Ullen Sentalu Museum, Educational Tourism Amidst the Cool Nature of Sleman
Explore Ullen Sentalu Museum, an educational tourism destination in Yogyakarta that offers a cultural experience amidst the cool mountain air.
Yogyakarta always presents endless charm for tourists. Besides its famous culinary, nature, and cultural tourism, the city also boasts intriguing historical destinations worth exploring, one of which is Ullen Sentalu Museum.
Located on Jalan Boyong KM 25, West Kaliurang, Sleman, this museum offers a journey into the rich Javanese culture while enjoying the natural beauty at high altitudes.
Here is a comprehensive review of Ullen Sentalu Museum, a place where history and beauty blend in harmony.
The History of Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum, whose name stands for “Ulating Blencong Sejatine Tataraning Lumaku,” meaning “The light of the blencong lamp is a guide for humans in life,” was established with the aim of preserving Javanese culture, particularly from the Mataram Kingdom era.
The museum was founded as an effort to introduce and safeguard the history and noble values of Javanese culture that were beginning to be forgotten.
With its unique architecture and highland location, the museum offers a refreshing yet educational tourism experience. While you’re in the area, don’t miss out on other exciting Things to do in Kaliurang to enrich your visit.
Main Attractions of Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum has several attractions that make it popular among both local and international tourists. Here are some reasons why this museum is worth visiting:
1. Refreshing Cool Air
Situated in a lush forest area, Ullen Sentalu Museum is surrounded by tall green trees. This gives the surrounding air a cool and fresh feel, creating a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere for visitors. Even without air conditioning, the museum remains cool thanks to the natural canopy of trees.
2. Unique and Natural Architectural Design
The architecture of Ullen Sentalu Museum is designed to integrate with the natural contours and is surrounded by large trees, creating the impression that the building is one with nature.
Its natural and harmonious design makes every corner of the museum attractive. Many visitors admire how the architecture of the museum gives an elegant yet grounded feel, making it a perfect backdrop for artistic photos.
3. Enhancing Knowledge of Javanese Cultural History
Ullen Sentalu Museum offers an in-depth educational experience about Javanese history and culture. Here, visitors are taken through rooms that tell the stories and legacies of the Mataram Kingdom.
Each room has a different theme, such as dance and gamelan art, poetry rooms, and batik rooms of Vorstendlanden and Plesiran.
Although photography is prohibited inside the museum to maintain the privacy of the collections, the educational experience gained is very memorable.
4. Comprehensive Educational Facilities
The museum not only displays historical artifacts but also has special rooms like the art and gamelan room and *Guwo Selo Giri*, which showcases portraits of prominent figures from the Mataram era.
Each collection is well-presented, complete with explanations from guides who accompany the tour and provide in-depth information.
5. Serving Traditional Beverages
During the museum tour, visitors are treated to traditional drinks such as *Jamu Ratu Mas* made from selected herbs.
This drink not only refreshes but also enriches the cultural experience during the museum visit. In addition, the museum features a Gothic-style restaurant that serves both Western and Indonesian dishes, allowing visitors to rest and enjoy a meal after exploring the museum.
Routes and Access to Ullen Sentalu Museum
The location of Ullen Sentalu Museum is easily accessible from Yogyakarta city center. From the city, the journey can be taken north via Jalan Kaliurang until reaching the tourist entrance of Kaliurang.
After passing this gate, continue the journey until you find Kaliurang Park, where the museum is nearby. If you are unfamiliar with the route, renting a car in Yogyakarta or using an online transportation service can be a practical option.
Operating Hours and Entrance Fees
Ullen Sentalu Museum is open daily except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, the museum is open from 08:30 to 16:00, while on Saturday and Sunday it is open until 17:00. Note that the last ticket purchase is 30 minutes before the museum closes.
The entrance fee for domestic visitors is IDR 40,000 for adults and IDR 20,000 for children aged 5-12. Meanwhile, foreign visitors are charged IDR 100,000 for adults and IDR 60,000 for children, which includes the services of an English-speaking guide.
Supporting Facilities at Ullen Sentalu Museum
The museum offers various facilities to ensure visitor comfort, including:
- Art and gamelan exhibition rooms: Displaying various traditional musical instruments.
- Guwo Selo Giri: A room with portraits of historical figures.
- Complete maps and information boards: Helping visitors navigate and understand the museum’s content.
- Toilets and a spacious parking area: Supporting visitor convenience.
- Gothic-style restaurant: Serving traditional and Western menus.
Ullen Sentalu Museum also provides guided tours included in the entrance ticket, making visits more informative and structured.
Visiting Ullen Sentalu Museum is not just about seeing beautiful artifacts and Javanese history but also about experiencing peace and freshness that are rare to find elsewhere.
With its unique attractions, natural architecture, and diverse historical collections, this museum is a must-visit destination for anyone in Yogyakarta.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to explore other fascinating Tourist Attractions in Sleman to enrich your travel experience. Be sure to plan your visit and enjoy an educational and inspiring tourism experience at Ullen Sentalu Museum.