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

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

 

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Indonesian

Batik

Motifs

Enggang Dayak

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

Tabir Tanjung

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

Cengkeh

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

Kain Cual

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

Daun Lada Hitam

The black pepper motif represents the main commodity of Bangka Belitung

Gurdo Solo

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

Ceplok Gayo Aceh

The variety of colors shows the differences in society that

Mega Mendung

Mega Mendung signifies the cloud. This motif means to stay

Hiu Taliyasan

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

Gamolan

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

Tangerang Herang

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

Sido Mulyo

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

Pisang Bali

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

Jupri Kembang Teh

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

Kalo Sara

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

Ukir Sentani

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

Bunga Raye

Raye Flower motif also represents a wish for

Bintik Tujuh

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

Anggrek Tewu

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

Tengkawang Ampiek

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

Gedhog Kembang Waluh

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

Penari Melayu

Penari Melayu illustrates the traditional dance of Malay ethnic in

Durian Pecah

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

Rumah Mamuju

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

Ake Patra

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

Daun Sirih

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

Gigi Haruan Lidi

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

Kasih Tak Sampai

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

Merak Lasem

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

Buketan Bali

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

Bultiya

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

Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)

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

Taiganja

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

Malinau Cultural Festival

You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in

Prada Papua

The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that

Kawung

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

Merak Ngeram

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

Sandeq

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

Ondel-ondel

Ondel – ondel is Betawi traditional icons. This motif signifies

Wirasat

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

Jumputan Bintang

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

Tifa Papua

This motif was derived from traditional Papuan musical instruments,

Karawo Pinang

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

Dayak Kamang

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

Tanah Liek

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

Sinaran

This pattern originates from Cirebon. It represents the reflection of

Parang Rusak

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

Kamaro Timika

This motif is inspired by sacred symbols of Kamaro communities in

Paqbarre Allo

The word “Barre” means round and “Allo” means the sunlight. This motif is interpreted as

Awan Larat Riau

This motif is usually associated with gentleness, wisdom, and

Gajah Way Kambas

The motif illustrates the Lampung’s natural reserve, the Way Kambas. it also symbolizes

Pattimura

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

Mahkota Siger

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

Rutun Penyu

This motif describes the local wisdom which favours modesty and

Pala Salawaku

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

Kerawang Datar

This motif symbolizes the embodiment of of religious values for

Lontara

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

Gumin Tambun

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

Honai

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

Awan Berarak

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

Lok Baintan Floating Market

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

Salakanagara

Salakanagara batik motif illustrates the first kingdom in the Betawi land

Insang Ikan

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

Rangkiang

The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes

Gentala Arasy

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

Teluk Tomini

This motif illustrates the beauty of underwater life in

Kaharingan

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

Angsa Duo

According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess

Leuit Sijimat

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

Jagung

The philosophy of the corn motif illustrates the dream and

Gonggong Beruntun

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

Tubo Kelapa

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

Srimanganti

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

Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan

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

La Galigo

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

Desa Na Tolu

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

Gonggong Siput

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

Tenun Bima

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

Manguni Minahasa

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

Peresean

The Peresean is a game that sometimes some kinds of magic are

Kerawang Tegak Aceh

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

Samudra

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

Pucuk Rebung Riau

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

Pinawetengan

The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in

Burung Bidadari

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

Kaganga Tanah Rejang

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

Barong Bali

The Barong refers to the mythological animal with supra-natural

Rasamala

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

Daun Simpor

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

Raja Ampat

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

Wakatobi

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

Keluak Daun Pakis

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

Singayaksa

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

Besurek Rembulan

This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe

Tifa Totobuang

The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called

Bale Lumbu

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

Bekantan Pakis

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

Gorga Simeol-Meol

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

Sekar Jati

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

Desa Na Ualu

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