[Taman Sari (Water Palace) | Indonesia, Yogyakarta "A paradise for the king. Beauty and shadows remain in the quiet ruins"

— "Taman Sari" means "fragrant garden" in Indonesian.
This was once a garden and bathing place created for the royal family of the Yogyakarta Kingdom to relax.
Built in the 18th century, it now holds a quiet, ruin-like stillness,
but it was once equipped with ponds, palaces, secret passages, and hidden towers,
a **"dream space" for the king and his concubines**.
It is now open to the public, allowing visitors to freely walk through the peaceful atmosphere.

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📍[Location & Access]
・Location: 10 minutes by car from central Yogyakarta / also accessible on foot
・Very close to the Royal Palace (Kraton)
・Convenient by Grab taxi or becak (three-wheeled bicycle taxi)

🕰️[Tourist Information]
・Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (may vary by season and day)
・Closed: None
・Admission fee: About 15,000 IDR (approx. 150 JPY) for foreigners + camera fee applies

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🌿Recommended Points
• Beautiful remains of the "water bath"
　→ The central pond and three watchtowers are impressive. A beautiful space of silence and light reflections

• Underground tunnels and the "secret mosque"
　→ The "underground mosque (Sumur Gumuling)" at the end of the underground passage is also famous as an Instagram-worthy spot

• The charm of the ruins
　→ Partially collapsed walls and peeling paint create an atmosphere that evokes history

• Connected to the local residential area
　→ The surrounding area features artistic murals and local houses, making it enjoyable to walk around

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📸One-point advice
・Morning visits are recommended (fewer tourists and beautiful light)
・The underground mosque has steep and dark stairs, so watch your step
・Hiring a local guide (a few hundred yen) allows you to delve deeper into unknown history
・The nearby art area is also worth exploring, with murals and small cafes scattered around

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