Jogja, the cultural heartland of Indonesia, is a hub of colorful traditions and natural wonders. One of the busiest and most important landmarks of the city is the Tugu Jogja railway station. With so much to offer, tourists often wonder about must-see places around the station. If you’re looking for the best places to visit near Tugu Jogja, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the most exciting and tourist-friendly places that you can explore in this area.
Taman Pintar Yogyakarta
Taman Pintar Yogyakarta is a fun-filled and informative recreational park located a stone’s throw away from the Tugu Jogja railway station. Boasting a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities for kids, this complex is a hit among parents and children alike.
The park has a large number of hands-on exhibits on science, technology, art, language, and culture. The interactive activities, such as rocket simulations, earthquake simulations, and laboratory experiments, not only excite children but also inform them. It even has a library and a planetarium and features various shows and events throughout the year.
Museum Kereta Api Yogyakarta
If you’re looking for a taste of Indonesia’s railway heritage, the Museum Kereta Api Yogyakarta is the perfect destination. Visitors can learn about Indonesia’s railway history, which dates back to the 1860s.
The museum, located near the Tugu Jogja station, displays many steam locomotives, carriages, and other railway equipment from the colonial era to the present day. There is even a restored stationmaster’s house that visitors can tour. This museum is a testament to Indonesia’s railway pioneering and is a unique and educational experience for any tourist interested in transportation history.
Taman Sari
Located just a short drive from the Tugu Jogja railway station, Taman Sari is a unique cultural marvel. Once a royal garden complex, this site includes a water palace, a bathing pool, and a beautiful green park.
The centerpiece of Taman Sari is the Bangunan Candra Naya, a grand, four-story building that was once used as a mosque and a residence for the royal family. Visitors can explore the compound’s many features, including the underground tunnels that lead to the bathing pool and the water palace with its beautiful fountains and greenery.
Kebun Binatang Gembira Loka
The Kebun Binatang Gembira Loka, also known as the Zoological Gardens Gembira Loka, is situated around 6 kilometers from the Tugu Jogja railway station. This zoo, which opened in the late 1950s, is a well-kept and impressive site.
The site features a range of Indonesian animals, such as the Komodo dragon and the Javanese rhinoceros, as well as a vast collection of exotic and international species, such as giraffes, zebras, and elephants. Although it’s a bit outside of the city, the site’s tropical atmosphere and excellent facilities make it worth the trip.
Sumur Gumuling
Sumur Gumuling is an intriguing underground mosque located in the center of the Kraton district in Yogyakarta, around 2 kilometers from the Tugu Jogja railway station. This unique mosque, which was built in 1758, features a unique design with onion-shaped domes and an underground chamber.
Visitors to Sumur Gumuling can explore the mosque and its fascinating architecture, which includes a spiral staircase that leads to the underground chamber. Most tourists find the site mesmerizing, and it’s an excellent place to learn about Indonesia’s fascinating Islamic cultural heritage.
Conclusion
Yogyakarta is a stunning city whose charm and grace never cease to mesmerize visitors. If you’re planning a trip to Tugu Jogja railway station, then exploring the surrounding sights is an absolute must. Whether you’re with friends, family, or on your own, the region has something for everyone. So, go ahead and take a stroll through the parks and museums, submerge yourself in the cultural heritage of temples, and indulge in the natural wonders that are waiting to be discovered in and around Tugu Jogja.
