Private Royal Heritage Tour: Yogyakarta Palace, Watercastle, Sonobudoyo Museum

Yogyakarta , Indonesia

Private Royal Heritage Tour: Yogyakarta Palace, Watercastle, Sonobudoyo Museum

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About this experience

This tour is designed to give you the real experience in Yogyakarta. Begin with visiting the splendid Sonobudoyo Museum, then, you can witness the ONE AND ONLY living monarchy in Indonesia by visiting Kraton (Yogyakarta Palace). Next, we will visit the wonderful building of Water Castle.

We have practise eco-friendly concept and sustainability concept. When you join our tour, you will also directly support sustainable tourism! This tour is the right balance of adventure, heritage while trying to implement tour in sustainable concept. Provides positive impact on the locals and community but minimise the negative impact on the destination and local culture.

We practise sustainable tour concept. We are trying to minimise the one-single plastic use in our tour, so we ban single plastic use of water bottle and provide refill water. We are also involving local community/people in our tour.

Available options

Private Royal Heritage Tour: Yogyakarta Palace, Watercastle, Sonobudoyo Museum

Pickup included

What's included

All Entry/Admission Tickets

Lunch at local famous restaurant

Knowledgeable, friendly, fun, and fluent English speaking guide

Pick up and drop off from and to your hotel

Air conditioned hired van/car, Fuels, parking, and other fees

Detailed itinerary

You will visit the second most complete collections of cultural artifacts in Indonesia after the central museum in Jakarta. Sonobudoyo collects the heritage of Java from the Neolithic ages, ancient statues, bronze articles, ancient weaponry, traditional toys, masks and puppets.

Kraton Yogyakarta or Yogyakarta Royal Palace is a complex in the city of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. It is the seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family. The complex is a center of Javanese culture, and contains a museum displaying royal artifacts. It is guarded by the Yogyakarta Kraton Guards. The complex was built in 1755–1756 for Hamengkubuwono I, the first Sultan of Yogyakarta. It was one of the monarch's first acts after the signing of the Treaty of Giyanti, which recognized the creation of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta under the Dutch East India Company.
A banyan forest, protected from flooding by its location between two rivers, was chosen as the site for the palace. Experience the cultural activity of Masangin. Try to cross the big two Banyan trees with your eyes closed. If you can cross it, your wish may come true. Then, enjoy delicious Yogyakarta’s cuisine at a famous local restaurant. The mouth watering menu with spoilt your memory of our lovely Yogyakarta.

Stop 3

Taman Sari Water Castle, also known as Taman Sari is the site of a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. It is located about 2 km south within the grounds of the Kraton, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Built in the mid-18th century, the Taman Sari had multiple functions, such as a resting area, a workshop, a meditation area, a defense area, and a hiding place

You will enjoy the food in the amazing restaurant located at the Palace Complex. Most food served are the Sultan's favourite dish.

What's not included

Flight ticket, visa, and hotel/accommodation

Personal Travel Insurance

Personal Expenses and Personal Medications

Those not mentioned in the inclusions

Available languages

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

minimum booking 2 person

Important notes

You need to show the ticket to our TRAVELXISM guide/driver, and then he/she will take care of your other entrance tickets.

About Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, known as the cultural heart of Java, is a vibrant city rich in history, art, and tradition. As the only royal city in Indonesia, it offers a unique blend of Javanese heritage, modern university life, and stunning natural surroundings, including the iconic Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

Top Attractions

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its intricate carvings and stunning sunrise views.

Historical/Religious Half-day to full day IDR 50,000 - 250,000 depending on the view

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its towering spires and beautiful architecture.

Historical/Religious Half-day to full day IDR 50,000 - 150,000 depending on the view

Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

The Kraton is the royal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and a symbol of Javanese culture and tradition. It houses museums, batik workshops, and traditional performances.

Historical/Cultural 2-3 hours IDR 10,000 - 25,000

Malioboro Street

Malioboro Street is the heart of Yogyakarta's shopping and cultural scene. It is lined with shops, street vendors, and traditional markets selling batik, souvenirs, and local snacks.

Shopping/Cultural Half-day to full day Varies depending on purchases

Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is an active volcano near Yogyakarta, offering stunning views and adventurous activities like hiking and jeep tours.

Nature/Adventure Full day IDR 500,000 - 1,500,000 for jeep tours

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gudeg

A traditional Javanese dish made from young unripe jackfruit boiled for several hours with palm sugar, and coconut milk. It is served with hard-boiled egg, fried tofu and tempeh, and sometimes also with jackfruit core (nungu), and sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian (check for specific preparations)

Nasi Kuning

Yellow rice cooked with turmeric, served with various side dishes such as fried chicken, tempeh, tofu, and vegetables.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Soto Betawi

A rich and spicy soup made with cow or buffalo meat, coconut milk, and various herbs and spices. It is served with rice, fried tofu, and tempeh.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, vegetarian options may be available

Klepon

Sweet rice cake balls filled with palm sugar and coated with grated coconut.

Dessert Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Mount Merapi Caving in Jomblang Cave Jeep tours Visiting traditional markets Exploring batik workshops Enjoying street food Visiting Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Watching traditional dance performances

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (May to September)

The dry season offers the best weather for exploring Yogyakarta's outdoor attractions and temples. The skies are clear, and rainfall is minimal.

25°C to 32°C 77°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Indonesian
Widely spoken: Javanese, English (moderately spoken)
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Yogyakarta is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of pickpockets

Getting there

By air

Adisucipto International Airport • 5 km from city center

By train

Tugu Yogyakarta Station, Lempuyangan Station

By bus

Giwangan Bus Terminal, Jomblang Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Trans Jogja bus system is an affordable and efficient way to get around the city. Buses are air-conditioned and have designated stops.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Gojek, Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Malioboro Kraton Sleman

Day trips

Borobudur Temple

40 km • Half-day to full day

Explore the largest Buddhist temple in the world and marvel at its intricate carvings and stunning sunrise views.

Prambanan Temple

17 km • Half-day to full day

Visit the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and enjoy the Ramayana Ballet performance in the evening.

Mount Merapi

30 km • Full day

Experience the thrill of exploring an active volcano with jeep tours and hiking adventures.

Festivals

Yogyakarta Cultural Festival • June to July Sultan's Birthday Celebration • June 10-12 Malioboro Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Hire a local guide for a more in-depth and authentic experience of Yogyakarta's cultural and historical sites
Try local street food and snacks, but be cautious and choose busy stalls with high turnover
Bargain for better prices when shopping, especially in markets and street vendors
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious and cultural sites
Learn a few basic phrases in Indonesian or Javanese to enhance your interaction with locals