Visiting Yogyakarta? Try the exclusive Deep Experience Tour, a unique travel package designed for tourists seeking an in-depth educational and immersive journey through the history, values, and philosophies embedded in every aspect of Keraton Yogyakarta.
This tour offers packages ranging from four to eight hours, allowing visitors to go beyond just admiring the physical beauty of the Keraton. With a longer duration, tourists can fully engage in the daily life within the palace walls.
Participants can experience roles such as Botany Culture caretakers, assisting in plant conservation within the Keraton grounds. Additionally, visitors can take on the duties of Abdi Dalem, the palace courtiers, gaining insight into their responsibilities and traditions.
Understanding Keraton Yogyakarta’s Architecture
This tour package also educates visitors about the architectural history and functionality of the Keraton, including its customs and traditions.
Spanning 14,000 square meters, Keraton Yogyakarta features a unique blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and Chinese architectural influences. The tour also includes visits to heritage villages surrounding the Keraton to learn about their historical significance.
A Tour for Domestic and International Tourists
The Deep Experience Tour is designed for both local and international visitors, particularly those from Asia, Australia, and Europe, regions that have consistently contributed to the palace’s tourist traffic.
The modernized management of the Keraton now includes online ticketing, making it easier for travelers to access tour information through digital platforms like Traveloka.
Tour Schedule and Activities
This immersive tour operates every Tuesday and Saturday, running for five hours from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM WIB. Participants will wear authentic Abdi Dalem attire and engage in various activities, such as:
1. Wanuh Busana (Traditional Attire Introduction)
• Location: Ndalem Mangkubumen
• Duration: 60 minutes
Men will wear Peranakan attire, consisting of a dark blue lurik, blangkon (headpiece), nyamping (sarong), and accessories. Women will dress in Kebaya Tangkenan, a nyamping, and a traditional hair bun (gelung tekuk).
2. Marak Sowan (Royal Court Visit)
Visitors will ride becak (traditional rickshaws) to Pelataran Keben, just as Abdi Dalem do in their daily routines.
3. Trap Sila (Palace Etiquette Training)
• Location: Bangsal Ponconiti
• Duration: 45 minutes
Visitors will learn proper walking techniques and etiquette when entering and exiting palace halls, based on Abdi Dalem traditions.
4. Conservation Laboratory
A behind-the-scenes look at how Keraton Yogyakarta preserves historical artifacts and maintains its rich cultural heritage.
5. Nyungging Batik (Batik Art Workshop)
An opportunity to explore the Awisan Dalem (forbidden batik motifs) unique to Keraton Yogyakarta and create batik sketches on fabric.
6. Exclusive Lunch at Bale Raos
Participants will enjoy an authentic Rijsttafel-style lunch, a royal dining experience once favored by Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII.
Tour Pricing & Requirements
Ticket Prices:
• 2 participants: $99.66 per person
• 3-5 participants: $84.33 per person
• 6-10 participants: $72.06 per person
• 11-20 participants: $65.93 per person
Included Facilities:
• Souvenir bag
• Booklet & certificate
• Foot protectors
• Transmitter (loaned during the tour)
• Soft copy of documentation photos
• Canvas merchandise
• Abdi Dalem attire (loaned)
• English-speaking interpreter
Booking & Registration: Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/Abdidalemexperience. Participants must register and check in at Ndalem Mangkubumen (South Pendopo) between 8:00 AM to 8:15 AM –Eastern Indonesian time (with a 10-minute grace period).
Tour Participation Rules
1. Participants must be 15 years or older.
2. Female participants must remove their hijab during the Abdi Dalem Experience.
3. Comfortable long-sleeved clothing is required.
4. No jewelry is allowed except earrings for women.
5. Women must wear a hair bun (sanggul), kamisol, and tight inner pants.
6. Men must wear an undershirt and shorts under their attire.
7. Carrying a tumbler and personal medication is recommended.
8. Participants must follow all rules and guidelines.
9. Groups may be combined with others, with a maximum of 20 participants per session.
10. Large personal belongings are not permitted.
11. A 10-minute delay policy applies after the 8:15 AM registration cutoff.
For an unforgettable cultural journey, book your Deep Experience Tour at Keraton Yogyakarta today!
Source: tempo.co, detik.com, Idntimes.com
Special Photo Credit: ANTARA FOTO/Andreas Fitri Atmoko via validnews.id