It was a long day already and it was like a tickle in our head when the word “Hotel” was mentioned. It was an hour and a half drive from Java to Yogyakarata making us do the usual thing of getting some rest and sleep on the way to the next location. (Read: Ullen Sentalu Museum)
On our arrival at Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel in Yogyakarta, a welcoming party was waiting, greeting us and offering some fresh towelette and refreshing drink. It was great the Ministry of Tourism organizers have manage to always do hotel transfers flawlessly making a more worry free travel for all the participants.
With Ruth sadwiched by two good looking guys in white LOL!
But before heading to each of our rooms, we still have one more activity to do, the Royal Ambarrukmo’s Royal Hi-Tea Ceremony.
The Royal Ambarrukmo Experience
So, I was literally stepping inside a palace! Wow! That is just something! Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta previously known as Ambarrukmo Palace Hotel has been undergoing a great transformation to enthrall guest with outstanding service and exceptional experience.
True to be told, it was then the Royal Residence in the 19th century then transformed to a world-class hotel in the 20th century. Visiting will let you experience a royalty lifestyle with both historic heritage and modern comforts sought by today’s travellers.
Let’s have a historical tour first of the place.
Royal Ambarrukmo Historical Tour
Located at the Lobby floor, Relief “Untung Rugi Di lereng Merapi” (The Good life and Bad times at Merapi Volcano) is a huge masterpiece showcases the life of villagers in related to Merapi Volcano.
Made from Andecit rock and pour cement with a dimension of 700 x 500 cm, Untung Rugi Di Lereng Merapi was created in the 1964-1965, approximately about 6 months in the making by Harijadi S & members of Sanggar Selabinangun.
On the 8th floor, Mozaik “ Kehidupan Masyarakat Yogyakarta” (The Life of Yogyakarta Society) can be found. It was an intricately done mosaic with a dimension of 300 x 1000 cm and was created by J. Soedhiono, Nyoman Gunarsa & Team. The mosaic shows the peaceful life of the people of Yogyakarta & Central Java. It was finished on 1965 for about less than 4 months completion.
We then made a stop-over at the 7th floor to see the majestic and active Merapi Volcano.
At the lobby near the Royal Restaurant, another mosaic can be found. Both mosaic used more than complicated and textures of 15 different kinds of colors. You’ll be amaze to see the details specially when you touch it.
We also pass through the Royal Garden where you will found different bronze sculptures that were personally commissioned by President Soekarno. Since 1964, no major changes have done in terms of position and the presentation of the sculptures.
Near the far end of the garden is the Bale Kambang or the Floating Hut, which is an octagon-shaped buildings in the middle of a pond. This area was formerly used for meditation and leisure of the King and its Royal Family. As said, the pond was the pool used by the princesses before and the whole area was a prohibited place for outsiders.
In front of it was the Gardi or the Royal Dining Room for the King and his family at the 18th -20th century. Formerly used for shadow puppet show, sacred dance and other Royal ceremonial too.
There was also the west part long house, which is once used for King’s princesses and other female Royal relatives. It was turned to spa and is now called Nurkadhatyan Ritual Spa.
Royal Hi-Tea Ceremony
The Royal Hi-Tea ceremony is an authentic experience of comprehensive procedures of traditional tea ceremony at the Sultan Palace. Each of the participants seated on an indian position, and on our tables, china wears and light snacks to compliment the tea are placed.
With Rijal, Ingga (Backshots), Kisty, Becky, Vesta & Jia Qin
The ceremony starts with a procession of Abdi Dalem (Royal Servants) dressed in traditional Royal costume in a parade that I think lasted for about 10 minutes. That was like 3 counts in each steps. Then at the end, each of the servants will distribute the tea to each of the participants.
It was an experience way too different from the usual tea party we have in the metro. The whole procession was serene coupled with an ethnical sounding music making us feel that a small sound or chitchat we create could gave us some penalty or something. But no need to worry, Okay?!
This is how you do it! #Flatlaying.
Now it’s finally time to take some rest and enjoy the sunset view inside my room.
In the evening we went out to a popular vegetarian restaurant in Yogyakarta called Milas Restaurant. (Read: 6 Must-visit restaurant in Yogyakarta)
Next up: Shopping the Yogyakarta way!
#NognoginIndonesia is a trip sponsored by Ministry of Tourism. Check out the tags #TripofWonders & #WonderfulIndonesia to find out the destinations we visited.
