Indonesia - Yogyakarta Kraton

The Kraton is the part of Yogyakarta where the Sultan lives. It sits inside a walled part of the city. There's not many tourists attractions in Yogya, so everyone is more or less forced to come here to fill in their time. For such a popular destination, this place blows chunks. It's about as exciting as a puddle of stagnant mud.


The Sultan lives in the back of the compound, which you can't visit. All that you are allowed to see, is the audience hall at the front. It's quite large, but it's very simple in design. It's basically a shed with no walls. The pillars are sort of nicely decorated, but unfortunately, they're the most exciting thing to see!


There is one way which is covered in a fresco depicting scenes from Indonesia's history. It's not too bad, but definitely not worth a trip just to see it.

Inside, is the Bangsal Kencana, or golden pavilion. It's another tin room with some fancy columns. That's it. Woop-de-doo. Just to really rub it in, there's a few museum rooms. They're basically empty, but with a few photos on the walls. This place really sucks. It's a complete waste of time.


Also in the courtyard, are some historic and sacred Banyan tress. Well, there's one banyan tree and the withered stump of what must have once been a banyan tree. They're listed in the guide books as attractions. Come on! This place is just lame!

I think the Sultan should fling open his doors and let everyone have a poke around in his house. To actually charge people to see his front parlour is a bit lame. Don't visit here. It's really dull!