Lying in the shadow of Mt. Merapi (Fire Mountain), 2914 meter-high active
volcano, Yogyakarta is the seat of the once mighty Javanese Empire of 
Mataram, Ngayogyakarto Hadiningrat. Yogyakarta is one of the supreme culture
centers of Java. Full gamelan orchestras keep alive the rhythms of the past,
classical Javanese dances with the visions of beauty and poise, shadows come
to life in the stories of the wayang kulit (puppet show) and a myriad of 
traditional visual art forms keep locals and visitors alike spell-bound.

Tourist attractions around Yogya and surrounding areas, worth to be 
visited are among others:

KRATON or SULTAN's PALACE - Designed and built by Prince Mangkubumi in 1755.
The construction is similar to the Palace of Susuhunan Pakubuwono II in
Surakarta (Solo) whose designer was also Mangkubumi.

KOTAGEDE - Centre of Silver - As a trading centre it attracted many merchants
and guilds of artisans and craftmen who passed down their skills to the 
present-day jewellers, gold and silversmiths for which Kotagede is famous.

PRAMBANAN TEMPLE - located approximately 17 kilimeters from Yogyakarta on the
way to Solo, this 47-meters high Hindu temple was built by the Sanjaya Dynasty
in the 9th century and consists of three courtyard. The main temple, located
in the inner courtyard, is surrounded by several smaller temples in the outer
courtyard called "Perwara" temples. Other temples in the Prambanan region are
Sewu, Plaosan, Ratu Boko, Sambisari, Kalasan and Sari.

BOROBUDUR TEMPLE - One of the world wonders, this biggest Buddhist temple in
the world was build in the 8th-9th century by the Cailendra Dynasty. Along
the four galleries measuring at least 1 km in length is a series of relief
depicting Buddha's spiritual and earthly lives. This temple, sheltered by
surrounding mountains and rivers, was constructed in a location with other
Buddhist temples such as Mendut and Pawon temples. Borobudur Temple is 
located about 42 kilometers to the north-west of Yogyakarta.

DIENG PLATEAU - Dieng is the name of a 2093 meters high plateau, 26 km to the
north of the town of Wonosobo which is 137 kilometers to the north-west of 
Yogyakarta. Here are to be found 8 Hindu temples, situated in an area of 
great scenic beauty including lakes and volcanoes.

ECOTOURISM -  MT. MERAPI. Treking to the foot of Mt. Merapi starts from 
VOGEL HOMESTAY at Kaliurang early morning at 03:30 hours to the foot of 
Mt. Merapi to see the flowing hot lava and the magnificient sunrise. Listen
to the singing of the morning birds and the whistling of the trees blown
by the winds. Enjoy your local/traditional Javanese breakfast. A must for
tourists.