Traditional Transportations in Yogyakarta That You Should Know

Yogyakarta has many distinctions compared to other cities in Indonesia. Yogyakarta also has a history that is no less important than the founding of the Republic of Indonesia. As a cultural city, Yogyakarta has various relics, including those in the field of transportation, that still exist today. Here are some traditional transportation modes in Yogyakarta:

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Bullock Cart

Bicycle

Becak

Andong

Bullock Cart

One of the traditional ways of carrying cargo in Yogyakarta is by Bullock carts. This traditional means of transportation is made of wood and bamboo with two wheels. The shape and the color are unique and attractive. Only the rim and the wheels are made of iron. The vehicle is pulled by two bulls reigned by the special command of the driver. The cart is large, and the roof can be opened if necessary.

In the olden days, the cart was also used to carry passengers for family trips. Nowadays, the iron rims of the wheels have been replaced by truck wheels not to damage the roads. A brass called “Genta” is attached around the bull’s neck. The bell is decorative and produces a special sound in tune with the bull’s gait. This cart can be found everywhere outside the city limits

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Bicycle

Yogyakarta is famous as a “bicycle city” It is not impossible to connect the phenomena with many students. People in the city have used the bicycle as a means of transportation since 1960. In the years, the use of bicycles has been decreasing in number. Every morning at about 07.00 am, rows of bicycles can be seen heading towards the city. There are bikes for rent at many places in the city for tourists who are interested to see the city in a different way

Becak

Becak is a triycle with a seat for two passengers at the front. The driver pdals the vehicle at the back It provides a pleasant ride. One can find becaks at every street corner in Yogyakarta.

Andong

One or two horses draw the four-wheeled carriage. The front wheels are smaller than the rear ones. The driver is called “kusir” They wear traditional costumes of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The Andong has a quaint-sounding bell and two antique lamps on either side. The rhythm of the horse’s trots or the whip’s crack provides a relaxing atmosphere. In the past, the andong was only used by noble families.
Whenever one visits Yogya, one should take advantage of the opportunity to ride along. They can be found at railway and bus stations and some of the big markets in Yogyakarta.