Kotagede Heritage Trails and Artisan Encounters

Today we’ll take you to explore Historic Kotagede, cradle of the Mataram Kingdom with a leisurely "blusukan style" walk through its beautiful landscapes. Then followed by a close-up and personal meeting with the local artisans.

First off to Kotagede, commences with morning trails to the historic Legi Market, step back in time, historically recognized as the founding site and former capital of the Islamic Mataram Empire founded in 1549. Observing its vibrant local activity, next visit Yogyakarta's inaugural mosque dating back to 1587, to delve into the narrative behind its distinctive mixed architectural style. Continue your walk through the twin gates, where the cool facades of old houses appear to offer a welcoming embrace.

Conclude the stroll with a visit to a passionate silversmith, an artisan with nearly three decades of experience. Participate in a 1–2-hour workshop, where you will select from existing designs, and craft your own  piece of jewelry —be it a ring, earrings, or a pendant—under his expert guidance. Engage in every step of the process, from cutting and forging to carving, soldering, and polishing. Ultimately wearing your personalized creation upon completion.

Indulge in a memorable lunch at a unique venue, a heritage merchant's house. This traditional residence once belonged to a kalang, a community of wealthy merchants in the Kotagede area. The house is a beautiful blend of European and traditional architectural styles.

A journey to a traditional Lurik weaving area. Here, learn the history of this traditional cloth from the guide, and gain further insight from the weavers themselves, whose skills have been passed down through generations. 

Finally, meet a batik craftsman who innovated a paper batik stamp from recycled waste packaging, replacing traditional copper ones. After a brief introduction, try your hand at stamping a batik motif onto white cloth, dipping it in melted wax, coloring it, and then finishing the piece by drying it with an iron. (L)

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

- Minimum 2 pax to maximum 10 pax.
- Participants must be at least 10 years old to join the silver workshop, and 12 years old to join batik stamps workshop.
- The silver workshop utilizes four grams of silver.
- Lurik weaving and silver workshop closed every Sunday
- Our rates are nets and quoted in American dollars (USD), however some services (like transportation, guide fees, entrance fees, some activities, meals, air tickets and train tickets and sometimes accommodations) are based on local prices in Indonesian Rupiah in (IDR). In the case of a major change in the exchange rate (5% or more) between the Indonesian Rupiah and the American dollar (USD), we reserve the right to correct our quotes to align our rates and revise the value of the American dollar (USD)
- All rates are based on the current gasoline price. Should the gasoline price increase by more than 10% we would readjust transfer rates with a 30 days prior notice.
- During the important religious festival of Idul Fitri, which falls on 19th-20th March 2026 and 9th-10th March 2027 significant travel activity is expected across the country, especially within Java. Travelling will be extremely challenging due to heavy traffic, expect significant delays and congestion on roads, trains, and flights. You might find limited-service availability, as some tour guides could be returning home and certain restaurants may be closed. The busiest travel periods will be just before and immediately after the holiday. Given the anticipated severe disruptions, we strongly advise against overland travel from 12th-27th March 2026 and March 2nd to March 17th, 2027.

Pick up and drop off timings from alternate destinations:
- Pick up time from Yogyakarta 08:00 - 16:00
- Pick up time from Bantul 08:00 - 15:30