Kota Gede (Kotagede) Tours and Activities
Once the capital of the mighty Mataram kingdom, whose descendants founded Yogyakarta, Kota Gede is today a charmingly historic suburb of Yogyakarta. Besides attractions such as the royal cemetery, ancient mosques, and traditional wooden houses, it’s home to a wealth of silversmiths, as well as the Monggo Belgian chocolate factory.
The Basics
There is no admission charge for Kota Gede, although there are charges for specific attractions, such as the tombs. It’s easy to wander at will, soaking up the atmosphere in the markets and regal ruins. As it’s fiddly to reach by public transport from downtown and the attractions aren’t necessarily obvious, many visitors prefer to join a Kota Gede tour. A particularly atmospheric way to explore Kota Gede is on a rickshaw (becak), although cycling tours are also an option, while some Yogyakarta old town tours include a stop here as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Kota Gede is around 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the Kraton. It’s on the Trans Jogja 3A bus route from Jalan Malioboro, as well as the 3B bus route, but many visitors prefer the ease of joining a tour that escorts them seamlessly from downtown attractions such as the Kraton and Taman Sari.
When to Get There
If you intend to visit the Kota Gede royal tombs (not to be confused with the other royal cemetery, at Imogiri), visit on a Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday morning or Friday afternoon, outside Ramadan. Monggo chocolate factory tours run Mondays to Fridays and on Saturday mornings, while silversmiths close on Sundays.
The Mataram Kingdom of Kota Gede
The Kingdom of Mataram (also known as the Mataram Sultanate to distinguish it from an earlier Hindu kingdom of the same name) dominated Javanese politics from the late 16th century until the early 18th century. Its founder, Panembahan Senopati, made Kota Gede its capital in 1582 and is buried in a tomb here.
The Basics
There is no admission charge for Kota Gede, although there are charges for specific attractions, such as the tombs. It’s easy to wander at will, soaking up the atmosphere in the markets and regal ruins. As it’s fiddly to reach by public transport from downtown and the attractions aren’t necessarily obvious, many visitors prefer to join a Kota Gede tour. A particularly atmospheric way to explore Kota Gede is on a rickshaw (becak), although cycling tours are also an option, while some Yogyakarta old town tours include a stop here as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Atmospheric and charming, if a little run down, Kota Gede is a must for history buffs of all persuasions.
- Kota Gede is the epicenter of Yogyakarta’s silver industry and the best place in the city to shop for silver.
- Traditional Javanese costume is required to visit the tombs. While this can be rented on-site, women should be aware that the top is strapless and plan accordingly.
How to Get There
Kota Gede is around 6 kilometers (4 miles) from the Kraton. It’s on the Trans Jogja 3A bus route from Jalan Malioboro, as well as the 3B bus route, but many visitors prefer the ease of joining a tour that escorts them seamlessly from downtown attractions such as the Kraton and Taman Sari.
When to Get There
If you intend to visit the Kota Gede royal tombs (not to be confused with the other royal cemetery, at Imogiri), visit on a Sunday, Monday, or Wednesday morning or Friday afternoon, outside Ramadan. Monggo chocolate factory tours run Mondays to Fridays and on Saturday mornings, while silversmiths close on Sundays.
The Mataram Kingdom of Kota Gede
The Kingdom of Mataram (also known as the Mataram Sultanate to distinguish it from an earlier Hindu kingdom of the same name) dominated Javanese politics from the late 16th century until the early 18th century. Its founder, Panembahan Senopati, made Kota Gede its capital in 1582 and is buried in a tomb here.
Address: Yogyakarta, Indonesia
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Kota Gede (Kotagede)
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Touring Kota Gede by Becak
1
The “becak” pedal-powered rickshaw is a Yogyakarta icon, but their drivers are some of Indonesia’s toughest negotiators. Let your guide arrange everything—hotel transfers, itinerary, and prices—on this half-day tour of Kota Gede, once capital of the kingdom of Mataram. See an ancient mosque, traditional bakers, a local market, silver stores, royal tombs, and a traditional Javanese “joglo” home, all with your guide on hand.
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From
$82.06
Price varies by group size
From
$82.06
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Pedalling Through Yogya’s Kota Gede
Yogyakarta is famous for its UNESCO-listed temples but most visitors only take in the top attractions. This half-day bike tour will whisk you away from the tourist trail to explore the atmospheric neighborhood of Kota Gede, and the traditional villages of Bumen and Kembang Waru. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
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From
$76.93
Price varies by group size
From
$76.93
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Explore City Tour from Yogyakarta
We begin our journey to discover Yogyakarta City with Sultan Palace complex displaying Javanese architecture and hundreds historical objects. Continue to Water Castle (Taman Sari), situated just 250 meters from Sultans Palace. We will stop by at Sonobudoyo Museum and Pasty Bird Market too. We bring you to Kota Gede to witness multicultural architecture with Batik and Silver making processes for the end of your journey.
Highlights:
• Visit the Javanese framework of Sultan Palace with Professional Guide
• Drop by to nation’s decades of heritage at Sonobudoyo Museum
• Witness skillful artisan in Batik & Silver making processes
• There are more attraction spots included such as Water Castle & PASTY bird market
…More
From
$35.61
Price varies by group size
From
$35.61
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
5 Day 4 Night Yogyakarta Heritage Sustainable Tour
1
Yogyakarta 5 days 4 nights Cultural Heritage Excursion is designed to give you the real experience in Yogyakarta. We have designed thematic tour each day based on destinations you are going to visit. We also practise eco-friendly concept and sustainability concept. When you join our tour, you will also directly support sustainable tourism! This tour is the right balance of adventure, heritage while trying to implement tour in sustainable concept. You will also stay in a local family homestay that we have selected based on our standard or 3-star hotel with sustainable and eco-friendly concept in Jogjakarta. provides positive impact on the locals and community but minimise the negative impact on the destination and local culture.
We practise sustainable tour concept. We are trying to minimise the one-single plastic use in our tour, so we ban single plastic use of water bottle and provide refill water. We are also involving local community/people in our tour.
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From
$753.85
From
$753.85
Yogyakarta City Tour
By visiting Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta , which was built in 1755 by the first Sultan Hamengkubuwono.the building with Javanese architecture which some part is influenced by Portugese, Dutch and Chinese architecture. Then visit Taman Sari the water castle
And last point to visit Kota Gede, center of silver of Indonesia.
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From
$51.29
From
$51.29
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Yogyakarta’s Essentials in Half a Day
1
Explore Yogyakarta on a private city sightseeing tour, led by your own personal guide. You will be introduced to cultural attractions such as the kraton, or Sultan’s palace, with a walking tour of the vast royal complex including the Taman Sari Water Castle. Visit, too, the historic neighborhood of Kotagede, known for its silver industry. Ride in the comfort of a private vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
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From
$56.42
Price varies by group size
From
$56.42
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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