Royal Heritage, Living Crafts, and the Heartbeat of a Local Village
This walking tour invites you to explore Yogyakarta
at its most human level — where royal traditions, local crafts, and everyday life harmoniously shape the character of the city. We begin at Kantor Pos Besar, a historic landmark that marks the entrance to old Yogyakarta. From here, we walk toward the Yogyakarta Palace, a living cultural center where the Sultan’s family continues centuries-old traditions.
Between the Palace and Tamansari lies a quiet village known for its creativity. Here, artisans practice leather puppet (wayang kulit) craftsmanship and traditional batik making, techniques passed down through generations. Meeting them gives you a glimpse of Jogja’s artistic soul — one shaped by patience, storytelling, and devotion to the craft.
The tour continues to Tamansari Watercastle, the former royal garden and bathing complex, where stairways, pools, and passages echo memories of the past.
We end our journey with a gentle becak ride back to the meeting point — a timeless way to move through Yogyakarta’s streets and return with a smile.
Highlights
- • Start at Kantor Pos Besar, an iconic landmark from Yogyakarta’s colonial past.
- • Explore the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton) — a living center of Javanese culture, philosophy, and royal traditions.
- • Walk through a local village known for its artists and warm community life.
- • See leather puppet (wayang kulit) artisans at work, carving and painting patiently by hand.
- • Observe traditional batik making, learning how patterns hold meaning and stories.
- • Visit Tamansari Watercastle — the former royal bathing complex filled with history and gentle beauty.
- • Return by becak for a nostalgic, human connection with the city and its people.
- • A gentle, intimate experience — perfect for travelers who want to understand Yogyakarta beyond sightseeing.
