Cultural Destination

Embrace the spirit of the place!

Old town corner of Yogyakarta (photo: Kota Jogja)

Horse chariots as common public transportation in Yogyakarta (photo: @Reshi Fastriadi)

Yogyakarta Cultural City

This city is the most magnificent cultural spot in Java. Settled in 1755, Yogyakarta is a lively city where visitors can enjoy lots of attractions and buy works of art and craftsmanship, such as batik, keris, and silverwork. With an endless variety of traditional music events, art exhibitions, festivals, and traditional ceremonies, this city showcases the evolution and the fusion of Javanese royal heritage with modern urban arts.   

Cultural Tourism Destination

Yogyakarta Cultural City

Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta

Yogya

Batik Motifs

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Kawung

The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

 

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Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Samudra

This art painting means to be strong-willed person to pursue

Leuit Sijimat

This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:

Gonggong Beruntun

This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and

Sekomandi

Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”

Karawo Pinang

Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes

Merak Ngeram

The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and

Awan Berarak

Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the

Lipaq Sabe

Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Keluak Daun Pakis

The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of

Enggang Dayak

Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Srimanganti

The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to

Honai

The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Tubo Kelapa

Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more

Desa Na Tolu

The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Sekar Jati

Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that

Gajah Mungkur

Semantically, it means a huge longing emotion trapped in the

La Galigo

La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even

Gurdo Solo

Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,

Pucuk Rebung Riau

Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

The Vertical Upright (Kerawang Tegak) Motif symbolizes a person who has a strong

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with

Bale Lumbu

This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the

Tongkonan

Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for

Kasih Tak Sampai

‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Gamolan

This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is

Sero Tangga

The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil

Pintu Aceh

The motif is inspired by Aceh’s traditional architecture that has

Insang Ikan

Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits

Kaharingan

The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Tenun Bima

The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great

Jumputan Bintang

The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to

Buketan Bali

The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is

Lok Baintan Floating Market

As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Bekantan Pakis

This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Rumah Mamuju

the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house

Kuda Sepasang

For the people of Kupang, having a strong horse is a matter of

Burung Bidadari

Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an

Ikan tambal

The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Tangerang Herang

Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of

Merak Lasem

The peacock is considered to be the king of the birds. It represents

Wakatobi

It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes

Dayak Kamang

Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Kalo Sara

Kalo Sara is a sacred motif for Tolaki ethnic. It is considered as

Teguh Bersatu

This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of

Parang Seling

Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of

Ukir Sentani

The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings

Abimanyu Prince

This motif implies a hope that the wearer will have the wisdom of

Durian Pecah

Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of

Tanah Liek

The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as

Anggrek Tewu

This motif is created based on the local wisdom and philosophy of

Hiu Taliyasan

Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to

Pucuk Mekar

This motive reflects the joy and gratitude to God over the grace of

Bintik Tujuh

The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as

Tidayu

The name of this motif is the acronym of three ethnics namely,

Gonggong Siput

Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around

Bultiya

The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely

Daun Sirih

This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Biji Kopi

The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in

Lontara

The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that

Dayak Taghol

Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Parang Rusak

Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by

Manguni Minahasa

Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a

Kain Cual

Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to

Asmat Papua

The batik motif illustrates the Asmat’s sacred tribal motifs that are

Karawo Mahkuta

Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of

Ake Patra

Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of

Daun Simpor

This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga

Desa Na Ualu

The Gorga motif of Ualu Village is the symbol of the eight cardinal

Waruga

Minahasa batik motifs are adopted from Waruga. Waruga is the

Tengkawang Ampiek

With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of

Wirasat

Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by

Gigi Haruan Lidi

The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of

Tabir Tanjung

Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in

Kuda Kupang

Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring

Pala Salawaku

This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely

Singayaksa

The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to