Taman Sari Yogyakarta: History, Ticket Prices & Locations [2023]

Jogja boasts a plethora of captivating and visually appealing destinations that are perfect for capturing stunning Instagram-worthy photos. Among these gems lies Taman Sari, the esteemed water palace within the Yogyakarta Palace grounds. The distinctive architecture of this enchanting structure, coupled with its crystal-clear blue water pools, forms the focal point of Taman Sari Jogja’s allure.

This extraordinary allure consistently draws in hordes of local and international tourists, making Taman Sari a bustling and vibrant tourist hub in Jogja. Here, you can witness the awe-inspiring designs of ancient buildings, showcasing their grandeur and magnificence.

To efficiently explore Taman Sari and the myriad of other captivating attractions, you can opt for the convenient Jogja tour packages provided by the esteemed Travel Bureau. However, before embarking on your journey, let’s delve into some fascinating insights about Taman Sari below.

History of Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari Jogja, constructed in 1758 under the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, is a remarkable destination nestled within the former palace grounds of Pesanggrahan Garjitawati. This sprawling garden spans over 10 hectares and boasts an impressive collection of 57 exquisite and resilient structures.

Among the notable features of Taman Sari Jogja are its bathing pools, artificial lakes, islands, underground passages, water canals, and suspension bridges. These architectural wonders, adorned with a blend of Portuguese and Javanese influences, showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of the time.

The initial vision for Taman Sari Jogja was to create a sanctuary for the Sultan and his family—a place of solace, relaxation, and recreation. Additionally, the park served as a fortified stronghold against potential adversaries.

The renowned Portuguese architect, Demang Tegis, led the design and construction of Taman Sari Jogja, incorporating distinct Portuguese elements while incorporating significant Javanese symbols.

Tumenggung Mangundipuro initially spearheaded the development of Taman Sari Jogja. However, he resigned during the construction process, and Prince Notokusumo took over his role.

It is worth noting that Tumenggung Prawirosentiko, who held the position of Regent of Madiun, fully funded the construction of Taman Sari Jogja. In return for his contribution, the residents of Madiun were exempted from tax obligations—an act of gratitude for his generosity.

Today, Taman Sari Jogja stands as a captivating testament to its historical legacy. Its magnificent architecture and its lush surroundings offer visitors a glimpse into the grandeur and beauty of the past, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a truly immersive and enchanting experience.

The enchanting allure of Taman Sari has rightfully earned it the nickname “Water Castle Jogja,” and it remains a highly sought-after photography destination for countless tourists. Paying a visit to Taman Sari is an excellent choice, especially for those seeking breathtaking photo opportunities during their holidays.

Also read Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Jogja): History, Ticket Prices & Locations.

Taman Sari Entrance Ticket Prices

To gain access to Taman Sari Jogja, it’s essential to ensure you have sufficient funds, particularly if you plan to engage in a photo shoot. For a comprehensive breakdown of the fees required for entry to Taman Sari, please refer to the following table:

Retribution	Rates
Local Tourist Entrance Ticket	IDR 5,000.00
Foreign Tourist Entrance Ticket	IDR 15,000.00
Camera Permissions	IDR 3,000.00
Photo session IDR	R 150,000.00 – IDR 500,000.00
Guides	IDR 25,000.00 – IDR 30,000.00
Motorcycle Parking Only	IDR 2,000.00
Car park	IDR 5,000.00

Just so you know, the prices listed in the table are subject to change without prior notification, depending on the management’s discretion. However, this list can serve as a helpful reference for estimating costs when planning your visit to Taman Sari.

To enhance your overall travel experience and explore other captivating destinations in Jogja, consider taking advantage of the convenient tour packages offered by Goajomblang.com. These packages will facilitate your journey, particularly for those who wish to savor authentic Jogja cuisine or purchase delightful Jogja souvenirs during their holiday.

Location of Taman Sari Jogja

The location of Taman Sari Jogja is situated in the charming Taman Sari Tourism Village, specifically in the Pathan area, within the Kraton District of Yogyakarta City. It is conveniently located approximately 750 meters from Alun-Alun Kidul, a well-known public square. Getting to Taman Sari is relatively straightforward, as it is just a 5-minute journey from Jogja’s central point, 0 KM.

You can rely on Google Maps for the most optimal route for easy navigation to Taman Sari. It will provide you with precise directions to reach the destination. Additionally, if you prefer a hassle-free experience, you can hire a driver from a budget-friendly car rental service in Jogja or enlist the services of a travel agency that can transport you directly to the Taman Sari location.

Taman Sari Yogyakarta Opening Hours

Taman Sari Yogyakarta operates for tourist visits from 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM (WIB) daily. It’s important to note that this enchanting place tends to be bustling, especially during the holiday season, which might make it challenging to find nearby parking spaces.

However, even amidst the crowds, visiting Taman Sari during the dry season will still provide ample opportunities to immerse yourself in its remarkable beauty. Rest assured, your vacation in Jogja will be exceptional, allowing you to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Interesting Place in Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari Yogyakarta is a vast complex with numerous captivating spots perfect for stunning photographs. When exploring Taman Sari, be sure not to miss these notable attractions:

Gapura Panggung

Upon entering Taman Sari, the first notable area you’ll encounter is the Gapura Panggung, serving as the main entrance for tourists. This section features two room-like structures and guard posts on both sides.

As its name suggests, the Gapura Panggung comprises two levels, with intricately carved dragon ornaments adorning the stairwell walls leading to the second floor of the gate. In the past, the upper section of the gate served as a viewing platform for the Sultan and his wife to witness mesmerizing dance performances and gamelan music from above.

Meanwhile, the lower part of the Gapura Panggung was often utilized as a room and decorated area for empresses and sultans. Today, this portion of the Stage-Gate serves as the ticket-purchasing area for visiting tourists.

The unique architecture and historical significance of the Gapura Panggung make it a favored spot for tourists to capture memorable photographs. It’s captivating atmosphere and distinctive design ensure it remains an intriguing location that should be noticed. If you plan to visit Taman Sari with a group, the Jogja bus service is highly recommended for convenient transportation.

Also Read: Guide to Visiting Borobudur Temple – Largest Buddhist Temple In The World

Gedong Sekawan

After passing through the Panggung Gate, you will enter a spacious courtyard called Gedong Sekawan. This courtyard derives its name from the presence of four buildings adorned with large flower pots arranged in an octagonal layout.

In its operational days, Gedong Sekawan was a resting place for the sultans, empresses, and the royal family. Each building features doors on all four sides, allowing access from any direction.

Furthermore, the Gedong Sekawan courtyard has doors in four cardinal directions, connecting it to other areas within Taman Sari. However, only a few of these doors are accessible, specifically the doors on the east and west sides.

The east door connects to the Stage-Gate, while the west door leads directly to the pool area. Visitors often find the Gedong Sekawan courtyard a peaceful resting spot, as the surrounding trees provide a relaxed and scenic atmosphere, adding to the overall charm of the location.

Umbul Binangun

The following area in Taman Sari is Umbul Binangun, also known as Umbul Pasiraman, which serves as the complex’s main attraction. Within this area, you will find three pools with pristine, clear blue water, used as bathing places by the sultans, princesses, empresses, and concubines.

The most prominent pools in this area are Umbul Kawitan and Umbul Pamuncar, designated for the bathing rituals of princesses, empresses, and concubines. On the other hand, Umbul Panguras is a unique bath exclusively reserved for the sultan and the empress or concubine granted permission by the sultan.

Within the Umbul Binangun area, you will also discover two buildings. The first is located on the north side, serving as a changing area for the princesses. The second building, between Umbul Pamuncar and Umbul Panguras, contains numerous rooms and an observation tower.

From the tower, the sultan could observe the empresses and concubines as they engaged in their cleansing rituals. Additionally, within the same building, the sultan would relax and rest, much like a spa or sauna room, providing a private space for his rejuvenation.

Gapura Agung Taman Sari

On the west side of Umbul Binangun, you will see a large gate with beautiful carvings called Gapura Agung Taman Sari. The carving in Gapura Agung is the Candra Sengkala Lajering Kembang Sinesep Peksi which consists of flowers and birds.

The Sengkalan Memet or carving is a clue that tells the year Taman Sari was made, namely 1765 AD. Previously, this Gapura Agung was the main gate to enter Taman Sari for the sultan and his entourage.

The expansive yard of the Great Gate is often used as a parking lot for horse-drawn carriages or the royal carriages of the sultan’s entourage. At the top of the gate, there is a courtyard allowing visitors to see the view under the gate and around Taman Sari.

Sumur Gumuling

Another prominent feature of Taman Sari is the distinctive Gumuling, also known as the underground mosque. The circular shape of the mosque, with a hole in the center, is the defining characteristic of the Gumuling Well.

The design of the Sumur Gumuling building ensures that the voice of the imam from the mihrab can be heard clearly throughout the entire space. The ventilation in this underground mosque is excellently maintained, creating a comfortable atmosphere where you won’t feel the heat despite being underground.

Moreover, a unique staircase connects the first and second floors right in the middle of the hole in the Sumur Gumuling building. These stairs often serve as a picturesque spot for visitors to capture Instagram-worthy photos, including professional pre-wedding photo shoots.

To reach Sumur Gumuling, you must descend the stairs and pass through a long underground water tunnel. Thanks to sunlight filtering through, the tunnel’s well-illuminated ambiance also becomes a favorite location for tourists to strike various poses and showcase their creativity.

Kenongo Building

Located near Sumur Gumuling, you’ll find the Kenongo Building, also known as Pulo Kenongo or Pulo Cemeti. This building holds the highest position within Taman Sari and serves as a place for relaxation for the sultan and his guests.

Previously, there was an artificial lake for water recreation near the Kenongo Building. However, it has since transformed into the Ngasem Market and a residential area. From the elevated vantage point of the building, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surrounding houses and witness the golden sunset in all its glory.

Although the Kenongo Building now lies in ruins, it remains a fantastic location for capturing Instagram-worthy photos with a stunning backdrop. Take advantage of the opportunity to preserve memorable moments in this picturesque setting.

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Also, read Extreme Tourist Attractions Must Be Visited When on Vacation to Jogja.