Yes, Keraton Ratu Boko or Ratu Boko was a serendipitous part of our Jogjakarta itinerary that December 2017. As far as I could remember, the van driver suggested it after we left Candi Prambanan. He said sunset was the perfect time to go to Ratu Boko just as morning was the best to be at Borobudur (which I will feature in a future article).
So off we went up the hills of Jogja. There was a slight drizzle along the way. But it stopped just when we were near the spot.
So we paid at the gate right away, then we rushed up these stairs. I tell you, I was out of breath. My goodness. It seemed endless But . . . the sunset . . . must . . . make . . . it!
And it was worth it! I love the sepia tone cast by the sunset on the remains of this palace. Yes, it's a palace. All this time, I thought it was a temple, but I was wrong. This was the palace of Ratu Boko, who was Roro Jonggrang's father. Yes, the Roro Jonggrang of Prambanan that I talked about in my previous article, which you can read here.
And when I turned around, I saw this mesmerizing sight. I was chasing after this. I was still trying to catch my breath, and this sight stole it again. Moments like this remind me that there's a God up there in heaven, the master artist of the universe. For who could paint such beauty? My phone camera does not do it justice.
In a couple of minutes, the fiery scene gave way to a more calm hue of dusk, making me aware of my surroundings again. Like I was back on land after levitating with the sun.
This was the walk towards the main palace gate. After running up the stairs, you turn right on this lane.
To the left of the gate or hall of the palace remains, was this platform. We climbed up a short flight of stairs this time. It looked like a short tower. Too bad I wasn't able to take a shot of the entire thing from a good distance. This tower though had a hole in the middle. I don't know what it is for. Armoury perhaps? Your guess is as good as mine.
The sign means "Do not throw flowers here." Maybe people used to throw flowers as offerings here before. Now, it's not allowed. Well, the gaping hole must be 6-foot deep, so it was quite difficult to clean.
So we took photos instead. Mementoes of our fun time here. This was an unexpected stop in Jogja, but a noteworthy spot. Being there, I understood why the king, Ratu Boko, decided to build his palace there. The view was to die for, and he would be overlooking his kingdom. So grand, isn't it?
From this corner, he could oversee the rice farmers and the neighbouring areas.
And whenever he's free, he could promenade here while talking with his advisers and family, especially Roro Jonggrang. Wow . . .
Visitors were even welcomed by this band of performers. The couple in the foreground were singing a duet, accompanied by the musicians playing traditional instruments. They're also wearing traditional batik clothing. Don't you think the golden kebaya looked good on her? 😍 You may read my article about my love for batik here.
Keraton Ratu Boko is impressive and grand and speaks of the rich Javanese history and culture. For a time, albeit short, I was able to have a taste of it. I was certainly glad to be there.
When they told me the photo was too dark it's useless. 🤣 And that's how you take a memorable shot at the gate of Keraton Ratu Boko. Thanks to my friends for pranking me. 😅 I think it turned out well though. And this was after running up the stairs to catch the sunset. 😆
Terima kasih, Ratu Boko. 🌺
Thanks to you too for reading this article, for stopping by. 😍
You may know more about me and my interests in my first article: Get to Know April: A Self-Intro Blog
Check these out for more of my travelogues of Indonesia:
- Selamat datang di Padang! (Welcome to Padang!) | Island Hopping in Sumatra
- An Ode to a Lost Love | Bukittinggi Memoirs
And I've also shared a food blog: Soto Betawi: The Search for the Ultimate Indonesian Food
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