travel guide yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Travel Guide: Exploring the Heart of Java

Our Yogyakarta guide covers everything from where to stay, how to get around and the best places to eat in town. We’ve created some shortcuts below. Press them to go to the relevant section of the guide.

1 – Transport: Find Out More 2 – Hotels: Find Out More 3 – Attractions: Find Out More 4 – Restaurants: Find Out More 5 – Tours: Find Out More

Still with us? That’s great. We’ll start from the beginning (if you follow all of the links below I promise you’re going to be an expert on the city).

Yogyakarta Transport

Yogyakarta a population of 3.5 million people Yogyakarta is a large city. Built on a river basin the city sprawls out in every direction. It’s tentatively surrounded by the Yogyakarta ring road, which loops around the city. That makes the city difficult to get around.

As a budget travellers I’d recommend using a mix of public and private transport. The Trans Yogya bus system will get you to most parts of the city and there’s Grab (same just like Uber) and Gojek now operating in the city, which are reasonably cheap. For more information about what’s available read our guide to getting around Yogya .

If you want a set of wheels for yourself we’d recommend arranging a private car or renting a scooter. The standard car rental agreement is for 10 hours and includes a driver and gas. You can find out more about our service on our Yogya car rental page  (there’s a range of vehicles available). Larger groups might need to arrange a Yogya bus rental , which is a service that we also provide.

Yogyakarta Hotels

There are two main tourism areas in Yogyakarta. One area is around Jalan Prawirotaman and the second is Jalan Malioboro. Personally I prefer Jalan Prawirotaman as there are a large number of bars and restaurants that you can visit in the area. There are hotel options for all budgets. You can find my recommendation for the best hotel to suit your budget below:

Luxury Hotel – The Phoenix Hotel Mid Range Hotel – Greenhost Boutique Hotel Budget Hotel – Kampoeng Djawa

You can find more accommodation ideas on where to stay in our guide to the best 5 Star Hotels in Yogya . We created a separate guide that covers the best hotels around Malioboro , which is the backpacking area as well. For hotels around Malioboro, which is the tourist heart of Yogya, you should check out this article . Lastly we wrote an article on the best hotels near Borobudur .

Yogyakarta Tourism Attractions

Yogyakarta has a lot of tourism attractions. There are so many things to do around the city that it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to plan your holiday. Of course most people come to Yogya to visit Borobudur Temple. The best way to visit the temples is the Sunrise Manohara Package. Find out what to expect and how to make a booking for Borobudur Manohara here . I would recommend in taking a cycling tour in Yogyakarta or in Borobudur area (we can help to arrange that for you). It is one of the best ways to see local daily activities. If you like being artsy during your holiday, go join a Batik Workshop .

Of course that’s not all you can do in Yogya. My two favourites are Goa Jomblang and Mount Merapi. Goa Jomblang is a natural cave located in Gunung Kidul Regency. The caves are quite incredible. You can read about them here and book a day tour to the caves through this link .

For some of the best views around Yogyakarta I highly recommend hiking Merapi Volcano. You can climb Merapi Volcano for sunrise and it offers beautiful views over the surrounding countryside. Getting further afield you can also do day tours to Dieng , which are in the highlands a few hours drive from the city.

Yogyakarta Restaurants

Yogyakarta has a great restaurant scene and the food here is very cheap (so cheap that I used to eat out every day). I used to live in the South of the city, the area has some of the best restaurants in town. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to eat I’d recommend reading the guide to the best restaurants in the South of Yogyakarta .

Yogyakarta Travel Itineraries

To help you plan your Yogyakarta holiday,we’ve created a selection of travel itineraries for you to use. The different itineraries cover the best Yogyakarta tourism attractions (an essential part of any Yogyakarta Travel Guide). We’ve got 9 different one day tours and eight custom travel plans ranging from 2-Day 1-Night through to 5-Day 4-Night.

Make sure to check the individual itineraries to double check what is and is not included in the cost of the tour. We are happy to offer assistance adapting any itinerary to fit your needs.

Final Thoughts

I hope that you found this Yogyakarta Travel Guide useful. I’ve tried to cover all of the essential information that you might need for your Yogyakarta holiday in one place. As you can see, with over 60 articles on Discover Your Indonesia there are plenty of helpful resources on the site you can access when planning your holiday.

What do you think of this Yogyakarta Travel Guide? Is there anything that I’ve missed that should be included on this list? Let me know in the comments below.

Next post My Top Five Offices (Cafes) in Jakarta

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About the Author Firsta

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44 Comments

What a great resource. Thanks.

Nice tips. Thanks for sharing!

i like Yogyakarta

Hi Adam, Yes, it is a lovely city 🙂

I like yogya. Hm whats favorite food in yogya?

Gudeg is probably the most famous local dish. Should give it a try when you are in Yogya 🙂

Wah, foto Diengnya bagus tuh yang di Batu Pandang masih ada kabutnya 🙂

There is no doubt that Yogyakarta is one of the best city in Indonesia for travelers ^_^

Always remember malioboro with “lesehan”nya..

Jogja Jogja, Jogja istimewa. Travel guide yang istimewa 🙂

may one day i can to visit jogja

Hope so to Rojak

some time i think Jogja is never ending asia.. because i was there for 2 years

It’s a great city. One of my favourites in Indonesia.

amzing, jogja is very beautiful city…

It’s a lovely place to explore. I agree Aznit 🙂

Jadi inget bule yang pernah ditemui di borobudur “Jogjakarta Bagus”

I really love Yogyakarta, especially in Gunungkidul Region. so many hidden beautiful beaches.

Yes it is. I need to go back and explore more of Gunung Kidul.

Which puppet show theatre would you recommend? We are here for another three nights and would love to see one. Thanks!

Can try the puppet show at Sonobudoyo Museum. It is available every night at (perhaps) 8 PM. Hope you are having a great time in Yogyakarta.

tempat yang selalu dirindukan hiks……

Memang selalu bikin kangen dan ada terus alasan untuk main ke Yogya (lagi).

Hi Firsta! I can across ur ideas for Yogyakarta and luved them. I’m wondering if u can share your thoughts on other parts of Indonesia. I am planning on going next year and will travel alone. This was on my bucket list and I turn 60. I’ve picked out a few places then crossed then off as they don’t have rates for single tourist so they charge you for 2 ? I plan on 30 days and want to also do Borneo, Ubud (spa retreat ), Komodo/rinca, Flores and finally Bali. Any suggestions??? Probably will have to hire a private driver as many people are telling and I definitely don’t want to drive. Let me know your thoughts if you can. Any information will help as the Indonesia book from Lonely Planets is what too much information! Thanking u in advance Anne

Hi Anne, I have sent you an email. Look forward to hearing back from you.

Hi Firsta, My name is Susanna, I visited to Bali last year and I love this country since then ! People are very friendly & it is a awesome country for adventure but I am a bit hesitant to join a tour as the tour in Bali charge me also double price and I do have a limitation in my budget. Anyway, I had a good time. Next month, I planned to have a quick visit to Yogyakarta for around 3-4 days, would u recommend any rock climbing place for me? I also want to go Borobudur, Goa Jomblang. I want to do scuba diving, sea kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, zip lines & canoeing. I believe you are honest person & have full of passion of traveling & your blog shown how much u love your country! I really admire that !! Thank you so much for your help. Susanna

Hi Susanna, I have sent you an email.

Hi Firsta, I will be traveling solo to Yogyakarta from Denpasar in May 2017 for 7 days. I’m hoping you can help me figure out the best route / itinerary encompassing the following: Pramban, Borobudur, Goa Jomblang, Sunrise treks for Boromo and Ijen. Would you recommend ferry ride return to Bali via Ketapang Harbour to Gilimanuk? I appreciate your help.

You can do Yogyakarta (Prambanan, Borobudur, Jomblang cave) in 2 days. Bromo and Ijen in 3 days 2 nights. I never take public transport from East Java to Bali (by bus), but I did a road trip with motorbike and the ferry was fine.

Dear Firsta

This is Frida from China and I am a TV industry professional. My team are thinking to go to Yogya to flim several episodes for our travel TV programme. I am doing research of the fancy spots we may shoot now and your blog do me a huge favour. Thanks for that.

And may I ask you something about Yogya to fulfill my understanding to your countriy, please. It’s about Kris,one of the traditions of Indonesian but become less popular in the modern time. It’s said the real way of making Kris could be seen in Bantul village in Yogya. Does the village teem with the Kris makers and is it easy for us to find one.

Another thing is Taring Padi which is also in Bantul. I wonder what’s that kind of art about. Is it popular in Indonesia now?

Could you tell me more about those important culture from the angle of a local citizen so that i could get a better general idea of it.

Hi Frida, I am not sure about Keris maker village in Bantul. I can try to ask one of my friends, if I get any info, I’ll send you an email. Taring Padi is a community of artist in Yogyakarta. Their arts usually contain political/social messages. Taring Padi always has a special place in the art communities in Indonesia.

Hi, Firsta, thanks for efficent reply and hope for more information from you about Kris. And we expect any interesting unordianry spots around Yorga becasue , you know, the tv or video viewers are picky to the shots on screen and we really wanna make something different to shock them. Keep in touch, if smooth, hope to see you there.

And I really appreciate if you have some other cool suggestions for us to shoot.

This is the link of the episode we shot before and I”m not sure if you could open it in Indonesia. http://www.iqiyi.com/v_19rra6q5c4.html

Best, Frida

Hi Frida, Have you read this article about things to do in Yogyakarta? A great start to learn on what you can do/some of cool stuff or activities in Yogyakarta. The Keris’s maker village in Bantul is Mbanyu Sumurup, it is close to Imogiri Royal Tombs. If you need a car rental arrangement and a driver while you in Yogyakarta, we can help 🙂 check this page .

I am in Malawi, Africa at the moment and will not come back to Indonesia until August. Have a good day!

[…] you can visit. If you need more help arranging your trip to Yogyakarta I’d recommend reading this guide. There are pre-made itineraries, tips on where and what to eat, what to see and where to stay in […]

Is it possible to go by motorbike to the sights and have a guild give us the history and tours of the unesco sights

We are not arranging a tour with a motorbike, but it is possible to rent a motorbike (you can rent a motorbike through your hotel) and go there by yourself. You can easily hire a guide at each temple. Hope you have a great time in Indonesia.

ijin share ke Facebook ya Sist. Makasiiih…

Hai Omar, Boleh 🙂 Terima kasih.

hye Firsta, This is rava from india and i want to explore jogyakarta and i will be reaching there on 17.10.18 and will stay 3 days and want to try some local delicious food and explore some beautiful place so can u tell me some place of beautiful place in jogykarta. Thanks Rava

I think you can find all the answers on my blog 🙂 I’ve plenty of articles about Yogyakarta. The highlights of Yogya that you shouldn’t miss (according to me) are: Borobudur, Prambanan, the Royal Palace area. Food that you should try: Gudeg, Mie Jawa (noodle) and Bakpia. Hope you have a great time in Yogyakarta.

Greats!, jogja is very beautiful city..!

It is indeed.

You really have a nice blog, which is very helpful.

I am traveling to Indonesia in August, 2019 with my family. We are planning take a train from Yogyakarta to Surabaya for Bromo Area.

I’ve been trying to book the train , but couldn’t do it.

Could you please help me on this or recommend any agent who can help us on this?

Dear Arund,

Apologies for the late reply. May I know what is the problem? Are you trying to book through Traveloka or Tiket. com? I don’t have any recommendation for an agent, but we can help you to book the train tickets if you are booking the Bromo trip with us. Please contact us through email: info@discoveryourindonesia. com.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Indonesia » Yogyakarta

EPIC YOGYAKARTA Itinerary! (2024)

A trip to Yogyakarta is a must when visiting the island of Java, Indonesia. Yogyakarta is also sometimes called Jogjakarta, Jogja or Yogya by travelers and locals alike. So if you see it spelled differently, know that Yogyakarta is what is being referred to. This Yogyakarta itinerary will take you to see the best sights, activities, and hostels.

Yogyakarta is the capital city of Indonesia’s Special Region of Yogyakarta. It is regarded as an important center for classical Javanese fine arts and culture, as it is the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy.

Yogyakarta is also a major tourist destination. Travelers love visiting as it is packed with all the ingredients that make a good travel destination. It’s inexpensive, has hidden treasures of bygone days, narrow alleys, and a vast array of cuisine choices. Most importantly though, it’s close to two of the largest and most sacred Buddhist and Hindu temples.

From all the places you must visit in Java, this is the one place you cannot miss.

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Best Time To Visit Yogyakarta

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The best time to travel to Yogyakarta would be in the drier months from April to October in order to avoid the possibility of rain putting a damper on things when touring Yogyakarta.

Taking a vacation in Yogyakarta is still fun in the rainy season for it usually only rains in the evening for a couple of hours, so you can still do everything on your itinerary in Yogyakarta. The day starts really early, and you’ll find a bustling city by 6am.

European, American, and Australian tourists peak mid-year when humidity is low and they have school/university holidays.

Yogyakarta is probably the biggest tourist destination in Indonesia for Indonesians. Public holidays, such as Idul Fitri (or Eid al-Fitr) are celebrated around the end of May or the beginning of June and create a massive influx of local tourists to Yogyakarta.

Check out the helpful guide below to decide for yourself when to visit Yogyakarta!

There is plenty to see and do in Yogyakarta from sightseeing and immersing yourself in history, to enjoying fresh and delicious food and incredible natural surroundings. The city covers an area of 46 square kilometers and is divided into 14 districts, so it is a good idea to choose your accommodation based on the Yogyakarta attractions that you wish to visit.

A good, central neighborhood to stay in for a first-time visit to Yogyakarta is Malioboro. The main street is famous for its shopping and nightlife and is close to many Yogyakarta points of interest. This area also has a great selection of local cuisine and has many restaurants and street food stalls to enjoy.

If you’re planning a visit to Yogyakarta with the family, we highly recommend that you stay in the eastern part of the city. The East of Yogyakarta is a fun and lively region that offers plenty of fun activities and is dotted with numerous Yogyakarta landmarks. This is a good neighborhood to choose to keep every member of your family entertained and excited.

The eastern side of Yogyakarta is also a great base if you’re interested in exploring beyond the city and plan on adding a few day trips from Yogyakarta.

For more information on the various neighborhoods, check out our guide on where to stay in Yogyakarta .

Best Hostel in Yogyakarta – EDU Hostel Jogja

EDU Hostel is the first modern city hostel in Indonesia. This brand new, purpose-built hostel has a spacious lobby area, big dormitories, and intimate and private family rooms.

We loved this hostel as it is centrally located and close to Malioboro Street, the shopping strip of Yogyakarta.

Best Airbnb in Yogyakarta – Quiet apartment on 1st floor

If you are visiting Yogyakarta for the first time, it can be a bit intimidating to walk around the busy streets. That’s why it’s important to have a place to calm down. This well designed Airbnb gives you the opportunity to have a quiet evening after a busy day. Modern and equipped with every important amenity, you’ll feel comfortable and have everything you need.

Best Budget Hotel in Yogyakarta – Benetta House

Benetta House is located in central Yogyakarta, not far from Scientific Park. It is close to important Yogyakarta landmarks and is great for travelers interested in city trips street food and shopping.

The guest house is quaint, neat and tidy, and the owners are wonderful hosts that put in the extra effort to make it feel homely.

Best Luxury Hotel in Yogyakarta – The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – MGallery by Sofitel

The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta – MGallery Collection has been providing luxury accommodations in a historical building since 1918. The 5-star hotel offers a spa, a fine-dining restaurant, spacious rooms, and a pool.

The restaurant serves a variety of fine meals in an elegant courtyard. Cocktails and wine can be enjoyed in the lobby bar.

Once you’ve booked your trip, pack your bags using our Yogyakarta packing list !

Yogyakarta is quite small, so getting around the city is easy and inexpensive. The city does have a decent public transportation system with 19 city bus lines and taxis equipped with meters.

Buses are the main form of transportation in Yogyakarta, of which there are two kinds – regular and patas . Patas buses (or TransJogjas) tend to be more popular with tourists as they are air-conditioned, generally safer than regular buses, and have longer operating hours.

For short distances, traveling on foot is always a good option, but for something more comfortable try the traditional rickshaw or a horse-cart as an alternative. They are very popular with travelers, especially among shoppers on Malioboro Street.

Horse carts, or andong , are an enjoyable way to observe Yogyakarta. Horse carts are a little more expensive than rickshaws or taxis, though they become more reasonable if you hire them at an hourly rate.

Rickshaws or becaks , can accommodate up to three adult passengers. Prices are negotiable and it is best to agree on the price before you get on board.

Some Yogyakarta attractions are not reachable by public transport, so you may need to hire a car or take a taxi to do everything on your Yogyakarta itinerary.

So, wondering what to do in Yogyakarta? To answer this for you we have compiled a Yogyakarta itinerary so that you can get an idea of the best places to visit in Yogyakarta. We have drawn up a rough plan with points of interest for spending two or three days in Yogyakarta.

Borobudur Temple | Klipoh | Ullen Sentalu Museum | Merapi Volcano Museum | Jogja Bay Waterpark | Museum Affendi  | Prambanan Temple

 The first day on our two-day itinerary in Yogyakarta includes visits to two of the most historic and sacred religious temples in Indonesia. We highly recommend you visit these temples even if you only spend one day in Yogyakarta! The itinerary also includes insightful stops at cultural museums and some adventure too.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Borobudur Temple

• Why it’s awesome: It’s the world’s largest Buddhist temple. It’s over twelve centuries old!
• Cost: $ 25 USD
• Food recommendation: Grab some fresh fruit and some local delights at RM Duku cafe, just down the road.

Possibly the biggest reason to visit Yogyakarta’s Borobudur Temple is not in the city, but it is a 40-minute drive away in the Kedu Valley, Central Java. The Borobudur Temple Compounds is one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world, and Indonesia’s most visited attraction.

It was built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty.  It was abandoned in the 14th century as the population converted to Islam. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has since been restored and has only been open to the public for less than 50 years.

The temple is a lotus-shaped pyramid and consists of nine stacked platforms (six square and three circular), topped by a central dome. The overall form of the temple symbolizes the cosmetology of the universe according to Buddhist teachings.

A visit to the temple is a truly humbling and possibly spiritual experience. Looking up at the gigantic structure makes you feel small, yet looking down at the views makes you feel on top of the world.

 Insider tip: The best time to visit the temple is around sunrise, when the views are truly spectacular!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Klipoh, Pottery Village

• Why it’s awesome: A village with a long and proud history in pottery-making
• Food nearby: For a quick bite to eat, head to Kedai Nujiwa cafe

Just down the drive from Borobudur temple is a small village in Karanganyar regency well-known for producing pottery. Reliefs carved in Borobudur displaying a pottery-making process, suggest Klipoh could have existed since the ninth century.

Eighty percent of the villagers currently make pottery for a living. The pottery-making skills are passed on from generation to generation.

A day in the life of Klipoh residents revolves around the wet clay. The women are responsible for making and drying the pottery, while the men are in charge of the firing process.

The villagers offer a wide array of pottery, including small and big plates, jugs, vases, and pots. There is also a chance for visitors to get their hands dirty and take a pottery class.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Ullen Sentalu Museum

• Why it’s awesome: Get a great introduction to Javanese culture, history, and local customs.
• Food nearby: Tuck into a hearty meal at the onsite restaurant.

A visit to the Ullen Sentalu Museum is a nice way to learn about Javanese culture on your Yogyakarta itinerary and is arguably one of the best museums in the city. The museum gives great insight into how the city looked in the old days. You will find photographs of Yogyakarta back in the day, as well as ancient batik, period paintings, and even antique manuscripts and letters.

Tour guides are available to guide you around the museum. Visitors are not allowed to take pictures on the tour, which is a good way to make sure you pay attention to the exhibits.

There is also an option to browse the museum alone and enjoy a leisurely walk through the history of Yogyakarta at your own speed.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Merapi Volcano Museum

• Why it’s awesome: Learn all about the devastating effects of the 2010 eruption, and the history of volcanoes in Indonesia.
• Cost: < $1 USD
• Food nearby: Sit down to something substantial at Mas Ayu Resto, only a short distance away.

Another must-visit on any Yogyakarta itinerary is a visit to the active volcano of Mount Merapi! A stop at the Merapi Volcano Museum gives visitors the chance to learn more about the Merapi Volcano and is also the starting point for lava tours and hikes up to the mountain summit.

The museum is housed in an architecturally-impressive angular structure that resembles a volcano. Exhibits dedicated to Merapi include a scale model, which demonstrates eruptions from the 18th century until today and how they altered the mountain’s shape.

There are vintage seismometers on display, along with a motorbike excavated from molten ash. An earthquake simulator will shake the ground beneath your feet, and a cinema screens the story of the 2010 eruption and profiles covering volcanoes of Indonesia and the world.

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Jogja Bay Waterpark

• Why it’s awesome: Cool off from the midday heat at a pirate-themed waterpark.
• Cost: $ 6 USD
• Food nearby: Enjoy tasty noodle dishes at Bakso Tengkleng KITAku.

Jogja Bay Waterpark is one of the largest waterparks in Southeast Asia and is becoming an increasingly popular Yogyakarta attraction with locals and tourists. This water park is unique in the sense that there is a storytelling between the Jogja Tradition and European pirates. Which is poured through live shows, characters, water rides, and merchandise.

Jogja Bay Waterpark is an old Pirate village with nuances of tropical paradise filled with greenery and old pirates. There are exciting water slides and rides that can be enjoyed, some of which are very challenging and fun!

Entrance tickets are very affordable and provides great fun for the whole family. If you can’t get to the coast, you can enjoy relaxing on the artificial beach with waves too!

 Insider tip: Cheaper tickets can be purchased online.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Museum Affendi

• Why it’s awesome: Admire the artwork of one of Indonesia’s most prominent artist.
• Cost: $ 7 USD
• Food nearby: Miroso Chicken Soto offers local Halaal food, just a few feet up the road from the museum.

Affandi was one of the most famous artists in Indonesian history. Art-lovers will get a kick out of this stop on the Yogyakarta itinerary, an art museum that actually used to be the artist’s former home and studio.

The museum sits to the east of the town center, on the banks of the Gajah Wong River. The painter Affandi designed and constructed the building as a home for himself, which also functions as a museum to display his paintings. The building is uniquely constructed, with a roof that resembles a banana leaf.

The museum has around 250 of Affandi’s paintings, as well as some of his haunting self-portraits. As this used to be his private home, you will also find a variety of his personal effects including his car which is a colorful Galant from 1967.

A visit to the museum includes a small take-home souvenir and a free beverage of choice. Overall, there are four galleries and a coffee/souvenir shop.

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Prambanan Temple

• Why it’s awesome: The largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia.
• Food nearby: An all-you-can-eat buffet dinner at the Ramayana Resto restaurant comes highly recommended.

Equally impressive and historic is the Prambanan Temple, or Rara Jonggrang. This temple is a Hindu Temple built in the 10th century, dedicated to the Trimurti, the expression of God as the Creator, the Preserver, and the Transformer.

Prambanan was constructed to signal the rise of the Hindu Sanjaya Dynasty, supplanting Buddhism as the dominant religion. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, located 17km outside Yogyakarta.

In addition to being a historic and religious site, the temple compound also plays backdrop for dance and theatre performances of the Ramayana Ballet. The ballet is based on an ancient Hindu love story based on the tale of King Rama and Princess Shinta and features over 200 dancers in eye-catching costumes!

The ballet is an absolute must on a Yogyakarta trip itinerary for anyone interested in ethnic dances and performance art!

Insider tip: The temple is best visited at sunset, when the temple is lit up in the late afternoon light, and it can be combined with a ballet performance.

EDU Hostel is the first modern city hostel in Indonesia. Rest your head in this super modern hostel!

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Kraton | Taman Sari | Sonobudoyo Museum State II | Gembira Loka Zoo | De Mata Trick Eye 3D Museum | Jalan Malioboro and Beringharjo Market | Alun-Alun Selatan and Beringin Trees

The second day of our two-day itinerary in Yogyakarta is a great mix of culture and historical insight, local interactions, and a bit of fun thrown in for good measure!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Kraton(Royal Palace)

• Why it’s awesome: The seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta.
• Cost: $1 USD
• Food nearby: Enjoy some local cuisine in an elegant setting at Bale Raos Kraton, right next door.

The second day of the Yogyakarta itinerary starts off in the center of the city with stops at sites of historical importance. The Kraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, better known as Kraton, is probably the most famous attraction in Yogyakarta and is simply another name for the Royal Palace.

The walled city complex of pavilions and residences is home to around 25,000 people and encompasses a market, shops, cottage industries, schools, and mosques. Around 1,000 of the inhabitants are employed by the resident sultan.

The sultan and his family still reside here, although you can visit the Kraton Museum where you can learn more about the royal family as well as get an insight into traditional Javanese art and culture. There are Javanese cultural shows that take place daily in the morning, with each day bringing a different performance.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Taman Sari (Water Castle)

• Why it’s awesome: Escape the city and stretch your legs in the park locals fondly call ‘the mountain’
• Cost: $ 1 USD
• Food nearby: For delicious local noodle dishes head to Bakmi Doring, within walking distance from Taman Sari

As well as the famous Kraton or Royal Palace, no Yogyakarta itinerary is complete without a visit to Taman Sari, which is also often referred to as the Taman Sari Water Castle.

The castle is located to the southwest of the Kraton and would have been extremely grand in its prime. It is made up of a network of pools, streams, and royal buildings for the enjoyment of the sultan and his family.

Nowadays it has deteriorated slightly and much of the water palace is gently crumbling. However, this adds to the charm and experience while spending an afternoon exploring the graceful ruins which date back to the 1700s.

You will also find a section of underground tunnels that are not to be missed! You can either take a guided tour for a small fee or simply go it alone.

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Sonobudoyo Museum State II

• Why it’s awesome: The museum gives an in-depth view of Javanese culture and heritage, exhibiting ancient artifacts, and traditional puppet shows.
• Cost: < $ 1 USD
• Food nearby: Almost directly outside the museum, you’ll find tasty local dishes at Special Bakmi dan Nasi Goreng Pak Pele.

Yogyakarta is a city covered in museums, and one of the best of these is the Sonobudoyo Museum. It is devoted to the appreciation of Javanese culture, and has an impressive collection of local art on display.

The Sonobudoyo Museum is a treasure trove of ancient wonders, with a collection of precious artifacts and relics which would impress any archeologist. On display are objects that include ceramics from the Neolithic age, statues and bronze articles from the 8th century, and wayangs (shadow puppets).

If you want to know more about art from the region, you can take a tour of the museum and visit galleries dedicated to Indonesian puppets, masks, weaponry, and textiles. The museum faces a courtyard which is covered in Hindu architecture, and you will find ornate carvings and statues aplenty.

One of the highlights of the museum is the puppet shows that also take place here. Another is the large collection of keris (traditional daggers), a symbol of power and of ethnic pride in most communities making up the Malay Archipelago.

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Gembira Loka Zoo

• Why it’s awesome: The zoo houses many local animals indigenous to Java, as well as others from around the Malay archipelago and beyond.
• Cost: $ 2 USD
• Food nearby: There is a restaurant inside the zoo where you can have a light meal and refreshments.

If you want to see some wild animals, then a visit to the Gembira Loka Zoo- located in the southeast of the city- is a good addition to your Yogyakarta itinerary.

The zoo has a large array of reptiles and birds with a pronounced emphasis on indigenous Indonesian species. The atmosphere of the zoo is calm and serene, and guests can enjoy a walk around lush and leafy surroundings, take in the tropical scenery as well as visit the different animal enclosures.

A visit to the Gembira Loka Zook is a recommended activity for young families visiting Yogyakarta. It is a great way to let the kids see some exotic animals and learn about the natural environment of Java in a fun and safe way.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – De Mata Trick Eye 3D Museum

• Why it’s awesome: Whimsical museum featuring exhibits with scenic backdrops to create interactive optical illusions.
• Cost: $10 USD
• Food nearby: Bale Bebakaran Umbulharjo offers sumptuous soups in a relaxed atmosphere, not far from the museum.

The next stop on the Yogyakarta itinerary is a whole lot of fun. The De Mata Trick Eye 3D Museum is a pioneer in the 3D arts in Indonesia. It promotes imagination and encourages you to see the world from new perspectives.

Through the use of cutting-edge augmented reality technology, the museum brings 3D art installations to life. You can also have some fun with your very own photo shoot in the Photo Studio Area. Try on some traditional costumes from various parts of the world, and strike your pose in front of a background of your choice!

Day 2 / Stop 6 – Jalan Malioboro and Beringharjo Market

• Why it’s awesome: A thriving area in Yogyakarta, packed with artisanal stalls, street food, and local wares.
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: There are plenty of food stalls and restaurants lining the street.

Jalan Malioboro is the most famous street in the city and as such is a must-see on any Yogyakarta itinerary. The street is also usually visited at the same time as the Beringharjo Market, and all along Jalan Malioboro, you will find items for sale such as clothes, batik fabrics, jewelry, sandals, and traditional Javanese arts and crafts.

If you want to explore the market then you will need to come here between 9 am and 5 pm, but if you just want to enjoy the most famous hub in the city and its sights and sounds, then try to come after dark when the street really comes alive.

If you are feeling hungry then you can also buy a range of delicious street food. Malioboro is one of the best streets to sample cheap local food, with plenty of street vendors serving small portions of rice with toppings, usually spicy sauce (sambal), dried fish, and tempeh, wrapped in banana leaves.

A visit to this street at night will be cooler than in the day, and it’s a great way to fill up with delicious food in a vibrant setting!

Day 2 / Stop 7 – Alun-Alun Selatan and Beringin Trees

• Why it’s awesome: A vibrant park with a fun challenge, succeed and your wishes will come true.
• Food nearby: Vegetarians can enjoy some tofu at Warung Brongkos Handayani, near the park.

The Beringin Trees in Alun-Alun Selatan are another of Yogyakarta’s most famous points of interest. The area is cloaked in local myth and legend.

The site, as the name suggests, is made up of two large trees. Legend has it that if you are able to walk between them with your eyes closed then your wish for the future will come true.

This may sound easy, although it’s amazing how many people don’t manage to walk in a straight line. It can be almost impossible to walk straight in between the trees and many have failed. Therefore, the myth persists and continues to draw many people to come and try their luck!

People usually rent a blindfold from a local seller which ensures that you can’t cheat, and you can try as many times as you like. Whether you believe the story or not, it is good fun trying to make it between the trees and this is one of the quirkiest spots in the city.

This area comes alive at night and is well worth a visit after dark too. You will mostly find Indonesian tourists and locals trying to do the twins Beringin tree challenge, enjoying the cool of the night, eating food, or riding a super blinged-up ‘car’.

These are actually peddle cars, fitted with hundreds of bright lights and loud music! Some cars even come equipped with a small TV!

 Insider tip: It is definitely worthwhile to experience the park at night!

EDU Hostel Jogja

• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Reception

Indrayanti Beach | Progo River | Kalibiru National Park | Kota Gede | Plaosan Temple

If you plan on spending at least three days in Yogyakarta when backpacking southeast Asia , then don’t worry. There is still lots more to see and do! For your convenience, we have included extra attractions in Yogyakarta to provide the perfect three-day itinerary in Yogyakarta!

Catch Some Sun on Indrayanti Beach

• One of Yogyakarta’s more picturesque beaches.
• Take a break from the city and enjoy the serene setting on the water’s edge.
• A great idea to combine a city visit with some beach time.

Indrayanti Beach is a perfect pitstop for beach lovers! The beach is located on the southern coast of Java, in Gunungkidul regency, surprisingly close to the city.

The strip of white sand coastline is clean and the water is clear, warm, and inviting. There is a range of small Indonesian cafes and stalls set up along the coastline where you can get some simple noodle dishes, refreshments, and coconuts.

Like other beaches in Yogyakarta, Indrayanti has beautiful panoramas that can be enjoyed anywhere on the coastline. The white sand and the amazing surrounding nature make the beach worth visiting.

Indrayanti beach is a long stretch of sand lined with the ocean on one end and gazebos, restaurants, and tiny shops on the other. This makes it great for leisurely walks, in addition to laying in the sun or cooling down with a refreshing swim in the sea.

The cool sea breeze and the calm atmosphere will refresh your mind and soul. You will not want to leave the beach once you have arrived and enjoyed the beauty!

Go White Water Rafting on the Progo River

• Raft down some of the most treacherous rapids in Java.
• A fantastic activity to get your adrenaline pumping.
• Enjoy some amazing views of the surrounding vegetation and landscape from the water.

Add some adrenaline-fuelled fun to your Yogyakarta itinerary with a heart-pumping white-water rafting trip down the rapids of the Progo River ! A visit to the Progo River is a great activity just a short drive from the city.

The river has some pretty high-difficulty rapids, so river rafting is not recommended for beginners. The lower Progo River has the highest difficulty in Java, having a grade V (AWA scale), the same as the Colorado River!

There are a few tour operators to choose from, where you can either rent your own kayak or go down the rapids with a group in an inflatable raft. If you have done this before and are a confident swimmer, then this will be a fun challenge for you!

The river basin is created by several small watersheds and just a glimpse of the water will set your heart racing – you know it will be a challenge. This river offers large boulders and big drops! Guides are always on hand to assist you through the experience, but it is a good idea to make sure they are experienced enough to ensure your safety on the river.

Take in the views of Kalibiru National Park

• Stand above the treetops and get the best views of the landscape.
• A photographer’s dream, and anyone wanting to impress their Instagram followers.
• Feel the wind blowing in your hair and zipline through the forest.

Kalibiru National Park offers a beautiful setting of nature and incredible views. For the more adventurous the park also offers fun outdoor activities, such as tree climbing, zip-lining, and tracking activities.

The mountainous landscape of Kalibiru National Park is located about an hour outside of Yogyakarta, with peaks reaching as high as 1,500 ft above sea level. The Park was opened in 2008 by the local community, but has only recently become ultra-attractive to tourist.

The popularity of Kalibiru National Park has exploded as more and more tourists started to post their pictures of the incredible views on social media. There are a number of wooden platforms high up in the trees, overlooking the valley and Lake Seramo below that make the perfect setting for amazing views and picture-taking!

There are also other activities available in this national park including hiking, zip lining, and rock climbing. There are a number of hiking paths around the park, ranging from one to four miles long. Zip-lining high up in the canopy also gives great perspectives of the forest and is an exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the park.

Visit the Cultural Village of Kota Gede

• A quaint old town now found within the Yogyakarta city limits.
• Explore this historical neighborhood’s narrow streets and admire the old architecture.
• Take a batik workshop and make your own batik keep-sake.

When backpacking through Indonesia, don’t miss this great cultural stop on your three-day itinerary in Yogyakarta. Even though it has been engulfed by the city, this former town still retains its quaint charm.

It’s the ideal place to discover the arts and crafts scene that Yogyakarta is famous for, as is well worth exploring. It feels like a village inside the city, with bicycles and rickshaws being more common than motorbikes and cars, and narrow backstreets leading into courtyards and artist workshops.

The houses that line the streets have beautifully carved wooden panels decorating the entrances, revealing which era the houses were from. Hindu houses have a lotus flower, Muslim houses are decorated with Arabic script, and colonial houses have the carving of a crown. You can’t miss this. It’s one of the best things to do in Yogyakarta!

Wander through a street market, and you will find it hard to resist the temptation to grab some tasty street food. You will also find some silversmith workshops with exquisite filigree items for sale.

There is also the chance to create your very own souvenir at a batik (cloth with traditional patterns) workshop. There are plenty of these workshops around as locals have a long and proud tradition of producing batik.

Visit the Plaosan Temple

• Ancient Buddhist temple complex built in the 9th century.
• One of the lesser visited temples.
• Take in views of the river and surrounding rice paddy’s from elevated vantage points.

The Plaosan Temple Complex, known locally as Candi Plaosan, is another impressive Buddhist temple, located close to the Hindu Prambanan Temple in the neighboring village of Bugisan.

The temple complex was built in the mid 9th century and covers a large area close to the Dengok River. Plaosan currently comprises two Buddhist temples, Plaosan Lor and Plaosan Kidul, and is surrounded by paddy fields along with banana and corn crops.

The Plaosan temple complex is made up of 174 small buildings, 116 stupas ,and 58 shrines, many of which have intricate inscriptions. Two of these inscriptions indicate that the temple was a gift of sanctuary.

The dates of the inscriptions are between 825-850 AD. Although similar to the Prambanan 856 AD date, the complexes are not related but have different building techniques that distinguish the Plaosan temples from Prambanan.

Yogyakarta is very similar to most other cities in Asia. There are wonderful sights to see, and the cheap prices lure a lot of tourists. However, as there is poverty there is always a small amount of crime that accompanies it.

You need to be vigilant over your belongings wherever there are crowds of people. There is a fair bit of petty crime like pickpocketing, scams, and street sellers inflating their prices.

Most of these occur around the Kraton, Jalan Malioboro, on buses and other tourists hotspots. Scammers will approach tourists and tell them about a government art center and will hire cheap transport to the ‘genuine’ gallery. If you’re interested in buying batik , be prepared to haggle for a fair price!

Be cautious when walking in the city. The traffic is hectic and roads are often in poor condition. It is always a good idea to travel in groups when leaving the city or walking at night.

Mount Merapi is an active volcano , so there is always the threat of eruption to be mindful of. The city can also get very polluted, so asthmatics should beware that breathing may become difficult.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Yogyakarta

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Many amazing locations are actually outside of the city, so do yourself a favor and check out the amazing day trips from Yogyakarta that we highly recommend taking!

Jurang Tembelan, Pine Forest, and Timang Beach

Witness the beautiful mists that form below the panoramic area of Jurang Tembelan. On a good day, the cotton-like clouds obstruct the whole panorama and make you feel like you’re on top of the world!

From Jurang Tembelan, you’ll be taken to visit the famous Pine Forest to enjoy the tranquil setting filled with the aroma of fresh pine. Wander around and discover more species of trees, such as mahogany, acacia, walnut, and eucalyptus.

The last stop on the day-trip will be Timang Beach, one of the most breathtaking beaches in Yogyakarta! Ride the hand-drawn gondola ride to the nearby island, and feast on a fresh-caught lobster lunch.

Dieng Plateau Golden Sunrise Trip

Take a day-trip to Dieng Plateau to witness the golden sunrise from Sikunir. Get the chance to stretch your legs with a hike to the Dieng Plateau sunrise viewpoint at the top of Sikunir Hill. On clear days, up to eight volcanoes are visible from the top!

From there you will head to the sulfurous Telaga Warna Lake and witness a phenomenon of the waters changing colors!

You will next visit Sikidang Crater, which is an open sulfur crater with bubbling mud and billowing steam. The last stop will be Arjuna Temple Complex which houses eight small Hindu temples that date back to the seventh century.

Jomblang Cave Tour

One of the most popular day trips from Yogyakarta, and a must-do on a three-day itinerary! Enjoy the amazing illumination of Jomblang Cave and witness the heavenly light where angels descend in this truly intriguing experience.

On this private tour, you will visit Jomblang Cave and experience sunshine streaking through the heavy air of the cave, making it appear heavenly! You’ll get the chance to descend 190 ft to the bottom of the cave with the aid of rappelling equipment. Then it’s just a short walk through a slippery muddy tunnel to the spot where you will catch this spectacular ray of light!

Selogriyo Temple Tour and Trek Through Java’s Rice Terraces

Explore the intriguing and controversial temples located in the slope of Lawu Mountain, Central Java. On route to Cetho and Sukuh Temples, you’ll have the chance to take in the impressive view of tea plantations and rice fields against a backdrop of hills and towering mountains.

This trip will include a visit to Mangkunegaran Palace, and Yogyakarta’s sister city, Solo City. Explore this Javanese legacy at your own pace or hire a local guide to learn about its history.

After lunch explore the ancient Batik Museum. Admire the collections of pre-colonial and post-independence artifacts.

Instagram Tour: Volcano, Jungle Swing & Waterfall

Visit the most scenic sights around Yogyakarta where you can snap photos of this beautiful region. Immerse yourself in nature and local culture while exploring monuments and natural wonders.

Take in the beautiful mountainous views of Merapi Volcano, and the jungle scenes of Kalibiru Nature Park. Challenge yourself to swing above the valley and jungle at the ‘Sky Swing’ high up in the Menoreh hills. End your day by visiting the hidden waterfall and enjoy a refreshing swim!

You’ll definitely want to bring your BEST travel camera for this one!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Yogyakarta itinerary.

How many days are enough for Yogyakarta?

Spending a minimum of 3 days in Yogyakarta is best if you want to see all the sights.

What should you include on a Yogyakarta 3 day itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome places to visit in Yogyakarta: – Borobudur Temple – Merapi Volcano Museum – Taman Sari

Where should you stay for a weekend in Yogyakarta?

With its central location and abundance of shops and eateries, Malioboro is the best place to be for a short trip to Yogyakarta. It’s also home to the best nightlife in the area!

What are the best day trips from Yogyakarta?

There are loads of amazing day trips you can take from Yogyakarta. Explore Jurang Tembelan, head on the Dieng Plateau Golden Sunrise Trip, or experience caves and rice terraces.

By now you should have all the information you need to have a great stay in Yogyakarta!

Yogyakarta is loaded with cultural significance, fun activities, and tasty street food. It is also the perfect base from which to explore more of southern Java and find the amazing locations you’ve seen on Instagram!

If you are traveling elsewhere in Indonesia, be sure to check out our insider backpacker’s guide for more itineraries, places to visit, and information on where to stay on a budget!

If you plan on visiting, be sure to read our  in-depth Bali itinerary planner to get the most of your trip to the island. Alternatively, discover a unique way to travel and get closer to the locals. Find out more about the opportunity to live with locals villagers in our homestays in Indonesia .

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Rose Wilson

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YOGYAKARTA ON A BUDGET: Travel Guide & Itinerary

Prior to this trip, Indonesia was never on my bucket list. I would always dismiss it because I had this foolish notion in my head that Indonesia is so much like the Philippines. I thought, “Why would I spend time and money on a place that is too similar to my home country?” But if there’s one lesson that I picked up during my time there, it is this: Never make conclusions about a country until you’ve actually been there.

Indonesia gently drilled its place into my heart. It’s not the kind of in-your-face lightning-fast wonder, but the gradual and lasting one. True, it bears countless similarities with the Philippines. Both are archipelagic states enjoying a similar climate. Both are known for the hospitality of its people. It was also a delight to know that we share countless words: payong (umbrella), langka (jackfruit), anak (child), kanan (right), balik (return), balai (house), balimbing (starfruit), dingding (wall), itik (duck), and kambing (goat), among others. But here’s the thing: I realized that these similarities don’t make this wonderful country less interesting; they provided me the warmth of a home away from my country. And for that, I am truly grateful.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Yogyakarta

If you want to shop and indulge in local cuisine, Malioboro Street is the place to be! To give you an idea of what Malioboro looks like, picture Binondo of Manila or Pub Street of Cambodia. It is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta with many surrounding hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. Stores along this street sell various kinds of goods such as apparel, arts and crafts, souvenir products, food, and batik. At night, it gets more exciting as many side street restaurants or lesehan line along the street, giving off a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.

Essential Information:

• Language : The official language is Indonesian/Bahasa Indonesia. Javanese is also widely spoken. Most people understand English, too.
• Currency : Indonesian Rupiah (IDR, Rp). USD 1 is around IDR 14,000; PHP 1 is around IDR 274; EUR 1 is around IDR 15,500 (as of October 2019)
• Modes of Payment : Regular stores and restaurants only accept Rupiah, but certain foreign currencies and major credit cards (Visa and Master Card) are accepted by most hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and souvenir shops.
• Electricity Info : Types C and F. Most establishments have two-pin round plugs at 220 V and 50 Hz.

How to Get to Yogyakarta

If you are a Philippine passport holder, you don’t need to secure a visa. The Philippines is part of the 15 countries who secured reciprocal Visa-Free Agreements with Indonesia. We also have a detailed post about this section. You can read it here: HOW TO GET TO YOGYAKARTA .

Yogyakarta is served by Adisucipto International Airport. A bigger international airport, targeted to finish in 2020, is set to rise in Kulon Progo (West of Yogyakarta) to better serve the growing tourism industry in Jogja. The airport will have a train with a direct route to Borobudur.

There is no direct flight from Manila to Yogyakarta, but there are various connecting flights offered by different airline companies. Since Adisucipto connects the city to other major cities in Indonesia like Jakarta and other countries like Singapore and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), you can choose which route will best serve you.

As for my case, I took Manila (MNL) to Jakarta (CGK) via Philippine Airlines, then Jakarta (CGK) to Yogyakarta (JOG) via Garuda Indonesia Airlines. Garuda Indonesia prides itself as the flag carrier of Indonesia.

The major airport in Jakarta serving international and domestic flights is Jakarta International Airport also known as Soekarno-Hatta Airport.

If you are not pressed for time, you can ride a train, bus, or rented vehicle from Jakarta to Yogyakarta.

By Train : Executive class trains depart from Gambir Station, while cheaper business and economy class trains depart from Pasar Senen Station.

There are two major train stations in Yogyakarta: Lempuyangan Station and Yogyakarta/Tugu Station. Lempuyangan serves budget and economy class trains, while Tugu serves business and executive class trains.

• Travel Time: 8 – 10 hours
• Fare: Executive Class: IDR 380,000 – 1,000,000 (PHP 1400-3695, USD 27-70, EUR 25-65) Business Class: IDR 330,000 – 550,000 (PHP 1220-2030, USD 23-39, EUR 21-36) Economy Class: IDR 180,000 – 300,000 (PHP 665-1108, USD 13-21, EUR 12-19)

By Bus : From Jakarta International Airport, search for the Damri Bus ticketing office. Damri will get you to various parts of the city for only IDR 40,000 – 80,000 (PHP 150-300, USD 2.8-5.7, EUR 2.6-5.2). You may purchase a ticket going to Gambir if you are planning to go to Yogyakarta by train. Gambir is near the popular backpacking district, Jaksa.

From the city proper, there are various bus companies offering Jakarta – Yogyakarta route such as Handoyo (with toilet), Pahala Kencana, Laju Prima, Maju Lancar, Safari Dharma Raya, Ramayana, and Santoso.

• Travel Time : 12 – 13 hours
• Fare : Non-AC: IDR 85,000 – 170,000 (PHP 315-630, USD 6-12, EUR 5.5-11) VIP/EXE AC: IDR 180,000 – 275,000 (PHP 665-1015, USD 13-19, EUR 12-18)

Adisucipto Airport to City Center

Here are the available modes of transportation from the airport to the city center: by train, bus, taxi, or ride-hailing apps like Grab.

• BY TRAIN. From Maguwo Station, take the Prambanan Express (Pramex or Prameks). Alight at Tugu Station near Malioboro Street. Fare: IDR 8,000 – 10,000 (PHP 20-37, USD .56-.71, EUR .51-.64); Travel time: Approximately 30 minutes
• BY BUS. Take the TransJogja (BRT) Bus. Board Line 1A and get off at either Tugu Station stop or Malioboro Street stop. Fare: IDR 3,600 (PHP 13, USD .25, EUR .23, single-trip ticket); Travel time: 45-60 minutes
• BY TAXI. The fare for the airport taxi varies and depends on the distance of your destination. Regular metered taxis are also available. Always insist on using the meter. Fare: IDR 50,000 – 150,000 (Airport Taxi) + IDR 2,000 (airport entrance fee) / IDR 25,000 – 50,000 (Regular Taxi); Travel time: 45-60 minutes.
• BY RIDE-HAILING APP. You might need to walk outside the airport premises to get to your car service. Those who tried this mode of transportation had to walk 10-15 minutes to reach the pick-up point.

Getting Around Yogyakarta

Locals usually use the bus rapid transit system, TransJogja or TJ, when taking trips within the city proper or when going to other regencies (nearby places outside the city of Yogyakarta).

Trans Jogja even connects Adi Sucipto International Airport and Prambanan Temple to the city center. As formerly mentioned, Trans Jogja has a bus stop located within the airport carpark.

• Operating Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Fare: IDR 3,600 (PHP 13, USD .25, EUR .23)

Damri Bus has a ticketing station at the airport too. It also travels around (and outside) the city including a stop at Magelang where Borobudur Temple is located.

• Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Fare: Yogyakarta city center to Magelang (Borobudur) trip costs IDR 30,000 – 35,000 (PHP 110-128, USD 2-2.5, EUR 1.9-2.25)

Giwangan Bus Terminal is Yogyakarta’s main terminal for intercity buses. Bus routes connect the cities all over Java Island, as well as Bali and Sumatra (via ferry).

Ojeks are motorcycle taxis. This is best taken if you are traveling solo and if the traffic condition is bad and you want to maximize your time. The usual rate is IDR 2,000 – 2,500 (PHP 7-9, USD .14-.18, EUR .13-.16) per kilometer.

By Ride-Hailing App

The most popular apps are GoJek and Grab. You can book your ride — motorcycle ( ojek ), car, and even horse-drawn carriage ( andong )!

Andong is a two-wheeled (or four-wheeled) horse-drawn carriage. This is only used for short-distances. You may find plenty of them around Malioboro Street area and other tourist areas in Jogja.

Becak is similar to the Philippines’ pedicab but instead of the passenger carriage attached to the side of the driver, Jogja’s becak has the passenger carriage in front of the driver. The trip within and around the city center will cost more or less IDR 10,000 (PHP 37, USD.70, EUR.64).

By Ontel Bicycle

Ontel or onthel bicycle are well-known in Indonesia. They are fondly called “grandfather bike” or ancient bike. Most tourists who tried this mode of transportation recommend Si Woles. It offers bicycle rental and bicycle tour packages. Bike rental rate is IDR 35,000 (PHP 130, USD 2.5, EUR 2.25), good for 24 hours (inclusive of a helmet, a lock, Jogja map, and if necessary, a raincoat). You may visit the website for more info: http://siwoles2.weebly.com/ .

By Private or Rental Vehicle

There are also some who opt to rent vehicles to better manage their time. Here are the usual rates:

• Car/SUV. IDR 400,000 – 700,000 (PHP 1460-2560, USD 28-50, EUR 26-45) for 12hrs (including gasoline and driver fee)
• Motorcycle. IDR 60,000 – 80,000 (PHP 220-300, USD 4-6, EUR 3.9-5) per day, depending on the type of bike (excluding gasoline)

Taxi fares are relatively cheap in Yogyakarta. They charge by the meter, but some drivers refuse to use the meter so insist on it. Flagdown Rate: IDR 7,000 (PHP 26, USD .5, EUR .45); Succeeding Kilometer: IDR 4,250 (PHP 15, USD.30, EUR.27)

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has already established itself as one of the popular travel destinations in Indonesia mainly because of its proximity to Candi Borobudur (Borobudur Temple). The city became the base camp for tourists who plan to explore Borobudur and other sites, so expect a lot of options when it comes to accommodations – from budget to luxury. If you are in the mood to splurge, you might want to check out Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta located at Jalan A.M. Sangaji 72A, Sinduadi, Yogyakarta.

Top Jogja Hotels Under USD60

Top jogja hostels, search for more: yogyakarta hotels, places to visit in yogyakarta.

Below are some of the places you can visit and the activities you can enjoy in Yogyakarta. We’re providing info that you will need to visit the spots DIY-style, but you’ll also find links to Klook tours (for those who want to join an organized group tour instead).

Borobudur Temple (Candi Borobudur)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 9th-century structure is considered one of the world’s seven wonders of the ancient era and the largest Buddhist temple in the world.

Admission Fee: Regular — IDR355,000/USD25/PHP1300 (Above 10 y/o); IDR213,000/USD15/PHP780 (10 y/o and below) Borobudur Sunrise/Sunset – IDR475,000/USD34/PHP1740 (Inclusive of entrance fee, souvenir, tea/coffee, and breakfast/dinner); IDR 250,000/USD18/PHP915 (Children 6 – 10 y/o; free admission for children 1 – 5 y/o) Operating Hours: 6AM – 5PM (Regular); 4AM – 6AM (Sunrise); 5PM – 6:30PM (Sunset) Location: Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Indonesia Want to join a tour? ✅ BOOK SUNRISE TOUR HERE! ✅ BOOK REGULAR TOUR HERE!

Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta)

Located at the city center, the palace is the residence of the current monarch, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X (HB X). Learn about palace life, history, and traditions through the artifacts and items displayed around the palace.

Admission Fee: IDR15,000/USD1/PHP55 (Adults & Children) Operating Hours: 9AM – 2PM (Daily except Friday); 9AM – 11AM (Friday) Location: Jalan Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

Water Castle (Taman Sari)

Built by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, Taman Sari, meaning “A Beautiful Garden”, had been a recreation and retreat place for the Sultan and his family. The compound has bathing pools, rooms, suspension bridge, artificial lake, water canal, and an underground water tunnel.

Admission Fee: IDR15,000/USD1/PHP55 Operating Hours: 9AM – 3PM Location: Jalan Nogosari No. 6, Patehan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple (Candi Prambanan)

Prambanan Temple or Roro Jonggrang Temple has been hailed as the biggest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Best explored at sunset!

Admission Fee: IDR355,000/USD25/PHP1300 (Above 10 y/o); IDR213,000/USD15/PHP780 (10 y/o and below) Opening hours: 6AM – 5PM Location: Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia Want to join a tour? ✅ BOOK SUNSET TOUR HERE!

But wait! Do you want to experience both Borobudur Sunrise and Prambanan? There are tour packages that offer a combination of these two UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can book in advance with Klook.

Sendratari Ramayana at Prambanan Temple or Purawisata

This traditional Indonesian ballet dance-drama is performed without a dialogue. The performance is an adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, but this is a shorter version of the original epic poem. The very first performance was held in 1961 at the open-air theatre of Prambanan.

The show is usually held either at Purawisata or at Prambanan Temple. If you book with Klook, the location will be confirmed after booking. In case it rains, the show will be moved to a nearby indoor theater.

Admission Fee: VIP – IDR400,000/USD28/PHP1465 Special – IDR300,000/USD21/PHP1100 Class 1 – IDR200,000/USD14/PHP733 Class 2 – IDR125,000/USD9/PHP458 Operating Hours: 7:30PM – 9:30PM (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) Location: Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia Reserve a seat! You may book in advance online via Klook. ✅ RESERVE A SEAT HERE!

Yogyakarta Food Tour

Klook offers two food tours: one in the morning and the other at night.

Batik Making Class

Designated by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, Indonesian Batik is a prized cultural heritage. One of the places where you can witness the step-by-step process and even make your own simple Batik is Batik Plentong .

Batik Plentong Contact Info Address: No. 48 Jalan Tirtodipuran, Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta 55143, Indonesia Phone Number: +62 274 373777 Office Hours: 8AM – 6PM

Silversmithing Workshop

Jogja is also well-known for its fine silverworks and silversmithing. Jogja’s silverwork industry flourished in Kotagede, nicknamed “silver village”. You can make your own silver ring or pendant at HS Silver after a short informative tour.

HS Silver Contact Info Address: Jalan Mondorakan, Prenggan, Banguntapan, Jagalan, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55192, Indonesia Phone Number: +62 812 2988 6237 Opening Hours: 8:00AM – 5:30PM You can book your tour and workshop here! ✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Other Attractions:

• Malioboro Street (Jalan Malioboro) This busiest business district in the city of Yogyakarta is a shopping haven for both local and foreign visitors. It stretches 1km long from North (near Yogyakarta Station or Tugu Station) to South (Zero Kilometer or Nol Kilometer).

Day Tours from Yogyakarta

You might want to explore these other attractions not too far away from the Yogyakarta city center.

Tour starts as early as 7:00 AM and can end at 4:00 PM. The ideal time to do the tour is either morning or late in the afternoon. There are three options: Short (1-1.5hr), Medium (2-2.5hrs), and Long (3-3.5hrs). Suggested tour operators for this activity are Merapi Land Cruiser Community and Kaliurang Jeep Willis Merapi Lava Tour.

Sample Yogyakarta Itinerary

Here’s a sample 4D3N Yogyakarta itinerary. This assumes that you are a party of two that will split the cost, your base is the city center, and your budget per meal is RP40,000 (P150) per person.

DAY 1 (Note: Based on flight leaving Jakarta at 6am & arriving Yogyakarta at 7am) 07:00AM – Arrive in Yogyakarta 07:30AM – Airport to the city center (hotel): RP3,600/person (bus fare) 08:30AM – Check-in at hotel 09:30AM – Yogyakarta (Royal) Palace: RP15,000/pax (entrance fee) 11:30AM – Lunch: RP40,000/pax 01:00PM – Walk to Taman Sari (4 mins) 01:10PM – Water Castle (Taman Sari): RP15,000/pax (entrance fee) 03:00PM – Yogyakarta City Tour 06:00PM – Dinner: RP40,000/pax 07:30PM – Lights out

DAY 3 09:00AM – Travel to Ratu Boko: RP15,000/person (bus fare) 10:00AM – Ratu Boko Palace: RP350,000/pax (entrance fee) 11:30AM – Travel to Sleman (Prambanan): RP3,600/person (bus fare) 11:45AM – Lunch: RP40,000/pax 01:00PM – Explore Sleman area near Prambanan Temple 03:00PM – Prambanan Temple Compound: RP355,000/pax (entrance fee) 05:00PM – Prambanan sunset 06:00PM – Dinner: RP40,000/pax 07:00PM – Sendratari Ramayana: RP125,000/pax (admission ticket) 09:30PM – Back to city center: RP3,600/person (bus fare) 10:00PM – Lights out

DAY 4: DEPARTURE

The itinerary above will cost you around IDR 2.2 million (PHP 8,010 / USD 155 / SGD 214 / EUR 141) per person, excluding airfare, accommodations, travel taxes, and shopping expenses but including a little bit of allowance for any miscellaneous expenses along the way.

If your hotel/hostel room is RP270,000 (P1000) per night, prepare to shell out around IDR 3.1 million (PHP 11,300 / USD 219 / SGD 301 / EUR 199) per person, excluding airfare, travel tax, and shopping expenses.

Side Trip: Solo

If you have more time, nearby Solo (or Surakarta) is a great choice for a side trip destination. It’s the hometown of their current president, Joko Widodo. Often coined as “the twin sister of Yogyakarta”, this other major city in Central Java resembles Yogyakarta in so many ways. Solo is less touristy, so it offers that authentic Javanese culture, especially the food.

Aside from the food scene, you can also visit Pasar Antik Triwindu for antique items; Ceto Temple and Sukuh Temple; Omah Sinten Heritage & Resto for a royal family treatment dinner or meal; Kampoeng Batik Laweyan village or the Danar Hadi Antiques Batik Museum to learn more about Batik history and process of making it, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Museum Sangiran to know more about the ancient man and other anthropological discoveries.

To get to Solo from Yogyakarta, the best and fastest option is to ride the train via Pramex train service at Yogyakarta (Tugu) Station. Travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the fare is around IDR 32,000 (the cheapest).

More Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Status of trade and commerce in Yogyakarta is healthy and stable . There are plenty of business establishments — Malioboro Street being the busiest. Aside from the abundance of educational institutions, the cost of living is reasonable and cheap; hence, students flock the city.
• Indonesians are friendly and very helpful . Most can speak and understand English, so don’t hesitate to ask if you get lost.
• Weather is very unpredictable, but dry and sunny most of the time .
• Suggested mode of transportation is the Trans Jogja bus system . Locals highly regard this as the most reliable, most efficient, and cheapest when traveling around the city and even nearby places outside the city.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ • 1️⃣ • 1️⃣7️⃣ (updated) 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣7️⃣ • 5️⃣ • 1️⃣0️⃣ (first up)

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This was an excellent breakdown. Ditto on the Indonesian people; I have only been to Bali but have yet to meet a more friendlier people collectively. We were invited to Balinese weddings after knowing our hosts for days. Once you land, it’s like you become an honorary Indonesian. Wonderful country, generous, kind folks.

Planning on visiting here on October for our first overseas travel. How much was your budget for the whole tour?

Hi… do you usually give tips or is it required? How much is the budget (not include the tours and entrance fees) for meals and transpo in a day?

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Yogyakarta, Indonesia

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Situated at the core of an ancient region known as Mataram, the first great Central kingdom on Java , sprawling Yogyakarta (pronounced ‘Jogjakarta’; often abbreviated to Yogya or Jogja) remains a bastion of refined Javanese culture. It is the cultural attractions that draw visitors here: the sombre stillness of ancient Hindu and Buddhist temples; the sequestered courtyards of its 18th-century Islamic palaces; the traditional arts. Interest focuses on the twin court cities, Yogyakarta and Surakarta (known as Solo), but the region is also home to spectacular rural landscapes and memorable sights set amongst the volcanic uplands like the Gunung Lawu mountains temples.

Ttravel tips for visiting Yogyakarta

Best things to do in yogyakarta and around, best areas to stay in yogyakarta, best restaurants and bars, how to get around, how many days do you need in yogyakarta, best time to visit yogyakarta, how to get here, tailor-made travel itineraries for indonesia, created by local experts.

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From the 8th to the early 10th century, the fertile plains around Yogyakarta were ruled by a succession of Indianised kings – the builders of Borobudur, Prambanan, and dozens of other elaborate stone monuments. Around AD 900, these rulers suddenly shifted their capital to East Java, turning Central Java into a sleepy backwater. At the end of the 16th century, the area was revived by a new Islamic power based at Kota Gede, east of present-day Yogyakarta.

Today, Yogyakarta’s cultural attractions – ancient temples, palaces, batik, gamelan, dances and wayang puppet performances – whisk you back to a bygone era. Add in the growing popularity of nature-related activities here (caving, black-sand beaches, mountain climbing, hiking the highly-volatile Gunung Merapi volcano) and the city is now an essential stop in Java.

The Yogyakarta and Surakarta sultanates came into being in 1755 after a lengthy civil war. A Dutch-brokered peace treaty saw Mataram partitioned and two separate royal capitals established. These were later partitioned in turn, in part as a European tactic to further diminish their potential power. Surakarta is home to a secondary royal household, the Mangkunegaran, while Yogyakarta’s secondary court is the Pakualaman – and is worth tacking onto any trip here.

Rise early to see the Buddhist temple of Borobudur © Pambudi Yoga Perdana / Shutterstock

The glorious past of volcano-studded Central Java lives on today in the cultural capital of Yogyakarta, where historic palaces, pleasure gardens, mosques and local archaeology are amongst the best things to do.

#1 Keraton (Sultan’s Palace)

The Keraton (Sultan’s Palace) is a two-centuries-old palace complex that stands at the heart of the city. According to Javanese cosmological beliefs, the ruler is the ‘navel’ or central ‘spike’ of the universe, anchoring the temporal world and communicating with the mystical realm. In this scheme of things, the Keraton is both the capital of the kingdom and the hub of the cosmos.

The palace houses not only the sultan and his family, but also the dynastic regalia (pusaka), private meditation and ceremonial chambers, a magnificent throne hall, several audience and performance pavilions, a mosque, an immense royal garden, stables, barracks, an armaments foundry and two expansive parade grounds planted with sacred banyan trees – all laid out in a conceived complex of walled compounds, narrow lanes and massive gateways, and bounded by a fortified outer wall measuring 2km (1.5 miles) on every side.

Yogyakarta Palace © Shutterstock

#2 Taman Sari (Water Castle)

Behind the Keraton stand the ruins of the royal pleasure garden, Taman Sari (Water Castle). It was constructed over many years by Hamengkubuwono I, beginning in 1758 and then abruptly abandoned after his death. Dutch representatives to the sultan’s court marvelled at its large artificial lake, the ‘Water Castle’ mansion, underground passageways, meditation retreats and series of sunken bathing pools.

The ruins of the mansion occupy high ground at the northern end of the huge Taman Sari complex, overlooking a batik makers’ colony. The crumbling walls and a massive gate are all that remain of the building. A tunnel behind the castle leads to a complex of three restored bathing pools, Umbul Bindangun. The large central pool was designed for the use of queens, concubines and princesses, while the small southernmost pool was reserved for the sultan.

#3 Masjid Agung (Grand Mosque)

Jalan Malioboro is primarily a shopping district these days but it is also an area of historical and cultural interest. From at the northern town square (alun-alun), stroll up the street to the Masjid Agung (Grand Mosque). Built in 1773, you'll notice the two fenced-off banyan trees standing in the centre of the square. These symbolise the balance of opposing forces within the Javanese kingdom.

Grand Mosque Yogyakarta © Shutterstock

#4 Sonobudoyo Archaeology Museum

Opened in 1935 by the Java Institute, a cultural foundation of wealthy Javanese and Dutch art patrons, the Sonobudoyo Archaeology Museum houses important collections of prehistoric artefacts, Hindu-Buddhist bronzes, wayang puppets, dance costumes and traditional Javanese weapons.

Sonobudoyo Museum, Yogyakarta © Shutterstock

#5 Benteng Budaya (Fort Vredeburg)

The old Dutch garrison, Benteng Budaya (Fort Vredeburg), is now a museum and cultural centre complete with exhibition and performance halls. Opposite, on the left, stands the State Guest House. It was first the Dutch resident’s mansion and, during the revolution, was also used as the presidential palace.

Further along on the right, past the fort, is the huge central market, Pasar Beringharjo, a rabbit warren of small stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to batik, ‘antiques’ and hardware. Bargain hard here.

#6 Visit Borobudur

If you are in Yogyakarta, a visit to Borobudur is a must-do day trip. Borobudur is an ancient Buddhist temple located about an hour's drive from Yogyakarta. It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, it features nine stacked platforms with over 2,500 intricate relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

The temple's architecture and artwork showcase the rich culture and history of Indonesia. You can climb to the top of the temple to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to fully experience the serenity and spiritual significance of the temple.

#7 Visit Prambanan too

If you're visiting Borobudur, you might also want to visit Prambanan . This is a stunning Hindu temple complex, located about 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta, that was built in the 9th century. The complex consists of over 200 temples, with the main temple being the impressive Shiva temple that stands at 47 meters tall.

You can explore the complex and marvel at the intricate carvings and stunning architecture. It's best to visit Prambanan early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds. There are also nightly performances of the Ramayana ballet that are not to be missed.

To get to Prambanan from Yogyakarta, you can take a taxi or hire a motorbike or bicycle.

Popular Yogyakarta has a huge selection of places to stay, including luxury hotels, high-rise hostels, plus scores of bungalows and guesthouses. Most visitors tend to base themselves in the city centre, along and around Jalan Malioboro, or to the south around Jalan Prawirotaman. Both are a short walk or becak ride to the major attractions.

City Centre

Yogyakarta’s main shopping street, hectic Jalan Malioboro, runs north to south through the city centre. Along the road and the surrounding area, which locals refer to as the same name, there are scores of hotels and guesthouses, including some ritzy boutique spots.

Jalan Prawirotaman

South of the Keraton (Sultan’s Palace), the area around Jalan Prawirotaman has undergone a bit of a transformation in recent years. Now there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses here to pick from, all within a short ride of the city centre.

Find accommodation options to stay in Yogyakarta .

Yogyakarta, Taman Sari © Shutterstock

Yogyakarta is stuffed full of places to eat with scores of cheap, high-quality restaurants and a buzzing collection of street food vendors that pop up around Jalan Malioboro come dusk. Among the local dishes to try are amous ayam goreng (fried chicken in coconut milk) and nasi langgi (coconut rice with tempe, fermented soybeans). Yogyakarta also has a thriving nightlife scene with numerous live music venues, plus lots of places to see Javanese dance and wayang kulit puppet shows. Among the best places to eat in Yogyakarta are:

• Mediterranea Pizzas, mezze and large steaks are the order of the day at this French-run restaurant.
• The House of Raminten This traditional Indonesian restaurant serves sharing food like sekul pangkonan (fried chicken with tofu, tempeh, chillies and salad) alongside burgers and club sandwiches.
• Rosella Kitchen For an authentic Javanese experience, try the Dutch rijsttafel ('rice table'; lots of small tasting plates) at this joglo (traditional thatched hut) nestled amongst the rice fields.

Whilst the major sights are all within walking distance, it's likely that you'll hire at least on becak (cycle-rickshaws) in Yogyakarta. Their persistent riders will try and make sure of that. Otherwise, it's taxis and buses here, which are both cheap and plentiful, but just as likely as a car to get stuck in the city's notorious traffic jams.

By becak (cycle-rickshaws)

There are hundreds of becak riders in Yogyakarta which can be helpful for navigating shorter journeys.

Cheap and reliable, public buses in Yogyakarta have a/c and cut right across the city. They can, however, get caught in traffic. Bus 1A goes from the airport to Jalan Malioboro.

Ride-hailing firms Go-jek and Grab both operate in Yogyakarta, offering cars and motorcycle taxis. Download the apps to book. Taxis like Bluebird are reasonably priced here and can be hailed in the street. Only use a cab with a meter.

© /Shutterstock

Most visitors will need at least three or four days to do a Yogyakarta visit justice. Day one should be spent at Keraton (Sultan’s Palace) with the Taman Sari (Water Castle) later in the afternoon. Day two is good for visiting the Masjid Agung (Grand Mosque), seeing a puppet show, and then watching Jalan Malioboro whirl into life after dark.

On day three, head to Sonobudoyo Archaeology Museum before visiting Pasar Beringharjo, the huge central market, looking for batik and ‘antiques’. On day four Yogyakarta should be used as a base for the surrounding hills. Either rise early to see the Buddhist temple of Borobudur or head further afield to the Gunung Lawu mountains temples.

The best time to visit Yogyakarta is during the dry season (May to September). Warm, sunny weather makes it a pleasant time to explore both the city and the cooler surrounding hills. Peak tourist season is December and January, so book ahead for restaurants and hotels; the latter will be more expensive too. The wet season in Yogyakarta (November to April) has high humidity and plenty of rain, including flooding. However, it can be a slightly cheaper time to visit.

Find out more about the best time to visit Indonesia .

Fort Vredeburg museum in Yogyakarta on Java, Indonesia © Shutterstock

With flights from Singapore and Malaysia as well as a host of destinations throughout Indonesia, it's easy to get to Yogyakarta. The city is also accessible from across Java by train and bus.

With flights from Bali, plus a host of other Indonesian cities, many travellers will fly into the new Yogyakarta International Airport which opened in 2022. Located 45km southwest of the city itself, it takes around 90 minutes to get to the city centre.

Trains arrive at Yogyakarta Train Station (known locally as Tugu Station) from across Java including Jakarta, Solo, Bandung, Surabaya and more.

There are two bus stations in Yogyakarta. Giwangan is southeast of the city centre and regularly receives buses from across Java, including from Jakarta, Bandung, Denpasar. Buses from Borobudur, however, will arrive at Jombor Bus Terminal in the north of the city.

Minibuses go to Yogyakarta from most major cities, including Solo, Surabaya, Malang and Semarang. They are similarly priced to the buses.

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The Ultimate Guide for a Trip to Yogyakarta Indonesia in 2023

Are you planning a trip to Yogyakarta Indonesia soon? Wondering what you can cover in this beautiful destination in Indonesia? If yes, then this guide is perfect for you!

One of the most underrated places to visit in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is home to some amazing attractions. From marveling at the architecture of the Borobudur Temple to watching the sunset at the Prambanan Temple, there are a lot of things to do in this magical city.

If you want to learn more about how to reach Yogyakarta, where to stay, local traveling, and more, then you can check out this article.

In this guide, we cover everything about the top places to visit in Yogyakarta and how to plan a trip to this wonderful land.

The Ultimate Guide for a Trip to Yogyakarta Indonesia in 2022

About yogyakarta.

One of the most historically and culturally rich cities of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is famous for its history and beautiful Buddhist and Hindu temples.

Also known as ‘Jogjakarta’, this city is known for its cultural heritage and is located on Java island. A small city in Java, this is a place that is in close proximity to the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

While it is not a popular place like Bali, it is equally amazing and has a lot to offer in the cultural aspect. One can easily spend here a day or two, getting to know the Indonesian people and learning more about the history of this place.

You can also head out to Borobudur, which is a huge complex in itself and can easily take up a day of your time.

Another thing that makes Jogjakarta a must place to visit is the surrounding Volcanic mountains. This place is situated near 2-3 major volcanoes, which are still active and tend to erupt every few years.

You can trek to the top of these volcanoes and witness the beauty of it or you can just observe it from afar and marvel at its magnificence. 

Things to Do in and Around Yogyakarta

Now, let’s come to the activities that you can do in these places and all places can you see here.

Visit the Borobudur Temple Complex

One of the most amazing and peaceful places to visit near Yogyakarta is the Borobudur temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a Mahayana Buddhist temple that is located in Magelang.

Also known as the world’s largest Buddhist temple, this place is surrounded by magnificent volcanoes and mountains which provide a great backdrop to this spectacular structure.

It is said that sunrises at Borobudur are extremely magical when it isn’t cloudy but even if you aren’t able to visit this place during the sunrise, it would still dazzle you with its architecture and charm throughout the day.

The entrance fee for this temple is around 325,000 Rupiah (1500 INR) . You can buy tickets for both Borobudur and Prambanan from one of the temple complexes.

Witness the Sunset at the Prambanan Temple Complex

Another magnificent place to visit is the Prambanan Temple in Indonesia. This is another UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 10th century.

It is said to be the biggest Hindu Temple in entire Southeast Asia and was built for the famous three gods of Hindu mythology i.e., Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.

There are many fascinating stories associated with this temple and how it came to be and it offers one of the most beautiful sunset locations for you to watch.

Initially, there were 240 temples that were built in this complex but due to corrosion and frequent volcanic eruptions, most of its temples are in ruins now. Trust me, this is one place that you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting Yogyakarta.

The entrance fee for this temple complex is 325,000 Rupiah (1500 INR) . If you buy both Prambanan and Borobudur Temple’s entrance tickets together, then you have to pay just 520,000 Rupiah (2500 INR) .

Go on the Merapi tour

Another exciting thing that one can do here is to take the Merapi volcano tour.

You have the option of taking a jeep tour or a hiking tour and witnessing the beautiful sunrise from the peak of this active volcano. It is an active stratovolcano that lies in between Central Java and Yogyakarta and is said to have actively erupted since 1548.

On the Merapi tours, you get a chance to summit the top of the volcano and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and landscape.

This tour usually costs something around 300,000 – 600,000 Rupiah (1400 – 2900 INR) depending on your tour type and route.

Trek on the Merbabu Volcano

Another popular thing to do is to hike to the top of the Merbabu volcano.

This is another active volcano that is said to be a little more dangerous than the Merapi volcano and is said to erupt every few years.

The trek to the Merbabu volcano is a little steep and tough so if you are looking for some adventurous activity, you should definitely try this.

How to Reach Yogyakarta

There are numerous ways to reach this city, depending on where you are coming from and what is your next location.

India to Jakarta round trip: 18000 – 25000 INR

If you are flying from your respective country to Java first and not really looking forward to spending some time in Jakarta, then you can skip that airport and take a direct flight to Yogyakarta.

If you don’t see any direct flight to Yogyakarta, then take a flight to Kuala Lumpur and then book a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta. It would cost you similar to what a direct flight would have cost you and you save a lot of time and money by directly reaching the city.

If you are getting a cheap flight to Jakarta which you don’t want to give up on, then no worries. You can book a flight to Jakarta and from here, you can again book a flight to this city.

If booked in advance, a flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta would cost you around 450,000 – 500,000 Rupiah (1500-2000 INR) for a one-side flight ticket and would take around 1.25 hours to reach.

Another common mode of transport to reach here from Jakarta or any other location is a train.

There are around 10-15 trains every day from most main cities like Jakarta, Surabaya, and so on. A train ticket would cost you around 350,000 – 500,000 Rupiah (1700 – 2500 INR) and will take around 8 to reach.

For more details on train timings and costs, you can check out tiket.com .

You will also find a lot of private and public buses to the city from most locations like Jakarta, Surabaya, Bali, and more. The executive buses are quite comfortable and often have a toilet attached to them and include dinner and snacks.

These buses cost around 300,000 – 450,000 Rupiah (1500 – 2200 INR) and take around 10 hours to reach from Jakarta city.

If you go for public buses, it would cost you a little less but not much. In our opinion, you should consider a bus only if you have a lot of time to spare. If you don’t then make sure you avoid taking buses.

How to Travel Locally

This is not a travel-friendly city really and is more of a residential city which will make it hard for you to find many transport options here.

Cabs are the main mode of transportation here or you could go for buses. However, buses don’t have good connectivity inside the city and can take really long. So, unless you have an adequate amount of time, it would be difficult to figure out the bus stop and the next bus to your desired location.

The best transport option in Yogyakarta would be to book a Go-Jek cab or an Uber cab. Usually, these cabs are cost-friendly but if you hire a cab without these apps, chances are you would end up paying more. So, always make sure you book a car through one of these apps for a safe and cheaper ride.

We were lucky enough to find a Go-Jek cab whose driver agreed to take us on a tour around Yogyakarta for 470,000 Rupiah (2300 INR) and then dropped us at the airport too!

Where to Sta y

You will find a lot of hotels and homestays for staying which would cost you around 50,000 – 100,000 Rupiah (250 – 500 INR) per night for one person.

You can either look for a place to stay by directly reaching Yogyakarta or you can book in advance through Booking.com or Goibibo.com. Personally, I stayed in a homestay that I booked through Booking.com but it is not available anymore.

What and Where to Eat

Cost: 150,000 Rupiah (750 INR) approx. for two people per day

In Yogyakarta, there aren’t a lot of places for Vegetarians but there are a few street stalls that sell breakfast which includes soup and dumplings for just 6,000 Rupiah (30 INR) .

You will find a lot of stores and marts here from where you can stock up on snacks and drinks. In Yogyakarta, you might still find a decent Fast food joint with the help of the Go-Jek app.

On average, you might spend around 100,000 – 150,000 Rupiah (500 – 750 INR) on food and snacks in these both places.

Overall, Jogjakarta is a beautiful city with lots of adventure tours and historical destinations for you to explore. So, whether you are looking for a volcano hike or a visit to one of the Buddhist temples, this place is perfect for you.

You might face a little trouble communicating with the locals but Google Translate does go a long way. So, if you are planning a trip to Indonesia, then do include this amazing city in your itinerary.

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11 Best Things To Do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (or Jogjakarta) is the creative capital of Java, Indonesia. The city is popular amongst Indonesian and international students, is filled with ancient Javanese art, has incredible sights like Prambanan and Borobudur, and has a population of just 400.000 inhabitants. Yogya has an international airport and is a great city to visit from Bali or Singapore . Plan to spend about 3 days with these things to do in Yogyakarta.

Day 1 – Yogyakarta city

During your first full day in Yogyakarta, explore the highlights of the city. You will find a lot of influences from the Dutch colonial time in Indonesia. What surprised us the most about Yogya was how few foreign tourists we saw.

Here are all your hotel options in Yogyakarta.

1. Underground Mosque (Sumur Gumuling)

One of the most interesting places in Yogyakarta is Sumur Gumuling, better known as the Underground Mosque. Once you enter the mosque, the walkway leads you to the center of it.

The center of the mosque includes four stairs that form a pyramid shape and a huge open circular ceiling revealing beautiful daylight. The underground mosque is part of the larger complex Taman Sari which is our next thing to do in Yogyakarta.

Tip: The complex opens at 9 AM. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds.

Must Read:   8-day Java Route Guide

2. Water Castle (Taman Sari)

Taman Sari was a former bathing complex and has a beautiful blend of Dutch and Javanese architecture. Around the area, you can find a lot of beautiful murals, souvenir shops, cafes, and art workers. Plan to spend about 60 – 90 minutes for both Taman Sari and Sumur Gumuling.

Taman Sari and Sumur Gumuling are open from 9 AM to 3 PM and the entrance fee is 15000 IDR (1 USD) per person.

3. Malioboro street

Malioboro street is the go-to place to do shopping. It is a huge street in the heart of Yogyakarta with everything from small street food vendors, art shops, clothing to souvenirs.

Once a week there is a China town with all local foods. Try to avoid art shops in this area, this is usually a scam.

If you’re into the history of Yogyakarta, we recommend you visit Fort Vredeburg which is located at the end of Malioboro street.

4. The hunt for Street Art

As mention before, Yogyakarta is a hub for creatives. The popular area Mantrijeron owns a lot of murals. It’s great to have a walk around the area and see some of the greatest murals in Yogyakarta.

Day 2 – Prambanan and Borobudur

Rise at 4 AM to experience sunrise at the Borobudur temple. From Yogyakarta city, it is a 90-minute drive to the Borobudur temple. Plan to spend about 1.5-hours at both sights. PS: Don’t try to fly your drone at these temples.

Must Read: 8-day Java Route Guide

5. Borobudur temple

The Borobudur temple contains four levels and has a total height of 34 meters. On the top level are loads of small stupas and one large stupa in the middle. Look closely inside these stupas to see the Buddhas inside. You can join a small group tour to Borobudur, Prambanan, and Merapi Volcano that includes hotel pickup, guide, and entry to all sites.

See tickets and availability for a tour to Borobudur

Tip: Are you a student? Bring your student pass or a copy and get a discount.

6. Prambanan, the best thing to do in Yogyakarta!

The biggest temple complex in Indonesia is Prambanan. Unlike the Borobudur, this is not a Buddhist but a Hindu temple. There are 3 main temples: Shiva Mahadeva, Candi Vishnu, and Candi Sewu. The whole complex has about 240 small and big temples. Shiva Mahadeva is 47 meters high! From Borobudur to Prambanan is a 1.5-hour drive.

See tickets and availability for a tour to Prambanan

Booking a Borobudur + Prambanan temple tour The easiest way is to book the tour in advance online. However, it’s all possible to do so with your hostel/hotel in Yogyakarta. This should cost you around 130 – 150K for a shared van. Another option is to take a Grab Taxi. At both sights, there are official Grab stands.

Book your tour to Borobudur and Prambanan in advance

7. Explore the best cafes & restaurants

Have a little rest for the rest of the day and again had out to the Mantrijeron area of Yogyakarta. Here are loads of great little cafes and restaurants. Some are more hidden than others. Most of them are on Jalan Prawirotaman Street. These are our favorites:

• Sade tropical kitchen
• Nanamia Pizzaria

Day 3 – Mountains and Beaches

On the last day in Yogyakarta, rent a driver for the whole day. This should be anywhere between 450K – 650K for 12 hours. Visit the cooler mountains and the beautiful beachside of Yogyakarta.

Book a private driver for the day in Yogyakarta

8. Viewpoints

Drive all the way up into the mountain of Yogyakarta. There are many viewpoints made to see and an amazing sunrise or view. It’s up to you if you’d like to experience this. Just remember that you have to get out early.

Our favorite viewpoints are Becici Peak & Bukit Panguk Kediwung. For both viewpoints, there is an entrance fee of 10.000 IDR.

9. Love Yogyakarta (Taman Gumuk Pasir)

One of the creative minds in Yogyakarta made this beautiful heart near the beach. This piece is at its best from above. The artist must have expected that drones will come here to take a photo or video.

10. Sukorama Rice Fields

A 300-meter long bamboo bridge through the rice fields. Before you plan a trip here, ask the locals if the rice fields are green. During summer, June to August, it’s usually dry and not green. Update 2021: This location seems permanently closed.

A ticket to enter the bridge costs 2500 IDR (0.15 USD).

11. Serebu Batu

Serebu Batu is almost like a small theme park. All kinds of things are made from wood, like houses, statues, and a hobbit house. All spots up in the hills have a much more comfortable climate.

How to get to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is connected in almost any way. It has a good train station, an airport, and a highway.

Flight to Yogyakarta

The best way to get to Yogyakarta is by airplane. Yogyakarta has an international airport and has direct flights from, for example, Singapore or Bali .

Train to Yogyakarta

You can take the train to Yogyakarta from anywhere in Java . From the capital city, Jakarta or Malang are both an 8-hour train ride. The Malioboro Express train from Malang to Yogyakarta is highly recommended! The train takes up the same amount of time as driving by car.

Book your train tickets in advance

Hotels Yogyakarta

The guesthouses and hotels in Yogyakarta are available in all kinds of price ranges. Hostels go anywhere from 5 USD – 30 USD per night. Whereas guesthouses and hotels in Yogyakarta will start from 12 USD a night, including breakfast.

Hotels in Yogyakarta 😴

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Kawah Ijen: Tips for climbing the Volcano

Bali travel guide: the ultimate 3-week itinerary, jodipan: colorful rainbow village in malang, java.

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Hi, i am glad you visited Indonesia. Yogyakarta is for sure one of my favorite city in Indonesia. I really love ur shots of Jogja and i am wondering if i can use one of your photo as a reference for my small business project. Thank you so much xx

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Yogyakarta travel guide

Yogyakarta tourism | yogyakarta guide, you're going to love yogyakarta.

With a population of 636.660, Yogyakarta is the largest city in Yogyakarta, Indonesia by the number of inhabitants. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. Yogyakarta deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Activities & attractions in Yogyakarta

When to visit Yogyakarta

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Yogyakarta in April, when the average temperature is 78.8 °F, and the highest can go up to 86 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is July, when it can get as cold as 68 °F, with an average temperature of 75.2 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in January, when precipitation is around 13.8″. In contrast, August is usually the driest month of the year in Yogyakarta, with an average rainfall of 0.8″.

How to Get to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is served by 2 airports: Yogyakarta Adisutjipto (JOG) and Yogyakarta Intl (YIA). The closest to downtown Yogyakarta is Yogyakarta Adisutjipto, which is located 7 km from the city center. Further away is Yogyakarta Intl, 36 km from the center of Yogyakarta. The shortest flight to Yogyakarta from the United States departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 47h 35m.

The train station in Yogyakarta is called Yogyakarta Lempuyangan, and is located 1.0 km from the city center.

Another option to get to Yogyakarta is to pick up a car rental from Surabaya, which is about 269 km from Yogyakarta. You’ll find branches of TRAC Astra and Avis, among others, in Surabaya.

The most popular bus station is Yogyakarta Terminal Giwangan, located 5 km from downtown Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta Terminal Jombor is also a commonly used station, and is 6 km from the city center.

Airports near Yogyakarta

Airlines serving yogyakarta, where to stay in yogyakarta.

From 5-star hotels such as the Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta to great affordable options like the Ayaartta Hotel Malioboro , Yogyakarta offers a range of accommodations for every taste. Average rates range from around $23 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $52 and up for a 5-star experience. If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include The Packer Lodge Yogyakarta - Hostel and Zest Hotel Yogyakarta . There are also lots of vacation rental options in Yogyakarta, with prices from $6 to $100 per night. Mantrijeron is the neighborhood with the highest amount of rentals to choose from. On average, vacation rentals in Yogyakarta are about 10% more expensive than a hotel room in the city.

Where to stay in popular areas of Yogyakarta

Most booked hotels in yogyakarta, renting a car in yogyakarta.

Renting a car in Yogyakarta costs $46 per day, on average, or $92 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

Expect to pay $3.41 per gallon in Yogyakarta (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $40.88 and $54.51. Mini (Class Mini Car or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Yogyakarta, while also 35% cheaper than other types, on average.

• Bus & Travel
• Airport Transfer

Things to Do

Since 1756, Yogyakarta has served as the capital city of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate. Even to this day, this city remains the intellectual and cultural heart of Java. A place where Javanese traditions, a laid back atmosphere, and friendly locals seamlessly intertwine, the city has its own charm that makes travelers always yearn to return. Trace Yogyakarta's history by visiting the Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, a palace complex where the sultan and his family reside. Visit Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another site to see is the Prambanan Temple, a majestic Hindu temple complex that regularly hosts a Ramayana ballet live performance. The city also makes a wonderful place for culinary adventures and shopping. Head to Malioboro Street to indulge in selections of local food and shop for some traditional crafts to bring home, such as batik fabrics, silverware, and shadow puppets.

Get to Know Yogyakarta

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Top sights in yogyakarta.

Beringharjo Market

Monument of Yogya Kembali

Affandi Museum

Water Castle (Taman Sari)

Keraton Yogyakarta

Jogja National Museum

Inspiring reads on yogyakarta.

8 Cafe Live Music Jogja Yang Paling Ramah Kantong!

Agrowisata Bhumi Merapi, Wisata Keluarga Terbaru yang Serba Lengkap! 

8 Cafe Live Music Depok Indoor dan Outdoor! 

Sejarah Candi Semar

Rekomendasi Cafe Instagramable Di Jogja Paling Aesthetic!

Sejarah Candi Gatotkaca

10 Tempat Wisata Kaliurang Terbaru 2024, Ada Spot Foto Kekinian!

8 Pilihan Restoran Korea Di Jogja Paling Instagramable!

Promos for domestic travel.

Travel Tips for Yogyakarta

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting around yogyakarta, a guide to yogyakarta's local transportation.

Yogyakarta's taxis are metered and most drivers are trustworthy. All taxis have a flagfall of Rp7,000 for the first kilometre and then Rp4,250 for every subsequent kilometre. Most trips around the centre should not cost more than Rp20,000. Motorcycle taxis or ojek are widespread. They usually gather at designated spots (pangkalan), where you will haggle your way to a ride. Not comfortable or convenient for carrying luggage, but quicker if the traffic jammed. Nowadays, organized ojek are strong competitors to taxis and ojek pangkalan. Pickup is free and you pay according to the printout from the meter. No haggling. Try: 1. O'jack motorbike taxi, Jl Dr Sardjito 11, Jogja; Rumah Makan Ny Suharti, Jl Solo 208 (Janti flyover), ☏ +62 811 307-0707, +62 0852 1007-0707, +62 274 700-0707, +62 274 970-7707. Rp2 per meter or Rp2,000 per kilometer. Disability ojek are also available in Yogyakarta. The system is run by disabled persons, including the drivers. Using motorcycles with sidecars, the can carry a person with a wheelchair. Spacious enough, so two slim non-disabled people can also use it. Try: 1. Difa City Tour and Transport, ☏ +62 823 2801-6326. Instagram: @difacitytour Twitter: @difact Facebook: difa ct Rp20,000 for the first 5 km and Rp2,500 for each subsequent kilometer.""

Practical Tips for Yogyakarta

Things to prepare and best way to visit.

Like Javanese people in general, Yogyakartans are known to be friendly to newcomers and visitors. They frequently smile and nod when they pass other people. Locals have a calm demeanor and dislike speaking harshly or in a high tone. The most noticeable character is respecting the elders. There is a Javanese phrase, "unggah-ungguh" or manners, which refers to a method of speaking and behaving based on age. When in Yogyakarta, you can show respect to others by paying attention to unggah-ungguh.

To experience everything that Jogja has to offer, you might want to explore the region one district at a time. Bantul, for example, features a range of natural attractions, each with their own set of charms. Start your day by enjoying the sunrise from Bukit Panguk Kediwung. Do "forest bathing" in the Pine Forest, which is densely forested with towering pine trees. Relax on the beautiful Baru Beach, Kukup Beach, and Goa Cemara Beach. Admire the boundless greenery at Becici Peak, which is guaranteed to refresh your mind! Tourist sites in other districts are also excellent to visit. For example, mountain tourism in Sleman, gorgeous beaches in Gunungkidul, lush farmlands in Kulon Progo, and cultural landmarks in Yogyakarta City.

From north to south, new tourist destinations keep springing up in Yogyakarta. At Obelix Hills, you can watch the sunset while lounging on the top of a hill. Meanwhile, agrotourism destinations such as Bhumi Merapi offer a variety of family-friendly activities. At The Lost World Castle, you can find replicas of famous landmarks and feel as if transported to other countries. Don't forget to visit Jomblang Cave and get ready to be astonished by its hidden magnificence!

Parking rates in Jogja range from Rp3.000 to Rp5.000 for cars and around Rp2.000 for motorbikes, depending on the parking location. In some areas, the more crowded the place, the more you have to pay for parking.

If you are coming to Malioboro with a private vehicle, you can park at Abu Bakar Ali Parking. It is located near Yogyakarta Station, across Inna Garuda Hotel. You just have to cross the road from the parking area to get to Jalan Malioboro. The car parking rate is Rp5.000 for the first 2 hours, then Rp2.500 per hour will be charged. Meanwhile, the motorbike parking rate is Rp2.000 for the first 2 hours, then Rp1.500 per hour will be charged.

See All Practical Tips for Yogyakarta

Explore Yogyakarta

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Must-try activities in yogyakarta.

Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience

Waterboom Jogja Tickets

Tiket Candi Prambanan

Borobudur Temple Tickets

Tiket Ramayana Ballet Purawisata Jogja

Sindu Kusuma Edupark Tickets

Jogja 1 Hari (Svargabumi, Langlang Buana, Obelix Hills, Heha Sky View)

Jogja Trip 1 Day Lava Tour Merapi, Tebing Breksi, Obelix Hills By AP Tour

Grand Puri Waterpark

Yogyakarta Food Tour with Rickshaw - 3-Hour Tour

Mount Merapi Hardtop Jeep Rental

Mini Zoo Jogja Exotarium Sleman

Museum and Factory Tour Chocolate Kingdom

Paket Wisata Bromo, Ijen dan Tumpak Sewu 4 H 3 M Start Kota Jogja

1 DAY JOGJA TOUR PACKAGE (Brexi cliff, green temple, pine forest, Parangtritis beach and sand dunes) by Buni Tours Jogja

Timang Beach Tour Package, Heha Ocean By Sheyco Tour

Private Royal Heritage Tour: Yogyakarta Palace, Watercastle, Sonobudoyo Museum

Jogja Nature Tourism

Paket Wisata VW Tour Borobudur, Candi Borobudur & Bukit Rhema By Arowisata

Semarang Lawang Sewu Tour Package, Sam Poo Kong, Old Town From Jogja

Top accommodations in yogyakarta.

Jambuluwuk Malioboro Hotel Yogyakarta

Yellow Star Gejayan Hotel

The Victoria Hotel Yogyakarta

Yellow Star Ambarukmo Hotel

Hotel New Saphir Yogyakarta

POP! Hotel Timoho, Yogyakarta

Hotel FortunaGrande Malioboro Yogyakarta By Fosia Hotels

Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

Rp 1.508.000.

Grand Kangen Hotel Urip Sumoharjo Yogyakarta

Grand Zuri Malioboro Yogyakarta

The Westlake Hotel & Resort Yogyakarta

Rp 1.036.040.

Tjokro Style Yogyakarta

Crystal Lotus Hotel

SigNature Jogja

Eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta

Rp 1.454.370.

Best City Hotel

The Rich Jogja Hotel

Hotel Citradream Tugu Yogyakarta

D'Salvatore Art & Boutique Hotel

The Alana Hotel & Conference Center Malioboro Yogyakarta by ASTON

POP! Hotel Malioboro - Yogyakarta

Greenhost Boutique Hotel

Hotel Neo Malioboro by ASTON

INNSIDE by Melia Yogyakarta

Hotel Adilla Syariah Ambarukmo

Grand Serela Yogyakarta by KAGUM Hotels

POP! Hotel Sangaji Yogyakarta

LUXURY MALIOBORO HOTEL

Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

Rp 1.996.500.

The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Convention Center

Whiz Hotel Malioboro Yogyakarta

THE 1O1 Yogyakarta Tugu Hotel

Horison Lynn Yogyakarta

Burza Hotel Yogyakarta

Allstay Ecotel Yogyakarta

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Kulon Progo Regency

Gunung Kidul Regency

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Getty Images/Flickr Open

If Jakarta is Java’s financial and industrial powerhouse, Yogyakarta is its soul. Central to the island’s artistic and intellectual heritage, Yogyakarta (pronounced ‘Jogjakarta’ and called Yogya, 'Jogja', for short) is where the Javanese language is at its purest, the arts at their brightest and its traditions at their most visible.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Beside the southern alun-alun (main square), Yogya's enormous kraton (palace) is the cultural and political heart of this fascinating city. Effectively a…

This once-splendid pleasure park of palaces, pools and waterways, built between 1758 and 1765, functioned as the playground of the sultan and his…

Sono-Budoyo Museum

This treasure chest is one of the best museums in Yogya. It is only small but is home to a first-class collection of Javanese art, including wayang kulit…

Affandi Museum

One of Indonesia’s most celebrated artists, Affandi (1907–90) lived and worked in a wonderfully quirky self-designed riverside studio, about 6km east of…

In 1582, Kota Gede was made the first capital of the Mataram kingdom, the founder of which, Panembahan Senopati, is buried in a tomb here. Today, the area…

Tombs of Mataram Kotagede

The 16th-century founder of the Mataram kingdom, Panembahan Senopati, is buried in the small graveyard of an old mosque located in the suburb of Kota Gede…

Pasar Beringharjo

Yogya’s main market is a lively and fascinating place to visit. Batik, catering for tourist tastes and mostly of the inexpensive batik cap (stamped batik)…

Kedai Kebun Forum

This fun, bohemian space is a key haunt for Yogya's arts community. The gallery curates mixed-media exhibitions and hosts pop-up shops, film screenings…

Latest stories from Yogyakarta

Festivals & Events

Feb 13, 2014 • 3 min read

From the all-night shadow-puppet performances to the bold and socially aware graffiti covering many a wall, Yogyakarta, the cultural and spiritual capital…

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Yogyakarta

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Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta: Ideal Season Guide

Discovering the best time to visit Yogyakarta is essential for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural heritage and awe-inspiring natural beauty. This Javanese gem, celebrated for its historical significance and vibrant traditions, rewards visitors with a wealth of experiences year-round. However, to truly embrace the essence of Yogyakarta’s soul, planning your journey during the ideal season for Yogyakarta travel can significantly enhance your adventure.

With an eye on the sublime, one must wonder, when to go to Yogyakarta to experience its grandeur without the interference of the elements? The dry season, stretching from April to October, promises the most agreeable climate for exploration. Whether it is to stroll through the ancient corridors of historic temples or to engage with the bustling street life, this period offers optimal weather conditions and is highlighted in every Yogyakarta travel guide . Yet, the city’s allure is not bound by time, as it generously unfolds its splendor to those venturing during off-peak months as well.

While Yogyakarta is a destination with year-round appeal, travelers fare best when they plan in alignment with its specific meteorological patterns. No matter when you decide to visit, Yogyakarta’s warmth extends beyond its climate—its people, culture, and atmosphere make any season a good time to experience this vibrant city.

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

Identifying the best season to visit Yogyakarta hinges on several factors, including the optimal weather conditions for travel , the vibrant Javanese culture showcased during festivities in Yogyakarta , and the varying travel costs in Yogyakarta . Each element plays a crucial role in defining an enjoyable travel experience to this historic and culturally rich region in Indonesia.

Optimal Weather Conditions

For travelers seeking the best months for good weather in Yogyakarta , July through September stand out as the premier choices. During these months, the city enjoys a reprieve from the usual rain, opening up a plethora of opportunities for tourists to explore the esteemed Yogyakarta attractions and partake in various things to do in Yogyakarta .

Cultural Events and Festivities

Yogyakarta is not just about its agreeable climate, but also about its rich calendar of cultural events and festivities that ignite the city throughout the year. Planning a visit around these events allows travelers to immerse themselves deeply in the heart of Javanese culture , thus enhancing the essence of their visit. Vivid examples of such richness include the annual Ramayana Ballet and the vibrant Sekaten Fair.

Travel Costs During Different Seasons

When considering the travel costs in Yogyakarta , it is wise to note the fluctuations based on the Yogyakarta tourist seasons . The table below outlines the expected best season to visit Yogyakarta while taking budget and tourist traffic into consideration, thereby aiding travelers in strategizing how to save money on travel .

Yogyakarta Weather Overview

Renowned for its rich culture and historical landmarks, Yogyakarta is a treasured destination for travelers. Understanding the annual weather in Yogyakarta is crucial for planning a gratifying journey. The city basks in a warm tropical climate with temperatures that hover around 86°F, making any time a great time to visit. However, an appreciation of the region’s distinct climate and weather patterns can enhance travel experiences.

Yogyakarta’s rainfall distribution is an important aspect, with precipitation in Yogyakarta peaking during the transitional period between the wet and dry seasons, typically in January to April and again in November. To aid travelers in their planning, the following yearly overview outlines what one can expect from the climate in this cultural hub of Java.

• Dry Season – Extended periods of sunshine, ideal for outdoor exploration.
• Wet Season – Higher humidity and rainfall, with sporadic downpours, lush landscapes, and fewer tourists.
• Daily Average Sunshine – Even during wetter months, Yogyakarta generally enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, contributing to its popularity as a year-round destination.

Despite occasional rains, the daily average sunshine in Yogyakarta ensures that its ancient temples, bustling markets, and scenic landscapes can be enjoyed nearly any day of the year. Whether it’s marveling at the architectural splendor of the Borobudur Temple or strolling through the vibrant streets of the city, the weather in Yogyakarta rarely dampens the spirit of adventure.

Dry and Rainy Seasons in Yogyakarta

Visiting Yogyakarta presents a diverse array of experiences depending on the timing of your visit, with the region’s monsoon patterns dictating the dry and rainy seasons . Understanding these seasonal variations is key to crafting a fulfilling Yogyakarta travel guide and ensuring a memorable journey through this vibrant city.

Understanding Monsoon Patterns

The monsoon patterns in Yogyakarta are split into two distinct seasons, affecting everything from the must-visit places in Yogyakarta to the activities you can enjoy. The dry season spans from April to October, providing ample time to soak in the local culture and landscape with minimal rainfall. Travelers can explore ancient sites like the Borobudur and Prambanan temples under clear skies, making the most of their Yogyakarta itinerary .

Navigating Yogyakarta During The Rainy Season

The rainy season, which extends from November to March, showcases a different facet of Yogyakarta, with frequent showers transforming the landscape. Heavier rains characterize the monsoon season, yet savvy travelers equipped with rainy season travel tips can still experience the city thoroughly. While navigating monsoons , flexibility in scheduling allows adventurers to discover what to do in Yogyakarta during rain , such as indulging in indoor cultural experiences or savoring local cuisine at atmospheric cafes.

Month-By-Month Breakdown for Yogyakarta

Planning a visit to Yogyakarta involves considering its monthly weather patterns to ensure a delightful journey. With Yogyakarta weather by month being a critical element of travel planning for Yogyakarta , it is important to align your expectations for travel with the climatic nuances of each month.

Highlighting the Best Months for Travel

The best time to visit Yogyakarta is usually from July to September. This stretch is the city’s peak period for travel, thanks to its amiable climate, enhancing the allure of Yogyakarta tourist spots . Travelers can anticipate days with less rain and humidity, making it ideal for exploring the rich heritage and natural landscapes of the region.

What to Expect Each Month

With important travel information in mind, here’s a concise look at Yogyakarta monthly weather and what travelers can expect:

The diverse climate of Yogyakarta presents opportunities and challenges throughout the year, but with careful planning, the city can offer a rich array of experiences in any month. Whether seeking adventure, culture, or a blend of both, the detailed breakdown above can guide travelers in creating an itinerary that capitalizes on Yogyakarta’s unique charms.

Yogyakarta’s High and Off-Peak Tourist Seasons

For travelers planning to visit the culturally rich city of Yogyakarta, understanding the ebb and flow of tourist seasons in Yogyakarta is crucial. The periods of high and off-peak travel significantly influence not only the travel experience but also the aspects of accommodation and overall costs.

The peak visitor numbers in Yogyakarta are typically seen in July, August, and the festive month of December. These months coincide with school holidays and festive seasons, explaining the surge in tourist activity, particularly in August. An influx of visitors around these times means that popular sites are bustling, and the vibrancy of Yogyakarta is on full display.

In contrast, the months of January, February, March, and November are characterized by lower tourist traffic. These periods are considered the best time to visit Yogyakarta for those who seek a quieter experience. During these off-peak times, travelers often enjoy a more relaxed pace, easier access to attractions, and potentially lower costs in accommodation and activities.

When planning a trip to the Javanese hub of tradition, one must take into account both the weather trends and the expected visitor counts to align with personal travel preferences. The delicate balance of choosing the best time to visit Yogyakarta hinges on whether one desires the challenge of navigating through the high season buzz or the peace of exploring during the off-peak calm.

Annual Cultural Events and Festivals

When it comes to experiencing Javanese culture , the Yogyakarta cultural events stand as a majestic testament to the region’s profound cultural significance . Among these, the colorful and vibrant festivals in Yogyakarta provide a window into a realm where ancient traditions and modern celebrations converge, creating a unique Yogyakarta travel experience for locals and visitors alike.

Festivals Worth Planning Your Trip Around

For those looking to enrich their journey with the area’s rich heritage, timing your visit to coincide with traditional Javanese festivals is a must. From the spellbinding performances of the Ramayana Ballet at the Prambanan Temple to the soulful Sekaten Festival which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad, each event offers a glimpse of Yogyakarta traditions in their full splendor.

Visiting during such events not only allows for witnessing the grandeur of local arts but also facilitates participation in a shared communal experience, where one can bond with the Javanese people over their shared love for art, music, and history.

Experiencing Traditional Javanese Culture

In the heart of the city, the royal palace, or Kraton, is more than an architectural wonder; it is an active hub of Yogyakarta traditions such as classical dance, batik art, and the evocative sounds of gamelan music. As the epicenter of the region’s cultural life, the Kraton’s ongoing programs throughout the year add another compelling reason for cultural connoisseurs to visit this enchanting city.

Moreover, the bustling streets of Yogyakarta burst into life with street performances and art exhibitions, where the local arts in Yogyakarta are proudly displayed and celebrated, demonstrating a living culture that has evolved continuously whilst staying deeply rooted in its traditional values.

For those seeking to immerse themselves fully in the Javanese way of life, engaging in these festivities offers an unrivaled opportunity. One leaves with not just memories but a profound respect for a culture that thrives on its creativity and warmth.

Yogyakarta Travel Tips for All Seasons

When planning a trip to Yogyakarta , the vibrant heart of Java Island, every traveler should consider the local nuances to maximize their experience. Keeping abreast of the latest travel restrictions and health advisories is crucial; unexpected changes can impact plans significantly.

For those looking to navigate the financial aspects of their journey, currency exchange is most reliably managed through esteemed money changers or by using ATMs to withdraw the local Indonesian Rupiah. It’s advisable to compare rates and choose secure transaction points to ensure the best value for your money.

Accommodation is a key element in your Yogyakarta itinerary . For newcomers, staying in the vicinity of the energetic Jalan Malioboro presents an array of shopping and dining options. Its central location offers accessibility and a taste of Yogyakarta’s pulsating atmosphere. Conversely, those intent on delving into the region’s historical roots might prefer lodging closer to the iconic Borobudur or Prambanan temples, prioritizing ease of travel to these ancient wonders.

Here are some additional Yogyakarta travel tips :

• Street food is a must-try, but choose stalls that display high turnover for the freshest fare.
• Keep hydrated and apply sunblock generously, especially during the dry season.
• Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and cultural sites.
• Engage with local guides for in-depth stories and hidden gems off the beaten path.

Regardless of the season, your travels to Yogyakarta can be deeply enriching with a bit of foresight and preparation. Consider these pieces of Yogyakarta travel advice essential in creating a memorable and hassle-free adventure.

Major Yogyakarta Attractions and The Best Times to Visit Them

Yogyakarta, a city rich in culture and tradition, offers a myriad of breathtaking attractions that tell the stories of its ancient past. Among these, the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples stand as colossal testaments to Indonesia’s religious and artistic history. Likewise, Yogyakarta’s royal history is proudly displayed in its palatial complexes. Timing your visit appropriately not only enhances the experience but also affords you the comfort and splendor of these historic sites at their best.

Borobudur and Prambanan Temples

Renowned for their architectural grandeur and spiritual significance, the Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple are essential destinations for visitors exploring Yogyakarta’s historic attractions. The best times to visit these temples are during the dry months, where clear skies and a drop in humidity provide the perfect setting for exploration and photography. Evenings and early mornings are particularly magical, offering a serene atmosphere away from the daytime crowds.

Exploring Yogyakarta’s Royal History

Delving into Yogyakarta’s royal history requires a visit to the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton) and the enchanting Taman Sari Water Castle . These sites are steeped in the sultanate’s legacy and are open for visitors year-round. Nonetheless, to fully appreciate the open courtyards and intricate detailing of the structures, the cooler months of the dry season provide a more agreeable climate, making the experience both comfortable and enjoyable.

As you wander through the royal dwellings and gardens, you’re not just walking through former residences, but through the living history of Yogyakarta. The tranquil beauty of Taman Sari’s hidden baths and the opulence of the Yogyakarta Palace’s throne room are amplified when the weather is at its most pleasant, allowing for extended visits without the hindrance of heat or rain.

In planning your itinerary, considering these best times to visit temples and royal sites ensures that your journey through Yogyakarta’s attractions is both comfortable and profoundly enriching.

How Yogyakarta’s Weather Affects Outdoor Activities

The tropical climate of Yogyakarta uniquely influences the outdoor activities that adventurers can partake in. Understanding Yogyakarta weather considerations is crucial for travelers looking to engage in active travel in Yogyakarta . When the skies are clear during the dry season, tourists flock to the majestic temples and lush landscapes for hiking and cycling. However, the monsoon season poses challenges and often reshapes the typical spectrum of accessible outdoor pursuits.

The following table showcases how various outdoor activities in Yogyakarta are impacted by seasonal weather changes, emphasizing the weather impact on activities .

As evidenced, the seasonality of Yogyakarta’s weather has a substantial role in shaping the outdoor adventure landscape. By anticipating these weather-related nuances, travelers can optimize their itineraries for an unforgettable experience in Indonesia’s beautiful city of Yogyakarta.

When it comes to planning Yogyakarta travel , it is evident that the region’s allure remains constant throughout the year, but the ideal travel time for Yogyakarta hinges on what one seeks to experience. For travelers yearning for dry skies and pleasant climes, April to October serves as the prime window. Yet, those who prefer fewer crowds and potentially lower travel costs might find the tranquil ambiance of the off-peak months more appealing.

The Yogyakarta journey conclusion is not a one-size-fits-all, as each season paints the city in a different light. Whether you wish to bask in the festive fervor of cultural events or roam the serene streets during quieter times, Yogyakarta embraces every visitor with open arms. The key to an unforgettable Yogyakarta trip lies in aligning your travel dates with the activities and experiences that mean the most to you.

Ultimately, whenever you choose to visit, Yogyakarta’s rich tapestry of culture, history, and natural splendor promises a memorable quest. By carefully considering the numerous factors mentioned, from weather patterns to cultural festivities and peak travel times, you can tailor an enriching itinerary that resonates with your personal travel aspirations—ensuring that your Yogyakarta adventure is as fulfilling as it is unforgettable.

What is the ideal season for Yogyakarta travel?

The ideal season to visit Yogyakarta is during the dry season, which spans from April to October, offering favorable weather conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

How does Yogyakarta’s tropical climate affect travel experiences?

Yogyakarta’s tropical rainforest climate results in hot temperatures year-round, with variations in rainfall distinguishing the wet and dry seasons. Travelers should be prepared for high humidity and plan their activities accordingly.

When are the optimal weather conditions for travel to Yogyakarta?

The best months for good weather in Yogyakarta are typically July, August, and September, with lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring the many attractions.

What cultural events and festivities can I experience in Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta hosts various cultural events and festivities throughout the year, including traditional Javanese shadow puppet shows, the Ramayana Ballet, and numerous local festivals that celebrate Javanese culture .

How do travel costs vary during different seasons in Yogyakarta?

Travel costs in Yogyakarta fluctuate with seasonality. November generally sees the lowest hotel prices, while April tends to be the most expensive. Visitor numbers peak in August, affecting accommodations and travel expenses.

What is the weather overview for Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta experiences a warm climate averaging 86°F annually, with a mix of dry and wet periods. The city features high humidity and a decent amount of daily average sunshine .

What should I understand about monsoon patterns in Yogyakarta?

It’s important to understand that Yogyakarta’s dry season lasts from April to October with less rainfall, while the rainy season from November to March experiences heavier rains, influencing travel plans.

How can I navigate Yogyakarta during the rainy season?

When visiting during the rainy season, bring appropriate rain gear and maintain flexible travel plans, as most attractions remain open with rainfall mostly occurring in the evenings.

Which months are highlighted as the best for travel to Yogyakarta?

July to September are highlighted as the best months for travel to Yogyakarta due to lower humidity and reduced rain, conducive to outdoor explorations and temple visits.

What should I expect for Yogyakarta’s weather each month?

Expect the beginning of the year, January through March, to be the rainiest, with conditions improving as the dry season approaches, reducing rainfall and making travel more pleasant.

When are Yogyakarta’s high and off-peak tourist seasons?

Yogyakarta’s high tourist season occurs in July, August, and December, with visitor numbers peaking during August. Off-peak seasons are typically January, February, March, and November.

What festivals in Yogyakarta are worth planning my trip around?

Festivals worth planning your Yogyakarta trip around include the Ramayana Ballet, Sekaten Fair, and Yogyakarta Art Festival, providing immersive cultural experiences.

How can I experience traditional Javanese culture in Yogyakarta?

To experience traditional Javanese culture , visit the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace), attend a gamelan musical performance, or explore local handicraft markets showcasing batik and other Javanese crafts.

What are some essential travel tips for visiting Yogyakarta in any season?

Essential travel tips for visiting Yogyakarta include staying informed about the latest travel advisories, exchanging currency at reputable money changers, and choosing accommodations conveniently located near tourist spots or cultural sites.

When is the best time to visit major attractions such as the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples?

The best time to visit major attractions like the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples is during the dry season, particularly from April to October, when you’re less likely to encounter rain.

How can I explore Yogyakarta’s royal history?

Yogyakarta’s royal history can be explored by visiting the Yogyakarta Palace and the Taman Sari Water Castle , both offering insight into the region’s royal heritage and cultural significance .

How does Yogyakarta’s weather affect outdoor activities?

Weather in Yogyakarta greatly impacts outdoor activities. The dry season offers the best conditions for hiking, cycling, and temple exploration, while the rainy season may require planning around wet weather.

Source Links

• https://www.willflyforfood.net/the-first-timers-travel-guide-to-yogyakarta-indonesia/
• https://www.whereandwhen.net/when/southeast-asia/java/yogyakarta/
• https://championtraveler.com/dates/best-time-to-visit-yogyakarta-id/

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GUIDE TO YOGYAKARTA – Your Ultimate Jogja Resource

Welcome to my Guide to Yogyakarta!

Yogyakarta is a place that not many from outside Indonesia have even heard of. For those that have visited, though, it is a place that they will never forget. It is a place that we will keep telling our friends back home that they “HAVE to visit”. Yet we will always get those blank stares, and the inevitable reply. “Where?”

Because it is a fact that many visitors to Indonesian shores have only ever heard of Bali. Some may know about Jakarta, and even fewer may have heard about such places as Bromo, Ijen, or even Krakatoa. But Yogyakarta? Most likely not.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you click on those links and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you I will get a small commission. This will go a long way toward keeping this website running. As always, thank you for your support! Click HERE for more information.

This is a shame, because Yogyakarta (Jogja) is a beautiful place, with some of the most amazing sights in Indonesia. It has history, culture, and friendliness all wrapped into one. So next time you visit Indonesia, make sure to put aside a few days to check out Jogja as well. This Guide to Yogyakarta will show you exactly what there is to do, where to stay and how to get there. Hopefully, by the end, ALL of your questions will have been answered!

Table of Contents

Where is yogyakarta, how to get to yogyakarta, about yogyakarta, candi prambanan, other temples, malioboro street, alkid yogyakarta, pantai timang gondola, gunung kidul beaches, gunung api purba, merapi daytrip, nepal van java, borobudur guided tour, jomblang cave and prambanan sunset, dieng plateau, volcano, jungle swing and waterfall, private car charter with driver, where to stay in yogyakarta, getting around in yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta lies in Central Java , not too far from the southern shoreline. It actually has its very own region, called the Special Region of Yogyakarta. It is approximately 420 kilometers from Jakarta as the crow flies, or 540 Kilometers from Denpasar in Bali.

There are plenty of ways to get to Yogyakarta. The most common, of course, is flying. Planes come and go regularly throughout the day, and you can easily catch flights from both Jakarta and Bali. Both flights will only see you in the air for just over an hour.

Flying is not the only way to go, however, and in this guide to Yogyakarta I want to show you a couple of better options!

Those on a budget can save a few dollars by taking their time. From Jakarta, I recommend catching the train. I really enjoyed my trip last time from Jakarta to Jogja by train. It takes just over 8 hours, is very comfortable, and the trains offer some really good facilities. Check out THIS article that I wrote about it for more information.

If you are coming from Bali, then my recommendation is the good old fashioned bus. Except for one catch. There doesn’t have to be anything old fashioned about it! Last time I traveled from Yogyakarta to Bali, I booked a seat on the Tami Jaya Suite Class bus. It took about 16 hours, (overnight), but it was SO comfortable! In the suite class you have your own cubicle, just like in first class on a plane. The leather seats fully recline to nearly flat, with your own tv (if you have movies on flash drive) charging ports, and a curtain for privacy. Definitely the best way to travel, for a lot cheaper than an airfare!

If you are driving, then all roads lead to Yogyakarta! Just set your gps, and make sure you have a topped up toll card, because using the tolls is the easiest way to get around Java.

Remember though, that you will need a valid license to drive in Indonesia. This is especially if you’re hiring a car, and coming from Bali you will probably be asked for it at the ferry, along with registration for your hire car. While driving can be a great way to get around in Java, you don’t want to run foul of the authorities.

To tick all your boxes, make sure you carry your license from your home country at all times, and have a current International Driver’s Permit. These can be obtained from your home country before you travel to Indonesia, otherwise are easy to get at THIS online link.

Yogyakarta, along with its twin city of Solo, are considered the cradle of civilization in Java. From as early as the 8th and 9th centuries, Yogyakarta has been a seat of power that saw the construction of such amazing temples as Borobudur and Prambanan in the region. Later, it held an integral role as a part of the powerful Mataram Kingdom in the 16th and 17th centuries.

This was finally brought to an end by the Dutch, and their wily tactics that saw Yogyakarta split away from Solo. Yogyakarta was then granted Special Region Status in 1950. To this day, Yogyakarta is the only Indonesian City still ruled by a Monarchy.

Yogyakarta is also known as Jogjakarta, and is most often simply referred to fondly as Jogja. It is commonly considered the heart of culture and the arts in Java, if not the entire country of Indonesia. Visitors to the city can wander through temples that are over a thousand years old, or watch as ancient traditions are still enacted by Jogja locals. The arts are still created and recreated every day in Jogja, and it is no wonder that it still rivals bigger and more famous international Indonesian destinations for the tourist dollar.

One thing to note about Jogja, is that essentially, it is a student town. The city is famous throughout Indonesia for having some state of the art Universities, and the student population really keeps the heart of the city beating. For this reason, you will see young people everywhere. It’s NOT your imagination. The best thing about it though, is that most places you visit, from cafes to warungs will be cheap because they cater to the student population.

Things to do in Yogyakarta

On my very first visit to Yogyakarta, I really didn’t know what to expect. I had heard about Borobudur, and people had told me how wonderful the Jogja street food was. The only other thing I had been told is that Jogja is cheaper than Bali. Honestly, I didn’t believe them, because Bali is SO cheap!

Guess what? They were right. Plus, I found so many other amazing reasons to fall in love with Jogja. On my second visit to the city, I spent an entire month there. I traveled, and I blogged. I did day trips, and I blogged. Because if there is one thing that I have learnt about Jogja, it’s that just when you think you have seen it all, something else will pop up. Suddenly you are discovering a new wonder that you never knew existed.

In this guide to Yogyakarta, I am going to try and cover some of the most popular things that you can do in and around the city. I have also thrown in some lesser known things that are personal favorites. So, let’s dive in!

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world. Even though, officially, it is not listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, in many more recent lists it actually is. The reason for this is that it simply wasn’t constructed in the ancient days that the original list was made. It was added into the lists afterward.

The Temple of Borobudur is amazing. There is no other way to describe how incredible it is. There is no wonder that tens of thousands of people visit from all over the world every year. Any Guide to Yogyakarta HAS to put it front and center, and this one is no different!

Technically, it is not in Yogyakarta. To get there involves a 2 hour trip from the city, but it is worth it. The most hardy visitors will arise at 3am for the trip, hoping to catch the sunrise. There are plenty of tours that will help you out with this, and I will add one to the list later in this article.

Many visitors to Jogja ONLY come to see Borobudur. While this is understandable, there are many more amazing places that they are missing out on. Next up in my guide to Yogyakarta, you will read about one that totally blew me away!

Yes, this place blew my socks off!

Candi Prambanan is something else. If you visit Borobudur and Candi Prambanan in one day, which is possible on a tour, then be ready for a BIG day.

This temple is over a thousand years old, and consists of many, many temples that make up the entire temple complex. This is in contrast to Borobudur that is only one temple. Prambanan, however, is a Hindu Temple, while Borobudur is Buddhist.

Most of the temples of Prambanan were destroyed by a series of earthquakes hundreds of years ago. Archeologists have painstakingly been reconstructing them piece by piece from the resulting rubble. Fortunately, the original builders knew what they were doing, and each block is carved to fit perfectly into its place. Basically, it is the world’s biggest jigsaw puzzle.

It takes many years to put together just one temple, and the entire reconstruction is estimated to take 200 years. The main temples have already been completed, though, including the central temple that stands at an imposing 47 meters tall! You can check out my FULL GUIDE to Prambanan HERE .

For tickets to Prambanan, you can check out the prices online easily. I will include the link below.

My one tip for Candi Prambanan is to get a guide. The temple complex is huge, and there are places that the guide took us that we wouldn’t have found ourselves. Plus, they know all the best photo angles according to what time of day you are there. They are worth the money!

When you enter Candi Prambanan, you will have the option to include entry to the nearby Ratu Boko as a part of your ticket price. TAKE THIS OPTION!

Ratu Boko is an amazing complex on a hill a few kilometers away from Candi Prambanan. There is a courtesy bus that can take you there, or like us, you can just make your own way.

Ratu Boko is not actually a temple, but a small Kraton, or palace. The entire place is really just ruins now, but I had a great time wandering around the peaceful hilltop. There are ancient bathing pools that were used by the princess and other women, a cave, and an ancient stone archway or doors that appear to lead nowhere that are amazing for photos.

Ratu Boko is one of the most peaceful places that I have been to in Indonesia. It is hard to describe how I felt wandering around there, except to say that I felt at home. It is one place I would really like to return to when I go back to Yogyakarta.

Guide to Yogyakarta tip: If you can, stay for the sunset at Ratu Boko. They are amazing!

If you are not already all “templed out” then there are plenty of other temples around the area to check out. In this Guide to Yogyakarta, I will just mention a couple of my favorites.

First, there is Candi Sambisari. This little gem is hiding not too far from Candi Prambanan. It is a single temple that seems to be sitting well below ground level, with wonderful green hillsides surrounding it. This temple was not always below ground, however. It was discovered by a farmer digging in his fields one day when his hoe hit rock. The temple, it seems, had been covered over by an ancient eruption, and duly forgotten about for hundreds of years!

Second, we have Candi Ijo. This is also not too far from Prambanan, but closer to Ratu Boko. Unlike Sambisari, Candi Ijo is on top of a hill and commands amazing views of Jogja and the surrounding countryside. The views themselves are worth the visit, but the temple is also amazing in its own right.

Malioboro Street , or Jalan Malioboro, is basically the Main Street of Jogja. Usually, I will opt to choose my accommodation close to Malioboro, as you will find yourself in and around this area a lot. Especially at night time.

Malioboro Street starts at Nol Kilometer, or “Zero” Kilometer. If this doesn’t tell you that everything in Jogja starts at Malioboro, then nothing will!

The best way to see Malioboro is simply to walk. It is 2.5 kilometers long, and a walk will take you a while. The entire street is lined with market stalls, eateries, and food carts. There is a large mall mid way, and countless Becak and Andongs running up and down the street ferrying tourists and locals along.

On my last stay in Jogja, I spent an entire month living just a block away from Malioboro Street, and I cannot think of a day that I did not visit it at least once. It is such an icon, that even if you have nothing that you want to do, you can just sit at Nol Kilometer and watch the world go by. Hundreds of others will be sitting with you, trust me!

Taman Sari Water Castle is the ancient bathing pools of the Sultans of Yogyakarta. It has a rich history, and lies in the very middle of the city. This is a place that I love, and have been to every time I return to Jogja.

The ancient walls of Taman Sari still stand, and the inner sanctum of bathing pools, orchard and even the underground mosque are still present at Taman Sari. The entrance fee will include a guided tour, and you will get lost in wonder as they explain to you all about the Sultan, and the traditions that once made Taman Sari an integral part of the Sultan’s life.

Much of Taman Sari has been taken over by the local villagers these days. They have moved into the complex and call it home. This just adds to the character, and many artists display colorful murals, and chic coffee shops and stores surround the area. A day at Taman Sari is definitely something I highly recommend!

I have previously written a full guide to Taman Sari, such is my love of it. Nevertheless, I STILL had to mention it in my Guide to Yogyakarta. It just can’t be missed.

This would not be a guide to Yogyakarta without mentioning the Kraton!

The Kraton, or Keraton, is the palace of the Sultan. It is located right in the middle of Jogja, within sight of Nol Kilometer, and just a block away from Taman Sari. It is a fully functional Palace that is still in everyday use by the Sultan and his family.

So how could you possibly visit a Palace? Because it is actually also a living and breathing museum. Like Taman Sari, the Kraton entrance fee will come with a Guide. Wander around the buildings inside the palace, learning all about its history, and the incredibly rich story of the Sultanate itself. You will see the traditional Kraton Guards as they go about their daily duties, and get up close and personal with what life is actually like as Indonesian Royalty!

Alun Alun Kidul, or Alkid Yogyakarta, is basically a square park in the central area of Jogja. It is located just behind the Kraton, and is a place surrounded by much superstition and wonder.

The park is basically just a very large square of grass with a road running completely around its perimeter. In the center of the park stand two very tall and ancient trees, each surrounded by its own white fence. This is where the legends and superstition come in.

Legend says that if you can walk, blindfolded, from one side of the park to the other and pass BETWEEN the trees, then your wishes will come true.

This legend has turned into a favorite past time for locals and also tourists in Jogja. Come to Alkid at night time, and the place is like a party! There are hundreds of people sitting around on the grass, eating dinner and chatting, while their friends try their luck walking between the trees. The surrounding street is alive with street food carts, and fluorescent pedal powered cars for hire circle the perimeter.

Honestly, I have never seen anything like it!

Ok, so sunsets are common everywhere. But in Indonesia, nearly every city has an array of wonderful sunset places. The country has some spectacular sunsets, so it only makes sense, doesn’t it? In this Guide to Yogyakarta, I will list a few of my favorite and most popular places.

First, HeHa Sky View. This place is on the hills surrounding Jogja, and is one of THE places to be seen. Anyone who is anyone will descend upon this place to watch the sunset. Or ascend, as the case may be. HeHa has a wonderful outlook over the entire city, plus a boardwalk built out to a large restaurant that makes the views even better. There are food carts, viewpoints, and even a stage for a live band.

Next, we have Obelix Hills. Similar to HeHa, Obelix Hills has a restaurant, and plenty of places to see the sunset from. It is set up with some great spots for photos, has a swing, and colored beanbags to sit on. Obelix Hills is on an adjacent set of hills to HeHa, so you have to make the choice of which one to go to!

Not too far from Obelix Hills is Ratu Boko, which I already mentioned. The last place I WILL mention in my Guide to Yogyakarta Sunset Spots is a bit more of a drive though.

Bukit Paralayang is down by the beaches to the south of Jogja. It will take a little over half an hour to get there, but is worth the trip. The beach itself is black sand, and not good for swimming. It is iconic for locals though, that get down there on a daily basis to take the Andong along the sand for great sunset photos, or simply spend the afternoon riding atv’s, taking the Jeep tours, or sandboarding on the dunes. At dusk, they head up to the Bukit, and hundreds of people will sit together and enjoy the sunset, as Parasailers drift lazily overhead. It is simply a place from another world, and worth the trip to experience!

Daytrips from Yogyakarta

While there is plenty to do in Jogja, some of the most amazing activities will require a daytrip. Now, if you are only in Jogja for a few days, you might only get the chance to do one daytrip. If you are there longer, I would suggest sinking your teeth into a few of them. Being in Jogja for a month, I was spoilt and have done them all. And every one of them I would do again!

So here is the Guide to Yogyakarta list of my favorite daytrips from Jogja.

I actually had this place on my list of things to do in Indonesia, but didn’t realize how close it was to Jogja! It is actually a good couple of hours ride to the South East from the city, but definitely one thing that you SHOULD do if you are in Jogja for a while.

Pantai Timang is a wonderful, very secluded and remote beach. It has traditionally been the haven for local lobster fishermen, and you will still see them there, catching and cooking lobsters. If you want a cheap lobster meal, then this is your place!

The main attraction at Pantai Timang for me is the yellow wooden Gondola. Operated completely manually, it ferries you across to the small nearby island where the lobster fishermen hang out. It is a ride that is totally unique, and an experience I really enjoyed. Check out THIS article for an entire review, including where it is and how to get there.

Gunung Kigul is a neighboring region, and is actually where Pantai Timang is located as well. Not too far from the Gondola to the North East, you will find the wonderful Gunung Kidul Beaches.

These beaches are really something else. Unlike the beaches that are closer to Jogja, the beaches at Gunung Kidul are beautiful white sands beaches. In my opinion, they are as good as, if not better than the best beaches even in Bali!

It seems strange to be writing a Guide to Yogyakarta, and telling you to go to beaches somewhere else, but that is just how good they are!

One thing that I loved about the beaches here is how peaceful they are. In Bali, you will find sellers on the beaches, and someone always pushing you to buy something. To get away from that you have to find the most remote beaches with a thousand stairs to climb to gain access.

Here at Gunung Kidul you will find amazing beaches, lined with warungs, and not a person in sight that will try and hassle you. Enjoy your time sunbaking, swimming in crystal clear blue waters, and just have a peaceful and relaxing time!

Gunung Api Purba, once again, is in Gunung Kidul. It is only about halfway to Pantai Timang though, so your trip will be a lot shorter.

Gunung Api Purba is the name of the main peak of Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano. This incredible location can be found easily, and involves a hike of just over one hour. The views are amazing, and the ancient volcano has left behind some incredible geographic rock formations.

What really made this daytrip a standout for me was the mystic surrounds and superstition of the place. The hike takes you rapidly up an ascent through slot canyons and over rocks that have been there for hundreds of thousands of years. Along the way, you can almost FEEL the history, and at times I felt that we were not alone as we climbed.

Many visitors have the same experiences on this ancient trail, and I won’t lie and say that it wasn’t a little strange. But then, I am a sucker for a good ancient legend.

Just beware if you plan to climb in the dark for the sunrise. You have been warned!

Check out my FULL review of Gunung Api Purba HERE .

Merapi Volcano holds the prestigious position of being the most active volcano in the WORLD! You will see this immediately when you lay eyes on it for the first time. It is constantly smoking, and from the Jogja side you can clearly see the top of its crater.

The volcano holds a very distinct and prominent spot in the lives and history of the people of Jogja. As such, there are many that choose to live below it on its very slopes. There are also plenty of activities that revolve around visiting it, and seeing it up close.

One of the most popular is the Jeep Merapi tour. You can do a day tour, which I will list a bit further below, or you can simply head up the mountain and find a company to try yourself.

The Jeep tours take you to some interesting places around the lower slopes of Merapi. Witness the devastation that an erupting volcano can wreak, and see the results with your own eyes. Driving around on the slopes of an active volcano can be a real eye opener!

For more information on the incredible Mount Merapi, head across to Geology Science where they really know their stuff!

This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places in Java!

Nepal Van Java is a small village located at 1600 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Sumbing. An agricultural village, it is surrounded by crops and beautiful fields of green. Its location is unique, and it serves as the base camp for hikers and climbers wishing to tackle the imposing mountain above.

What has made this little town famous in recent years, though, is the beautiful colors they decided to paint their village. It has become one of the most colorful villages in Java, and combined with its amazing location and views, makes for a daytrip that is truly unique.

A trip to Nepal Van Java cannot be understated. It exceeded my expectations a hundred fold, and I continue to talk about it to everyone I meet. You can read my full review HERE if you are interested. But let me just say this…

The people of this village are some of the friendliest that I have met in Indonesia. It is a village that seems innocuous, but by the time I left after just a few hours, I was thinking of returning to spend a week there. There is just something about it, beyond the views, the colors, and the incredible location, that just makes you want to stay.

Best Yogyakarta Tours

Next up in my Guide to Yogyakarta, we have tours. I don’t regularly put tours into my guides, as I am an advocate for making your own way around. Especially in Bali, where I go everywhere myself on my scooter, and believe anyone can do the same if they want.

From Jogja, however, there are many places to visit that are just easier with a tour. No one really wants to ride a scooter on a 6 hour roundtrip, when someone will drive them, do they? And on a tour, that’s exactly what you get.

So here I am going to list my Guide to Yogyakarta best tours you can choose to do from Jogja.

If you are going to be in Jogja, then you just have to see Borobudur. There is simply no question.

As Borobudur is a couple of hours drive or ride from Jogja, taking a tour is a great, relaxing way to experience it. This tour includes pick up at your hotel, and entry tickets. It also means you won’t have to fight the horrible traffic that you can get between Jogja and Magelang!

Jomblang Cave is another place that is a long drive from Jogja, but very recommended to see and experience. It is a huge sinkhole that leads to a really cool cave with stalactites everywhere. The way the sun drifts down through the roof is amazing.

To get into the cave involves hanging by a harness from the end of a rope and being lowered manually down into the sinkhole. Just like Pantai Timang Gondola, it is a unique experience! All gear that you will require is provided.

After the cave, you will be taken to Candi Prambanan to see an amazing sunset from the temple after everyone else has gone home.

Head for a day out at the highest region in Java at beautiful Dieng Plateau . This incredible volcanic caldera is located 2100 meters above sea level, and has some of the most extraordinary panoramic views that you will witness in Indonesia.

Dieng is a lot colder than you will find the temperature in Yogyakarta due to the altitude. Make certain to take some warm clothes, and get some good sleep as you will start out on the tour as early as midnight in order to catch the sunrise when you arrive.

This is a really good option to experience the Jeep tours of Merapi if you don’t have your own transport. Get a guided trip around the lower slopes, and visit the museum, as well as a couple of other interesting locations. Most of the trip is on roads, so don’t expect too much off road experience.

Afterward, go to a nice swing location with views, and then a hidden waterfall, which is a great way to cool off at the end of the day.

My one tip is to get going as early as possible on a trip like this. Particularly in wet season, Merapi can be fully covered by cloud from as early as 10am, so get up at the crack of day and beat the cloud as well as the traffic!

This is not technically a tour, but I have to include in my guide to Yogyakarta simply because I recommend it so much.

When we have been in Jogja, and wanted to do something with a group of friends, this is the way we do it. Basically, you will get a car, or min van if you require, pick you up from your hotel, and take you where ever you want to go. Make your own itinerary, and the driver will follow it. If you have no idea where you want to go, then ask the driver what he recommends. You really can’t go wrong!

Picking the right place and area to stay in Jogja is critical if you want a good holiday. Personally, I always choose to stay in and around Nol Kilometer. There are two reasons for this.

Firstly, much of what you will be doing is around this area. The Kraton, Tamin Sari, Alkid, Malioboro Street. The list just goes on. From here you can also get to many of the other central areas really easily too.

The second reason is that at the end of the day, you are so close to Malioboro Street that it is easy and handy to just go for a stroll. You won’t be stuck at your hotel with nothing to do. Everything is right on your doorstep.

So, in this Guide to Yogyakarta, I am going to list a few places in and around Malioboro Street, including the place that is our favorite.

OMAH GERJEN 29

First, the place that we stay. It is called Omah Gerjen 29, and is literally just a block from Malioboro Street. It is a great place to stay with good security, and away from most of the crowd, while still being in nice comfortable walking distance. We pretty much walked everywhere for dinner at night, and found some cute cafes all around us. There is actually a really nice one right across the road!

NOVOTEL SUITES MALIOBORO

Another place that is a bit more expensive is the Novotel Suites Malioboro. These are really nice, and located almost right on Malioboro Street, just behind the Mall.

GOOD KARMA HOSTEL

For those on a bit more of a budget, there are plenty of really good Hostels in Yogyakarta. The city is very, very popular on the backpackers circuit, and with good reason. Probably one of the very best Hostels is the Good Karma Hostel. Click the button below to check it out.

Looking for the best Budget accommodation? Hostelworld have you covered with all of the very best budget friendly accommodation around town. Check them out at THIS LINK .

One big question that many ask about Yogyakarta is how to get around. It is more crucial than a place like Bali, where most things will be near where you are staying, and you simply take daytrips to go anywhere else.

In Jogja you will only need local transport to get you around to places like Kraton and Taman Sari. Don’t worry though, because Jogja has some very unique, traditional and cheap solutions!

In this guide to Yogyakarta, I will only talk about those local options. Everyone knows about taxi’s, but I would suggest to stay away from them. You won’t see too many of them anyway, as they are not really required. If you want more freedom, then hire a scooter, and if you want to go further afield, hire a car and driver or do a tour.

Locally though, try the Becak and Andong. You will find them everywhere in Jogja city, and especially around the central areas. Becak is just like a rickshaw. Some are pedal powered while there are others that have a small motor. Either way it is an easy and cheap way to move around in the inner city.

The other way is the Andong. This is essentially a horse and cart, and once again can be found in the central areas. Many people think they are just a tourist thing, but watch closely and you will see that even the locals use them to move from point A to point B.

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I hope you have enjoyed by Guide to Yogyakarta!

Jogja is an incredible place to visit. Honestly, if you have not heard of it, and want to get away from the maddening crowds and over touristed places like Bali, then you really have to check it out. The history, culture and amazing sights that make Jogja what it is, are truly unique. You will not find them anywhere else!

If you want to read more about Yogyakarta, then click on the link below to see all my reviews and guides about many of the places listed above and more.

DON’T FORGET to leave a comment below. I promise to reply!

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Thank you for this awesome in-depth guide to Yogyakarta. I would appreciate some information please What is the best time to visit….. we favour shoulder season as it is less crowded and just more deal-friendly. How many days do you suggest for Yogyakarta and then at Bali. We will need to fly in and out of Jakarta ….

We are looking at 15 days or so…. Split between Yogyakarta and Bali plus the extra couple in Jakarta. Which is the other hidden destination in Indonesia that is incredible.

And lastly, would you suggest a private car and guide

The best time to visit is definitely right now. By that, I mean at this time of year. The weather is the best, and all of the local school holidays only finished a couple of weeks ago. So if you want the great weather and less crowd, look at now. Otherwise, dry season April to October, with the very best weather being June – August. As for how much time. With 15 days I would suggest 4 in Jogja, 9 in Bali and the 2 you want to spend in Jakarta. If you can afford to hire a driver and guide, then for sure, I would suggest it. Keep in mind that at Borobodur and Prambanan you can hire a guide on site, and they are a lot better than a driver who doubles as a guide. So maybe just a driver will do you for those places.

Hello, Thank you for this precise and useful guide to Yoga ! I am planning a trip to Yoga with my daughter starting the 22nd of April. I was thinking to take a long week (10 days max) to visit Yoga (3 nights there), then suwa waterfalls, Ijen and may be Bromo (even if I did it 30 years ago, but I am not sure for Bromo, it depends on the price). Then we would head to the ferry to Bali and stop at Menjangan Island. I am on a budget trip but being alone with my daughter (she is 16) I don’t want too much trouble. What would be your advice about transportation, how to get from Yoga to the waterfalls and then to Ijen and the ferry ? how long would you recommend to spend in Yogya ? how should I go to Boro Bodur and Prembanan (can I ride there, on 2 different days) .. Waiting for your answer ! Best Sandrine

Hi Sandrine. I’m so excited for you both. The road trip sounds amazing, and definitely doable. Firstly in Jogja, yes you can certainly ride a scooter to Borobudur and Prambanan. Borobudur is a little further away, and that road to Magelang can get busy, but if you take your time its pretty straight forward. Prambanan is a lot close to Jogja. To get to Bromo, catch the train from Jogja to Malang and from there you can visit Bromo. To get to Tumpak Sewu Waterfall (i think that is what you mean) its sort of in the middle of nowhere even if geographically close to Bromo. Your best bet is to do a daytrip with a driver from Malang. Possibly you can combine Bromo and Tumpak Sewu into one day, but it would be a very long day. Tumpak Sewu is about a 3 hour drive from Malang. To get from Malang to Banyuwangi you can catch the bus, and from there visit Ijen before catching the ferry over to Bali. This is all assuming you wouldn’t be interested in hiring a car and driving at all, as I wouldn’t advise anyone to do that unless they had done it before! UPDATE – I just did a bit of research and you can do a full tour from Malang that goes to Bromo and Tumpak Sewu. I will put the link in below. https://www.getyourguide.com/malang-l153180/malang-private-mount-bromo-tumpak-sewu-waterfall-day-trip-t450320/?partner_id=GBQZLZU&utm_medium=online_publisher

Heading to Jogja now from Bali and came across this resource – thank you so much! We only have 3 days so this is perfect. One thing we saw recommended elsewhere was Jl. Prawirotaman street – any thoughts? Thanks!

Hi Joey Yes for sure! It’s a great street in an area that really caters for westerners. Some nice cafes and restaurants. Just across the way in Jl. tirtodipuran there are a couple of the best restaurants in jogja. Mediterranea and nanamia are a couple of favorites.

What are you looking for?

18 best things to do in yogyakarta [indonesia].

Yogyakarta is located in the beautiful island of Java in Indonesia and it’s a popular spot for backpackers who seek beautiful temples, mountains and culture.

‍ Yogyakarta was one of my favourite places in Java because there was so much to see and do.

And not to mention, to eat!

Below I take you through everything you need to know about planning a trip to Yogyakarta and all the top things to do in Yogyakarta.

This list is based on everything Brad and I did, plus a couple that we had planned to do but simply ran out of time for.

Don't worry! I’ll state the opening times so you won’t make the same mistake, and include prices where possible too.

Ps. Yogyakarta also goes by the name of Jogja which is more commonly what the locals call it. 

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Yogyakarta 

The best time to visit Yogyakarta is during the dry season of Java which is between the months of May and October . You can visit in the wet season but obviously you’ll have to be prepared for weather issues and potential delays. 

Bradley and I visited in the month of August and thought it was perfect. We didn’t experience any rain and nothing was overly crowded. 

How long do you need in Yogyakarta

I suggest at least 3 nights in Yogyakarta . This is because you’ve got a couple of great temples to see which require time, and you’ll definitely want to eat out into the mountainous areas. You could take your time and go slower, but 3 nights is a minimum you should spend. 

18 Top things to do in Yogyakarta

Okay, now the part you’re really interested in, the top things to do in Yogyakarta! All these activities were fantastic and you’ll be able to tell what my absolute favourite was when you’ve finished reading. So let’s get to it and inspire you with what to do in Yogyakarta.  

1. Head to Malioboro street for food and shopping

Maliboro street is the most well known street in Yogyakarta , especially amongst backpackers.

We didn’t visit until our last night but the atmosphere was amazing. It’s filled with shops and local street food , oh and massage spots too and it’s a great place to spend an evening.

I heard that once a week they turn it into a Chinatown type place which would be pretty cool (I love Chinese food!).

This is one of the best things to do in Yogyakarta at night.

2. Visit Borobudur Temple at sunrise 

A visit to Borobudur temple is one of the bucket list things to do in Yogyakarta . It’s totally worth it. What I will say is that Brad and I didn’t visit at sunrise…..

We set the alarm, woke up, but I was feeling sick, so we visited at around 9-10 am and to be honest, it wasn’t crazy busy, it was just crazy warm!

Below I’m going to give you some pointers to help you book your tickets to Borobudur temple, and I think the sunrise is a great way to do it because the colours look amazing. There will still be crowds, it’s just the amazing backdrop. 

• You buy your tickets at the ticket counter for standard entry. You could buy a combined ticket which will give you entry to both Borobudur and Prambanan temple. Your ticket is valid for 48 hours . You will get a $10 discount. 
• Entry into Borobudur temple combined is $35 and $25 solo. You can pay by card. 
• Your ticket includes a welcome drink. 
• If you want to do the sunrise tour, it’s a different ticket that you buy at a different counter. They will direct you. The sunrise ticket lets you into the temple before opening hours and includes breakfast, but of course it’s more expensive. I’ve included a picture of the prices (note this might change from the time of writing).
• There is lots to see in Borobudur, I suggest you allow 2 hours for your visit and there was some well-priced on-site restaurants. 
• If you park with a moped you can park inside or just outside the complex for 10,000 IDR
• When you leave the complex they will make you walk through what feels like 1 mile of people trying to sell you stuff, it will get annoying. But if you want souvenirs, get them there. 
• You can also visit for sunset, however I think it depends on the time of year and opening hours coincide with sunset. 
• It’s super easy to get a pic of you and the stupas as there are so many! 
• You can use free golf carts to get around the temple 
• It’s roughly a one-hour drive from the centre of Yogyakarta
• You can stay closer to the temple at hotels if doing sunrise mission

While you can totally purchase your own tickets to the temple, it might be worth getting them from tour providers such as GetYourGuide, as the price is so much cheaper and you'll get a few add-ons too!

Entrance: 455,000 IDR (or 375,000 IDR for just the temple complex)

Opening times: 06:30 - 17:00

3.  Visit the beautiful Prambanan Temple [most beautiful temple in Indonesia!]

Prambanan tTmple is 100% one of the best things to do in Yogyakarta, and I believe it’s the most beautiful temple in all of Indonesia (and of my top contenders for the world). The detail and beauty of this temple is astounding. 

Lots of people say to visit early to beat the crowds, which you can do, but Bradley and I visited around 3 o'clock and it really wasn’t busy at all.

The temperature was also pleasant, so I recommend visiting in the late afternoon. 

When you are there, there are actually around 3  temples to see and you can either walk between them, or catch a shuttle bus.

But, another fun option is to rent segways for 30,000 IDR that you can drive around the full temple complex.

That was super super fun! But I did fall, so be careful!

If you want to visit Borobudur and Prambanan, you can get a package ticket for 675,000 IDR.

Again, we'd also recommend booking ahead with tour providers , so you can skip the line!

Entrance: 375,000 IDR (25 USD)

4. Check out Ratu Boko temple

Ratu Boko temple is another temple to visit in Yogyakarta, and you can get a shuttle bus from Prambanan that will take you to and from there.

Bradley and I didn’t end up visiting, although it was on my previously planned list of things to do in Yogyakarta, but we kind of ran out of time and were really tired from visiting two temples in one day and doing a LOT of driving. 

This temple is less popular, so if you want some unique pictures, then it’s a great spot to visit. 

You can also purchase a combo ticket to enter both Ratu Boko and Prambanan for 45 USD .

Entrance: 25 USD

Opening times: 07:00 - 17:00

5. Visit Taman Sari Water Palace

This is the “water palace” of Yogyakarta , and it’s very cool and beautiful, or so I’ve read.

Basically that, and my next item was on my list of things to do in Yogyakarta, but I left them to the day we went to the temples, and as you read above, we missed the sunrise, so we ran out of time because this place closes very early!

Super annoying, but it’s worth visiting.

The entrance fee is really cheap and you can wander around on your own, or you could hire a local guide for around 50,000 IDR and learn more about its history.

Entrance: 15,000 IDR

Opening times: 09:00 - 15:00

6. Check out Sumur Gumuling for cool underground temples 

I’m really annoyed I missed this spot, but it actually closes at 3pm which is pretty early. However, I have read that you need to be one of the first ones there in order to get pictures without mass crowds. But that being said, they’re still really cool.

Basically make these two of the first things you do in Yogyakarta when planning a full day itinerary. 

Update in 2023: Apparently this place is temporarily closed , but we'll keep an eye on things and put another update here!

7. Marvel at the views from Becici Peak

So, once you head out into the countryside of Yogyakarta, you’ll come across lots of manmade forests and picture spots . All these spots are located in the mountains which means the have stunning backdrops. 

The first cool spot we visited was Becici Peak. It had lots of cool picture spots including, umbrellas, nests and a platform with stunning view, oh a swing too!

You could even do ziplining for 15,000 IDR (that’s less than £1). Sure, it’s a small zipline, but for that price, why wouldn’t you?!

The entrance is only 10,000 IDR which is about $0.60 and there are shops and places to eat on site. I actually had quite a few people ask to take my picture here, so maybe you will too. 

Entrance: 10,000 IDR

Opening times: 08:00 - 20:00

8. Take lots of cool pictures at Hutan Pinus Asri

This is another one of the cool places to visit in Yogyakarta. It’s a forest with picture spots, but the views from these picture spots are sooooo cool!

We had a lot of fun in this one, got some great pictures, got to see Spongebob's house... and walking around the forest was cool. It’s only 3,000 IDR for the entrance , which is less than 30 pence, so it’s absolutely worth visiting for unique photos. 

It wasn’t busy at all when we visited which was around lunchtime. 

Entrance: 3,000 IDR (plus motorbike or car parking)

Opening times: 06:00 - 18:00

9. Visit the Sukorame Rice Field

So funny story, Brad and I made our way to these beautiful rice fields that I’ve seen lots of amazing pictures of...and...they are dry! But that’s because it’s the dry season.

So basically, only visit these rice fields when it's wet season, or you won’t get any green. It does look like it would make for an amazing drone photo, but you can’t control the seasons! 

When you drive up the road you will see similar areas bring grown, so eventually there will be a couple of more cool rice fields with photo opportunities. 

Sukorame itself is a stunning rice field with an iconic wooden bridge amid seas of green, where you can take some insta-worthy photos.

The best thing is that entrance is free ! 

Although there's a small parking fee if you're arriving with a bike or car.

Entrance: Free (with motorbike or car parking)

10. Take amazing pictures at Bukit Panguk Kediwung

So this is another picture spot, but it’s up high in the mountains and actually it’s one of my favorite places to visit in Yogyakarta. You pay a small entrance fee (around 3,000 IDR) and then extra 1,000 IDR for each platform you want to take a picture on. 

The guys running it will help take your photos, and our current cover photo was taken there, alongside some of these awesome pictures! 

The view is of rice paddies too, which were brown when we visited. But if you visit in the wet season, I think the views would be even more amazing.

Oh, and you can come from as early as 05:00 to hunt for some epic sunrise shots.

The official Instagram page has some useful infos and photo references, which you could browse through before your visit!

Entrance: 3,000 IDR

Opening times: 04:00 - 17:00

11. Check out the hobbit houses at Seribu Batu Songgo Langit

This spot is unique for its cool little hobbit houses that you can go inside. It’s like a mini New Zealand in a random forest in Yogyakarta . In the park you can also do ziplining and take some cool pictures.

I definitely think this one is worth it for the hobbit houses and there are lots of lunch options. 

So, with regards to these picture spots up high in the mountains and in forests, there are lots of them.

We had bookmarked a few (the ones I’ve listed), but when driving we drove past signs for so many more. It starts to get “same same” so we didn’t visit anymore, but you will be spoilt for choice. 

Also, a lot of the woodland area has some cool camping spots if you’re looking for something unique to do in Yogyakarta. 

And glamping too, if that's more up your alley!

Here's their official Instagram page , which includes contact for reservations.

Aside from these photo spots, you can actually trek along the trail until you reach Songgo Langit Hill for an awesome view ! Not to mention all the pine trees along the way.

Entrance: 5,000 IDR

Opening times: 06:00 - 21:00

12. Head to the coast and visit Taman Gumuk Pasir

Before we went to Yogyakarta, I knew that in the coast near the sand someone had created a large heart out of flowers, and that it would make for an awesome drone photo. Again, when we visited the flowers were a little dead and dry, but it still made for a cool shot.

"Gumuk" comes from the Javanese word and simply means mounds, so this entire area is basically tall mounds of sands near the beach!

I actually only think it’s worth visiting if you’ve got a drone, as it doesn’t look as impressive from ground level.

Don't have a drone? Check out our buying guide on the best drones for travel .

13. Go sandboarding or ride a jeep at Timang Beach

When you’re near the coast, or specifically Timang Beach, you may as well have some fun in the sand.

You can try sandboarding, or you can hop in the back of a jeep and go offroading on the sand dunes.

We didn’t have time as we were against the clock to get back before sunset, but there are lots of people offering the service and it’s very cheap! 

However, we'd recommend booking ahead of time to ensure that you've secured a jeep and get a proper off-road adventure!

This tour you can book via Klook takes you through multiple beaches and sand dunes that can only be accessed with a Jeep.

That includes Timang Beach, which you can reach only by crossing via gondola or a bridge. Definitely an adrenaline-rushing experience.

Tour price: From 450,000 IDR for a short Jeep trip

14. Take a free walking tour of Yogya city

Brad and I didn’t do the free walking tour, but if you’re travelling solo, or stuck for time, I highly recommend heading to this. You’ll get to see all the best spots and you’ll learn more about them. I love walking tours and even though they are free, you should give your host a tip.

Or, if you prefer to book a walking tour with a fixed price so there's no need to worry about tipping too little (or too much), here's a great option via Klook .

This Historical Walking tour will take you to explore the hidden nooks at Malioboro or Beringharjo market.

You can ride the traditional odong-odong, learn about local favorites when it comes to street food, and much more.

15. Eat amazing food at Roaster and Bear

Oh my, even writing about Roaster and Bear makes my tummy rumble. I never usually include food places as a “thing to do” in a location, but this is my exception.

Amazing food, at such a high quality for stupidly cheap prices. We dined in style with 3 course meals for less than $10 each. Yup, you read that right. I’m dreaming of the chicken Cordon Bleu and the roast chicken with peppered sauce , oh and the tofu starters….

Oh and they do great coffee and we actually spent some time working here with the wifi. Their latte art is amazing!

16. Hike up Mount Merapi (or take a Jeep ride! )

I tried to get a view of this volcano, but thanks to cloud I couldn’t. Anyway, I did some research on the active volcano and it’s got an interesting history. You can climb with a couple of tour groups, but it’s not for the inexperienced.

Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia with several devastating eruptions in the last few decades alone, so it's very much worth a visit.

As part of the trip you visit the museum which has samples of lava and ash and tells the story of the last eruption which I won't spoil here, you can read for yourself when you visit.

PS. We didn’t climb, but I think it’s one of the more unique things to do in Yogyakarta.

With that said, the more common way of going up Mount Merapi is actually, you guessed it, by Jeep.

We recommend booking ahead, and the best thing about this Guided Jeep Safari is that it includes hotel transfer, so you don't have to worry about getting to the site. Not to mention:

• 4WD lava tour with a thrilling route
• Learn about the devastating impact of Merapi eruptions
• Visit the mini museum
• See the iconic Bunker landmark
• Local tour guide!

Alternatively, here's a fantastic Merapi Jeep tour from Klook .

17. Try cave tubing at Pindul and Jomblang Caves

Okay... if you're all about that adrenaline rush and nature experiences, you have to try cave tubing!

The most popular spot to do it in Yogyakarta is Goa Pindul, or Pindul Cave, which was formed about 7 km from Mount Kidul.

With this guided cave tubing experience , you'll witness the Light of Heaven that's 60 meters deep into Jomblang Cave , and then float along the karst-formed Pindul Cave.

Price starts at 975,610 IDR per person for a 5-people group, which may not be the cheapest but it's truly a unique experience you can't get in many other places!

Plus, it's inclusive of hotel pick-up and does take around 12 hours total , which gives you plenty of time to explore all they have to offer.

18. Learn Javanese dance and traditional instrument

Yogyakarta is the beating cultural heart of Java.

It's as quintessentially Javanese as you get, and what better way to experience that than to attend a traditional workshop ?

We didn't have enough time to do this, but it's definitely something you shouldn't miss, especially if you like to immerse in the local culture.

The workshop costs around 280,000 IDR per person , which is very reasonable!

You can choose between the dance or music class.

Option one is to learn a short musical piece on the gamelan, a traditional ensemble music of not only the Javanese, but also the Sundanese, and Balinese.

Alternatively, you can learn a bit of real choreography and try the Javanese traditional dance, all while wearing the traditional attire. Fun, huh?

So there you have it, my list of 18 awesome things to do in Yogyakarta.

I hope you’ve found this list useful in your planning, and hopefully it’s given you some ideas. Below I’m going to give you some extra information that will help make your trip to Yogyakarta stress free. 

How to get to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta actually has a decent airport and most backpackers like to fly to Yogyakarta, especially if they are coming from Bali or Jakarta (the capital). However, you can also get the train to Yogyakarta from any direction in Java.

The train network in Java is fantastic. They’re comfortable, fast and well priced. We actually got the train from Bandung as we spent a few days exploring there too. 

It’s also possible to get buses, but they’re the same price as trains and less comfortable, so I would opt for the train! 

Getting around Yogyakarta

When it comes to getting around Yogyakarta, you’ve got a few different options. 

Grab: Grab is used all over Indonesia and it’s the cheapest and easiest way to get around. Get yourself a local sim so you can use it anywhere. You can opt for grab car or grab bike which takes you on a moped. 

Moped : Speaking of moped, you can rent a moped to get around all the best tourist attractions Yogyakarta has to offer and that’s what Brad and I did. There are lots of companies, but you can usually rent through your hotel too.

Ours cost 80k for a day including 2 helmets. DO NOT DRIVE WITHOUT A HELMET, no matter how cool you think it will make you look. 

Taxis: There are of course other taxis that can take you around Yogyakarta, however, I think that you’re more likely to get ripped off. 

Private driver : If you’re not on a budget then a great option is to hire a private driver to take you to all the best spots in Yogyakarta. You can book one here. 

Tours: Another great way for getting around Yogyakarta is to go on a tour. If you’re travelling solo and would like to meet other travellers, then a tour is a great way to do that. When it comes to booking tours we typically use Get Your Guide and Viator whom you can check out below. 

Get Your Guide: Our no 1 choice for tours in Yogyakarta 

Viator: Sometimes has extra options 

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

You’ll be happy to know that when it comes to staying in Yogyakarta, you have lots of choices. Below I’ll provide you with a couple of options including where Bradley and I stayed for our stay in Yogyakarta. 

Where we stayed: We used a homestay on Airbnb, You can get money off your first booking here. 

Greenhost Boutique Hotel Prawirotaman: beautiful boutique hotel, modern, everything you need and an awesome swimming pool. 

Hyatt Regency: The Hyatt is known worldwide for its quality and I think this is the cheapest you’ll ever get a stay here. Perfection! Seriously, this is one of the dreamiest hotels i’ve ever seen, set on 22 acres...

OYO 369 Hotel Sekar Ayu: You can’t beat a classic budget OYO. Clean, comfortable, wifi and air con, a fantastic budget option!

A few other tips...

• There are plenty of ATMS in Yogyakarta so you should have no problem withdrawing money 
• People are super friendly and happy to help 
• I suggest you spend 1 day with temples, 1 day sightseeing the city centre, and 1 day heading out to the mountain area of Yogyakarta 
• I suggest a budget of around $25 a day including accommodation, but not including your biggest expense which will be the temples. You could do less or more but that's enough for a comfortable stay. 

Other useful posts for planning your trip to Indonesia

Below are some other useful guides we’ve written that you might find useful for your trip Yogyakarta and Indonesia in general 

• Romantic Things To Do In Bali
• Best Things To Do In Java
• 10 Day Java Itinerary

So there you have it, I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide on the best things to do in Yogyakarta and hopefully you’ve got plenty to inspire you on what to see in Yogyakarta and keep you occupied on your adventures. If you’ve got any other Yogyakarta tourist attractions you think I should add to this list,then drop me a comment below. 

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Visit Yogyakarta

The city of Yogyakarta is the perfect place to explore Java’s rich culture and traditions. Known for its protection of local heritage and customs, Yogyakarta is a hub for fine Javanese art, craft, music, poetry, ballet and puppetry. Explore the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, and gain an insight into Buddhist, Hindu and Javanese culture.

Yogyakarta is one of the oldest cities in Indonesia. A short stroll around the historic district will bring you past the Sultan’s Palace (Kraton Ngayogyakarta) and its stately main court, mosque and museum. Admire the Central Post Office (Kantor Pos Besar) and the Tugu Monument. Grab a snack from a street vendor and watch the locals playing street chess near the Kraton complex.

To learn about Javanese culture and history, head to the Museum Sonobudoyo, the Museum Batik or Fort Vrederburg. Browse historical artefacts and traditional handicrafts such as batik, wayang puppets, masks and gamelan instruments. Discover Yogyakarta’s thriving art scene at the Affandi Museum and Cemeti Art House.

Don’t miss Yogyakarta’s breathtaking ancient temples, known locally as candi. Wander through numerous shrines and monuments at Prambanan, a collection of towering Hindu temples with intricately carved domes. The stunning Borobudur Buddhist temple dates back to the 9th century and is located in Magelang, 1 hour’s drive from Yogyakarta.

Relax with a massage treatment or sunrise yoga and meditation classes. Play a round of golf overlooking Mount Merapi. During your visit, try local cuisine, such as sweet curry with jackfruit, palm sugar, coconut milk and chicken. In January, the city celebrates Java’s Muslim culture with the traditional Sekaten festival.

Reach Yogyakarta by flying into Adisucipto International Airport, or catch the regional bus or train. In the city, get around by taxi, bus or tricycle rickshaw. Make sure you haggle and agree on a price before getting into the rickshaw. To make the most of Yogyakarta’s outdoor activities, visit during the dry season, from July to September.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

Central Yogyakarta

Central Yogyakarta is noteworthy for its historic sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall.

You'll enjoy the museums and monuments in Malioboro. You might want to make time for a stop at Malioboro Mall or Pasar Beringharjo.

Kampung Ketandan

Kampung Ketandan might not have many top sights, but Pasar Beringharjo and Malioboro Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

• Yogyakarta Hotel Deals
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Popular places to visit.

• Malioboro Street

Spend a day exploring Yogyakarta’s liveliest commercial district, which is famous for its batik stores, street food and historic landmarks.

• Gembira Loka Zoo

Cross the bridges on the Gajahwong River to see the Komodo dragons, orangutans and hippos that inhabit this eclectic zoo.

• Tugu Yogyakarta

Capture spectacular night photos of the popular and luminous White Monument that holds geographical and spiritual value for the locals.

The majestic water pools and fountains in this luxury palace were built to hide and pamper the sultan and his concubines.

• Fort Vredeburg Museum

See the fascinating dioramas showcasing significant events in Indonesian history and wander through the pretty gardens of this Dutch colonial fortress.

• Kraton Complex

Watch a puppet performance and listen to traditional music in the cultural and political heart of the city of Yogyakarta.

Things to do

Yogyakarta: prambanan temple - ramayana ballet performance, 2-day excursion to yogyakarta & borobudur temple from bali, 1-day yogyakarta merapi pengger heha - private tour with guide.

• Cities near Yogyakarta

Prawirotaman

Other places like yogyakarta.

• Places of interest
• Malioboro Mall
• Alun Alun Kidul
• Palace of Yogyakarta
• Galeria Mall
• Pasar Beringharjo
• Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University Yogyakarta
• Lippo Plaza Jogja
• Great Mosque Kotagede Mataram
• Tombs Of The Kings Of Mataram Kotagede
• Pasar Ngasem
• Siloam Hospital Yogyakarta
• Yogyakarta Presidential Palace
• Bank Indonesia
• Batik Museum
• Gedung Agung
• Batik Plentong
• Lapangan Karang Kotagede
• Pakualaman Palace
• Museum Kereta Kraton
• Art and Culture in Yogyakarta
• Sonobudoyo Museum
• Affandi Museum

• 1.1 Tourist information
• 2.1.1.1 By bus
• 2.1.1.2 By taxi
• 2.1.1.3 By rail
• 2.1.1.4 Ride-hailing services
• 2.2 By train
• 3.2 By car or motorbike
• 3.3 By taxi
• 3.4 By ojek
• 3.5 By ride-hailing
• 3.6 By becak
• 3.7 By andong
• 3.8 On foot
• 4.1 The Kraton
• 4.2 Museums
• 4.3 Art galleries
• 6.1 Universities
• 6.2 Art courses
• 6.3 Language courses
• 7.1.1 Batik
• 7.2 Traditional markets
• 7.3 Shopping malls & supermarkets
• 8.1 Local delicacies
• 8.3 Mid-range
• 8.4 Splurge
• 9.2 Lounges & bars
• 10.1.1 Malioboro and Sosrowijayan
• 10.1.2 Prawirotaman
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 11 Stay safe
• 12.1 Telephone
• 12.2 Internet
• 13.1 Emergency
• 13.2 Consulates
• 13.3 Libraries

Yogyakarta — despite the official spelling, the name is usually pronounced and not uncommonly written Jogjakarta or just Jogja (JOG-jah) — is a major tourist destination in Java , Indonesia . It is the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region, to the south of Central Java province.

Understand [ edit ]

Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some 375,000 people (2020) and the most popular tourist destination on Java , largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan . The city is a centre of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourist facilities.

The city ( kota ) of Yogyakarta is one of five districts in the semi-autonomous province of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY), the "Yogyakarta Special Region". The other districts are the regencies of:

• Sleman on the slopes of fiery Mount Merapi to the north
• Bantul all the way to the sea to the south
• The hills of Gunung Kidul to the east
• The lowlands of Kulon Progo to the West

This special status is thanks to the Sultanate of Hamengkubuwono , which has ruled the area since 1749 and steered the state through difficult times of occupation and revolution. During the Indonesian war of independence, Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX offered the fledgeling Indonesian government his enclave as a capital city. Yogyakarta became the revolutionary capital of the republic from 1946 to 1949 when Jakarta was still occupied by the Dutch. As a result, the newly-independent Indonesia appointed the Sultan as the governor of the province of DIY — the only one in Indonesia that is not elected directly by the people. The Indonesian central government has tried to weaken the sultan's power by calling for direct elections for the governor. The present sultan, Hamengkubuwono X, was chosen by an overwhelming majority.

Yogyakarta lies in one of the most seismically active parts of Java and has been repeatedly struck by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The worst in recent times was the earthquake of 27 May 2006, which killed over 6,000 people and flattened over 300,000 houses. The epicentre was 25 km (16 mi) south of the city, which avoided the worst of the quake. A very effective disaster recovery effort repaired most of the physical damage quickly.

Yogyakarta is full of domestic tourists during school holidays, with tourist buses on the visitor hotspots of shopping street Jl Malioboro and the northern palace square, or alun-alun , trapped in heavy traffic. Vehicles, parking and vendors contribute to the traffic jams.

Tourist information [ edit ]

There are three information offices, one at the airport, one at the main railway station, and this main one:

• -7.79527 110.36574 1 Government Tourist Information Centre , Jl. Malioboro No.16, Suryatmajan, Danurejan ( Next to Hotel Mutiara ), ☏ +62 274 566000 . M–Th 08:00–19:30, Sa 08:00–18:30, Sun 09:00–14:30 . Has maps in English and can give useful information. ( updated Apr 2024 )

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Getting into the city [ edit ]

Since Adisucipto International Airport is closer to the city centre, there are numerous possibilities to get into the city:

By bus [ edit ]

• TransJogja bus 1A goes to the main Tugu train station and Jl Malioboro for Rp3,500. Buy the ticket at the bus stop.

By taxi [ edit ]

Airport taxis cost around Rp 50,000 depending on destination. Pay at the desk in the arrival terminal and head for the rank. Give the receipt to your driver, there is no need for any additional payment. It is about half the price to use a taxi dropping passengers off at the departure terminal - insist on using the meter. Expect to pay the Rp 2,000 airport entrance fee, even though this has already been paid by the previous passenger on the way in.

By rail [ edit ]

Take the KRL commuter train [dead link] that runs between Surakarta and Jogja, from Maguwo station , a few minutes' walk from airport arrivals. In Yogyakarta, the train calls at the main Tugu station, just off Jl Malioboro, and Lempuyangan station. In Solo, it calls at Balapan and Purwosari stations.

Ride-hailing services [ edit ]

You can use ride-hailing apps to get picked up but you will be picked up outside the airport in front of the Class I Immigration Office on Jl Solo, an eight-minute walk from the terminal.

By train [ edit ]

• Yogyakarta and Solo are connected by the KRL commuter train [dead link] . The train stops at Prambanan station, even though it is rather far from the temple complex. The KRL also stops at Maguwo station for Adisucipto airport. A one-way trip costs Rp 8,000. To ride the train, you can use a refillable multi-trip card that can be purchased at a ticket counter or vending machine at the station for Rp30,000 (initial balance contains Rp 10,000). The multi-trip card is also valid for KRL commuter trains in Jakarta . Electronic money or bank-issued prepaid cards are a better alternative, as any credits are also usable for purchases at major retailers and convenience stores, the toll road, parking, and other public transportation (MRT and Transjakarta in Jakarta). Bank Mandiri's e-money or e-toll card, BCA's Flazz, BNI's tap-cash, BRI's BRIZZI, or Bank DKI's JakCard, are obtainable at the respective banks and minimarts such as Alfamart and Indomaret.
• Trains from Jakarta take at least seven hours. The Argo -class trains ( Argo Lawu and Argo Dwipangga ) are the fastest and most comfortable, Rp 375,000 (~8 hr, including mineral water and snacks). Taksaka is almost as good at Rp 350,000. The line between Kroya and Prupuk is scenic, where the line crosses the main backbone mountains of Java. Business ( Eksekutif ) class trains from Jakarta (514 km (319 mi) 8 hr) now cost from Rp260,000 and from Surabaya from Rp 110,000. A ticket on a 3rd class train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta costs from Rp 85,000 and from Surabaya Rp 50,000.
• Passengers from Bandung to Yogyakarta can choose among 6 trains per day and need about 8-8.5 hours for the journey. You see a scenic part of Java during daylight. Mineral water and snacks are provided for Eksekutif train class.
• Passengers from Surabaya are served by the twice-daily Sancaka service departing in the morning and afternoon.
• -7.7901 110.3753 4 Lempuyangan train station ( Stasiun Lempuyangan ), Jl Lempuyangan . Serves economy class trains and KRL commuter trains.  

• -7.83486 110.39236 5 Giwangan Bus Station ( Terminal Giwangan ), Jl Imogiri Timur, Giwangan ( 4 km southeast of the centre ), ☏ +62 274 378288 , fax : +62 274 748 3333 . Regular services from across Java and beyond, including Jakarta (9 hours), Bandung (6 hours), Ngawi (3.5 hours) and Surabaya (8 hours). In Jakarta, there are many bus stations like Lebak Bulus in the south, Pulo Gebang in the East and Kalideres in the west. Passengers can choose an operator departing to Yogyakarta like Safari Dharma Raya, Handoyo, and Ramayana. From Surabaya, buses for Jogja leave from Purabaya Bus Station. Operators include Sugeng Rahayu and Eka. There is also some scheduled travel available. Buses to Jogja from Bandung leave from Cicaheum terminal, travelling either directly or via Purwokerto (6–7 hours, Rp 45,000), from where there are regular buses to Yogyakarta (4–5 hours, Rp 30,000). ( updated Mar 2019 )

Small shuttle buses called travel ply the routes from Semarang and Solo. One such service is Joglosemar (Jogja-Solo-Semarang), Rp45,000 from Semarang, and Rp25,000 from Solo.

• Joglosemar ( Joglosemar ), Jl Magelang Km 5.5 , ☏ +62 274 623700 . Rp 25,000–45,000 .  
• -7.814088 110.36273 6 Day Trans (Gading station) , Jl. MT. Haryono No.1, Suryodiningratan, Kec. Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55141 ( Near jalan gading gate and pasar gading ), ☏ +62 274 385990 . Bandung Rp 450.000 - Rp 610.000, Jakarta Rp 350.000 - Rp 355.000, Jepara Rp 165.000 - Rp 190.000, Semarang Rp 100.000 - Rp 115.000, Solo Rp 50.000 - Rp 65.000, Surabaya Rp 205.000 - Rp 220.000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )
• -7.801621 110.36604 7 Shuttle Damri Wisata , Jl. KH. Ahmad Dahlan, Ngampilan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta ( Near Bank of Indonesia ), ☏ +62 811-2831-540 . The easiest and cheapest way to/from Borobudur . Borobudur Rp 20,000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

Get around [ edit ]

Yogyakarta is a relatively small city, so travelling around town should not be too expensive. If you are travelling on foot, a street sign facing you at a corner indicates the name of the street you are entering, not the cross street.

Medium and small buses are the main public transport in Yogyakarta.

The TransJogja rapid transit system operates from 05:30 to 21:30 and stops only at designated shelters. They are air-conditioned and generally safe. Tickets can be bought at the kiosks, and the cost for a single trip is Rp 3,600. You can buy regular trip cards which cut the per trip cost to Rp 3,000, and allow transit to other shelters. Get a free route map for the TransJogja buses at the Tourist Information Centre on Jl Malioboro.

Buses other than TransJogja normally operate 06:00 to 17:00, or 21:00 for some long routes. The cost for a single trip is Rp 3,000 regardless of distance (within the city). Usually on a bus there will be a driver and a helper who will hang from the side of the bus and handle money and try to attract passengers. The helper will usually tap you on the shoulder to indicate you should pay him. If there is no helper you can pay the driver directly. When you are ready to get off a bus, tell the driver or helper "kiri" (KIH-ree) which means left.

By car or motorbike [ edit ]

There are several car and motorbike rental agencies just outside Tugu Station, on the street that runs east-west just south of the station. A car or motorbike delivery and pick-up at the airport remain the best way to rent them.

Driving a car in Indonesia is never a rewarding experience. But for those that would like to, a Toyota Avanza or Daihatsu Xenia (6 passengers) can be rented for around Rp 250,000-300,000 for 24 hours, or Rp 175,000-225,000 for 12 hours. A new green car, Toyota Agya or Daihatsu Ayla, can be rented for Rp 150,000 for 24 hours. Most of the companies will ask you for the driving licence and ID cards for security reasons.

Renting a car with a driver is a more relaxing proposition. A driver will cost an additional Rp 50,000-200,000 a day. The cost of a car with a driver may vary depending on whether fuel is included for a set distance or for the whole itinerary. Prices are always subject to negotiation and may increase or decrease due to local demand, type and age of vehicle and your individual requirements at the time. The normal rates (not the high season/peak season) will be around Rp 450,000-500,000 per 12 hours' service.

A near new semi-automatic ( clutchless ) motorbike can be rented for Rp60,000 per 24 hours; older bikes may come for less, and fully automatic bikes such as a Honda Vario or Yamaha Mio may sometimes cost Rp 5,000-10,000 more. Many roads outside Yogyakarta are unpaved, especially around the Mount Merapi area, so many motorcycle rentals offer a semi-offroad automatic bike with a daily fee around Rp 75,000.

Yogyakarta's taxis are metered and most drivers are trustworthy. All taxis have a flagfall of Rp7,000 for the first kilometre and then Rp4,250 for every subsequent kilometre. Most trips around the centre should not cost more than Rp20,000. If you find a driver you feel comfortable with, ask for their mobile number so next time you need to travel you can call him directly. Most drivers are more than happy to do this.

By ojek [ edit ]

Motorcycle taxis are widespread. They usually gather at designated spots ( pangkalan ), where you will haggle your way to a ride. Not comfortable or convenient for carrying luggage, but quicker if the traffic is heavy.

Nowadays, organized ojek are strong competitors to taxis and ojek pangkalan . Pickup is free and you pay according to the printout from the meter. No haggling. Try:

• O'jack motorbike taxi , Jl Dr Sardjito 11, Jogja; Rumah Makan Ny Suharti, Jl Solo 208 (Janti flyover) , ☏ +62 811 307-0707 , +62 852 1007-0707 , +62 274 700-0707 , +62 274 970-7707 . Rp 2,000 per kilometer. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Disability ojeks are also available in Yogyakarta. The system is run by disabled persons, including the drivers. Using motorcycles with sidecars, the can carry a person with a wheelchair. Spacious enough, so two slim non-disabled people can also use it. Try:

• Difa City Tour and Transport , ☏ +62 823 2801-6326 . Rp 20,000 for the first 5 km and Rp 2,500 for each subsequent kilometer . ( updated Nov 2017 )

By ride-hailing [ edit ]

You can request car or motorbike rides with ride-hailing apps such as Gojek, Grab and Maxim. They are typically cheaper than taxis, have short waiting times in the central area, and are mostly straightforward to use; however, expect very little English from most drivers. When you request a car or motorbike using one of these apps, it's handy to have an Indonesian speaker to help you communicate with the driver, or learn some of the keywords and phrases used in this situation. See the Indonesian phrasebook .

By becak [ edit ]

Three-wheeled pedal-powered trishaws or pedicabs, known as becak (BAY-cha'), can be found in most parts of Yogyakarta, for shortish journeys (remember there is some poor guy pedalling away behind you). Haggle furiously before getting in. Be sure to determine whether the price is for a one-way or return ( pulang ) trip and if you want the driver to wait while you conduct your shopping or business. The journey from within the city to the Malioboro shopping precinct should not cost more than Rp10,000.

By andong [ edit ]

The two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage is still found in Jogja. While happy to do a tourist jaunt, they are mostly used by the Jogjanese for shortish trips around their neighbourhoods, to and from the market, for example. There is also a "Grab Andong" service which you can order via the app and can be ordered along the Malioboro area.

On foot [ edit ]

As in the rest of Indonesia , walking in Jogja is probably one of the least convenient and least popular ways of transport, with two remarkable exceptions:

• Jalan Malioboro, with its vibrant street life, colourful shop facades, large walkways and street artists;
• The charming Kampung Taman Sari neighborhood containing the remains of the Taman Sari Water Castle.

See [ edit ]

The number one must-see attraction is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono's palace, better known as Kraton Ngayogyakarta . Near the palace are a number of other heritage buildings : the BNI '46 building, the Central Post Office and Bank Indonesia.

Other notable landmarks and attractions are:

• -7.8283 110.3998 3 Kotagede . The capital of the ancient Islamic Mataram kingdom. The tomb of its first king, Panembahan Senopati, is here in the royal graveyard. Before independence, Kotagede was Jogja's economic centre, as it had the largest market and was home to many wealthy batik merchants. Some of the older buildings have been modernised or replaced with newer buildings, but Kotagede remains a prime example of Javanese architecture and city structure. Check out the local silver handicrafts.  
• -7.782903 110.366968 4 Tugu Monument . A downtown landmark. Built by Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VI, the spire was originally a sphere representing the universe. During the colonial era, the spire was replaced with a golden cylinder.  

The Kraton [ edit ]

The Sultan's palace or Kraton encompasses the main palace, the sultan's residential buildings, two alun-alun (palace squares), and a large residential area where the sultan's servants used to live.

• -7.804153 110.364366 5 Northern alun-alun ( Alun-alun utara ). Built for training the Sultan's army, it was opened to the public during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX. Now used for the quarterly Garebeg parade held in the months of Maulud, Besar and Sawal, according to the Javanese calendar. In the parade, the Sultan's servants carry huge cone-shaped offerings to the alun-alun . After the parade, attendees scramble to get a scrap of the offering as it is believed to bring good luck. Prior to the month of Maulud, a popular public fair is held here for 30 days, offers many kinds of goods from traditional handicrafts to Chinese ceramics. A snack associated with the fair is the doughnut-like galundeng . On weekend or holiday nights, pedal cars decorated with lights ( gowes ) can be hired to make a circuit of the square.  
• -7.80577 110.364112 6 Kraton Yogyakarta . Sa-Th 08:00–13:00, F 08:00–11:00 . A calm and elegant example of Javanese heritage with two separate entrances; the Main Court ( Pagilaran and Siti Hinggil ) and the Residence. The Main Court showcases the grandeur of the Sultan's monarchy, while the Residence is more homely, showcasing the royal family's luxurious lifestyle. There are regular free performances of music and dance. Check out the times when you arrive in Yogajakarta. (Every Sunday at 11:00 as of Oct 2015). There are three gamelans in the palace, and the pavilion nearest the entrance houses one of them. If it is being played, feel free to take a seat and enjoy it for a while. Residence museum has both Indonesian and English texts, and AC. Temporary exhibition Mar-Aug 2024 on Abhimantra or life rites of passage (part where no photo allowed). Small exhibition on the history of tea in Indonesia too (Indonesian text only). Without guide, no map or sign to help explore the larger grounds. The Residence: Rp 25,000 (non-Indonesian resident) or Rp 10,000 (Indonesian resident), Rp 1,000 extra for a photo. You might be offered a trip to the 'sultan's servants' batik workshop'. This is a scam that will only bring you to a regular batik shop with inflated prices . ( updated Apr 2024 )
• -7.805478 110.362679 7 Carriage Museum ( Museum Kereta ). Houses the Sultan's horse-drawn carriages, including two beautiful carriages imported from the Netherlands and known as Golden Carriages ( kereta kencana ). Foreigners: adult Rp 30,000, child Rp 25,000; domestic: adult Rp 20,000, children Rp 15,000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

• Siti Hinggil Selatan . This somehow-muted palace is rarely used for forml occasions. You can catch a shadow puppet performance during weekend mornings and nights. There is no admission charge for the show and you can come and go as you please, which you may well want to do as the show is long and somewhat difficult to follow if you do not speak Indonesian.

Also worth seeing is the prince's palace to the SE of the main palace.

• -7.8039 110.3625 9 Masjid Gede Kauman . One of the oldest and largest mosques in Yogyakarta. Located on the west of Alun-alun Utara , this mosque was where the Sultan performs his religious rites and ceremonies. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Yogyakarta was designed so that the main elements of the city form an imaginary line. This straight line starts from Parangtritis on the coast, through the Kraton and Tugu Monument, and finally to Mount Merapi . This represents the Sultan's strong relationship with the guardian spirits of Mount Merapi and the ocean at Parangtritis.

Museums [ edit ]

• -7.780687 110.375062 11 Dr. Yap Prawirohusodo Museum , Jl. Cik Di Tiro No.5, Terban, Gondokusuman , ☏ +62 274 562054 . M-Sa 09:00-14:00 . A medical museum was built in 1922. ( updated Oct 2022 )
• -7.79542 110.37736 12 Yogyakarta Batik Museum ( Museum Batik Yogyakarta ), Jl. Dr Sutomo 13A, Bausasran ( near Lempuyangan Station ), ☏ +62-274-562338 . M-Sa 09:00-15:00 . A batik museum was built in 1979. Rp30,000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

Art galleries [ edit ]

• -7.78582 110.37465 13 Bentara Budaya , Jl Suroto No.2, Kota Baru , ☏ +62 274 560404 , [email protected] . A cultural institute set up by the Kompas Gramedia publishing and media group. Branches in Jogja, Jakarta, Solo and Bali. Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions.  
• -7.8176 110.3625 14 Cemeti Art House , Jl DI Panjaitan No. 41 , ☏ +62 274 371015 , +62 81 2273-3564 , [email protected] . Fine art and modern art exhibitions, book discussions and performances.  
• -7.78081 110.37734 15 French/Indonesian Cultural Center (LIP) , Jl Sagan No.3 , ☏ +62 274 566520 . Art exhibitions, movies, book discussions, performances, library.  
• -7.8028 110.3655 16 Jogja Gallery , Jl Pekapalan No.7 ( near the northern alun-alun ), ☏ +62 274 419999 , +62 274 412021 , +62 274 7161188 , [email protected] . Tu–Su 09:00–21:00 . Modern art gallery exhibiting avant garde artworks.  
• -7.8181 110.3628 17 Kedai Kebun ( Kedai Kebun Forum ), Jl Tirtodipuran No.3 , ☏ +62 274 376114 , [email protected] . W–M 11:00–23:00 . Art space managed by artists including gallery, performance space, bookstore and restaurant. Art exhibitions, performances, book discussions. Has accommodation for rent.  

Do [ edit ]

• Horse-drawn carriage rides — traditional horse-drawn carriages, the four-wheeled andhong and the two-wheeled horsecart call dokar , wait for tourists outside hotspots like the train station, the Kraton and Mal Malioboro. Haggle furiously. The traditional route is from Jl Malioboro to the Kraton. Andhong often want to take you to shop for fake Dagadu t-shirts at hefty prices in Ngasem. The cost for a round trip is about Rp20,000. They usually ask for Rp30,000 but may settle for less. While andhong primarily serve the tourist market, dokar are used more generally by the Jogjanese but are still happy to give you a tourist jaunt. Andhong can hold up to five adults, while a dokar will take about two only.
• Masangin ( mas uk an tara dua berin gin , passing between the two banyan trees) — you can play this simple, fun game on the southern alun-alun. Participants are blindfolded and must walk straight between the two ancient banyan trees. It sounds easy but most participants usually fail.
• Reflexology — achieve soothing experience by having a short reflexology massage. One of the hippest among Jogjanese.
• Street chess — when it's quiet, particularly around the end of Jalan Malioboro near the Kraton, the becak drivers will play chess on the street with large wooden sets. You are welcome to challenge them and it's fun. This is how they pass the time between fares, so some play for several hours each day - you'll be up against some stiff competition. Don't offer or accept any bets on the outcome - it takes the fun out of a good way to interact with the locals and pass the time.
• Sunday morning on the university boulevard — every Sunday, the main boulevard in the Gadjah Mada university campus is thronged with students, joggers and martial arts enthusiasts. Get there between 07:00-09:00 for a bit of exercise. After that, replace the calories you lost by sampling the foods from the many stalls. The choice includes opor ayam' (chicken curry with rice cake), bubur ayam (rice porridge with chicken), 'siomay (fish dumplings) and sate ambal (chicken satay with tempeh sauce). Don't forget to check the flea market nearby.
• Balance Mind-Body-Soul , Jalan Cendrawasih 36, Demangan Baru , ☏ +62 274 742 7925 , +62 274 566717 . daily classes  

Learn [ edit ]

Jogja is a city of education as well as culture.

Universities [ edit ]

Jogja is a home to at least four universities. It may be possible for non-Indonesians to study at these universities through the Indonesian-government Dharmasiswa scheme. Studies in Indonesian performing arts are a particular focus for recipients of this support.

Art courses [ edit ]

• -7.806939 110.369641 5 Sanggar Seni Kinanti Sekar , JL. Brigjend Katamso, Prawirodirjan GM II/1226 Gondomanan ( in the same place as Kelas Pagi Yogyakarta ). 15:00-21:00 . A place where you could learn both Javanese and Modern dance, and also Macapat and Javanese language (both speaking and writing). ( updated Mar 2019 )

Language courses [ edit ]

Jogja is well-known for its language schools. There are many to choose from, including:

• -7.7713 110.3909 6 Wisma Bahasa , Jl Affandi, Gang Bromo No.15A, Mrican, Caturtunggal, Depok , ☏ +62 274 561627 , +62 274 520341 , +62 851 0147-8518 , +62 817 545-1406 , fax : +62 274 561627 , +62 274 520341 , [email protected] . The oldest Indonesian language course in Yogyakarta Special Region, since 1982. Provides Indonesian, Javanese, Tetum, and English courses. Branches in Jakarta and Bali. Offers e-learning. ( updated Nov 2017 )

Buy [ edit ]

Jogja is the home of batik, traditional wayang puppets, sculpture, ceramics and silverware. Handicrafts from outside Jogja can also be found. Alternatively, as a modern city, there are stylish malls offering interesting goods and services at a reasonable cost.

Handicrafts [ edit ]

• -7.831712 110.399893 2 Monggo Chocolate , Jl Dalem KG III/978, Purbayan, Kotagede, , ☏ +62 274 373192 . daily 08:00-17-00 . Chocolate factory.  
• -7.806562 110.366924 3 Tjokrosuharto , Jl. Panembahan Angkurat 58 , ☏ +62 274 375208 . This handicraft shop opens its door for business in 1954 and still operating today. It offers a large selection of Javanese handicrafts such as wayang kulit (leather puppet), wayang golek (wooden puppet), batik, keris, silverware, sculptures, and traditional outfits.  
• -7.79296 110.365988 4 Dagadu , Malioboro Mall ( lower ground floor ). Offers funny contemporary t-shirts and souvenirs that revolves around Yogyakarta people's culture.  
• -7.791432 110.365887 5 Ciamis Art Shop , Jl Malioboro No.153 . 09:00 -13:00 and 18:00 - 20:00 . Shadow puppets, masks, carvings, and more at fixed prices that are lower than in the market.  
• Nadzar , Jl Malioboro No.187 . Huge souvenir shop specializing in batik, art, jewellery, and more. Has every souvenir you could imagine at fixed prices.  

Batik [ edit ]

There are some excellent batik galleries selling hand-made paintings on cotton and silk. The cloth folds up easily for transport and can be ironed later. There are also several scams which you should avoid. Authentic batik should look vivid on both sides of the cloth; whereas stamped batik will only look vivid on one side . To get the best price, visit a gallery where they grade the quality of the pieces, usually using a scale from A-Z. Prices range from Rp 50,000 for A (small student paintings), to Rp 1,000,000 for Z paintings (usually large pieces done by master artists). You may be able to haggle an extra 25% off the marked price. Beware shops which buy and resell the paintings, marking up the prices for Z-level artwork to Rp 8,000,000 — this is massively overpriced.

• -7.799099 110.364917 6 Hamzah Batik ( Mirota Batik ), Jl Ahmad Yani No.9 ( opposite Beringharjo market ), ☏ +62 274 588524 , +62 274 518127 , +62 274 547016 . The large family-owned store offers plenty of handicrafts, not only from Yogyakarta but also from all parts of Indonesia.  
• Ori Art Gallery . A reputable batik painting shop with a large selection and fair prices, and you can usually watch an artist there demonstrating the fascinating and meticulous technique.  

Traditional markets [ edit ]

• -7.798767 110.36563 7 Pasar Beringharjo ( Beringharjo Market ), Jl Pabringan No.1 ( north of Vredeburg Fort ). The largest traditional market in town. The vendors sell many kind of goods, ranging from basic household items (vegetables, fruit, meat) to many kind of handicrafts. Haggle furiously.  

Shopping malls & supermarkets [ edit ]

• -7.78262 110.37901 10 Galleria Mall , Jl Jendral Sudirman 99-101 , ☏ +62 274 583661 , fax : +62 274 583711 . A compact mall anchored by Matahari department store. The food court at the basement is popular among the youths. Features many interesting restaurant including KFC , McDonald's Express , Thai Express , Bakso Gress (Chinese meatballs served with noodles), Mie Nusantara, Bee's (Japanese Bento), Es Teler 77, and Cheers Cup (assortments of fresh drinks).  
• -7.79544 110.36534 11 Ramai Mall and Ramai Supermarket , Jl Jendral Ahmad Yani No.73 , ☏ +62 274-562482 . 09:00–20:00 . Big department store. The least expensive A/C supermarket in Jogja. low prices .  
• -7.78024 110.3728 12 Mirota kampus dept store and supermaket , Jl Simanjuntak No.70 , ☏ +62 274-561254 . 09:00-20:00 . low prices. .  
• -7.79812 110.36871 13 Progo -Mall & Progo Supermarket. ( Toko Progo ), Jl Mayor Suryotomo No.29 , ☏ +62 274 513419 , [email protected] . daily 08:30–21:00 . Has operated since 1968. low prices . ( updated Jul 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

Yogyakarta food used to be known for its sweetness. However, as more and more people move to Jogja, the city starts seeing more diversity in flavor. Now you can find many kinds of interesting dishes, from sweet, spicy, to fiery. Sometimes a fusion from other cuisines such as Chinese or Western can be found. Since the influx of people from around the country, you can find some restaurants and cafes that open until 23:00 in the centre.

If you want to eat the traditional way, head to Malioboro for a lesehan dinner in front of the closed shophouses, similar to the Japanese eating style on a tatami , but you sit on a mat and eat with your hands (you can ask for cutlery though). The food is ready to serve, — vegetables, fried and grilled meat (satay, seafood) are the most common, served with white rice. You can also order traditional gudeg . While this is a favorite among locals for the mingle for hours, do not expect very cheap prices.

Local delicacies [ edit ]

The following dishes are recommended:

• Gudeg , a sweet and dry curry of jackfruit, chicken and egg served with rice, and the most famous local dish. Goopy slop in various shades of brown, the stuff does not look particularly appetizing, but it can be tasty if done right. There are many gudeg restaurants, but the most popular are: Gudeg Wijilan, Gudeg Juminten, Gudeg Bu Tjitro, Gudeg Tugu, Gudeg Bu Ahmad. If you can wake up early in the morning, you may find small stalls serving Gudeg just at the corner of the street, or close to traditional markets. If you can't sleep at night, you can go to Jalan Janturan and enjoy the Gudeg Pawon (enjoying gudeg inside the old style kitchen) that open in late night. Due to the heavy fiber content of young jackfruit and the thick coconut milk, those who have a weak stomach may have trouble with gudeg.
• Ayam geprek , the original can be found just outside the city limit at Ayam Geprek Bu Rum , deep-fried chicken with crispy batter which is then crushed under pestle along with chili peppers, salt, and garlic and served with rice. Various side dish can be added to the chicken such as grated cheddar, fried eggplant, tempeh, or tofu.
• Oseng mercon , spicy stir fried beef and offal.
• Brongkos , sweet beef and bean in a keluak nut soup.
• Enthok slenget , spicy muscovy duck soup.
• Nasi langgi, locally known as sego langgi (langgi rice). Warm rice served with various side dishes. Can be found in small stall in Gandekan St.
• Kipo , bite-size snacks made of green tapioca dough filled with sweetened grated coconut. Can be found in Kotagede.
• Bakpia , another bite-size snack made from sweetened green bean paste wrapped with thin dough pastry. The most popular bakpia is known as Bakpia Patuk, which not surprisingly, are sold in Pathuk street, also known as Jl. Aip K.S. Tubun.
• Jadah tempe , sandwich of rice cake and sweet beancake. Can be found in Kaliurang.
• Es rujak or rujak es krim , a fruit salad made from mangos, papayas, apples, pineapples, cucumbers etc., mixed with palm sugar, lime juice, salt, chillies and (of course) ice cream (es krim). All flavours (sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty) in one plate. In case you are at UGM campus, have a look along Jalan Kaliurang. Small foodstalls sell es rujak there (only very late morning to early afternoon). If you are not close to UGM, keep your eyes open.

Budget [ edit ]

Yogyakarta is a heaven of inexpensive foods, and some tasty and filling dishes can cost as little as Rp 5,000. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of hawker stalls offering inexpensive foods.

• -7.788916 110.365713 1 Angkringan Tugu ( Angkringan Lik Man ), Jl Wongso Dirjan ( to the north of Tugu station. ). 18:00–04:00 . Famous for its small rice packets ( sego kucing ). Drink kopi joss , strong Javanese coffee heated by dropping a piece of glowing charcoal into it. Rp 1,000–6,000 . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• -7.819845 110.368112 2 Bakmi Jawa Harjo Geno ( just off Prawirotaman II street ). Be prepared to wait up to two hours! Tip: if you think that fried noodles go well with beer, you can grab a Bintang at the nearby Tante Lies restaurant. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Gudeg Tugu , Jl. Diponegoro ( close to Kranggan marketplace ). 19:00-01:00 . Popular Gudeg stall. A complete dish consists of: warm rice, shredded chicken, brown hard-boiled egg, gudeg , areh sauce, and the hot & spicy sambal goreng krecek . Rp 7,000-10,000 .  
• Kamikoti Cafe , Ngadisuryan No 4, Alun-alun Selatan . Serving good quality milk, coffee & tea at affordable prices, near Masangin and the Taman Sari complex. From Rp 5,000 .  
• -7.79708 110.36349 3 Rame Rame Vegetarian , Jl Beskalan ( ho south on Malioboro from Tugu station until you reach an intersection with a large Ramayana store, then turn right (west) onto Beskalan, continue for about 200 m; the restaurant is on the right (south) side of the street; there is a faded red banner advertising vegetarian food ). A very small restaurant with meat and vegetarian options and owned by a very friendly woman. Has a delicious soup, noodles, mushrooms, vegetables, meatballs and cilantro for Rp 9,000.  
• Rumah Makan Es Ceria , Jl. Gandekan Lor No. 42 ( close to Sraswijyan, just go west from the hotels and turn left ). Great, cheap food including a smorgasbord where you choose what you like and then the cashier estimates a price. Tasty and cheap. Also ice desserts and fruit shakes.  
• -7.779994 110.377574 4 Sagan Super Sambal , Jl Sagan I no. 5 and Jl Timoho no. 111 ( go east from Tugu Jogja, to Jl. Jendral Sudirman. At the first crossroad (with Gramedia in the corner), turn left (north) to Jl. Cik Ditiro. After 350 m turn right and go straight on until the end of the road with a T-junction; you will see the restaurant in the right corner of the T-junction ), ☏ +62 274 589279 . 09:00-17:00 . Specialising in sambal, the Indonesian delicacy of spicy, hot chilli infused sauce. Also, Indonesian-style beef ribs. Rp5,000-30,000 .  
• Soto Pak Soleh , Tegalrejo ( near Diponegoro Museum ). This well-known restaurant is Pak Soleh's family business and is now operated by his son. They only serve Yogyakarta-style beef soup as their main menu, which has a spicy taste from ginger. Rp 5,000 .  
• Waroeng Jepara , Jl. Wolter Monginsidi 49, Jogjakarta . Famous for their traditional Jepara flavours (only warung in Jogjakarta that serves Jepara food), this modern-furnished warung is run by friendly locals. Speciality includes "pecil pari" (spicy stingray), "bothok tahu" (tofu in papaya leaf) and "sayur lodeh" (jackfruit soup). Rp 5,000-30,000 .  
• Xtra Hot , Jl Main, Kaliurang ( next to BCA Bank ). A local tent (tenda) restaurant specialising in grilled food, with a good variety of sambals (chili) to choose from, yet with good prices. From Rp 4,500 .  
• Pempek Ulu Bundar ( near Mirota crossroad ). serves delicious pempek and kakap meat ball soup. Most expensive menu is Rp 5,000 .  
• The House of Raminten , Jl. Faridan Muridan Noto 7 ( next to Mirota Bakery, can be reached using Trans Jogja bus ). Javanese restaurant with traditional food like jamu godhog (Indonesia's herbal recipe). From Rp 5,000 .  
• Dapur Solo , Jl Demangan Baru No. 1. . Special Yogyakarta and Jawa Tengah delicacies. Famous here are nasi timlo and nasi liwet .  
• -7.800532 110.346419 5 Soto Kadipiro ( Soto Kadipiro Pusat ), Jl Wates No.31, Gang Darussalam, Ngestiharjo, Kasihan, Bantul , ☏ +62 274 618722 . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• -7.783474 110.367895 6 Empek-Empek Kamto , Jl. Beskalan 3 ( opp to Ramai Shopping Mall's south entrance ), ☏ +62 274 514294 . Originating from Palembang, deep-fried fish cake and served with sour soy sauce. There are many varieties of empek-empek: kapal selam (means submarine) comes with boiled eggs inside, adaaan / bulat has a garlic taste, while lenggang is an empek-empek omelette.  
• Bakmi Kadin , Jl. Bintaran Kulon 3 . Javanese style soft-fried noodles. Don't miss the popular wedang bajigur , a local beverages made from warm coconut milk with subtle ginger flavour and garnished with diced coconut and kolang-kaling . Local kroncong street quartet often performs in the area. Rp 18,000-20,000 .  
• Sate Karang , Lapangan Karang, Kotagede . 17:00-22:30 . Grilled beef satay served with lontongs (rice cake), peanut sauce and thin curry soup. Rp 15,000 .  
• -7.833813 110.390687 7 Mie Ayam Bu Tumini , Jl. Imogiri Tim. No.187, Giwangan , ☏ +62 274 410334 . 10:00-17:00 . A mie ayam (chicken noodles) with thick gravy sauce. Start from Rp 8,000 . ( updated Jul 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• -7.81928 110.37251 8 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Easy Groovy ( Easy Groovy Restaurant & Bar ), Jl. Prawirotaman 43 , ☏ +62 274 4284 123 , [email protected] . 12:00-01:00 . A beautiful restaurant & bar on a lively spot with a nice terrace. serving tasty Mexican, Indonesian and Western dishes in a comfortable and warm atmosphere. Also a great place to sit on the terrace to enjoy a drink. Happy Hour until 19:00 discount on beers, wine and cocktails. Wifi is free of charge. Live Music on the weekends from 8:30pm. mains from Rp 45,000 . ( updated Dec 2023 )
• FoodFezt , Jl. Kaliurang km 5.5 , ☏ +62 274 554554 . Many kinds of local Indonesian foods: Nasi kebuli, nasi merah, soto betawi, sate buntel, mushroom satay and also dessert-like pancakes, and ice creams. It has a garden with lots of bamboo trees and other plants. The waiters use wireless gadgets to serve their customers in order to maintain a 'paperless' order system.  
• Gudeg Sagan , An eating place in Jalan Sagan (in front of Toko Sagan Baru) offering rice, seasoned porridge, gudeg, areh sauce, sambal goreng krecek, complete with chicken and brown hard-boiled egg.
• -7.80349 110.36669 9 Gudeg Wijilan Yu Djum , Jl. Wijilan 31, Kraton & Jalan Kaliurang km 4.5, Karangasem CT III/22 , ☏ +62 274 515968 . A more lavish variety of Gudeg , served with thicker sauce, and more expensive as well.  
• -7.793096 110.378056 10 Kedai Rakjat Djelata ( as you exit Lempuyangan station walk left, cross the main street (under the bridge) and go right;total walking time 5 minutes ). Javanese cuisine with a modern twist. Tasty food in a nice setting, yet not expensive. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Kedai Tiga Nyonya , Jl. Jendral Sudirman 16 , ☏ +62 274 589315 . 10:00-22:00 . Peranakan food restaurant, a fusion of Indonesian, Chinese and Dutch cuisine. Their speciality is grilled fish, sour ribs soup and candlenut chicken. Rp 20,000-50,000 .  
• -7.82034 110.3668 11 Kesuma Restaurant , Jl. Sartono No.829, Mantrijeron 3 ( cross street Jalan Surami ), ☏ +62 812 29 42 66 85 . M-Sa 11:00-14:30, 18:00-22:00; only available for reservations . Local home cooking in the familiarity of a typical Kampung house. Rp80,000 - 150,000 . ( updated Mar 2018 )
• -7.798577 110.36223 12 Mie Bandung . Despite the name, this is not a noodle restaurant, but rather a Chinese restaurant. Don't expect authentic Chinese food, but rather Indonesian-Chinese. The wonton is really good though, and they also serve beer! If you find yourself craving Chinese food in Jogja, this is one of the few places you can go to. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Pesona Rasa , Jalan Aip. II K. S. Tubun no. 15 , ☏ +62 274 7001471 . A nice Chinese food family restaurant. Serves delicious and fresh Chinese dishes such as: fried rice, fried noodle, tofu, fresh capjay and vegetables. In Pathuk area, 5 minutes from Malioboro. With friendly service and wallet-friendly prices.  
• Quali Resto , Plaza Ambarrukmo, 3rd floor, near the foodcourt. Serves various kind of Chinese dishes, but their specialty is kwetiaw (wide noodles). Rp 20,000.
• Sapi Bali , Jl. Umbul Permai, Mudal, Sariharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman, Yogyakarta, ☏ +62 274 7858938 . Serves Balinese style ribs, although a little too hot and spicy for some foreigners. If you do not like hot and spicy food, opt for the Soy Sauce Ribs. Rp 25,000.
• Sendang K Pitoe , ☏ +62 274 747 1114 . A famous shrimp and sea food restaurant located on the outskirts of the city, specifically Jamur, Minggir, Sleman. Very delicious fried shrimp served fresh from the ponds in the still relatively untouched village. Should not be confused with the nearby Mang Engking, also a shrimp restaurant with an ill-earned reputation for dirty food.  
• -7.778346 110.364387 13 Takigawa . Japanese restaurant that also serves shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot). ( updated Jul 2015 )
• Via Via , Jl. Prawirotaman, An excellent traveller's cafe, there are clocks on the wall showing the time in other Via Via cafes around the world and a mix of travellers and Indonesian locals. Offers a range of western dishes (good French onion soup) and specialty Indonesian dishes at a good price. Caters very well to vegetarians (tofu and tempe). Cane chairs and lots of space and games. Rp 30,000-100,000.

Splurge [ edit ]

Jogja has many 'high-end' restaurants serving western to Asian to Asian-fusion cuisines.

• Royal Garden Restaurant , Jl. Pekapalan 7, Alun-Alun Utara , ☏ +62 274 386767 , +62 274 373343 . Chinese-Indonesian dishes with kraton-style atmosphere. Rp40,000-80,000 .  
• -7.818452 110.364562 14 Mediterranea , Jl. Tirtodipuran No.24a Mantrijeron Yogyakarta 55143 , ☏ +62274371052 . 08:00-23:00 . Serves French and Mediterranean dishes. Open all day, serving breakfast before midday. Sells espresso and has a wide range of fresh juices available. Also includes a small specialty shop with imported goods and fresh baked bread and pastries. Best croissants in Jogja. main course Rp 100,000-300,000, breakfast Rp 37,000-70,0000, pizza Rp 53,000-81,000, dessert Rp 35,000-45,000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )

Drink [ edit ]

Clubs [ edit ].

Usually all clubs are willing to give free entry before midnight if you call and ask for a guestlist, unless on an important event night.

• -7.788841 110.367266 1 Republic , ☏ +62 274 566353 . Hotel INNA Garuda, Jl. Malioboro 60. DJs and live music.  
• Embassy , ☏ +62 274 484950 . In Sheraton Hotel complex area (there's a tunnel connecting the club). Entrance fee around Rp 35,000-100,000, depends on the event. Full set DJs. Music ranges from trance, house, to dubstep. The drinks are genuine, but are pretty pricey. Have a weekly discount night called Monday Madness 50% off. Usually they have free drinks from 22:00-02:00 on the last Thursday of every month with a fee of Rp 100,000/person.  
• Platinum , Jl. Sudirman . ( updated May 2020 )
• Cubic , Demangan .  
• SUGAR Executive Club , Jl. Tentara Pelajar ( Indoluxe Hotel ).  
• Terrace , Seturan ( near STIE YKPN ).  

Lounges & bars [ edit ]

Lounges and cafes are found throughout Indonesia's trendy inner city environments.

• -7.817996 110.361331 2 Easy Garden , Jl. Suryodiningratan 10 , ☏ +62 274 4284 123 , [email protected] . 12:00–01:30 . Cosy beanbags in a lush garden or sitting under grape pergola. Offers Shisha as well for Rp 75,000. Live music Th-Sa nights from 21:00. Free plunge pool, billiard table & wifi. Cocktails Rp 45-90,000, beers Rp 25-65,000 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Corner of Jl. Parangtritis & Prawirotaman A bunch of casual street bars are found here, some of them with loud music and bar girls.

Sleep [ edit ]

There are hundreds of hotels in Jogja. All the major international and national chains are represented — Accor, Sheraton, Hyatt, Melia — but there is much of local interest at all budget levels.

Budget under Rp250,000 [ edit ]

Most of the budget accommodation is on Jl Sosrowijayan (adjacent to Jl Malioboro) and in the Jl Prawirotaman area, about 3 km (1.9 mi) to the south of the centre.

Malioboro and Sosrowijayan [ edit ]

Many backpackers find places to stay on the alleys around Gang Sosrowijayan, close to the Tugu train station and Jl Malioboro. Gang-3 is a red light area. The 'losmen' tariff is from Rp 100,000 a day in low season and up to Rp 250,000 a day for a losmen with facilities: aircon, en-suite bathroom and TV. The gangs are 10-15 minutes walk from the train station. If you follow one of the touts advertising cheap accommodation your stay might be more expensive as they will get a commission for bringing you there.

• -7.7905 110.364 1 Andrea Hotel , Sosrowijayan Wetan GT I/140, Gang 2 , ☏ +62 274 563502 , +62 813 2858-5516 , [email protected] . Across the street from Setia Kawans alley, clean, friendly European owner, bar facilities, A/C rooms and fan rooms. Each room has a private bathroom with shower, western toilet and sink. Credit cards accepted. Rp 140,000 to–285,000 including breakfast .  
• -7.79165 110.36392 2 Bladok Losmen & Restaurant , Jl Sosrowijayan No.76 , ☏ +62 274 560452 . A small hotel with clean and comfortable rooms, traditionally designed. All rooms have a private bathroom attached. Rooms with a balcony are available. Double room with fan & hot shower Rp 140,000. A basic room is about Rp 100,000 .  
• -7.802298 110.356582 3 Bunk Bed And Breakfast , Jl Wahid Hasyim No.23, Nagampilan , ☏ +62-274-383033 . Check-in: 13:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Air-con 4/8 bed dorms with own/outside bathroom. Free WiFi and breakfast. from Rp 75,000 per person . ( updated Apr 2017 )
• -7.797588 110.382228 4 Edotel , Jl Kenari No.4 , ☏ +62 274 558436 . Neat hotel run by students of the vocational high school next door so all the income benefits the school. The beds are big and cozy, and its in a great part of town, near the center but quiet. The student staff are wonderful and there are hot showers and WiFi in all rooms. In a fairly conservative Muslim part of town - couples will not be able to share a room unless they are married, even same sex friends sharing a room can be problematic.  
• -7.79157 110.36349 5 La Javanaise Homestay , Sosrowijayan Wetan Gt 1/187 , ☏ +62 274 556054 . Very friendly and welcoming place to stay near Jl Malioboro. Includes breakfast. Rp 150,000 .  
• -7.78988 110.36414 6 Losmen Candi , Jl Pasar Kembang No. 5 ( very close to Tugu Station ), ☏ +62 817 4121 1997 . Clean and tidy with various options to suit the budget traveller including 4-person rooms. from Rp 100,000 .  
• -7.791527 110.364562 7 Losmen Nuri , Jl Sosrowijayan Wetan GT I/77 , ☏ +62 274 543654 . Very clean rooms, nicely decorated and a good atmosphere, rooms with shared or own bathroom. From Rp 100,000 (negotiable).  
• -7.7912 110.3597 8 Lotus Losmen , Sosrowijayan Wetan GT I/167 ( from Sosrowijayan take the alley past Monica hotel, take a right, a left into ever smaller alleys ), ☏ +62 274 515090 . Quiet place deep in the back alleys of Sosrowijayan. Friendly owner will make you a nice breakfast. Small but cozy roof terrace. Rooms are clean with attached bathroom. Good WiFi. Rp 100,000 (fan), Rp 140,000 (A/C) .  
• -7.791186 110.363382 9 Monica Hotel , Jl Sosrowijayan GT1/192 , ☏ +62 274 580598 . Renovated, clean place. Make sure to insist on getting a receipt and keeping it for the duration of your stay in the city. Rp 60,000 standard room with fan and attached hot water bathroom, includes breakfast, toast and coffee/tea. Rp 100,000 for 4 occupants room with fan and attached hot water bathroom .  
• -7.794033 110.366062 10 The Munajat Backpacker , Jl Malioboro 26 ( 5 min walk from Tugu train station ), ☏ +62 274 585138 , themunajatbackpacker​@gmail.com . 5 rooms with fan and attached bathroom, 4 rooms with fan and separate bathroom. Free WiFi. dorm bed Rp 75,000 .  
• -7.802075 110.360921 11 Sante Commune , Jl Nyai Ahmad Dahlan No 17 ( walk or take rickshaw from train station ), ☏ +62 819 9847 1235 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Small hostel in the city center, walking distance to Malioboro, Museums, Sultan Palace, Water Castle. Free WiFi. dorm bed Rp 70,000, private room from Rp 130,000 .  
• -7.790419 110.364404 12 Setia Kawan , Sosrowijayan Wetan GT.1/27 , ☏ +62 274 512452 . Artistic hotel down one of the two main alleyways close to the train station. Clean, comfortable, and imaginatively decorated rooms without windows (think Dali meets Indonesia). Down the street is the owner's restaurant, offering a variety of Indonesian and vegetarian meals for cheap. If you stay at the rooftop be quiet, otherwise you may be kicked out without warning. Often full. From Rp 110,000, including breakfast .  
• -7.79653 110.36281 13 Yogyakarta BnB , Jl Sastrodipuran No.19 , ☏ +6281998471232 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Not really a hostel, feels like home. Managed by Indonesian travellers knowledgeable about the needs of other travellers. Serves awesome local breakfast. They change the breakfast menu daily. In the quiet part of the city center. Close to train staion. Free Wi-Fi, drinking water, tea and coffee. You can also use their kitchen to cook. Dorm from Rp 70,000. Private room from Rp 110,000. Breakfast Rp 20,000 . ( updated Feb 2023 )

Prawirotaman [ edit ]

• Delta Homestay , Jl Prawirotaman XI/597a , ☏ +62 274 372051 . Fan single and double rooms with common bathrooms. Rp130,000 .  
• Kampoeng Djawa , Jl Prawirotaman I/40 , ☏ +62 274 378318 . Clean rooms with fan or A/C arranged around a garden filled with the sounds of birdsong and running water. TV, pleasant, attentive and helpful staff. Free WiFi, water, tea and coffee. Rp110,000 (fan) .  
• Parakesit Guesthouse , Jl Prawirotaman I/24b , ☏ +62 274 375002 . Has fan and A/C single/double rooms all with own bathrooms and TV. (All prices are negotiable). The family-run Parakesit GH has the lowest cost rooms in Jl Prawirotaman 1. from Rp95,000 .  
• -7.819335 110.369753 15 Prambanan Guesthouse , Jalan Prawirotaman 14 , ☏ +62 274 376167 , [email protected] . Check-out: 12:00 . Fan and A/C rooms with own bathrooms. Credit cards accepted. Rp170,000–480,000 including breakfast . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Rumah Eyang , Jl Parangtritis, Gang Sartono 823 , ☏ +62 812 2711-7439 . Tranquil with a serene touch, beautiful garden and art gallery space away from the hustle of Jl Malioboro. Twelve rooms with bathroom facilities, air conditioning/fan, and breakfast. Rp125,000–175,000 . ( updated Jan 2012 )
• Sartika Hotel , Jl Prawirotaman 1 . Fan double rooms with own bathrooms. From Rp100,000 .  
• -7.8041 110.36424 16 ViaVia Guesthouse , Jl Prawirotaman Mg 3/514A , ☏ +62 274 374748 . Some rooms have A/C and/or ensuite bathroom; every room is different, but all are clean and comfortable. WiFi is available. Breakfast is served at the guesthouse. Restaurant and tour agency nearby. Rp150,000–200,000 .  
• Wisma Gajah , Jl Prawirotaman 4 , ☏ +62 274 375659 . Doubles and singles with swimming pool and terraces. Rp100,000–140,000 .  
• -7.817692 110.361461 17 OstiC House ( OstiC hostel ), Jl. Suryodiningratan No.10B, Suryodiningratan, Kec. Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55141 ( about 20-min bus from train station (3A), south of Alun Alun Kidul ), ☏ +62 877-3955-4438 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . AC, wifi, towel, shared toilet/shower with toilet paper and toilet gun, dorm bed curtain, water refill, fridge, pool table, small swimming pool. Activities book and tours including Borobudur, Prambanan, and Jomblang cave. Mix Dorm 4 beds Rp 78,000, double 300,000, family roomRp 500-700,000 . ( updated Apr 2024 )
• -7.815103 110.362671 18 Trava House ( travahouse ), Gang Cempaka, Lorong Barat MJ3 No 45 ( find on google map : Trava House ), ☏ +62 819 98 47 12 33 , [email protected] . A vacation house in the center of Yogyakarta City. Private house with 3 bedrooms with a cute pool. Available for rent daily. from Rp 690,000 .  
• Joglo Plawang Boutique Villa , Jl Pakem-Turi km 5, Turi, Sleman , ☏ +62 274 446-1611 , [email protected] .  
• Venezia Homestay , Jl Tirtodipuran 27 ( Prawirotaman area ), ☏ +62 274 374049 , [email protected] .  
• Indraloka Homestay , Jl Cik Di Tiro 18 ( on the main road to Gadjah Mada University ), ☏ +62 274 544428 .  
• -7.819 110.37021 19 Ministry of Coffee , Jl Prawirotaman I/15A , ☏ +6281327027201 . Prawirotaman's most modern establishment, clean white sheets, fluffy doonas and AC. Each room has a unique decor and colour scheme. Also has a coffee house, a library, and restaurant. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -7.82426 110.36898 20 Dusun Jogja Village Inn , Jl Menukan 5, Karangkajen ( south of Prawirotaman ), ☏ +62 274 373031 , +62 274 384438 , fax : +62 274 382202 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Balinese-style garden courtyard and swimming pool, good clean rooms. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -7.79035 110.36638 21 Grand Inna Malioboro ( formerly Inna Garuda ), Jl Malioboro 60 , ☏ +62 274 566353 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Established in 1908. 240 rooms are furnished in classic but modern elegance & face Jl Malioboro. ( updated Nov 2022 )
• Puri Artha Hotel , Jl Cendrawasih 36, Demangan Baru , ☏ +62 274 274 563288 , fax : +62 274 562765 . A blend of traditional Javanese and Balinese style with western facilities.  
• Yogya Moon Hotel , Jl Kemetiran 21 , ☏ +62 274 582465 , fax : +62 274 582084 . Near to Jl Malioboro. Cozy, affordable, close to 3-star class. From Rp200,000 .  
• Pondok Terra Villa Accommodation Yogyakarta . Two luxurious villas in the centre of the town, just south of the Kraton area. Both are of a traditional Javanese style with private swimming pools an a 200-m² garden.  
• -7.773813 110.368437 25 Hotel Tentrem , Jl. P. Mangkubumi No.72A, Cokrodiningratan, Jetis , ☏ +62 274 6415555 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . A 5-star hotel with two upscale restaurants and a polished lounge, plus an outdoor pool with a poolside bar. There’s also a spa, a gym and a boutique. From Rp1,363,326 . ( updated Apr 2023 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Jogja has its share of petty crime like pickpocketing , especially in city buses and along Jalan Malioboro when crowded.

Watch out for gallery scams and street sellers trying to get a commission for batik. These tend to occur around the Kraton and Malioboro areas. Scammers will approach tourists and tell them about a government art centre and will hire cheap transport to the 'genuine' gallery. If you're interested in buying batik, this isn't necessarily bad, but you are, in essence, being manipulated.

Be cautious when walking in the city. Traffic is brutal! You might have difficulty crossing roads and streets, especially in crowded places. Pavements, even where they exist, are in poor condition, and signs over the pavement hang lower than head height for many foreigners, so watch your feet and your head. At night, street lighting will usually be poor, making it even harder.

Mount Merapi volcano looms over the city. The last eruption was in May 2018, spewing ashes about 6km high. Although it wasn't as big and destructive as in 2010.

Try to travel in groups if going to or from Parangtritis beach. The long stretch between Jogja and the beach can be dangerous at night. You may get stopped by someone riding a motorcycle trying to rob you. There are few police stations along the road, and often unoccupied.

Never swim at Parangtritis beach due to strong rip currents.

Connect [ edit ]

Telephone [ edit ].

The area code for Yogyakarta is 0274.

Internet [ edit ]

There are many internet cafes in Yogyakarta which offer speedy access. Some hotels provide free wifi in the lobby. The Taman Sari foodcourt at Ambarrukmo Plaza, locally known as Amplas , offers free Wifi.

The 24-hour Indomaret on Jalan Malioboro offers free Wifi and wall sockets, but can be a little noisy.

• B@yonet , Jl. Jendral Sudirman 75 , ☏ +62 274 550553 .  
• Gama Student Internet Center , UPT Perpustakaan Unit 2 Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. C. Simanjuntak .  
• Ibis , Ibis Maliboro Hotel lobby ( near to the 'Link Cafe' at Malioboro Mall ).  
• DOJO hotspot centre , Pogung Kidul Sleman .  
• Shooternet , Jl. Ampel 10 Papringan .  
• Indraloka Home Stay , Jl. Cik Di Tiro 18 ( on the main road to Universitas Gadjah Mada ), ☏ +62 274 544428 .  
• -7.78257 110.36695 2 Fox Net , Jalan A.M. Sangaji No. 3 Yogyakarta , ☏ +62 274 511 359 . Internet café (warung internet), streaming, burn CD, print, scan. ( updated Jul 2016 )

Cope [ edit ]

Emergency [ edit ].

• Ambulance , ☏ 118 .  
• Police , ☏ 110 .  
• Yogyakarta Police headquarters , Jl. Ringroad Utara , ☏ +62 274 563494 .  
• Yogyakarta Police station , Jl. Reksobayan 1 , ☏ +62 274 512511 , +62 274 512940 .  

List of hospitals with 24 hours emergency room (ER), ( UGD ):

• RSUD Kota Jogyakarta , Jl. Wirosaban 1 , ☏ +62 274 371195 .  
• -7.776948 110.376985 4 RS Panti Rapih , Jl. Cik Ditiro 30 , ☏ +62 274 563333 .  

Consulates [ edit ]

• France Consular Agency in Jogjakarta , Institute Franco-Indonesien Jl. Sagan 3 No. 1, Yogyakarta 55223 , ☏ +62 274 566520 , +62 274 547409 .  

Libraries [ edit ]

• -7.784053 110.374339 1 Perpustakaan Kota Yogyakarta ( Yogyakarta City Library ), Jl. Suroto No.9 , ☏ +62 274 511314 . M 08:00-15:30; Tu-F 08:00-17:00; Sa 08:00-15:00; Su 09:00-14:00 . free . ( updated Mar 2013 )
• Badan Perpustakaan Dan Arsip Daerah, Unit Badran I , Jl. Tentara Rakyat Mataram No.4 , ☏ +62 274 588219 , +62 274 561218 .  
• Badan Perpustakaan Dan Arsip Daerah, Unit Badran II , Jl. Tentara Rakyat Mataram No.29 , ☏ +62 274 513969 , +62 274 563367 . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Badan Perpustakaan Dan Arsip Daerah, Unit malioboro , Jl. Malioboro No. 175 , ☏ +62 274 512473 . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• -7.784752 110.370732 2 Perpustakaan Balai Bahasa ( Yogyakarta Language Hall ), Jl. I Dewa Nyoman Oka 34 , ☏ +62 274 562070 , fax : +62 274 580667 , [email protected] . M-F 08:30-15:00 . Free . ( updated Nov 2022 )
• -7.774762 110.377005 3 Perpustakaan Pusat Studi Pedesaaan dan Kawasan UGM , Bulaksumur G/7 PO. Box. 2 UGM, Sayap Selatan , ☏ +62 274 6491151 , +62 274 564463 , fax : +62 274 564463 . M-Th 08:00-12:00, 13:00-15:30; F 08:00-11:00, 13:30-14:30 . Unlike most of the other university libraries in the city, this one is open to the general public. The collection is mostly about the social sciences. Free . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• -7.812561 110.362365 4 Perpustakaan Iboekoe , Jl. Patehan Wetan No. 3 . free . ( updated Jun 2015 )
• Perpustakaan Kunci , Jl. Ngadinegaran MJ III/100 , ☏ +62 274 7456680 , [email protected] . M-Sa 10:00-18:00 . free . ( updated Jun 2015 )

Go next [ edit ]

North [ edit ].

• The massive Buddhist temple of Borobudur , the largest Buddhist monument in the world, is 40 minutes away by car and one of the main drawcards for visitors to Yogyakarta. Many tour buses (minivans) leave Yogyakarta at 05:00 for an early visit to Borobudur . This is a convenient way to skip the crowds which arrive mid morning, although a little more expensive: Rp45,000-50,000 (including a simple breakfast). However, the extra cost could save you money if tour participants chip in for a tour guide.
• Gereja Ayam (Chicken Church) . Near Magelang . In response to what he claimed was a divine vision in 1988, Daniel Alamsjah, a devout Christian, spent every weekend over nearly a decade overseeing the construction of this multi-dominical bird-shaped prayer house. Alamsjah’s vision had been of a dove, but the its resemblance to a giant chicken has earned it its better-known moniker, Gereja Ayam – Chicken Church. Alamsjah ran out of funds in 2000 to complete it and left it to fall into decay. However over the next 15 years, curious visitors to nearby Borobudur began seeking it out. Increasing visitor numbers encouraged Alamsjah to return and begin work on completing the structure. The interior has been decorated in a style that may not be to everyone’s taste. From the parking lot it is 15 minute walk up a steep hill to the building (for which it is advisable to bring closed footwear). Shuttle rides are offered up the hill but these can be expensive. It is often included in tours to Borobodur. Open daily 05:00 to 16:30. The entrance fee is Rp30,000 (+ Rp10,000 parking fees for a car).
• Kaliurang in Sleman Regency is the closest settlement on the southern slope of Mount Merapi . One reason to visit this town is the Ullen Sentalu Museum , an exotic museum dedicated to the culture and life of Javanese royalty. The museum is built into the surrounding landscape, with gardens, sculptures and an overall tranquil and natural environment. There is also a colonial-themed restaurant in the grounds called Beukenhof.
• Ketep Pass , a pass located in the slope between Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu offers a great vantage point for a spectacular view of both mountains. This site has a small cinema that regularly shows an interesting documentary of Mount Merapi . East of Borobudur , 40 minutes from Yogyakarta by car.
• Salatiga , about 2½ hours from Yogyakarta, is closer to Semarang (1 hour) than Yogyakarta. Salatiga is a mountain resort town with several good resort-style spa hotels mainly aimed at people looking for a tranquil and relaxing escape from the city life. Activities in Salatiga include trying the famous "ronde" drink and Havana horses.

East [ edit ]

• The Hindu temples of Prambanan , 20 minutes away, are a close second to Borobudur. The smaller temples of Kalasan and others are on the way to Prambanan. The entrance to Borobundur or Prambanan Temple costs Rp362,500 each.
• The city of Surakarta aka Solo, a 45-min drive (also accessible with the Prambanan Ekspres train or the Joglosemar bus — see #Get in ) to the east is Yogya's royal twin and home to two royal kingdoms that are ancestrally related to Yogyakarta's Kingdom. The city's royal past is indicated through the two major keraton or palaces that are able to visited: the sprawling Keraton Kasunanan Surakarta , where the Pakubuwono kings live and the smaller but equally grand Pura Mangkunegaran palace, seat of Prince Mangkunegara. It is also a thriving arts and cultural center, home to the biggest batik manufacturers in Indonesia, and the Danar Hadi Batik Museum, which has the most diverse batik collection in Indonesia. Last but not least Solo offers a wealth of culinary experiences such as timlo (meat soup), its own soto or the fabled serabi (Javanese pancakes).
• Ratu Boko palace, 2 km south of Prambanan . An ancient royal palace complex, similar in architectural layout with other Kratons or palaces in Java. Magnificently located on top of a hill, Ratu Boko has been restored.

South [ edit ]

• Parangtritis , on the south coast, is one of the better known black sand beaches. Local folklore suggests that this beach is the palace of the legendary Nyai Loro Kidul or 'Queen of the South'. It is common knowledge among locals not to wear anything green in color, or the Queen will entice the wearer into the ocean to drown. Warning : Never swim at Parangtritis beach. Its wild waves are known to be deadly (rip currents): many people have died who ignored these precautions. There are also other beaches with white sands, but you have to arrange with a travel agent to rent a car with the driver as their locations are quite remote (2 hours from the city centre) in the hilly Gunung Kidul region. These beaches are pristine and sometimes off-the-beaten-path, such as Kukup beach, Krakal beach, Drini, Sundak beach and Baron, but the swimming warning still applies.
• Ngobaran Beach at Gunung Kidul region, 50 km from Yogyakarta. This is a pure beach with a number of marine attractions to explore. When the tide is low in the morning, the visitors can join the local fishermen to collect seaweed or go fishing for stranded fish between the reefs at the beach. Some believe that somewhere in the beach lie the remains of King Brawijaya's fort and his men “Sabdo Palon Ngoyogenggong”. This beach includes a cave, which leads its explorers to a striking underground stream. If you go to Ngrenehan Beach for the grilled fish just drop by Ngobaran Beach, it has a high cliff and is around 2 km from Ngrenehan Beach. Many sea animal species are present in the coral reef and inter-tidal zones, ranging from sea urchin, starfish, to various types of cockleshells.
• Ngrenehan Beach at Kanigoro Village, Saptosari. ( about 30 km south of Wonosari ). A small bay surrounded by rocky hills that has fascinating panorama and swirling waves hitting the white sandy beach and rocky edge of the hills. The local fishermen can prepare fresh or grilled fish for visitors.

West [ edit ]

Jakarta — The Argo Lawu train makes the 7-hr train ride.

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Your Best Travel Guide to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta is known for its rich culture, diverse list of attractions, and, of course, being the main access point to the famous Borobudur Temple. While most tourists travel to Yogyakarta to see Borobudur, many fall in love with the city and wish they could have stayed longer. This travel guide to Yogyakarta includes everything you need to know about the city, the best things to do in Yogyakarta, how long your itinerary should be, and the best time to visit.

This is a guest post by Victoria, a travel blogger and travel journalist from Germany. She loves to explore both well-known and off-the-beaten-path destinations and can usually be found traveling somewhere around Southeast Asia. Her blog focuses on budget travel, destination guides and advice on how to become a blogger.

This post includes affiliate links to products, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps to fund my blog and bring more authentic articles to you 🙂   Learn more

Where is Yogyakarta?

The city of Yogyakarta is located in Central Java, around 260 miles southeast of Jakarta. It sits in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, which is a regional autonomous part of Indonesia. Yogyakarta is the only royal city in the country that is still ruled by a monarchy and is known for its arts scene and cultural heritage. 

Yogyakarta is a fantastic place for those wanting to experience a unique side of Indonesia that has mostly been spared by the crowds of tourists that can be found in other hotspots like Bali or Lombok. Come here for delicious street food, incredible architecture, and a lively atmosphere.

Travel guide to Yogyakarta: Things you should know before you go

• Yogyakarta is home to just over 400,000 people, making it a small to medium-sized city. Due to its large number of universities, Yogyakarta has a very sizeable student population, so it is very young and vibrant. 
• While alcohol is difficult to find in this predominantly Muslim part of Indonesia, Yogyakarta actually comes alive most nights with people eating, hanging out, and socializing in the streets, even well after midnight.
• The primary spoken language in Yogyakarta is Bahasa Indonesia, although many locals speak a decent English level. In and around Malioboro Street, you will have no trouble communicating in English. 
• Yogyakarta is known to be very affordable and a great place to travel on a budget. You can find a traditional Indonesian meal for as little as $1, and a basic hotel room won’t cost more than $20 per night.

How to get to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has an international airport served by several large airlines, including Air Asia and Garuda Indonesia. The airport is 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by bus from the city center. Taking the bus from the airport to the city center is very affordable and highly recommended.

Another great way to get to Yogyakarta is by train. The train network in this area of Indonesia is very easy to use and reliable. There are direct routes available to Jakarta, and the train journey is very scenic. A ticket from Jakarta to Yogyakarta only costs around $20, even for executive class seats . If you’re not too pressed on the time, you should consider taking the train to Yogyakarta instead of flying.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is not a large city, and most tourist attractions are located very close to each other. If you’re only spending a few days in Yogyakarta, you should look for a place to stay near Malioboro Street, the city’s busiest area. Here you’ll find great street food, shopping opportunities, and attractions like Fort Vredeburg, the Royal Palace, and the Beringharjo Market, all within walking distance. Malioboro Street has a great selection of hotels and hostels for all budgets and is the perfect place to set up your base in Yogyakarta. 

How to get around in Yogyakarta

Knowing how to get around in a new city will make your trip a lot better and should be included in any travel guide to Yogyakarta.

Since most of the points of interest in Yogyakarta sit so close together, you won’t have to move around a lot. Like in many Southeast Asian countries, ride-sharing apps like Grab can quickly get from one place to another. They’re affordable and rarely cost more than a few dollars. Unlike taxis, there is a low risk of overpaying or scams .

Yogyakarta also has an excellent bus system that can take you to essential spots around town. The Trans Jogja buses cost less than $0,50 per ride and are easy and convenient to use. This is the preferred form of transport for locals, and you’ll rarely see tourists using them.

For a unique experience, hire a tuk-tuk to take you around Yogyakarta. These are either motorized or operated with bicycles. There are always a large number of tuk-tuks waiting for a business close to Malioboro Street.

If you’re planning on taking a day-trip to places like Borobudur, Prambanan, or the nearby beaches, you should consider either renting a scooter or hiring a driver . Keep in mind that Indonesian traffic is very tricky to navigate, so don’t drive in Indonesia if you’re not very experienced. A driver is very affordable in Yogyakarta and only costs around $20 for a day . This is the best way to get around if you value comfort and want to see as much as possible.

Yogyakarta itinerary: How long should you stay?

Yogyakarta has a lot to offer, and you could easily stay here for a week if you plan on doing a lot of day-trips. A 3- or 4-day Yogyakarta itinerary is an excellent place to start for those who are short on time but still want to see as much as possible of what Yogyakarta has to offer. 

Expect to spend at least one or two days in the city and then one day to see Borobudur and Prambanan. Another excellent day trip from Yogyakarta is to the coast and the many unique sights along the way. You should spend an absolute minimum of two days in Yogyakarta . However, 3 or 4 would be ideal for making your Yogyakarta itinerary more manageable.

Best time to visit Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has a tropical monsoon climate with a distinct wet and dry season. June to September have predominantly dry weather and are some of the best months to visit the area. Although Yogyakarta can be very hot during this time, the skies will almost always be blue, and it’s a great time for sightseeing and exploring. 

From November to March, the monsoon season causes Indonesia to experience a lot of rain. Temperatures stay constant throughout the year, although the dry season can feel a lot hotter.

Top 11 Things to do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has a wide variety of activities to add to your itinerary. Luckily, Yogyakarta is very affordable, so most of them on this list won’t break the bank. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, you can find plenty of things to do in Yogyakarta.

See Borobudur at Sunrise

If you’re only going to see one place in this travel guide to Yogyakarta, then it should be Borobudur. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the largest Buddhist temple globally and is visited by millions of tourists every year. 

The best way to experience its beauty is to see Borobudur at sunrise – a magical experience. The temple is just under an hour outside of the city, making it a great day trip from Yogyakarta. You can hire a guide to take you around the temple or a driver who will make your travel time between Yogyakarta and Borobudur a lot more comfortable.

Tip : See Borobudur at sunrise , but also visit Merapi Volcano and Prambanan on a guided tour.

Visit the Taman Sari Water Palace

Yogyakarta’s water palace dates back to the 18th century and is one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city. Add Taman Sari to your Yogyakarta itinerary if you enjoy intricate architecture and history. 

Admire the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Yogyakarta is still home to the royal family, which means it is only open during the day’s precise times. Come here to admire historical artifacts and imagine what life here was like 200 years ago.

Explore Malioboro Street

Malioboro Street is the heart of Yogyakarta and the best place for shopping, street food, and sightseeing. In the evenings, this street comes alive with university students, little markets, and street performers.

Go off-roading at Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is an active volcano that sits just outside of the city of Yogyakarta. While there are occasional minor eruptions, the volcano is safe to visit for tourists. The best way to explore the incredible scenery that surrounds the large mountain is by jeep. There are plenty of jeep tours to choose from, which will take you to the volcano and the nearby rivers.

Visit the historic Fort Vredeburg

Fort Vredeburg is a former colonial Dutch fort on Malioboro Street in the center of Yogyakarta. The inside has been transformed into a museum and is a great place to learn more about Yoygakarta’s incredible history and political significance.

See the sunset at Prambanan

Prambanan Temple might not be as well-known as the famous Borobudur, but it is just as beautiful. Many tour companies take you to Borobudur for sunrise and then Prambanan for sunset , which is an excellent option for those who are short on time. Prambanan should be at the top of your list for your Yogyakarta itinerary. 

Enjoy Yogyakarta’s beaches

Yogyakarta might not be on the coast, but it is just a few hours’ drive from incredible beaches, perfect for a day trip. Most are still undiscovered by the tourist crowds, and you’ll rarely have to share the beach with more than a few people. Some of the best ones include Wediombo Beach, Jungwok Beach, and Greweng Beach. 

Experience Alun Alun Square

If you’re looking for Yogyakarta’s version of nightlife, then Alun Alun Square is the place to go. In the evenings, this is a fantastic spot for street food and live music as well as the famous neon cars, which you can drive around for only a few dollars. This is an excellent activity for all ages and one of the most fun things to do in this travel guide to Yogyakarta.

Go cave tubing at Goa Pindul

Goa Pindul is a cave system located about an hour outside of Yogyakarta. Inside there is an underground lazy river which is perfect for tubing. If the short ride through the caves wasn’t enough for you there are additional tours available to explore the country-side via the many rivers.

Visit the Chicken Church

In the middle of the Indonesian jungle close to Borobudur, you’ll find a giant church shaped like a chicken . This unusual piece of architecture is a great place to visit after Borobudur, and you can even climb to the very top of the chicken crown for some of the best views of the surrounding area.

My favorite travel Resources

✈ Book affordable flights on WayAway , a platform that shows the best flight deals, tours, and hotels. With a WayAway Plus membership, you can earn cashback . Get 10% off with code: RFD10

🚫 Get compensation for up to 700$ with Airhelp if your flight was canceled or delayed within the last 3 years.

🚗 Rent a car with DiscoverCars , a trusted international car rental website.

💻 Get a VPN from Surfshark to protect your devices from hackers when using public Wi-Fi when traveling.

📱 Install the Airalo app , which provides local eSIMs for a more affordable internet connection when traveling. Get 3 USD with code: BAIA2592 .

💸 Use Wise to withdraw money in local currency without hidden fees and avoid high exchange rates. On top of that, you might get a Visa or Mastercard debit card .

🏨 Find budget-friendly deals on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .

❣ Pre-book a private car transfer with Welcome Pickups to your hotel.

🩺 Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance, SafetyWing , covering COVID with add-ons for adventure sports and electronics theft.

☀ Book in advance some of the best city walks, cultural experiences, and day tours to maximize your stay and experience here.

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YOGYAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget, DIY Itinerary, and More

Exploring yogyakarta: your travel guide to the heart of java.

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Ultimate Travel Guide to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Table of Contents

Yogyakarta (often called “Jogja”) is a city on the Indonesian island of Java known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. Its ornate 18th-century royal complex, or Kraton , encompasses the still-inhabited Sultan’s Palace. Also within the Kraton are numerous open-air pavilions that host classical Javanese dance shows and concerts of gamelan music, characterized by gongs, chimes, and plucked string instruments. In this  Yogyakarta Travel Guide Blog , we listed some tips on making your own DIY trip to Yogyakarta. We also included Yogyakarta Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

The weather in Yogyakarta rarely varies, with temperatures going as high as 34.7 degrees Celsius. If you’re from a cold climate, try not to visit in October, September, and May because these are the hottest months. Instead, opt for November, December, January, February, and March. These are the most crowded months, but they also have cooler temperatures. July is a low-season month, so if you want to save on costs, this is the best time to visit.

Visa Requirement

The need for a Visa depends on your country of origin. There are several countries with Visa-Free entry, including the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Every tourist should also have a passport valid for at least 6 months from entering Indonesia. The free visa is under a 30-day non-extendible requirement. Other requirements include proof of return or onward flight, and your passport must have one completely blank page.

How to Get There

The Adisucipto International Airport is the one that services the city of Yogyakarta. The main jump-off point to this airport would be Jakarta Jakarta International Airport. Countries like Malaysia or Singapore also have direct flights to Yogyakarta.

By 2020 however, a new international airport should be operational in the city, to be opened in Kulon Pogo, located west of Yogyakarta.

You can book flights to Jakarta via Cebu Pacific Air if you come from Manila.

If you have the time, there’s also land travel from Jakarta, which takes around 6 to 8 hours. Taking the bus would extend the travel time to 13 hours.

The train to Yogyakarta starts at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta. If you want a faster and more convenient 8-hour train ride, take the Kereta Wisata Luxury Train. It’s an airconditioned Business Class train used by the Indonesian President and VVIP state guests. The train has a kitchen, dining area, karaoke lounge, movie room, luggage area, and a clean toilet. The train also offers a buffet lunch, traditional snacks, coffee, and tea.

Getting Around Yogyakarta

You have several options when getting around this city. There’s the train station primarily used to get from the airport to the main city. To explore the city, there’s the bus, or you can hire a taxi. Some buses have terminals in the airport, allowing you an alternative option if you enjoy the view. The Giawangan Bus Terminal will connect all the intercity buses, so you wouldn’t have any problems. Self-drive vehicles are also available if you prefer them over metered taxis.

Try a Becak

Embrace the local mode of transport and try a becak, traditional three-wheeled pedal-powered cart. Remember to negotiate the price before you start on your journey.

Experience Andong

Traditional horse-drawn carts known as Andong can be found in the tourist areas of Yogyakarta. These are a relaxed and romantic way to take in the sights.

You may wish to organize a car and driver for your stay in Yogyakarta.

Grab a Bike

If you know how to ride a motorbike, you can hire one in the city. Taxis are available and can be arranged through your hotel. Buses are the primary form of public transportation here; however, their hours of operation and capacity can be limited. Try to enjoy some part of the rural side with a bicycle ride, and discover beautiful corners that can inspire you to fall more in love with the special charm of Yogyakarta!

Where to Stay

Asana grove hotel yogyakarta.

Address: Jl. Rukun Pertiwi No.53, Muja Muju, Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55165, Indonesia

[ Check Rates and Availability ]

Located close to offices and universities, this hotel is just a few minutes away from the airport and the train station. It boasts of room service, an in-house restaurant, free parking, and high-speed internet access. Visitors will love the nondescript rooms with all-day air conditioning and wake up to a great breakfast.

Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta

Address: Jl. Prawirotaman 2 No.613, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55153, Indonesia

This budget hotel doesn’t look budget at all as it boasts of a local design that makes you feel like you’re completely immersed in Indonesian culture. It’s a tranquil downtown address featuring a pool, free parking, an in-house restaurant, a lounge, and high-speed internet.

Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

Address: Jl. Ringroad Utara, Kaliwaru, Condongcatur, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55283, Indonesia

If you’re happy to splash a little bit of cash, the city’s Marriott Hotel is an excellent place to stay. It’s a 5-star accommodation featuring a resplendent pool, room service, a great restaurant, and a fantastic bar. There are also spa services, internet, and a workout room.

Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

Address: Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No.81, Ambarukmo, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

This grand hotel is fairly old school with upgrades that brought it to the 21st century for your comfort. The hotel is conveniently located right next to a shopping mall. The place boasts a pool, a gym, a spa, a bar/lounge, and a restaurant offering all sorts of traditional and international delicacies. All rooms come with minibars and air conditioning with high-speed internet.

Where to Eat

A popular spot for tourists, the bar offers a resplendent choice of vegetarian food and some western food choices. The restaurant is set in an open area so you can really enjoy the view. They serve a wide range of beverages and offer acoustic entertainment.

Water Castle Cafe

Address: Jl. Polowijan, Patehan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia

With outdoor seating, this beautiful restaurant is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. They serve all three meals and even offer cool coffee options for those who just want to sit back and relax.

Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito

Address: Jl. Nyi Agengnis No.9, Rejowinangun, Kotagede, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55171, Indonesia

This restaurant serves purely Asian dishes and accepts reservations. The native atmosphere makes you feel out of this world with dishes that are just pure heaven. They’re open all day and are even Halal compliant.

What to Do and See

Royal palace.

Also known as Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, this palace is the current seat of the reigning Sultan in Yogyakarta and contains royal artifacts. So yes – you can enter this Royal Palace and marvel at the items that boast of the Javanese culture.

Prambanan Temple

No trip is complete without visiting this piece of history. Prambanan Temple was constructed during the 9th century and remains beautifully strong and standing. It was built as a dedication to Trimurti, an expression of God.

Merapi Lava

Finally, if you’re into adventure, you might want to check out the Merapi Lava Tour. It’s a jeep ride that takes you through the ride of your life through the rough terrain of ups and downs. Make sure to bring clothes for this as you can get wet.

Borobudur Sunrise Trip

This 6-hour Borobudur day trip from Yogyakarta takes you to one of Java’s most beautiful temples – Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning architectural masterpiece. You will need to wake up early as your hotel pick-up is scheduled at 3:00am – but don’t let this discourage you, as the view you will get to behold will be worth the trouble tenfold.

Batik Making

If you want to take home a souvenir, why not one that you made yourself? You can schedule a Batik Making tour to make one of these cool things yourself. There are multiple places where this can be enjoyed.

For more unique activities in Yogyakarta, check out our list of Best Things to do in Yogyakarta .

WiFi and Internet Access

Indonesia boasts good internet speed, allowing tourists to easily connect through their phones and maintain contact with their friends. Most hotels also come with high-speed wireless internet.

Yogyakarta Travel Tips

• Make sure to have your money exchanged for local currency, as they don’t accept USD or other forms of currency.
• Bring an extra set of clothes wherever you go.
• Keep bottled water with you to help with the heat. The weather in the city can be pretty unpredictable.

Sample Itinerary and Budget

Here’s a cool itinerary for a 4-Day, 3-Night stay in Yogyakarta:

Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Settle in and relax a little before visiting the Yogyakarta Royal Palace for your first stop. The Water Castle is an important spot to check before a city tour.

On Day 2, you can visit the Prambanan Temple Compound, the Sendratari Ramayana, and the Ratu Boko Palace for sunset viewing.

For Day 3, check out the Borobudur Sunrise, Malioboro Street, and take the Merapi Lava Tour.

The overall budget for Yogyakarta travel depends primarily on your itinerary. Excluding hotel costs, you should budget around $150 for a 3-day stay.

Yogyakarta Travel and Tour Packages

Check out our complete list of  recommended Hotels in Yogyakarta , Indonesia, via Agoda , or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Did you like our Yogyakarta Travel Guide? Have you been to Yogyakarta? Please help us improve this travel guide by sharing more travel tips, exciting and unique things to do, and personal recommendations.

• Yogyakarta: The Chase from Sunrise to Sunset
• How to get to Bandung from Jakarta, Indonesia
• A Complete Solitude: Pawon Luwak Coffee near Borobudur, Indonesia
• Indonesia Itinerary Guide and Sights to See

Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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Adventure Travel Blog focused on budget traveling and backpacking around the world.

Yogyakarta Travel Guide – First Timers Guide

August 12, 2019 //  by  WanderusLiving

Yogyakarta Travel Guide- First Timers Guide

Indonesia is one of the most touristed countries in the world, with destinations like Bali , Komodo Islands , Flores Islands and Lombok getting most of the attention. Indonesia is known for its gorgeous beaches, world class snorkeling, scenic views and amazing villas for a very affordable price. Yogyakarta is different from the typical tourist attraction which is why I personally love it and would recommend it to anyone who is visiting Indonesia . Understand Jogja and what to expect with this complete Yogyakarta Travel Guide for first timers.

Specifically, Yogyakarta or  Yogja, ‘Jogja,’   as it is known locally, is considered to be the cultural capital of Indonesia, and for good reason. It is home to the world’s largest Buddhists temple and other UNESCO world heritage sites, there are countless beaches, mountains for hiking, food stalls and shopping to indulge yourself in.

When to travel to Java (Yogyakarta)?

The weather in Southeast Asia differs a-lot when it comes to what time of the year you should be going to each place. The best time to visit Indonesia in general and specifically Yogyakarta is May-September which is their dry season. We spent almost a month in Indonesia in July with barely any rainfall. If you go during November or December you will encounter their rainy reason which is not fun at all! If you wish to travel during those months I recommend going to the Philippines instead as that is during their dry season.

Yogyakarta Travel Guide (Day Driver v. Grab v. Scooter)

If you have ever been to an Asian country you probably already know how congested the roads are, the organized chaos and the “rules” are when it comes to driving. Unless you have experience driving on the left side of road and have seen firsthand how people in Yogja or other countries drive, I recommend getting a Grab driver or renting a taxi driver for the day. You will defiantly want a taxi driver for long trips, as Scooters are not safest nor the most comfortable.

Taxi Driver in Yogyakarta – Full Day Driver Service

There are a lot of tour companies that offer half day and full day drivers for tourist to visit local temples and waterfalls. We found it more financially sustainable to hire a driver outside of those tour companies. We did our research ahead of time of where we wanted to visit each day, and then booked our driver and asked him to take us to those places. Our Taxi driver cost anywhere from  $35-$45 USD for 10-12 hours depending on how far away we were going (click on the link above and ask for Ardi). Ardi was a local who spoke good English, would stay with us at each location, and wait at the car while we explored. We enjoyed the company of Ardi, who also helped brush us up on the local language, history and cultural norms of Yogyakarta. We wish we would have used Ardi to pick us up from the airport because our driver did not speak any English.

GRAB APP – Travel Guide for Yogyakarta

I highly recommend downloading the  GRAB app which is similar to Uber in the United States. If you’re planning on traveling to Indonesia and not paying for international cellular service, is important to download this app before you leave for your trip. You will need cellular service to download it (it requires a text message security code). We personally found Grab to be the best way to travel around the city.

It is essentially a taxi and food delivery service . You can either grab a car or a motorbike if you are traveling alone to save money. You can also have food delivered right to your location for a cheap price. We often used Grab if we needed to go to the city center for shopping and to go to and from the Yogyakarta airport.

Renting Scooters in Yogyakarta – Is it worth it?

After a couple of days in Yogja you should then see if you want to rent scooters, after you become more comfortable with how everyone drives. Scooters do tend to take over the roads, and therefore are a quicker mode of transportation when driving within the city.

Most scooters (Honda, Scoopy, Yamaha have storage underneath the seat for small things like a camera, food, and wallet. The scooters are also automatic so you don’t have to worry about shifting or using a clutch. I don’t recommend renting scooters in the city which is why the GRAB app is so useful. 

Travel & Transportation Apps: Yogyakarta Travel Guide

Google translate.

A wonderful thing about Yogja is that you are fully submersed within the culture and the language. With little tourist in this city, you could find it difficult to find those who speak English. I suggest downloading the English (or desired language) to Indonesian Dictionary before your trip. This allows you to use the translate without internet access.

Go.Maps.Com

This app allows you to use a map offline. This map acts as Google Maps; showing your location, restaurants, hotels, beaches and more.

Best Street Food in Yogyakarta – Yogja Food Itinerary

While in Yogyakarta you will encounter street food venders and warung’s on every street you walk on (warung means shop or restaurant) . Don’t be intimidated by the way they look on the outside (most of them), as they have great food and it truly is what the locals eat. Don’t go out of your way looking for fancy places to eat as the best food will be found in the warung down the road. I highly recommend doing the BackStreetAcademy Evening Food Tour during your first few nights here. The tour offers a local to walk you through city center to some of the best street food venders, they walk you through the history of the food and culture as well as explain the food you are eating.

• Gudeg (made from young unripe jack fruit stewed with palm sugar and coconut milk, with traditional spices) – traditional Javanese cuisine
• Bakmi (means ‘meat noodles’ originally from China and Japan it was pork with noodles, but in Java they cook the noodles traditionally with chicken)
• Nasi Goreng (Fried rice – often with eggs and chicken) – Our Favorite
• Mei Goreng (Fried noodle – often with chicken and vegetables)
• Nasi Campur (Rice with small portions of meat, vegetables, peanuts, eggs or shrimp)
• Chicken Satay (Meat Skewers)
• Nasi Pecel (Indonesian Salad)
• Gorengan (fried bananas, cawke and onde-indie)
• Pempek (fried fish)
• Kopi Joss (Javanese coffee infused with hot coal – a must try)

I know this part of the blog will cause people to go up in flames because some of the coffee listed below is not “real” coffee. Indonesians typically drink instant coffee which is when hot water is poured into a cup filled with the ground up coffee. Mix the grounds with the water and then bam… instant coffee. It’s a lot better than it sounds, and our entire group of 5 became obsessed with Indonesian cappuccino. I highly recommend you go to KuPiKu coffee , it instantly became our go to place every morning and night for coffee.

Luwak Coffee (Most expensive and famous Indonesian coffee)

Bali Coffee (Lots of grounds)

Arabica Coffee (Most popular Indonesian coffee)

Good Day Cappuccino (super cheap instant coffee)

Kopi Joss (Javanese coffee infused with coal for a smoky flavor)

What to expect: 

If you have been to popular tourist destinations such as Bali or El Nido in the Philippines it is completely different. You will most likely not see any westerners depending on where you stay in Yogyakarta. I recommend staying outside of the city center because it is so busy and loud even late into the night.

• Great coffee shops
• Few locals speak english
• Can only drink bottled water
• Mix of Western & Indonesian food
• Busy roads and traffic jams
• Rough unpaved roads outside of city
• Friendly locals who are willing to help you (We have found Indonesians in general are very nice)
• A unpopular tourist destination where you get to explore

Top 5 things to do in Yogyakarta

• Borobudur Temple (Image at top of blog)
• Prambanan Temple (Image directly above)
• Day trip to Mount Bromo (Pinterest Image Below)
• Mount Merapi (Hike or Jeep Tour)
• J alan Malioboro (Shopping, food tours)

For a complete Itinerary on Yogyakarta check out our comprehensive Yogyakarta Travel Itinerary

Save it to pinterest for future reference.

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