Parks in Yogyakarta

Alun-Alun Kidul (the southern square) is a large public green bordered by two ancient banyan trees, located directly behind the Kraton. It serves as a gathering place and is famous for the masangin challenge — walking blindfolded between the two trees is believed to bring good fortune if you pass between them.

Cemara Sewu is a pine forest park perched on the cliffs above Parangtritis Beach, offering elevated views of the Indian Ocean coastline and surging waves below. The park also serves as a launch point for paragliding flights over the coastal dunes.

Alun-Alun Utara (the northern square) is the formal ceremonial front yard of the Kraton, flanked by two sacred banyan trees and bordered by the Sonobudoyo Museum and the Great Mosque. It serves as the starting point of the Kraton's cosmological axis running north to Tugu monument and Mount Merapi.