Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Located
in the heart of Yogya, this is the city’s main street, and was once the
ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the
Keraton. During such occasions Malioboro would be festively decorated with
flowers. Some say that the name Malioboro” derives from the name of the British
governor Marlborough from the era when Britain ruled the archipelago, between
1811-1816.
Near the north gate of the Keraton or palace are grand Dutch
colonial buildings that are now the Central Post Office and the Bank Dagang
Negara. Walking further north is the well laid out State Guest House, which was
once the home of the Dutch Resident, but which after Independence became the
presidential palace when Yogya was the capital of the young Republic. President
Soekarno stayed here between 1946-1949.
Across the road is the Vredenburg fort, which used to be the
barracks of Dutch soldiers and is now a center for arts and painting
exhibitions. On the same side of the road is Beringharjo market, Yogya’s
crowded main market, where you can buy batik and souvenirs at cheap prices.
On Malioboro you will also find Yogyakarta’s oldest hotel,
the Garuda Hotel, built in Dutch colonial architecture.
While steeped in history, today, Malioboro is the place to
come to shop. It packed with shops selling curiosities, and street vendors
offering souvenirs at affordable prices, so you’re bound to find something of
interest in this street.
If you’re after some batik to take home as a souvenir, then
Malioboro is the right place for you. From house dresses to formal batik wear,
this street has them all. Batik can also be made into bags, table cloths, bed
sheets, pillow covers, curtains, and a whole lot more.
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