The Kraton

The Kraton is a huge residential complex that has served as the residence of the Sultans of Yogyakarta for some 250 years.  The complex includes royal palaces and also houses for the ruler’s attendants and servants.  Such is the size of the complex that it is often called a “city within a city” and it includes the following features:

Kraton Yogyakarta:  This main palace is divided into the Main Court and the residential area and includes various displays which give a sense of the majestic lifestyle of the royal family over the generations.  The palace is open to the public from 9 am to 3 pm.

Taman Sari:  Also known as the water castle, and now partly ruined, Taman Sari was originally a pleasure garden that was built by the first Sultan of Yogyakarta and boasts a number of beautiful bathing pools and architectural features.

Sultan’s Carriage Museum:  The Museum displays the Sultan’s horse-drawn carriages including two special golden carriages imported from the Netherlands.