The Kraton — in full Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat — is the palace of the sultans of Yogyakarta. It was founded by Prince Mangkubumi, who became Sultan Hamengkubuwono I after the Treaty of Giyanti divided the Mataram kingdom in 1755. The Sultan still lives here; he also serves as governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The palace is a walled city within the city. The part open to visitors is a sequence of sand-floored courtyards and open pavilions (pendopo) with gilded columns, plus museum rooms of royal carriages, portraits, batik and gifts from foreign courts. Elderly court retainers, the abdi dalem, in batik and a keris, still go about their duties.
What to see and do: Kraton (Sultan’s Palace)
Visit the main palace
The principal entrance (Kedhaton) is on the west side at Regol Keben. Inside are the Bangsal Kencana, the golden pavilion, and the museum dedicated to Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX.
See the front halls
The Pagelaran and Siti Hinggil, facing the northern square, are ticketed separately and show ceremonial halls and displays of court dress.
Catch a performance
On many mornings there is gamelan music, Javanese song, wayang or classical dance in one of the pavilions. The programme varies by day.
Go with a guide
The symbolism is easy to miss on your own. Palace guides are available at the entrance, or book a Kraton and Taman Sari tour.
How to get to Kraton (Sultan’s Palace)
- From Malioboro: continue south from Titik Nol across Alun-Alun Utara; the visitor entrances are 10–20 minutes’ walk from the crossroads.
- By becak or andong: the traditional way to arrive from Malioboro. Agree the fare first.
Insider tips
- Opening is in the morning only, roughly 8:30 to early afternoon, and the palace closes on Mondays and for court ceremonies. Arrive before 11:00.
- Dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees. Hats and sunglasses come off inside.
- There are two separate ticketed areas; drivers sometimes drop you at the smaller one. Ask for “Kraton, pintu Keben”.
- A small camera fee may be charged.
Best tours & tickets for Kraton (Sultan’s Palace)
These top-rated experiences are an easy way to enjoy Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) from a base on Malioboro:
Guided walking tour from $16 Yogyakarta: Sultan’s Palace and Water Castle Guided Tour
A guided walk through the two royal sights south of Malioboro: the Kraton, where the Sultan of Yogyakarta still lives, and Taman Sari, the 18th-century pleasure garden with its bathing pools and tunnels. Both are much more rewarding with someone to explain what you are looking at. Entrance fees may be paid separately — check the option you choose.
- The Kraton, living palace of the Sultan
- Taman Sari’s pools and underground passages
- A guide to explain court life and symbolism
Becak tour from $21 Yogyakarta: Heritage Tour with Pedicab
A half-day round of the heritage sights by becak, the cycle rickshaw of Java, with the route and price settled before you set off — which removes the bargaining and the unwanted shop stops that street-hailed rides sometimes bring. Reviews are still few, so read the most recent ones.
- See the old city from a becak seat
- Price fixed in advance — no haggling
- New listing with few reviews
Walking tour from $9 Yogyakarta: 2-Hour City Introduction Walking Tour
A compact introduction to the city on foot: two hours with a local guide covering the background you need — the sultanate, the layout of the old town and how to get around — before you explore on your own. One of the cheapest guided experiences in Yogyakarta and well reviewed.
- A short, low-cost orientation walk
- History and daily life explained by a local
- Easy to fit in on arrival day
