Taman Sari Water Palace, Yogyakarta

Taman Sari Keraton Yogyakarta are the site of a former park or palace garden Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, This garden was built during the time of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I (HB I) in 1758-1765 / 9. Initially, the park which got the title "The Fragrant Garden" has an area of ​​more than 10 hectares with around 57 buildings in the form of buildings, bathing ponds, suspension bridges, water canals, as well as artificial lakes and artificial islands and underwater passageways. The garden, which was used effectively between 1765-1812, initially stretched from the southwest of the Kedhaton complex to the southeast of the M Merchant complex. But at this time, the only remnants of Taman Sari that can be seen are in the southwest of the Kedhaton complex. It is said that Taman Sari was built in the former old palace, Pesanggrahan Garjitawati, which was established by Susuhunan Paku Buwono II as a resting place for horse-drawn carriages going to Imogiri. As the leader of the Taman Sari development project, Tumenggung Mangundipuro was appointed. All development costs will be borne by the Regent of Madiun, Tumenggung Prawirosentiko, along with all his people. Therefore the Madiun area is exempt from taxation. In the midst of the development the project leader was taken over by Prince Notokusumo, after Mangundipuro resigned. Although officially as a royal garden, some buildings indicate that Taman Sari functions as the last bastion if the palace is attacked by enemies. It is said that one of the architects of this royal garden was a Portuguese better known as Demang Tegis.

Taman Sari is a Water Palace full of Beauty and Secrets, Splashing water, the beauty of its ancient architecture, and amazing views make Taman Sari very charming. The halls and buildings make Taman Sari full of secrets that will continue to unfold. "From the top of the Stage Gate, the Sultan used to watch the dances down there. The buildings beside him are the place for the musicians and in the middle of the stage a place where the dancers show their skill and flexibility," explained a guide when I and my family I entered Taman Sari. From the Gapura Stage, the guide took me into an area that was once only allowed for the Sultan and his family, the Taman Sari baths. Gurgling of water immediately greeted. The clear water blends nicely with the dashing beige walls that surround it. The bathing pool in this area is divided into three namely Umbul Kawitan (pool for the sons and daughters of the King), Umbul Pamuncar (pool for concubines), and Umbul Panguras (pool for the King).

A pot where the Sultan's wives looked in the mirror was still standing intact when I entered the tower of the Sultan's private place. The ornaments that adorn the pot give the impression of glamor on objects located next to the Sultan's wardrobe. You can imagine, 200 years ago a beautiful woman waited for the water in this pot to calm down and then she bowed her head, fixing her makeup and bun, beautifying her body while looking in the mirror. In addition to the Sultan's pot and private room, in the tower which consists of three levels, there is a ladder made of teak wood which is still intact, so it gives an antique impression to anyone who sees it. Up to the top level, the reflection of the sun from the pool below and the entire Taman Sari area are clearly visible. Maybe the Sultan used to enjoy the view from up here, the view of Taman Sari which is still complete with its artificial lake and fragrant flowers.

After enjoying the view from the top of the tower, the guide then took me to Gapura Agung, the arrival of the golden train that Sultan and his family used to ride. The dominant gate with flower ornaments and bird wings is the entrance for the Sultan's family who wants to enter Taman Sari. The guesthouse is just south of Taman Sari to be the next destination. Before the war, the Sultan would meditate in this place. The atmosphere of silence and silence immediately felt when I entered. Here, the Sultan must think of various ways of negotiation and war strategy so that the sovereignty of the Yogyakarta Palace is maintained. This area is also a place to store weapons, armor, and the purification of the ancient krises. The court is used by soldiers who practice swords. I separated from the guide in front of Gapura Agung. However, this does not mean the trip has stopped because there are still several places that must be visited such as the Gumuling Well and the Kenongo Building. To get to that place, you have to go through Tajug, the hallway that connects Taman Sari with the palace and also Pulo Kenongo. This wide underground hallway is just in case if the palace is in a precarious situation. Many secret rooms are hidden in this place. Coming out of Tajug, you will see traces of Pulo Kenongo that were once overgrown with cananga flowers that smoked Taman Sari. I went to the Gumuling Well, the underground mosque where the king and family worship. The two-story building that was designed has a good acoustic side. So, in ancient times, when the priest led the prayer, the voice of the priest could be heard well in all directions. Even now, that can still be felt. The voice of the conversation from people who are far away from us feels like they are beside us. In addition, to go to the center of this mosque, again must pass through the dark alleys. Arriving in the middle of the mosque in the form of a square-shaped place with 5 steps around it, the majesty is increasingly felt. When looking up, the sky looks blue. The sound of birds heard from settlements in the Taman Sari area further adds to the serenity of the atmosphere.

The last stop is the Kenongo Building. This building which was used as a place for the king to eat is the tallest building in Taman Sari. In this place you can enjoy the enchanting golden sunset. The whole Taman Sari can be seen from here, such as the Soko Guru Mosque in the east and the vents of Tajug. Satisfied with the freshness of the water from Taman Sari, the sky will greet. The beautiful and enchanting scenery offered by Taman Sari. The charming charm of water combined with European, Hindu, Javanese and Chinese style walls is a value that will make Taman Sari unforgettable. (Muhammad Rafi Arlintio, 05-12-2019)