Wukirsari Tourism Village has gained international recognition as one of the 55 Best Tourism Villages in the World in 2024 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The announcement was made on November 14, 2024, in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia.
Location & Accessibility
Wukirsari Tourism Village is located in Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The village is about 17 km from the center of Yogyakarta City and can be reached in about 30-40 minutes by private vehicle or public transportation.
History & Uniqueness
Wukirsari is known as a center of Javanese arts and culture that is still preserved today. The village is home to classic hand-drawn batik producers and leather puppet craftsmen who have passed down their skills from generation to generation. In addition, Wukirsari also has historical value because it is close to the Imogiri Mataram Royal Tombs, an important pilgrimage site for the Javanese people.
Tourist Attractions
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- Giriloyo Hand-drawn Batik
The Giriloyo classic hand-drawn batik center is the main icon of Wukirsari. Here, tourists can learn batik directly from the craftsmen, buy high-quality batik, and learn about the history of batik typical of Yogyakarta. - Wayang Kulit Craft
Wukirsari is one of the villages with the best tatah sungging (leather puppet making) traditions in Yogyakarta. Tourists can see the process of making wayang from cowhide to the coloring and performance stages.
- Giriloyo Hand-drawn Batik
- Nature & Cultural Tourism
This village offers a beautiful rural atmosphere with green hills, rice fields, and refreshing air. Various cultural activities such as gejog lesung (traditional music from pestles and mortars) and cultural festivals are regularly held in this village.
- Imogiri Mataram Royal Tombs
One of the historical attractions in Wukirsari is the tomb complex of the Islamic Mataram kings located in the Imogiri hills. This place is a pilgrimage and spiritual destination for many visitors.
Facilities & Accommodations
- Batik and Wayang production house
- Batik and Wayang kulit workshops and short courses
- Homestays for tourists who want to experience life in the countryside
- Culinary area serving Bantul delicacies
- Tourism Information Center
Awards & Achievements
First Place in the Advanced Tourism Village category at the 2023 Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI)
Listed among the 55 Best Tourism Villages in the World 2024 by the UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organization)
Development and Support
Recognition as one of the World’s Best Tourism Villages has encouraged various entities to contribute to the development of Wukirsari. In January 2025, Indonesian Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana visited the village and expressed her appreciation for its natural and cultural potential. She emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism development that involves the local community, as well as promotion through social media and digital content.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite its impressive achievements, Wukirsari Village faces challenges in terms of funding and infrastructure, such as the need for an appropriately equipped tourist terminal to accommodate the increasing number of tourists. The village officials plan to apply for additional funding through the DIY Special Fund for the development of tourism support facilities and capacity building for the tourism sector, including foreign language training for tour guides.
With various development efforts and support from various parties, Wukirsari Tourism Village is expected to continue improving the quality of its services and facilities, thereby reinforcing its position as an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists and promoting local community welfare.
Contact Information
For more information or travel inquiries, visitors may contact the tourism management through:
- Instagram and Facebook: @desawisata_wukirsari
- YouTube: Desa Wisata Wukirsari
With its combination of culture, history, and natural beauty, Wukirsari Tourism Village is an attractive destination for tourists who want to experience educational, cultural, and natural tourism unique to Yogyakarta.
