The Historical Site of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman

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A. Overview

Yogyakarta has a place that trusted to be effective to dispose of bad luck in someone’s life. Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman (The Rest House of Demon Cave) is an historical site in unique form of bath in Javanese royal style located about 4m under the ground surface and hidden that makes it to be called Benteng Pendem (the Buried Castle).

The existence of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman built by Hamengkubuwono II is not as famous as the Tamansari Water Castle. Not many people know this place. But behind its unpopularity, Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman had an important function used by Royal Family as a place of meditation. Together with Pesanggrahan Warungboto, Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is also mentioned in the lyric of macapat (six-line of Javanese verse) telling the progress achieved during the reign of Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II. The building of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is no longer intact as inside that consists of passageways has been overgrown by moss. The area of this building is not very wide that approximately 100x200 m only.

Formerly, Danang Sutowijoyo or Panembahan Senopati aka Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono II, the founder of Mataram Kingdom, set up his Kingdom in the area of Kota Gede. As a result of Giyanti agreement eventually forced Mataram Kingdom to leave from Kota Gede. The King, who reigned at that time got wangsit (guide) to move Mataram Kingdom from Kota Gede into Wonocatur district, Bantul. The preparations including setting up a bath, which currently called the Cave of the Demon, for the Princess and Concubines had been made. During the construction process, the King got another wangsit to move the Kingdom to Plered. However, Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman has never been functioned yet since its first establishment.

B. Features

Beneath the mysterious and awesomeness of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman, apparently this protected heritage is believed to have other efficacy, such being able to dispose of bad luck. The meaning of disposing bad luck is an attempt to change one's fate to be better.

At the top of the gate of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman, there is unique relief of Beri bird, which can still be seen clearly even some parts are damaged due to age, while at the bottom are found some stairs connecting the outside to the alley. When we go deeper, we will be found a door arch-shaped upper part may serves as a sign that we had entered the alley.

Around to the southwest side, there found one water pool that forms a circle. The pool is unique decorated using the statue of Beri bird with snout beak functioned as a water fountain. Not far from the door that connects the room to the east, there is a screen decorated with beautiful ornaments similar with motif batik cloth.

The area of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman covers an area of right and left of the road. The left side of the road is the entrance gate that continuous with the alley to the building area located on the right path. That is, the alley that connects the complex on the right and left of the road it is just below the highway headed to the direction of Berbah.

C. Location

Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is located in Wonocatur Hamlet, Banguntapan Village, Bantul Regency, Special District of Yogyakarta (DIY).

D. Access

To be able to reach the location of Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is quite easy. The distance is only taken about 15 km to the east of Yogyakarta or approximately 20 minutes. The location is located at the road that connects the Eastern Ring Road with the area of Berbah, Sleman Regency. Anyone who wants to visit can take the road of Janti until reaching the intersection Block O, and then turn right. After finding signposts toward Berbah Direction, just turn left. The place of Pesanggarahan is marked with the high wall measuring 75 cm thick of which its color has begun to darken.

E. Ticket Price

To visit Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is absolutely free of charges. We can freely visit and enjoy the historical site of this building. If you could meet with the tomb guard or the manager, it would be nice if you take him to see the entire contents of this site.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities

Pesanggrahan Gua Siluman is easily found because it is situated on the edge of the highway, but the condition is already in ruined among the dense residential area. It is barely visible. Not many facilities are provided in this place, we can found a green garden and a pond with a spring that still flows.

Text: Eko Wahyu

English Translation: M. Noer Said

Photo source: The Collection of Jogjatrip.com

(Primary data and various sources)

Read : 3719 time(s).

If you are from outside Yogyakarta and want to visit this place by travel agency services,
please contact:

Maharatu Tour and Travel

Jl. Sisingamangaraja No. 27 Yogyakarta.
Telp. +62 274 8373005. Fax. +62 274 379250
Email : maharatu@maharatu.com -maharatu257@yahoo.com
Website : www.maharatu.com

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