Half-Day Yogyakarta Cycling Tour to Kota Gede

While you may see ‘becaks’ criss-crossing through traffic in Yogyakarta as the traditional means to get from point A to B, we will venture out on classical and well-maintained bicycles to get more into the back alleys and sights that are often forgotten. For 4 hours, you will find yourself paddling from local markets to traditional resting places of the royals and Javanese houses.

After preparing your bicycle and the safety briefing from your Yogyakarta trail leader, we’re off for a rewarding view of Yogyakarta. Head out to the historical sites that surround Kota Gede. This historical neighborhood has gained name and fame not only Indonesia but also beyond its borders for its silver industry since the first artists and silversmiths opened their atelier in the 1930's. Before that, Kota Gede was the first capital of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, founded by Panembahan Senopati in 1582. Weave through the village of Bumen and Kembang Waru – known for its bakeries in making locally-favored, and often shaped like hibiscus flowers, bread to the Pasar Gede. Also known as the Pasar Legi, you will have time to browse through the displayed merchandise, meet some of the shopkeepers and search for some handmade treasures or souvenirs.

As we move slowly out of the city, pass one of the oldest mosques in Kota Gede, built in 1575, which still is a place for worship for the local community; we head out to the Royal Cemetery, a few kilometres outside the city centre. The Imogiri is the official cemetery of the first King of Mataram and his family and still bears a very important place in the lives of the Javanese. Entrance to the cemetery has strict regulations in terms of dress code – all visitors must wear the traditional Javanese dress which is included in the price before entering these highly respected grounds.

The road back to your hotel passes an excellent example of a Joglo, a typical Javanese house where one can see how once colonial architecture was blended while maintaining the highest respect for the Indonesian style of constructing houses. The tour will conclude in your hotel lobby.