taman Sari,” which I’ll be introducing today.
Oh! I was a little curious about “Taman Sari.”
What kind of place is it?
In this article, I will fully introduce the charms of Taman Sari.
What this article introduces
- Highlights from a historical perspective
- How to get there
- Prices
- Nearby tourist spots
By providing a comprehensive explanation, I will help make your trip to Yogyakarta even more fulfilling.
Taman Sari: The Charm of Yogyakarta’s Hidden Tourist Spot, the Water Castle
Taman Sari is a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, built in the 18th century. “Taman Sari” means “garden of flowers” in Javanese, and it was once a place of beautiful gardens where the Sultan and his consorts spent their leisure time.
Today, the remaining ruins, which evoke the prosperity of that time, with their unique structures and mysterious atmosphere, including waterways, bathing complexes, and underground mosques, captivate visitors. The complex, maze-like structure was also a clever way to prevent enemy intrusion, offering a glimpse into the wisdom and technology of the kingdom at that time.
Taman Sari Overview: Check Out the Basic Information and Highlights!
First, let’s summarize the basic information about Taman Sari.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Taman Sari Water Castle |
| Location | Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta Patehan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133 |
| Access | About a 10-minute walk from the Kraton (Royal Palace), by taxi, becak, bus, etc. |
| Highlights | Bathing complexes, underground mosque, meditation areas, waterways, gardens |
| Price | <Indonesian citizens> Child (2-12 years): IDR 10,000 Adult (13+ years): IDR 15,000 <Foreign nationals> Child (2-12 years): IDR 20,000 Adult (13+ years): IDR 25,000 |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Note | Pay attention to your attire (modest clothing with less skin exposure is recommended) |
Entrance Fee & Tickets
The History of Taman Sari: Recalling the Glory of the Sultan’s Paradise
Built in 1759 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, Taman Sari was used as a royal retreat, a place for meditation, and an emergency shelter. It is said that the complex waterways and underground tunnels also served a defensive function.
In 1812, it was partially destroyed in an attack by the British army, but the remaining ruins still allow us to imagine its former glory. The beautiful gardens and bathing complexes centered around water must have been a paradise-like space.
Highlights of Taman Sari: Explore the Mystical Space!
Taman Sari has various highlights. By understanding the characteristics of each, you can appreciate the charms of Taman Sari more deeply.
Bathing Complex (Umbul Pasiraman): The Sultan and His Consorts’ Private Space
The bathing complex where the Sultan and his consorts enjoyed bathing is a particularly beautiful place within Taman Sari. The intricate decorations and the structure of the waterways tell of the high level of technology of the time.
This bathing complex (Pasiraman Umbul Binangun Tamansari) is located in the center of Taman Sari, right in the middle of the east-west axis of Taman Sari’s main street. This place is a complex of buildings with bathing pools. The entire complex is surrounded by a wall, with gates on the east and west sides.
The bathing complex has a rectangular plan of 72.5 meters × 22 meters and consists of a north and a south area. The north area has two bathing pools separated by a small alley. The boundary between the north and south areas is separated by a two-story building.
Bathing Pool ① Umbul Muncar
The bathing pool located to the south (Umbul Muncar) is 12.8 meters × 17.7 meters, with a depth of 133.37 cm. There are three staircases leading down to the bottom of the pool, which is 2m wide, facing north, west, and east. Inside the pool, there are five fountains resembling lotus flowers.
Bathing Pool ② Umbul Kuras
Located right next to Umbul Muncar is Umbul Kuras. These two bathing pools are separated by a 3.8m wide bridge, and at the bottom, there is a channel connecting the two pools. The size of this pool is 12.8 meters × 19.1 meters, making it the largest bathing pool on the grounds.
There are 2m wide pools on the west and east sides, and the depth to the bottom of the pool is 133.37 cm. Inside the pond, there are five fountains resembling lotus flowers at the four corners and in the center of the pond. On the south side of the pond, there is a shower in the shape of a dragon’s head, protected by a building attached to the Gedong Pesanggrahan building.
Bathing Pool ③ Umbul Binangun
This is the third bathing pool, located at the southernmost part of the grounds. This pool is 10.5 meters × 12.6 meters and was exclusively for women, located to the south of the multi-story building. There is a staircase on the north side leading down to the bottom of the pool, which is 3.8m wide and 1.39m deep.
Underground Mosque (Sumur Gumuling): A Space for Prayer and Meditation
The mosque built underground has a unique atmosphere. The circular structure and the light coming in from the opening in the ceiling create a mystical space.
Meditation Area: A Healing Space Wrapped in Silence
There is also a space for quiet meditation, away from the hustle and bustle. Listen to the sound of the water and the chirping of birds and spend a peaceful time.
Waterways and Gardens: Recalling a Former Paradise
It is said that beautiful gardens once spread out, and waterways crisscrossed the area. From the remaining waterways and garden ruins, you can imagine what it was like back then.
Access to Taman Sari: A Thorough Guide on How to Get There
Here is a detailed introduction to how to get to Taman Sari, located in the center of Yogyakarta city.
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