Arisarmu - Yogyakarta is arguably as the hub of Javanese culture with still retains to its tradition in the midst of globalisation era. So, Yogyakarta as a tourist destination is always interesting to be visited both for the locals and foreign tourists who are amazed with its rich culture and history. Therefore, exploring Tamansari Water Castle and its underground mosque should not be missed if you wish to know at least a glance of the ambience of a Javanese kingdom in the past.
According to "Babad Mangkubumi", after the Treaty of Giyanti" on February 13, 1755 which the agreement of dividing "Sultanese of Mataram" where the kingdom which settled in Kartosuro became two parts. The eastern half was given to Pakubuwono III, then he soon built his kingdom in "Solo", a region in Surakarta, while Prince Mangkubumi received the western half and he proclaimed himself to be Sri Hamengku Buwono I. Then he constructed his royal center in Yogyakarta, including "Tamansari Water Castle".
The name of "Tamansari" is a combination of two words, "Taman" means "park" and "Sari" means "beautiful". So the meaning of the name, "Beautiful Garden", was to declare the function or designation of the place and various other meanings for "kraton" (the palace).
In "Pesanggrahan" (vacation home), there are various facilities, they are in the form of buildings, ponds, parks, trees and field.
The function or the initial designation of the "Pesanggrahan" spatial layout was for various interests for the royal family, whether for the benefit of goverment, religious or cruise.
In "Pesanggrahan" (vacation home), there are various facilities, they are in the form of buildings, ponds, parks, trees and field.
The function or the initial designation of the "Pesanggrahan" spatial layout was for various interests for the royal family, whether for the benefit of goverment, religious or cruise.
Tamansari, which constructed with Javanese and Portuguese architecture style, used to be planted with fragrant flower trees. It was also allocated for bathing place for wives, concubines and daughters of king. And from the tower above, he could watch them all.
There is also a legacy of Islamic history that is still preserved until now, namely "Sumur Gumiling" or known as an underground mosque. It used to function as a place of worship as well as a fortress, so the walls were constructed very thick and sturdy.
To get to the location is actually very easy, just follow the way out (toward the parking area) and pass through the local people's homes then turn left. But unfortunately, David (my son) and I didn't see any sign posts. And while we were searching for the location of the mosque. Just in front of "post kamling" or a community security post, a local man wearing "batik", appoached us to offer as a guide to the mosque. But I rejected his offer. Then, what he did to us. He gave the opposite direction. We then followed "his good instruction" and we got lost!! And fortunate, by asking to a kind local woman, we finally found the location of the underground mosque. It was actually so close from where we met to the local guide. We should just have walked to the left. Hopefully, our bad experience does not happen to you.
Tamansari
Location
Jalan Taman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Opening Hours
Daily 09.00 am - 03.00 pm
Entrance Fee
Local visitor IDR 5k (USD 0.35)
Foreign visitor IDR 15k (USD 1.10)
Photo permit IDR 3k (USD 0.20)
Pre-wedding photo IDR 500k (USD 35.50)