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

Parang Rusak

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

Wirasat

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

Kawung

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

 

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Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Banji Cirebon

The Banji motif is the symbol of protection and

Kuda Kupang

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

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Desa Na Ualu

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

Kalo Sara

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

Ikan tambal

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

Bekantan Pakis

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

Gigi Haruan Lidi

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

La Galigo

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

Jumputan Bintang

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

Asmat Papua

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

Teguh Bersatu

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

Kaharingan

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

Bayam Raja

The Raja Bayam Sasirangan motif illustrates the social status of

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

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

Durian Pecah

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

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Sekar Jati

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

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Karawo Mahkuta

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

Gonggong Beruntun

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

Merak Ngeram

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

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Raja Ampat

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

Ake Patra

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

Pisang Bali

This batik motif is usually given by a person to his/her lover who is

Samudra

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

Tidayu

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

Singayaksa

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

Lok Baintan Floating Market

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

Gonggong Siput

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

Pucuk Rebung Riau

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

Pala Salawaku

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

Tangerang Herang

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

Gumin Tambun

Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and

Pattimura

Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Gamolan

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

Merak Lasem

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

Srimanganti

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

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

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

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

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

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Lipaq Sabe

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

Karawo Pinang

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

Anggrek Tewu

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

Abimanyu Prince

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

Cengkeh

The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents

Kawung

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

Sandeq

Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of

Manguni Minahasa

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

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Pantai Ambon

Ambon city batik depicts the natural wealth and marine life of

Gurdo Solo

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

Daun Simpor

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

Pintu Aceh

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

Enggang Dayak

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

Tanah Liek

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

Biji Kopi

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

Rasamala

The Rasamala Batik motif is associated with a story when the Dutch came

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Gorga Simeol-Meol

The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and

Daun Sirih

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

Burung Bidadari

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

Pucuk Mekar

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

Tengkawang Ampiek

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

Leuit Sijimat

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

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Gentala Arasy

Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of

Lontara

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

Taiganja

Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is

Bintik Tujuh

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

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

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

Kuda Sepasang

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

Sido Mulyo

Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Rumah Mamuju

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

Besurek Rafflesia

The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions

Jupri Kembang Teh

Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of

Bale Lumbu

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

Alam Pantai

The word “Alam Pantai” refers to the natural beauty of

Tubo Kelapa

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

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Mahkota Siger

Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and

Honai

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

Tikar Natuna

The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in

Sero Tangga

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

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

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

Bomba Mawar

This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates

Dayak Kamang

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

Ukir Sentani

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

Desa Na Tolu

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

Hiu Taliyasan

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

Pati-Pati Pinehiku

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

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and