Imogiri Royal Cemetery: Yogyakarta, Central Java

Imogiri is the official cemetery of the royal descendants from Yogyakarta and Surakarta. Built by Sultan Agung in 1645, it is located some 17 kilometres south-east of Yogyakarta.

The royal graveyard is located on top of a hill, and you have to climb 345 stone steps to get to it. Once you reach the top of the stairs, a walkway encircles the entire complex. The tombs are built within three main courtyards. In the central courtyard are the tombs of Sultan Agung and his successors. It is interesting to note that on the left are the tombs of the sultans of Surakarta and to the right, that of Yogyakarta.

Entry to the smaller courtyards housing the tombs of the princes is allowed only on Monday 09.00 – 12.00 or Friday 13.00 – 16.00.

Traditional Javanese dress has to be worn, which can be hired at a modest fee. The cemetery is closed during the Muslim month of Ramadhan.

Getting there: There are bemos (colts) and buses daily to the site from Yogyakarta. The carpark is about 500 meters from the bottom of the hill climb.