Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari
A royal water garden and bathing complex built in 1758 by the sultan, known for its turquoise-green bathing pools, underground circular mosque and maze-like passages. It is Yogyakarta's most photogenic historic site.
Taman Sari ("Fragrant Garden") lies about 500 m west of the Kraton, the sultan's palace. The first sultan, Hamengkubuwono I, built it between 1758 and 1765, and it is said that a Portuguese architect helped design it. The complex blends Javanese, Islamic and European styles. It originally covered 10 hectares and included artificial lakes, islands, bathing pools and underground passages, serving as a royal retreat and defensive stronghold. Much of it was damaged by the British invasion of 1812 and the earthquake of 1867, and nearby residential neighborhoods later built over much of the site. Today the restored core is the bathing area and the underground mosque.
The bathing area, known as Umbul Pasiraman, consists of three turquoise-green pools framed by carved gateways and pink walls. From a central tower, the sultan once watched his consorts bathe and chose who would attend him. It is the top spot for photos. Walk through the alleys of the residential neighborhood to reach the underground mosque, Sumur Gumuling. This circular building has two levels of arcades, and five staircases in the center meet at a platform. Light streams in from an opening in the roof, which has made the mosque a popular spot on social media. Nearby are the remains of Pulo Kenongo, an artificial island.
Entry costs about Rp 15,000 for foreigners, plus a camera fee. A guide (around Rp 50,000) can lead you through the residential area to the underground mosque and hidden passages. Open 09:00–15:00.
The surrounding neighborhood is worth exploring. Its alleys are lined with batik workshops, murals and traditional houses, and you can make a side trip to Kampung Cyber, a village known for its graffiti.
Getting there: It is a 10-minute walk from the Kraton. You can also take Trans Jogja to the Ngabean stop and walk 5 minutes.
Tips: Combine Taman Sari with the Kraton for a half-day morning itinerary. Watch a performance at the Kraton first, then visit Taman Sari. The underground mosque gets crowded after 10:00, so go there early if you want empty shots.
Notes: The alleys are easy to get lost in, so follow the signs or hire a guide. Do not enter the pools. Batik shops can be persistent with their sales pitches.
Opening hours
09:00–15:00
Nearby sights
- Alun-Alun Kidul
- Kraton Yogyakarta
- Sonobudoyo Museum
- Malioboro Street
- Kotagede
- Affandi Museum
- Sambisari Temple
- Kalasan Temple