After the batik showroom, our rickshaws took us to the Sultan's square.
Before entering the Sultan Palace we stopped at the Twin Banyan Tree Challenge square.

The gate where the blindfold walk begins.
The idea is to walk blindfolded across the square to an area between the two giant Banyan trees.
According to Javanese mystics, the person who can do this will never wander astray in life.
Blindfolds can be purchased from the ever-present hawkers.

The locals try to walk, blindfolded, from the gate to a space between these two trees.
Wishes will come true if the walk is successful.

Amazing trees... Banyon - considered sacred in Indonesia

Bill standing in the square by one of the two trees.
While we were there, a crew of workers were cutting the grass
with gas-powered trimmers.
Another crew followed and picked up all the cuttings.

A Short Ride Over to the Main Palace Entrance

More means of local transport

One of the guardians at the colourful palace entrance
.

The Sultan's palace consists of several open "stages".
We assume they were used for audience with the Sultan,
for ceremonies, for entertainment. Loved the garden stools.
 Everywhere, we saw trees, statues, posts, dressed in "holy cloth" like a sarong.
Apparently, a priest can sense the spirit inside these objects.
Black and white = good versus eveil...gold, all good, etc...
to protect the house or area. Priests must be very busy!

JAVA CONTENTS
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 INDONESIA INTRO CONTENTS
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Part of the
Hillman Travel Adventures
Bill and Sue-On Hillman
 
 
 
 
 
 

Bill and Sue-On Hillman: A 50-Year Travel Odyssey

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HILLMAN INDONESIA ADVENTURE
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15a. YOGYAKARTA V
Sultan Palace Puppet Show
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia/java/j15a.html

A puppet show with many musicians playing traditional instruments
was in one of the open stages.

A Puppeteer and Some of the Musicians
.

A story based on old folklore.

A Large Cast

The Audience is Quite Amused

Bill sneaked backstage to take photos of the unique instruments

We Couldn't Resist Joining in with the band
Bill announcing our entrance to the Sultan's palace.
Good grief! Sue-On's new rolling pin!

Took a little breather and sat down in a small courtyard with durian for sale!
Had a diet coke instead
.

JAVA CONTENTS
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia/java

 INDONESIA INTRO CONTENTS
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia

Part of the
Hillman Travel Adventures
Bill and Sue-On Hillman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

HILLMAN INDONESIA ADVENTURE
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15b. YOGYAKARTA VI
Sultan Palace Museum and Art
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia/java/j15b.html

.

We Crossed the Palace Square to the Main Display Rooms
.

Amazing ceiling in an open room with showcases.
. .

Sultan Bill Hillman!
Bill wanting to sit in the sultan's throne,
much like the one we have in our house.
.

One of the dueling Canons in action

These may be portraits of the sultan when he was younger and older.
His ears are intriguing.
Looking closer, we see that they may be "caps" put on the top of the ears?
Possibly to indicate that he "hears" his people.
.

*** Traditional clothing for women.
*** Sultan's wife.
*** Traditional outfit - possibly worn by the sultan?

There were many rooms on the palace grounds.
Beautiful porcelain is on display.
.

Puppets appear to be a favourite form of story-telling across most of Asia.

Click for full-size collage

Many Rooms and Terraces to Explore
 .

Entrance to prayer room.
 . .

.

On our way out we passed by the  inner courtyards and private residence.

JAVA CONTENTS
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia/java

 INDONESIA INTRO CONTENTS
www.hillmanweb.com/indonesia

Part of the
Hillman Travel Adventures
Bill and Sue-On Hillman