Water Castle

The Water Castle, locally known as Taman Sari, is a complex of residences and pools not far from the Kraton, built in the mid XVII century and used by the Sultan for his entertainment and enjoyment, in particular while having real and imaginary secret female guests. In fact the Sultan was believed to have a relation with a spiritual wife, the legendary “Queen of the South” coming to Taman Sari through a hidden underground tunnel directly connected with the Indian Ocean. The complex functioned not just to provide means of entertainement for the Sultan but also as a defense area and meditation retreat.

As you enter the recently restored central part of the complex, a guide will be assigned to you. In fact, a guide will be assigned “to take possession of you” since we weren't able to understand if it was an official service offered by the administration or just a local trying to make a living. The other three sectors were initially part of the Water Castle, and included two lakes with islands, several pavilions and dozens of buildings and pools, but these have been left in total abandon after being damaged by earthquakes in the past. Taman Sari is located about 2 km away from the Kraton Complex.