Yogyakarta has a lot of heritage such as building, culture, etc. Water castle is one of building heritage which is located in Yogyakarta. This building has near connection with kingdom which is command in Yogyakarta. Tamansari means “beautiful garden”, a place for royal families to retreat and relax from Yogyakarta’s Sultan in the past. According to the story, this place is also used by sultan’s wives. So, there is not a wonder if you can find large swimming pool here. Probably, this is why this place called by water castle Tamansari for foreigner tourist (native know this place just as Tamansari). This place is located in downtown, about 10 minutes using car or motorcycle from midtown Yogyakarta. The building lies among native’s home, so when you visit this place you can interact directly with native, ask how to make “batik” that is Indonesia’s icon cloth or anything else. Location area is wide enough to walking around enjoying ancient building. You’ll find ancient building and think wonder how can it is built in many centuries ago.
Taman Sari
image source: http://anekatempatwisata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Istana-Air-Taman-Sari-Jogja-300x200.jpg
Water castle consist of four areas that is synthetic lake, bathing place of Umbul Binangun, cemetery of Ledok Sari and lake with a synthetic island, suspended bridge, also canal. From the four area, just bathing place of Umbul Binangun which still in good condition. The others three area have been life area for native who been Kraton servant in the past. First area (synthetic lake) contain of Pulo Kenongo, Pulo Cemethi, and Sumur Gumuling. Pulo Kenongo is an island which is located in center of the first area, contain Gedhong Kenongo (the highest building in Keraton Yogyakarta). Pulo Cemethi lies in south of Pulo Kenongo, a place for meditation. Sumur Gumuling, the awesome building besides place for praying.
Visitor can reach sumur gumuling through underground tunnel, it seems mystic area. Others building reside around areas are Gedhong Gapura Hageng, Gedhong Lopak-Lopak, Umbul Pasiraman, Gedhong sekawan, Gedhong Gapura Panggung, and Gedhong Temanten.
Basic Information
Location: Jl. Taman, Kraton, Province of Yogyakarta
Ticket Price: Rp. 3000,- or US$ 0.4 for domestic
Rp. 7000,- or US$ 0.8 for foreigner
Transportation: Traditional vehicle (such as pedicab and andhong) which you can found easily in midtown, car, motorcycle
