Deserted since 2005, today the grace and grandeur of the legendary Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel radiate once again through the city of Yogyakarta since the hotel re-opened in late 2011.

Officially opened for the first time in 1966, Ambarrukmo was among the first luxurious international standard hotels operating in Indonesia. At the time, Indonesia was at the start of development of this  new independent nation and was building several luxurious hotels and  modern constructions. Among these were: Hotel Indonesia in Jakarta, Hotel Samudera Beach in Pelabuhan Ratu in Sukabumi, Hotel Bali Beach in Sanur Bali, and Hotel Ambarrukmo in Yogyakarta.     

According to Director of Sales & Marketing of the Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel, Fadli Fahmi Ali, the hotel is divided into two wings. The first wing with a picturesque view on Mount Merapi, was built in 1965, while the second wing was added in 1974.

The history of the site itself harks back to the era of Sultan Hamengkubuwono V who ruled the Yogyakarta Sultanate from 1823-1855, who built the Pesanggrahan Ambarrukmo (Ambarrukmo Palace). From 1895-1897, the palace was renovated by Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII, and used to accommodate guests of the Sultan.   The Palace was later used as residence for Sultan Hamengkubuwono VII after his abdication from the throne. The area that included Kebon Raja to Gandok Kiwa was later transformed into a hotel, while the area from the balekambang to the pendopo (pavilion) remained unchanged.  

Unfortunately, the grand complex became deserted when the luxurious hotel ceased operations in 2005. Dust, falling leaves, cracks, and all sorts of damages subsequently took over from the grandeur of Ambarrukmo.

Today, after about 7 years since the last time its doors opened for guests, the legendary Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel is reborn, and embraces both its historic heritage and the modern comforts sought by today's guests. The renovations to both hotel and palace were made in keeping with the royal palace‘s true character to bring back the glamour of the past and merged with 21st century technology. 

As one steps into its lobby, an astonishing 5 meters stone mural depicting village life around Mount Merapi greets visitors. The artwork was made in 1962 by renowned artists during the era of Indonesia’s first President, Soekarno. From the lobby to the restaurant, a ceramic mosaic also illustrating the grandeur of Mount Merapi will definitely catch the eyes. The swimming pool area is decorated with beautiful gardens and fascinating bronze statues. The Bronze statues are legacies of President Soekarno and are similar to those found  in the  Bogor palace.   

The Hotel offers 247 rooms complete with free internet access and balconies to absorb the beautiful sceneries outside. Guests can choose from a variety of room selections and  views. “For deluxe rooms for example, we have a special Merapi view deluxe with balconies facing straight on Mount Merapi” said Fadli. There are also deluxe balcony rooms, Ambarrukmo Club Rooms, and Premiere suites. Rates for these rooms vary, starting from IDR1, 350,000. Guest can also please their appetites with a wide selection of traditional culinary dishes which is a trademark of all the hotels under the Santika Indonesia management.

Additionally, the hotel  boasts meeting and conference facilities. The Kraton Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 persons, while 10 other meeting rooms are decorated with historical artworks. The greenish walls found inside the hotel are not merely ceramic; it is in fact made of thick glass with reliefs depicting the story of Ramayana. “We are still waiting for experts who can restore it to its original condition which is similar to glowing glass. These are faded because of years of abandonment” explained Fadli.

To enhance its deep historical roots, the hotel offers a historical and cultural tour around the area of Balekambang, Gadri and the Pendopo which are located within the palace grounds.

The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance from historic and cultural districts, is close to the city's largest shopping mall, and is less than 10 minutes from the Adisucipto International Airport. Most of Yogyakarta's must-see sites like the Prambanan Temple,the  Sultan Palace, Kotagede and Malioboro are just a short drive away.

The home-grown Santika Hotel chain continues to develop and open and manage new hotels all across Indonesia. For details on the Royal Ambarrukmo Hotel please click: http://www.royalambarrukmo.com/

Source:  travel.kompas.com ,  royalambarrukmo.com

Photo Courtesy: royalambarrukmo.com