Things to do in Ullen Sentalu Museum

About Ullen Sentalu

Different from most museums that usually have old-fashioned vibe, this tourist attraction in Ullen Sentalu offers a peaceful atmosphere which communes with nature. It is located at the slope of Mount Merapi and surrounded by dense forest; such combination creates a cool and tranquil space. Built in 1994, the museum that features vernacular architecture style presents an exotic and Instagramable view. Located in Jalan Boyong KM 25, West Kaliurang, this museum is an archaeological remain of Mataram Kingdom that consisted of four sultanates: Ngayogyakarta, Surakarta, Pakualaman, and Mangkunegaran. The name Ullen Sentalu is actually a Javanese acronym for 'ulating blencong sejatine tataraning lumaku'. It can be translated as a guiding light for human beings to step and walk in life. Offering a fascinating tourist attraction, Ullen Sentalu has been awarded by TripAdvisor as one of the best museums in the world. While visiting this museum, professional staff will guide visitors to explore all areas of the museum for 50-60 minutes. On tour, you can get into various rooms displaying different collections. Some of them are Art and Gamelan Room, Painting Room that features a figure collection of Mataram Dynasty, Batik and Poetry Room, and an outdoor zone called Ruang Sasana Sekar Buwana and Letja Randa Corridor. Moreover, this tourist attraction offers a dining space which is designed by combining the beauty of nature and the unique features of gothic architecture. A dining time in this place is perfected by various kinds of delicious cuisine, such as Lobster Thermidor, Glazter Lamb Rack, Breaded Chicken Tender, and many more.

Top Things to Do in Kaliurang

After you spend the time exploring Ullen Sentalu, take another time to visit other interesting attractions near this museum, as follow

The Lost World Castle

The Lost World Castle is situated in a disaster-prone area, but it offers many unique, beautiful, and Instagramable photo spots. The stones from the eruption of Mount Merapi are turned into various unique buildings, such as castles, wing background, and a special spot called paradise gate. You will also find a green meadow filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. This tourist attraction is located in Dusun Petung, Kepuharjo, Cangkringan, Kaliurang. 

Kaliurang Hobbit House

Not far from The Lost World Castle, you can also visit Kaliurang Hobbit House or Rumah Hobbit Kaliurang. This tourist attraction resembles the setting and design of Shire Village on the fantasy movie, “The Lord of The Rings.” Green meadow and human-made hill with the height of 4-5 meters will welcome you once you step into this area. Two small houses are featuring around doors and windows. Moreover, various kinds of ferns surrounding the houses make them look more epic and attractive. All of them are complemented by a chilly mountainous vibe that will make you feel more comfortable.

Stonehenge Kaliurang

You may know Stonehenge as a renowned attraction of rounded megalithic stone structure in Wiltshire, Inggris. However, the same attraction can also be found in Yogyakarta, or to be exact, in Cangkringan Village, Kaliurang. Despite its recent establishment, Stonehenge Kaliurang has attracted both local and foreign tourists. Because it is situated at the slope of Mount Merapi, the structure of the stones look more exotic. The stones’ greyish shade forms a perfect contrast with the green grass field and the blue sky. No wonder this attraction becomes a favourite spot for photographers, young travellers, and couples who arrange a pre-wedding photo session.

Mount Merapi Museum

Complete your vacation in Kaliurang by visiting Mount Merapi Museum. This museum displays everything related to the volcanic activity of Mount Merapi while providing educational information in a fun and interesting way. You can explore all display rooms in this museum to see the real proofs of how the ferocious wedhus gembel destroy homes, vehicles, farming equipment, kitchen utensils, and many more. Also, you can visit a mini cinema to watch an educational movie about volcanology and learn about the eruption process. Located in Jalan Kaliurang KM 22, this tourist attraction will enhance your knowledge about volcanoes and their activities.

Top Culinary in Kaliurang

Besides exploring several tourist attractions in Kaliurang, one thing you shouldn’t miss is having a taste of the local cuisine. Here are some recommended cuisines in Kaliurang that you should try.

Rabbit Satay

Although it is not as popular as lamb, beef, or chicken satay, rabbit satay is relatively easy to find in Kaliurang. Once they are slaughtered, the rabbits are usually hanged near the fire frame before the cook chops the meats. Then, like the regular satay, rabbit meat is marinated and served alongside peanut sauce. In terms of texture, rabbit satay is softer and chewier than chicken satay.  

Jadah Tempeh

This local food is made from sweet steeping tempeh and jadah (sticky rice dough). Tempeh is squeezed in two slices of jadah and served as a burger or sandwich. As some people would say, jadah tempeh is a favourite food of Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono IX.

Wedang Ronde

Wedang ronde serves as the best warm beverage in the chilly weather of Kaliurang. You can enjoy a bowl of warm wedang which contains slices of bread poured with hot ginger, mochi cake, fried peanuts, sugar palm fruits or kolang-kaling.

Klenyer Rice

Another local food of Kaliurang that you should try is klenyer rice. It is similar to the common fried rice. However, klenyer is served with lamb soup or tongseng, making the rice softer and filled with gravy. Klenyer rice has a spicy flavour. In the atmosphere of cool mountainous weather, it is better to savour this dish while it’s still hot.

Where to Stay in Kaliurang

As a famous tourist destination, Kaliurang offers a wide range of hotel and guest house with diverse rates and services. To choose the best accommodation, you can make use of online booking app like Traveloka. To get you started, take a look at some recommended accommodation sites in Kaliurang below.

Disaster Oasis Training Center 

Located in Jalan Kaliurang KM 21, this accommodation provides 31 guest rooms in the traditional architecture design. The room rate is relatively affordable, starting from Rp200,000/night. Some additional amenities such as restaurant, meeting room, outbound facilities, and lounge are also available on site.

The Riverside Jogja Hotel

Combining the concept of nature and Javanese culture, this hotel offers many cottages. Each cottage features a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and cable TV. Located in Candibinangun Village, the room rates in this accommodation range between Rp400,000 and Rp500,000 per night. 

Sambi Resort & Spa

Those who want to stay and enjoy the view Mount Merapi should book a room in Sambi Resort & Spa. Located in Jalan Kaliurang KM 19.5, this resort offers wooden-floored guest rooms with excellent facilities. 

Besides the three accommodations above, there are some other hotels and resorts that you can find in Kaliurang. To make your vacation more enjoyable and convenient, you should check the information about tourist attractions in Ullen Sentalu as well as the best, yet affordable accommodation near this area.