Villages of Jogjakarta

After an early breakfast, set off with a local guide on a day tour around Yogyakarta that is filled with culture and traditions.

Drive to the village of Kotagede on Yogyakarta’s outskirts. Known as ‘Silver Village’, Kotagede is one of the best places to learn about Java’s past. Hop on a bicycle to explore the laneways of the village which offer a glimpse into local life. Stop at a baker’s house to sample kembang waru, a special cookie that is only found in this village. Then continue pedalling to the central market and explore the stalls, learning about the items on sale and about the daily life of the residents of Kotagede.

The next stop on the cycling tour is Yogyakarta’s oldest mosque. Walk around this 16th century building to admire its architecture and hear about the religious beliefs of Java. Finally, arrive at the Imogiri Royal Cemetery. Don Javanese dress, a sign of respect for the former kings, and walk up the 454 stairs to see the graves of the Mataram Kingdom’s royalty. Learn more about the region’s colourful past as the guide explains the site and the symbolism of its architecture.

Continue on foot through more laneways to admire the kalang-style of architecture, a blend of Javanese and colonial styles. Stop in a local joglo style house for lunch, enjoying a delicious meal in this atmospheric setting.

This afternoon cycle back to the starting point and hop in the vehicle for a drive to Pucung. Visit a workshop where wayang kulit, Javanese shadow puppets, are made. Witness the skilled craftsmen as they use traditional techniques to convert buffalo hides into beautiful puppets.

Then continue on to Giriloyo, a village famous for its batik textiles. Watch a demonstration of batik making, a 100-year-old craft, and learn more about the typical motifs of the area.

The final stop on this insightful Yogyakarta day tour is Kasongan Village. Situated in a low mountainous area, Kasongan is home to a group of kundis, the local word for potters who make earthenware jugs. See the ceramic making process from kneading to shaping, drying and burning: a great place for local artisan purchases.

Following this village visit, return to Yogyakarta late this afternoon. (L)

This tour enables traditional handicrafts to be bought to directly benefit the local Javanese artisan community.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

- Our rates are net 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
- Children aged between 2 and 12 years at the time of travel will receive a 15% discount off the Adult Price.
- All language guides other than English subject to availability during high season July until September.
- During the important religious festival of Idul Fitri, which falls on 23-May-20 until 24-May-20, intense travel across the country,
especially in Java, has to be expected with the consequence of long traffic jams. Overland travel is not advised during the two
weeks from 16-May-20 to 31-May-20. Service availability during that time may be limited, tour guides may be travelling home,
and restaurants may be closed.

Pick up and drop off timings from alternate destinations:
- Pick up from Yogyakarta 07:30