Taman Sari Water Castle Guide 2025 : History, Opening Hours, Ticket Price (Entrance Fees)

Close your eyes for a moment… imagine arriving in sunny Yogyakarta, where the air is warm, the streets are lively, and the scent of spices and street snacks fills the breeze. Right in the heart of the city, a hidden gem waits quietly; full of mystery, beauty, and stories from the past. Welcome to Taman Sari Water Castle, a magical palace once made for royalty, now open for curious hearts and young adventurers.

In 2025, this dreamy place is more exciting than ever; restored, refreshed, and ready for families, kids, and explorers like you. Get ready to wander through sparkling pools, secret tunnels, peaceful gardens, and tall towers where the view feels like a fairytale.

In this Guide.. we’ll take you on a little journey, just like a storybook, through this royal adventure and with all the updated tips and ticket prices.

Before we continue to the main topics, please contact us if you need a tour in Yogyakarta City. We have an excellent review by Trip Advisor or by Viator. You may check our tour package in this link : Yogyakarta Tour. You can also contact us by send us an email via hello@borobudursunrise.com or just simply contact us via whatsapp by pressing the whatsapp button in the right corner.

A Warm Welcome to the Water Castle

Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, is right in the middle of all this liveliness. Many people say it is like a fairy-tale palace where every corner hides a secret story. Built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, Taman Sari was once a private retreat for the royal family. It was a quiet and safe place where the Sultan and his family could relax, play, and even hide if danger was near.

Today, Taman Sari has been cared for and updated for 2025 so that everyone, including families, kids, and travellers from all around the world, can feel the magic of the past while enjoying modern comforts. The blend of old traditions with new ideas makes this water castle a special destination where history and nature dance together in a joyful celebration.

Today’s Treasures of Tamansari Water Castle: Updated Ticket Prices and Fees

Before you step into the water castle, it’s important to know a few little details about how to get inside and what to expect. In 2025, everything is more organized and fun for visitors. When you reach the palace gates, you will need to pay a small ticket fee that helps take care of the palace and keeps it beautiful for many years to come.

Entrance Fees:
- Local Tourists: IDR 10,000
- Foreign Tourists: IDR 25,000

- Camera Permission: IDR 3,000
- Photo Session: IDR 150,000 – IDR 500,000
- Guides: IDR 25,000 – IDR 30,000

Note: Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

Taman Sari Water Castle Opening Hours

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (WIB).
Expect crowds during holidays; visit during the dry season for best experiences.

Beautiful Spots to Explore in Taman Sari Water Castle

Once you have entered the palace, now it’s time for adventure. Taman Sari in Yogyakarta is full of charm, with peaceful corners and beautiful old structures. It’s the perfect place to take lovely photos and enjoy a quiet walk through history. While you’re there, don’t miss these special spots:

Gapura Panggung

Your adventure begins at the grand entrance called Gapura Panggung. When you approach Taman Sari, you see a huge two-story gate that looks like it came from a storybook. This gate is covered with magical carvings, especially the dragons that seem almost alive on the stone staircases.

A long time ago, the Sultan and his queen used the upper part of this gate to sit and enjoy traditional dances and beautiful music. Now, the gate welcomes everyone. It is the place where you buy your ticket and the perfect spot to take a first royal photo. Stepping through Gapura Panggung feels like you are entering a world of wonder—a place where every step has a story waiting to be told.

Gedong Sekawan

After you pass through the grand gate, you will find yourself in a large open area called Gedong Sekawan. Imagine a big garden with four beautiful buildings arranged in a perfect square, each one separated by paths lined with large, colorful flower pots. These buildings once served as a peaceful resting place for the royal family. Today, they create a calm and serene space where you and your family can sit down and share stories while enjoying the lovely scenery.

As you walk around, notice how the paths and doors line up perfectly. It feels like a giant puzzle where every piece fits just right. This quiet courtyard is a wonderful place to catch your breath, enjoy the warm sunshine, and take a picture with your loved ones.

Umbul Binangun

Keep walking, and you’ll soon find one of the most exciting parts of the palace: the Umbul Binangun. This is where three dazzling blue water pools sparkle under the sunlight. Long ago, these pools were used by princesses, queens, and even the Sultan for bathing and relaxing. They are the heart of Taman Sari and provide a refreshing spot to imagine the joyful sounds of laughter and gentle splashes from days of the past.

In 2025, the pools have been cleaned and given a little extra care so that the water shines even brighter. The pools are separated by small walls, creating quiet spots where you can stop and stare in awe. Imagine sitting by a pool and dreaming about how life was so long ago when these very waters heard the soft splashes of royal giggles. Every ripple in the water seems to whisper a secret tale of the old days.

Sumur Gumuling

Feeling adventurous, you decide to explore beyond the bright sunshine into a secret, underground world. Your guide leads you down to Sumur Gumuling, a mysterious underground mosque with a circular shape and a very special design. Here, there is a big, open space in the middle that lets sound carry from one side to the other.

Long ago, this clever design was made so that the imam’s voice could reach every corner of the room, and today it still amazes everyone who visits. The staircase in the center is an exciting climb, and with modern improvements in 2025—such as safe, clear paths and soft lights—you can explore this secret area without worry.

Kenongo Building

After your adventure underground, you climb up to the highest part of Taman Sari—the Kenongo Building. This building once was the special relaxation spot for the Sultan, where he could escape the busy life of the palace and enjoy quiet moments with a beautiful view. Though the building is older and now stands in gentle ruins, recent restorations have made it a safe and lovely place to visit.

From here, you can see the entire palace spread out below you and even the faraway parts of Yogyakarta. The view at sunset is truly magical—with colors of orange, pink, and purple filling the sky. Imagine sitting with your family on this high spot, eating a small snack, and talking about the wonders you have seen. It is a perfect place to end your day of adventures with smiles and happy hearts.

Easy Travel Routes to Taman Sari Water Castle for 2025

Getting to Taman Sari is part of the fun! Location: Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia. the palace is only about 750 meters from Alun-Alun Kidul, which is a famous public square in Yogyakarta. Whether you are starting from the center of the city or arriving from the airport, traveling here is simple and smooth.

If you are in the middle of Yogyakarta at the 0 KM Monument, you can enjoy a short, five-minute walk that brings you to the magic of Taman Sari. For those who prefer a ride, taxis and ride-hailing app like Grab are very popular. Local buses have updated routes that stop very close to the palace, and if you are arriving at Yogyakarta International Airport, many hotels now offer airport pick-up services or there are private shuttles available. In 2025, updated maps and friendly directions ensure that every traveler can follow the path easily and join the adventure without any stress.

Nearby Attractions to Taman Sari Yogyakarta

Exploring Taman Sari is a journey into the grandeur of royal Javanese history, but the magic doesn’t end there. Surrounding this iconic water palace are equally fascinating destinations that provide a full cultural experience of Yogyakarta. Here are three must-visit attractions located just minutes away from Taman Sari:

1. Kraton Yogyakarta (The Sultan’s Palace)

Distance from Taman Sari: 10-minute walk

The Kraton Yogyakarta is the beating heart of Javanese culture and history. Built in the 18th century by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, this palace is not just a royal residence—it’s a living museum that still houses the current Sultan and his family. Walking through its gates, visitors are transported to a world of traditional architecture, historical relics, and ceremonial grandeur.

What to See:

Pendopo Agung: The grand pavilion used for traditional performances and state events.
Royal heirlooms and artifacts: From batik textiles to ancient weapons, many items have been preserved from past sultans.
Cultural shows: Every morning (except Mondays), you can witness live gamelan music, Javanese dance, or shadow puppet (wayang kulit) shows inside the Kraton complex.

Travel Tips:

Guides are available for a small fee and are highly recommended.
Modest attire is appreciated out of respect for the royal family.
Don’t miss the chance to learn about Javanese cosmology and philosophy through the palace’s exhibits.