Walking Tour of Yogyakartas Oldest Neighbourhood

Yogyakarta’s oldest neighborhood, Kotagede, offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Java. This walking tour promises an authentic and personalized experience, guiding participants through beautifully preserved Joglo houses and historical sites dating back to the 16th-century Mataram Islamic Kingdom. With knowledgeable local guides and a small group size, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of Javanese life, allowing visitors to engage with friendly residents and sample traditional snacks. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Yogyakarta’s vibrant history and vibrant culture, this tour presents a captivating…

Key Points

• Explore the historical Kotagede neighborhood, Yogyakarta’s oldest area, on a 2.5-hour walking tour that showcases traditional Joglo houses and local culture.
• Engage with friendly Javanese residents, visit at least four 16th-century Mataram Islamic Kingdom sites, and sample authentic Javanese snacks and drinks.
• Enjoy personalized attention in a small group of up to 10 participants, with hotel pickup and drop-off, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Respect local customs by adhering to the tour’s dress code and safety guidelines, which prohibit items like drones, alcohol, and non-folding wheelchairs.
• Discover the rich history and traditions of Kotagede through knowledgeable guides, leaving participants with an authentic and memorable cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The walking tour of Yogyakarta’s oldest neighborhood, Kotagede, is an engaging 2.5-hour activity that allows participants to discover the historical houses, known as Joglo, while exploring the area.

Priced at $22.96 per person, the tour is limited to a maximum of 10 participants and is conducted in English.

Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and reserve their spot without paying upfront.

The tour includes entry tickets to all sites, local snacks and mineral water, a traditional cloth experience, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.

Activity Highlights

Participants on the walking tour can expect to discover historical houses, known as Joglo, while exploring Kotagede, Yogyakarta’s oldest neighborhood. Along the way, they’ll have the opportunity to taste local snacks, desserts, and drinks, as well as interact with the friendly Javanese people. The tour will visit at least four historical sites from the 16th-century Mataram Islamic Kingdom, allowing visitors to experience authentic culture in a less touristy area.

Activity	Description
Joglo Houses	Discover the architectural and historical significance of these traditional Javanese houses.
Local Cuisine	Sample delicious local snacks, desserts, and beverages.
Interaction	Engage with the friendly Javanese residents and learn about their daily life.
Historical Sites	Explore at least four important sites from the Mataram Islamic Kingdom era.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The walking tour includes entry tickets to all historical sites, a local snack and mineral water, a traditional cloth experience, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and bring an umbrella and sunscreen. The tour isn’t suitable for those wearing high-heeled shoes, shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless shirts.

Drones, non-folding wheelchairs/strollers, alcohol, and drugs are also not allowed.

The meeting point is near the large tree at the parking area, and availability for starting times and group size can be checked when booking the tour.

Preparation and Restrictions

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to the walking tour. Bringing an umbrella and sunscreen is also recommended, as the tour takes place in an outdoor setting.

The tour restricts certain attire, such as high-heeled shoes, shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless shirts, to maintain cultural sensitivity. Drones, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour for safety and legal reasons.

Plus, non-folding wheelchairs and strollers aren’t permitted due to the uneven terrain in the historic neighborhood.

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Meeting Point and Availability

The meeting point for the walking tour is conveniently located near the huge tree in the parking area. Participants have the flexibility to choose from various starting times, with availability dependent on the selected date and group size. The following table outlines the tour schedule and availability:

Date	Start Time	Availability
June 1	9:00 AM	7 spots left
June 2	2:00 PM	3 spots left
June 3	10:30 AM	10 spots left
June 4	1:00 PM	5 spots left
June 5	11:15 AM	9 spots left

To secure your spot, simply check the availability and select your preferred date and time.

Customer Reviews

Customers who’ve experienced this walking tour of Yogyakarta’s oldest neighborhood rave about the kind and knowledgeable guides who provide an immersive cultural experience.

With an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews, the tour appears to be a hit. Reviewers highlight the guides’ ability to share the rich history and traditions of the Kotagede area, allowing participants to truly connect with the local Javanese people and culture.

The neighborhood exploration, tastings of local snacks and drinks, and visits to historical sites from the Mataram Islamic Kingdom era all contribute to an authentic and memorable experience for those who join this walking tour.

Booking and Cancellation

Though the walking tour can be booked online, visitors have the option to reserve their spot and pay later. This convenient booking process allows travelers to secure their place in the limited-size group without an upfront payment.

For those who need to change their plans, the tour offers a free cancellation policy. Cancelations made up to 24 hours in advance will receive a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.

The meeting point is near a large tree in the parking area, and participants should check availability for start times that fit their schedule. With these booking details, visitors can easily plan and enjoy the immersive Kotagede neighborhood experience.

Explore Kotagede’s History

Kotagede, Yogyakarta’s oldest neighborhood, holds a rich tapestry of history dating back to the 16th century. The walking tour allows visitors to explore at least four historical sites from the Mataram Islamic Kingdom era, seeing the neighborhood’s authentic culture.

Along the way, guests can discover beautifully preserved Joglo houses, interact with friendly locals, and sample traditional Javanese snacks, desserts, and drinks.

This experience provides a unique opportunity to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Yogyakarta’s heritage in a less touristy area.

The tour’s focus on historical sites, cultural interaction, and local flavors offers an enriching and memorable exploration of Kotagede‘s vibrant past.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Has Kotagede Been an Inhabited Area?

Kotagede has been an inhabited area since the 16th century, when it served as the capital of the Mataram Islamic Kingdom. This historic neighborhood has maintained its cultural significance and traditional architecture for over 400 years.

What Are the Main Landmarks in Kotagede?

Kotagede’s main landmarks include historical houses (Joglo), sites from the 16th century Mataram Islamic Kingdom, and local markets where visitors can taste traditional snacks and interact with the Javanese community in this less touristic area.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Yes, you can take photographs during the tour. The tour overview explicitly states that photography is allowed, except for the use of drones, which is not permitted.

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

The tour is suitable for families with children. It allows for interaction with local Javanese people and provides a cultural experience in a less touristic area. Restrictions on high heels and certain clothing suggest the tour caters to a range of ages and abilities.

Are There Any Safety Precautions During the Tour?

The tour provider takes safety precautions, such as limiting group size, requiring comfortable shoes, and prohibiting high-heeled shoes, shorts, and sleeveless shirts. They also don’t allow drones, alcohol, or drugs to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Recap

Experience Kotagede’s rich history and culture on this immersive walking tour. Discover beautifully preserved Joglo houses, engage with friendly locals, and sample traditional snacks. With knowledgeable guides and a small group, you’ll enjoy a personalized exploration of this less touristy area, providing an authentic glimpse into Javanese life from the 16th-century Mataram Islamic Kingdom.

You can check if your dates are available here: