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Statue in Ullen Sentalu Museum

Ullen Sentalu is Javanese museum culture situated in midst of Kaliurang attraction, Yogyakarta. Museum Ullen Sentalu provides knowledge about history of Javanese culture, particularly those related to the kings of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. The museum contains the history of the royal culture of Solo and Yogyakarta. Ullen Sentalu founded by the Haryono family, and was inaugurated by Paku Alam VIII (Javanese King) on March 1, 1997. The word of ‘Ullen Sentalu’ is acronym of the Java language that is ‘Ulating Blencong Sejatining Tataraning Lumaku’, if translated roughly mean ‘the Light of Life for Human Journey’.

From the outside, the museum has seen its uniqueness. Large Stone-walled of building fused with lush trees and vines that stretched to reach the roof. Style building is reminiscent of the old castle buildings in Europe. At the night, was in the museum will feel thick mystical aura. Entering the gate, visitors will be greeted by lush gardens, again with big trees. Completely overgrown and ancient environment make visitor like stranded in the middle of nowhere world, a world which only appears in dreamland.

ullen Sentalu pond

In the first part of this museum is the building below ground. Visitors enter through the stone steps led down a winding. The rooms in the museum, slick organized, the walls filled with paintings full of stories. The tour guide will reveal to you about the fascinating story of each painting, photographs and various objects that fill the museum.

The second part of the museum is five-room above the soil surface which is surrounded by unique winding corridors. One room in this museum is special room for Gusti Tinneke, Sekar Solo Kedaton whose real name Kus Sapariyam. Gusti Tinneke is the younger Pakubowono XII brother who has the nickname Bobby. He was heartbroken because her mother, Mrs. Ageng, didn’t approve his love. In this room were displayed neatly letters by friends and family who provide support for Gusti Tinneke. These letters were written very beautiful and some are written in Dutch.

The third section of Ullen Sentalu Museum is building separate from the second part by landscaped gardens and ponds. In this section there are paintings of Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Ketawang Bedoyo dance, and so forth. Well, Bedoyo Ketawang is sacred dance Bedoyo Ketawang which was performed by nine female.

Ullen Sentalu Museum Ticket

Park view in Ullen Sentalu

Tour in Ullen Sentalu Museum takes about one hour. Well, if you are tired, hungry and thirsty after walking up and down along the hallway between the parks and buildings, you can relax while enjoying the meal in Beukenhof Restaurant located around the museum. Beukenhof is Dutch style Restaurant that gives good panoramic views to the museum or to the natural environment around like mountain peak of Merapi.

If you come to Yogya, and you are culture lovers, then the Ullen Sentalu museum is great choice to visit. I can’t tell much about its contents, but I guarantee this museum is highly recommended to visit. And for more information about Ullen Sentalu Museum please visit here.

Beukenhof Restaurant

Beukenhof Restaurant interior