Yogyakarta, Java

Colourful Yogyakarta is bursting at the seams with culture, art and tradition and is the soulful centre of all things Javanese. It is still presided over by its sultan who has been at the helm since Yogyakarta was the revolutionary capital during the Dutch occupation. Today locals are fiercely protective of their traditional way of life, with the Javanese court Kraton at the centre. There is plenty of exquisite architecture in the city centre and the winding narrow lanes are great for ambling on foot or by bike. Wherever this city takes you, you will never be too far from a fascinating display of local art, dance, poetry or theatre that seems to shape the daily lives of Yogyakartans – even public transport takes traditional form in the rather twee andong, or horse-drawn carts.