Museum Ullen Sentalu — Attraction in Pakem

Warning: this is not a “Javanese culture and art museum”, as described. We had been excited to go, based on that description, and the incredibly high review score. However, it is a small and slightly bizarre museum seemingly completely dedicated to the archiving and glorification of the current ruling monarchy of the area. Maybe we missed something / visited on the wrong day, though I do now see several reviews giving similar warnings.

On the tour, we were taken into room after room where the guide explained how great individual princesses/kings were, and essentially talked us through numerous family photos/portraits of them. There was their long family tree, a baby picture, a picture of them on a horse, a picture on a boat, the hats they’d bought in Paris, and so on.

There is some old Batik on display, worn by the royal family, though I’ve seen more beautiful Batik elsewhere. There was a really beautiful looking Gamelan collection (although Gamelan was not explained, which might have been interesting, rather we were educated about the background behind each of the various portraits of the monarchy that hung on the wall in turn).

On a more positive note, the buildings are well-made, situated in an area full of trees, the gardens looked like they could be nice (though we were whisked past the more beautiful looking areas to go into another room, this time full of old letters a princess had written - where we were advised we were allowed to make notes if we wished to remember the content of the letters?!), and the staff were all friendly and well meaning (including at both ticket desks one must visit - purchase at the first, give ticket in to the second).

Worth noting it is mandatory to pay for a tour guide, there was a 20 minute wait for the tour to start, no pictures were allowed(?), and as explained above, in summary, the content of the museum was incredibly niche. Perhaps good for dedicated...

A privately owned museum initiated by the Haryono Family, a noble family from the Yogyakarta Sultanate, driven by a commitment to preserve Javanese culture.

Ullen Sentalu Museum embodies a concept dedicated to the mission of preserving the values and dignity of Javanese culture. It serves as a communicator of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, fostering a meeting point between the heirs and the legacy of culture.

The museum houses a wide collection of Javanese art and culture, particularly related to the Mataram Kingdom and royal court traditions. The name "Ullen Sentalu" itself comes from Javanese, meaning "Wisdom of the Soul," reflecting the museum's aim to present profound and meaningful knowledge about Javanese history and culture.

The museum is located in the tourist area of Kaliurang, at the foot of Mount Merapi, a cool hillside region in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Its architecture is notable for embracing traditional Javanese design.

Ullen Sentalu offers a touching and educational cultural tourism experience. Its collections include royal court attire, batik, traditional musical instruments, and various artifacts that tell the history of Javanese cultural development, especially in connection with major royal courts like the Yogyakarta and Surakarta Sultanates.

Additionally, Ullen Sentalu is known for offering insights into the lives and traditions of sultans, kings, and royal families who played a significant role in Javanese history. The museum also provides an interactive experience for visitors with guided tours led by knowledgeable staff.

Overall, Ullen Sentalu is a highly popular destination for those interested in the history, culture, and arts of Java.

With an entrance fee of IDR 100,000, it is certainly worth the knowledge and...

Review of Ullen Sentalu Museum

Ullen Sentalu Museum is a hidden gem located just outside Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This private museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich history, culture, and traditions of the Javanese kingdoms, particularly the Mataram Sultanate and its royal families. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in Javanese heritage, art, and history.

The museum is divided into three distinct sections, each offering a unique perspective on Javanese culture. Each section requires a separate ticket, and the prices vary depending on which areas you choose to explore. The guided tours are highly informative and engaging, with knowledgeable and humorous guides who make the experience both educational and enjoyable. They share captivating stories about the royal families, their lifestyles, and the cultural significance of the artifacts on display.

During my visit, it was raining, and the museum provided raincoats for purchase at 10,000 IDR each. However, I’d recommend bringing your own umbrella if you’re visiting during the rainy season to stay comfortable while moving between the different sections of the museum.

One thing to note is that the museum is located quite a distance from the city center of Yogyakarta, and it can be challenging to find online taxis for the return trip. I’d suggest arranging private transportation in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Overall, my experience at Ullen Sentalu was unforgettable. I took two different tours and learned so much about Javanese history and culture. The guides were not only informative but also entertaining, making the visit even more enjoyable. I’m already planning to return to explore the remaining section I missed during my first visit. If you’re in Yogyakarta, don’t miss this...