Traveling Along Malioboro Yogyakarta

          Besides Bali, one of the best tourism potencies in Indonesia is Special Region of Yogyakarta, and we often heard about Malioboro when people talk about a frugal and fun traveling place.

Malioboro is quite famous in Yogyakarta central city. Everyday more and more local and foreign tourists come to explore Malioboro Street. No wonder if Malioboro becomes a rapidly growing downtown. Historically, there are two versions for the word Malioboro, first it was derived from an English noble named Marlborough. He was a British Royal resident who stayed in Yogyakarta city from 1811 AD – 1816 AD. The second version, Malioboro means bouquet in Sanskrit. The philosophy is the city was always full of bouquets every time there was a celebration in Keraton Yogyakarta. Through a traditional market during Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono 1 administration, Malioboro has become the center of economic for almost 250 years.

          Malioboro is a shopping centre in which always crowded by visitors. There are various unique souvenirs of Indonesian artists, especially from Yogyakarta, are made and sold here such as Batik, rattan decoration, leather puppet, bamboo handicraft, key holder, decorated lamp, and clothes. Besides, there are also Blangkon (Java/Jogja typical hat), silver stuffs, and unique funny knickknacks that we mostly find in other places. For those who love tattoo, there are lots of tattoo artists offer their service with various motives and prices.

          Other than souvenirs, the visitors can also find various Yogyakarta typical culinary along the Malioboro in the evening, Gudeg is one of them. Across from the street where the souvenirs are sold, you can see many Lesehan (food court where the visitors enjoy the foods on a low table while sitting cross legs) that sell Yogyakarta typical Nasi Gudeg. All the Lesehan line up along the street that we can choose our favorite one easily. Besides Gudeg, the other Yogyakarta typical traditional foods that can be found at Malioboro are Tiwul, Cenil, Gatot, Bakpia, Geplak, Kuemochi, and many others.

          There are some hotel facilities along Malioboro Street, for example INA Garuda and Mutiara Hotel Yogyakarta. The other shopping centers are Malioboro Mall, Ramai Mall, Matahari Department Store, Ramayana, and also many boutiques available on road sides. At certain nights, especially on Saturday night or days off, artists from various art communities in Yogyakarta always present their stage actions through art performances. Some of them are Keroncong, contemporary music, angklung music, Javanese dance, dance performance from Saman Community, and many others.

          Apart from those places mentioned above, the other worth visiting places around Malioboro are Vredeburg Fortress, Mirota Batik, Bringharjo Market, Dagadu Souvenirs centre, March 1 Attack Monument, Taman Pintar, and Yogyakarta Cultural Park. So, ladies, if you are tired to walk, there are Andong and Becak traditional transportations you can use. Enjoy your holiday around tourism places of Malioboro, Yogyakarta. (Athalia)