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Cultural Destination
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Yogyakarta Cultural City

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.
Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta Royal Palace
The Sultan’s Palace which lies in the middle of Yogyakarta city. Here people can
Prambanan Temple
One of the most important Hindu complex of temples built in 850 AD
Imogiri Royal Cemetery
You may think that cemeteries are not the perfect spot to visit if you are on vacation?
Yogya
Batik Motifs
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
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
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Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Burung Bidadari
Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an
Gurdo Solo
Gurdo or garuda bird is the mount of the Indian god Vishnu. As the Sun Bird,
Hiu Taliyasan
Indonesia is also home to the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). Hiu Taliyasan refers to
Kaganga Tanah Rejang
If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Pucuk Rebung Riau
Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and
Gajah Way Kambas
The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Cengkeh
The clove flower motif is the main commodity of the Tolitoli Regency. This motif represents
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Dayak Kamang
Kamang motif is generally found in the Dayak tribe shield because it is believed to
Daun Lada Hitam
The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung
Salakanagara
Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Gumin Tambun
Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Karawo Mahkuta
Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of
Lok Baintan Floating Market
As you can imagine, the most authentic thing is that you can buy things and even
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
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
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Daun Sirih
This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Biji Kopi
The coffee seeds motif illustrates the pride of local coffee specialities in
Pati-Pati Pinehiku
It symbolizes the hierarchy in society and the social status of the Mekongga
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Tongkonan
Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for
Insang Ikan
Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits
Buketan Bali
The Balinese bouquet (Buketan Bali) is a floral arrangement and the name is
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Gonggong Siput
Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around
Sero Tangga
The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Singayaksa
The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to
Kain Cual
Cual textile tradition has existed since the 17th century. The word “Cual” refers to
Awan Berarak
Awan Berarak is a combination of Dayak motifs and Malay patterns. The word ‘Awan Berarak’ means the
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Bekantan Pakis
This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Parang Seling
Parang Seling or “alternating daggers” is a royal batik motif. It is a feminine variant of
Gentala Arasy
Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Gamolan
This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Paqbarre Allo
The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as
Sido Mulyo
Sidomulyo is one of the classical motifs, which is specifically used for the bride’s costume in
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Wakatobi
It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes
Daun Simpor
This motif is inspired by the Simpor plant (Dillenia Suffruticosa) which is a typical
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Pala Salawaku
This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely
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