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Your tour guide will be waiting for you in the lobby of your hotel at around 09.30 am.
In the morning, visit the Sultan's Palace, also known as the Kraton, which promises an introduction to Java's remarkable heritage. Explore the building, which still serves as the Sultan's residence today, and learn how its architectural style reflects the traditions of Javanese cosmology. Inside you will see an incredible collection of cultural relics such as puppets and other artefacts.
Continue on foot to Taman Sari, a royal complex that is more than 200 years old. Learn more about the sultan who built this green compound and find out how it was used by his harem.
You will then visit the Sonobudoyo Museum on your cultural journey of discovery through Yogyakarta. Founded in 1935 and designed by Dutch architect Kersten, the museum offers visitors the opportunity to see traditional wooden dolls, masks, textiles and a large selection of keris (local daggers). (Note: the museum is closed on Mondays).
In the afternoon, make a stop at the nearby Sewu and Plaosan temples.
The Sewu Temple is the second largest Buddhist temple complex after the Borobudur Temple. It was built around the 8th century and only discovered in 1960. A visit to the magnificent Sewu Temple shows you how harmonious the relationship between Hindus and Buddhists was at that time. The temple is located in Bugisan Village, about 17 kilometres from Yogyakarta.
Plaosan Temple is located in Bugisan village, about 1.5 kilometres east of Sewu Temple. The Plaosan temple complex is a mixture of Hindu and Buddhist culture, which can be recognised by the shape and structure of the temple; the temple spire is a Hindu feature, while the base of the temple has Buddhist structures. The temple was built at the beginning of the 9th century. The Plaosan Temple also has a very romantic history, which your tour guide will be happy to tell you.