Once the capital of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is an epicentre of Javanese culture and traditional arts. Less than an hours’ drive from Amanjiwo, the city offers full immersion into the Indonesia heritage, with its palace, royal gardens, museums, and contemporary galleries. By night, Yogyakarta (or Jogja as it is fondly known) comes alive, dazzling with its vibrant street fair on the main thoroughfare of Jalan Malioboro.
One of the districts in south-eastern Yogyakarta, Kotagede, means ‘big city’ in Javanese. The former capital of the Mataram Sultanate (1587-1613) the area is a maze of narrow streets, lined with tiny, traditional silversmiths and mosaic-tiled houses, once the homes of the wealthy, aristocracy, and royal merchants. The perfect place to wander, Amanjiwo offers guided pilgrimages to Kotagede daily.
A catalyst for the next generation of artists, Yogyakarta’s plethora of permanent galleries and art spaces are waiting to be explored. The renowned Sonobudoyo Museum houses a comprehensive collection of historic artefacts, and in the evening, its pavilion hosts performances in the ancient arts of Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry), Wayang Orang (theatrical dance), and from the gamelan orchestra. Meanwhile, the experimental Cemeti Art House and annual contemporary exhibition ArtJog showcase works from emerging and established Indonesian artists.
Discover two of Java’s ancient arts with exclusive access to their workshops in Yogyakarta. Choose from Wayang Kulit, a form of storytelling with shadow puppets, recognised by Unseco as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, or Lurik, an Indonesian striped fabric once reserved for palace guards, insiders and Javanese noblemen.
Featured experience
A city within a city, Yogyakarta Palace (known as the Kraton) remains the home of the Sultan and his family. Dating back to the 1700s, today the palace plays a vital role in the preservation of Indonesian heritage, with a public museum of royal artifacts and regular calendar of festivals and events showcasing Javanese music, dance and centuries-old rituals. Aman guests have the opportunity to visit the Kraton accompanied by the Royal Historian of Keraton Yogyakarta, to gain exclusive access and insights into the royal family’s base and reveal the secrets of the palace's chronogram.