Taman Sari Water Castle in Yogyakarta Indonesia

Taman Sari Water Castle once was Yogyakarta‘s royal garden and private bathing area. The fortress architecture, heavily influenced by the Portuguese culture, resembles a small palace. Hence the name Taman Sari means water castle.

Located in the actual palace complex, the bathing area was our first stop after visiting Yogyakarta Keraton palace.

Inside Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari complex used to be much larger, with more than 50 buildings. It has an artificial lake and hidden pathways. However, what is left and well-preserved are just the bathing areas and a part of the hidden pathway. There is a residential area between the complex and Pasar Ngasem, a local bird market located nearby.

The royal family used the main bathing area with two ponds, while the Sultan and his chosen concubine would use the private part of the complex.

The air inside Taman Sari Water Castle felt mystique. Maybe it was the blue-green water, or perhaps it had to do with the pouring rain. But I felt a sense of tranquillity. Even with so many people around. Kind of like how I felt while walking around Okunoin cemetery in Koyasan, Japan. Or maybe it was just the calming effect of being surrounded by water.

The architecture of Taman Sari reminded me of an Indian place. A little Google research revealed a rich mixture of cultures behind it. Other than Portuguese, Dutch, Chinese, Javanese, Hindu, and Indian cultural influences were behind it. It has such pretty and unique detailed architecture, even as a historic relic. I wonder how did it look like during its time.

There is a much Instagrammed underground mosque called Sumur Gumuling and hidden pathways inside the Taman Sari Water Castle complex that I missed out on due to the weather. Maybe it’s an invitation to visit it another time?

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