Sight guide · Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Visiting Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Built in the 1750s, the Kraton is the working palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, a complex of open pavilions, courtyards and museums of royal heirlooms, gamelan sets and photographs.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Kraton (Sultan's Palace) is a palace in Kraton and Taman Sari, Yogyakarta. Allow 1.5–2 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Palace
- Area
- Kraton and Taman Sari
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, architecture and art
- Best months
- December–February
About Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Built in the 1750s, the Kraton is the working palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, a complex of open pavilions, courtyards and museums of royal heirlooms, gamelan sets and photographs. Palace retainers in traditional dress still serve here, and short gamelan, dance or puppet performances are held on many mornings.
Tip: Go in the morning to catch a performance and hire one of the official guides at the entrance to explain the symbolism.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Kraton and Taman Sari, the walled royal quarter of palaces, lanes and courtyard homes.
Best time to visit Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Kraton (Sultan's Palace) is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- January: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 20 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- February: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 19 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 19 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit Yogyakarta has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Yogyakarta itinerary visits Kraton (Sultan's Palace) on day 1, together with Borobudur, Prambanan and Malioboro Street.
- No. 3 of the 16 sights in our Yogyakarta things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in historic sites in Yogyakarta.
Near Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Also in Kraton and Taman Sari, so you can walk between them:
- Taman Sari Water Castle — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
- Sonobudoyo Museum — 1–2 hours, low cost
- Alun-Alun Kidul — 1 hour, free
If you like Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
- Borobudur — Magelang (40 km northwest), Half a day including travel
- Prambanan — Sleman (17 km east), 2–3 hours
- Plaosan Temple — Sleman (17 km east), 45 minutes
- Ullen Sentalu Museum — Jalan Kaliurang and north Jogja, 1.5 hours
Staying near Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
Stay in Kraton and Taman Sari ($$) to walk here: the walled royal quarter of palaces, lanes and courtyard homes. All areas to stay in Yogyakarta.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Kraton (Sultan's Palace)?
Plan 1.5–2 hours. With Taman Sari Water Castle nearby, it fits a half-day in Kraton and Taman Sari.
+Is Kraton (Sultan's Palace) free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Kraton (Sultan's Palace)?
December–February, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Go in the morning to catch a performance and hire one of the official guides at the entrance to explain the symbolism.
+Do I need to book Kraton (Sultan's Palace) in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.