The Kraton (kratonjogja.id; 70,000Rp) is the royal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It is located in the very center of Yogya and, while it’s still a fully functioning palace, the walled complex is also open to the public as a living and breathing museum. A visit here provides an enthralling glimpse into the lives of a fully functioning Indonesian monarchy.
The original Kraton building, constructed in 1756, stands at its center and is the focal point of the palace, facing directly north towards Gunung Merapi; its south side faces towards the Indian Ocean, paying homage to the mythical Queen of the South Sea. The original central pavilion has been added to by successive sultans, becoming a much larger complex. Many of these buildings are now museums housing historical pieces and artifacts.
Your entry fee will include the cost of a guide, so ask someone at the ticket office to point you in the direction of where to find one. It’s well worth doing so as the Kraton is exceptionally rich in symbolism and a guide will point out so many things that you’ll miss should you walk through the complex independently. The Kraton is open from 8.30am to 2.30pm daily, but is closed on Mondays.
