Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Special region is one of the 32 province in Indonesia. This special region consists of five regencies namely, Yogyakarta Municipality, the capital of the province, Bantul Regency, Sleman Regency, Kulon Progo Regency and Gunung Kidul Regency. The province is famous as the center of culture and education and a tourist destination as well.
As the center of javanese art and culture, there are various kinds of interesting tourist attraction in Yogyakarta. That is the reason why people refer to Yogyakarta as the cradle of javanese culture. for those who love mountainside, beaches, of beautiful sceneries, this region provides them in abundant numbers.
The region is also known as an interesting place for researchers, geologist, speleogist and vulcanologists for there are many caves in the limestone areas and an active volcano. The southern part of Gunung Kidul Regency formerly laid at the bottom of the sea. This fact can be proved by seeing many fossils of sea animals among the limestone.
For the archaelogists, Yogyakarta is very interesting because there are at least 36 temple sites in the region. They are relicsof the ninth century civilisation. Prambanan temple, the biggest and the most famous Hindu temple in Indonesia. One of the "Seven wonders of the world", the biggest Buddha monumentin the world, namely the Borobudur, is within one hourdriving from the city, for it is only 42 Km northwest of Yogyakarta. On the way to Borobudur, one can pay a visit to Mendut and Pawon temple. The Mendut temple is a place of worship. There is a statue of Buddha Gautama inside the temple.
Relevant to the name, Yogyakarta Special region is really special. People are friendly and agreeable. This affects their way of life and behaviour. They like traditional sports, archery and also fond of looking after turtledove. It is blieved that people can enjoy life and peace by listening to such a bird singing. The traditional archery competition is usually held to celebrate the birth of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X which is also called "Wiyosan Dalem".
Since there are many kinds of artwork, traditional customs and ceremonies, Yogyakarta is also called " Java's Living Museum". Traditional means of transportation, traditional architecture, traditional markets, traditional handicraft fsctories and museums complete the choice of tourist attractions in Yogyakarta.