Taman Sari, Yogyakarta Overview

Situated close to the Kraton Palace, Taman Sari was initially constructed as a garden for the Sultan of Yogyakarta in the 18th century. It includes elegant gardens and pools and is a peculiar structure that is believed to have underground tunnels that connect it ti the Indian ocean. Originally it was constructed as a large artificial lake with island, a bathing complex and a complex structure of pavilions and small pools along with a lake. At this point, however only the bathing pool remains while the rest of the structures have been usurped under the Kampung settlement.

Some of its original functions were be a meditative spot and a hiding place for the royal family. However, currently just the mosque, resting and washing space, and underground passages are open to visitors. With its mix of eastern and western style of architecture, this exceptional getaway of the royal family hold intrigue and beauty.

Architecture

Taman Sari can be broadly divided into four regions. The main zone is the artificial lake Segaran situated in the west. On Segaran, certain structures were located on fake islands amidst a lake. The structures are connected with a submerged passage. It was utilized as starting port for the Royal family to reach the Taman Sari pools through a boat. Today, the Segaran lake can't be seen any more drawn out as the water had been depleted and the lake bed is presently loaded up with human settlements. The submerged passage, however, still exists and can be accessed.

The second zone is a bathing complex in the south of the Segaran lake, called the Umbul Binangun bathing complex. Despite the fact that this region was not the focal point of Taman Sari, it is the best-safeguarded zone in the complex and is as of now the most prevalent vacation destination. The zone can be reached via two doors on the east and the west side. The two doors are called Gedhong Gapura Hagen and Gedhong Gapura Panggung.

History

The structure of Taman Sari started amid the rule of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I (1755–1792), the main sultan of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, and was finished during the rule of Sultan Hamengkubuwono II. The structure site had just been known as a bathing spot called Pacethokan Spring since Sunan Amangkurat IV's rule According to Kitab Mamana in Yogyakarta Kraton, the head for the development of Taman Sari was Tumenggung Mangundipura. He had ventured out twice to Batavia to find out about European design, which is the motivation behind why the engineering of Taman Sari has signs of European style. The Regent of Madiun, Raden Rangga Prawirasentika, took an interest in supporting the development of Taman Sari.

How To Reach Taman Sari

Taman Sari is just a couple of blocks away from Kraton. It is easily reachable by a Becak. For the individuals who utilize a vehicle, you can go to Jl. Taman Sari through the Pasar Ngasem territory and enter the East Gate as it has a greater parking area.