Yogyakarta was my base for visiting the nearby temples of Borobodur and Prambanan. The city itself has a long tradition, as it was the capital of the Mataram Kingdom from the 10th century, and the sultanate of the same name from the 16th century. The magnificent Keraton Sultan's Palace dates from this period. Although I spent two days in the city, I was not allowed to visit it, because when I returned from my tours the palace was already closed.