Yogyakarta, also known as Jogja, is a city located on the island of Java, Indonesia. It is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and cultural heritage. In this blog post, we will explore the best things to do in Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta is a city that boasts a rich history and culture, making it a must-visit destination if you’re traveling to Indonesia. From ancient temples to vibrant street markets, Yogyakarta offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences. Whether you are interested in art, history, or nature, this city has something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the top things to do in Yogyakarta, from visiting ancient temples and palaces to trying the local cuisine and experiencing traditional art forms. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Yogyakarta!

1. Watch the sunrise at Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is one of the most famous landmarks in Yogyakarta. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. The temple was built in the 9th century and is located about an hour’s drive from the city center. Borobudur Temple consists of nine stacked platforms, topped by a central dome. Each level is adorned with intricate carvings and statues, depicting stories from Buddhist teachings. The temple is surrounded by beautiful rice paddies and mountains, making it a picturesque location. It is best to visit the temple early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to see the sunrise.

Schedule: 6.30 – 16.30, Price: IDR 387,500 / USD 25

Update: As of 2022, due to Covid-19, it is currently not possible to enter the temple or climb it. This is really the only thing that is worth it in the visit, and with such a steep price, it seems like an unfair deal. That is why I suggest that you do not visit Borobudur until the entrance is reinstated. Additionally, the government of Indonesia plans to make changes in the pricing of the entrance, with an added 100$ for those intending to climb the temple. These prices increase even further if you plan to visit the complex at sunrise or sunset. While I appreciate the effort in trying to preserve it, I feel that using a cultural good to fill the pockets of a few people to such a degree, especially how much the amount represents in a country like Indonesia, should be controlled.

Price controversy

While Borobudur is truly an incredible site, not all tourists (including myself) can afford such an expense in their trips. But worry not! Yogyakarta has more to offer, including another incredible temple complex with a reasonable price: the Prambanan Temple (read more below). If you still want to visit Borobudur temple but you are not willing to pay the exorbitant prices, you can see the sunrise in Punthuk Setumbu Hill, located nearby and overlooking the temple. You can arrange it yourself if you find your way there, in which case you only have to pay the entrance fee of 30k IDR (1,8€) or 15k IDR if you’re local. Otherwise, you can have a pre-arranged tour below:

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2. Visit Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is a Hindu temple complex that is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 17 kilometers from Yogyakarta and is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It consists of several smaller temples that surround the main complex, each of which is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Schedule: 6.30 – 16.30, Price: IDR 387,500 / USD 25

The main temple at Prambanan

The main temple will probably look familiar from seeing it on instagram, or in the movie The Philosophers, and it is easy to understand why. This wonderfully preserved temple from the 9th century in honor of Shiva stands at over 47 meters tall. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two of the most important Hindu epics. The carvings are so detailed that it is possible to make out individual expressions on the faces of the figures depicted in them. While there were not many people on the grounds when we visited the complex in 2022, this temple was clearly more visited than the rest.

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The smaller temples at Prambanan

The smaller temples dedicated to Brahma and Vishnu are smaller and less known, but they are also truly wonderful to visit. Also, not a lot of visitors venture to these temples, so we were exploring them on our own most of the time. I suggest you make enough time to explore the complex grounds for a while to truly immerse in the beauty of the temples and marvel at the skill of their builders.

Travel tip: if you plan to visit both Borobudur and Prambanan, or Prambanan and the nearby temple Ratu Boko, you can purchase combined tickets for USD 45. In the case of the Prambanan – Ratu Boko combined ticket, it includes a free shuttle between the two locations.

3. Explore the Kraton

The Kraton is the royal palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. It is a complex of buildings that reflects the Javanese culture and architecture. Visitors can explore the Kraton and learn about the history and traditions of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. The Kraton is a vast complex with several pavilions and buildings. The Bangsal Kencana hall is a magnificent hall where the coronation of the Sultan takes place.

Schedule: 6.30-13.30 (8.30 on Fri), Price: 15k IDR (0,9€)

The Kraton Royal Palace in Yogyakarta. Photo by: Gunawan Kartapranata – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

4. Visit the Taman Sari Water Castle

The water castle

The Taman Sari Water Castle is a beautiful garden and bathing complex that was built in the 18th century. It was used by the royal family as a relaxation spot and also served as a hiding place during times of war. The complex consists of several pools, gardens, and pavilions. You can explore the complex and learn about the history and architecture of the Taman Sari Water Castle.

Schedule: 9-15, Price: 15k IDR (0,9€) + 3k for camera

Underground Mosque and castle ruins

The entrance to the complex allows you to visit not only the Taman Sari, but also the Underground Mosque and the ruins of the castle of Pulo Cemeti. The Underground Mosque is a unique attraction in Yogyakarta. It is a mosque that is located underground, beneath the main mosque. Visitors have to descend a flight of stairs to reach the underground mosque. The mosque is adorned with carvings and is illuminated with colorful lights. It is a serene and peaceful place where visitors can learn about the Islamic culture and traditions of Indonesia.  The Pulo Cemeti castle ruins are the remains of a royal castle surrounded by a moat that you can visit from the Taman Sari Water Castle. The crumbling walls and its priviledged view of the city as one of its highest spots definitely makes it worth a visit.

5. Learn about Batik

Batik is a traditional fabric art that is unique to Indonesia. It involves using wax to create patterns on fabric and then dyeing the fabric to create a colorful design. In Yogyakarta, you can learn about the history and techniques of batik at the Batik Museum. The museum has a collection of batik fabrics from different regions of Indonesia. You can also try their hand at creating their own batik design. There are several batik workshops in Yogyakarta where visitors can learn the art of batik-making from local artisans. You can even learn how to make your own Batik cloths in this Batik-making workshop!

Photo by Mahmur Marganti on Unsplash

6. Walk along Malioboro Street

Malioboro Street is the most famous shopping street in Yogyakarta. It is a bustling street with shops selling traditional Javanese handicrafts, batik fabrics, and souvenirs. You can also find street food vendors selling local delicacies such as gudeg, nasi kucing, and bakmi Jawa (see below), as well as the nation-wide favourite snack chicken sate skewers. The street is also a popular spot for street performers and musicians. It is basically the heart of the city today, so it fills up with locals and tourists, especially in the evening.

Photo by Farhan Abas on Unsplash

Visiting the Jomblang Cave is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed during your trip to Yogyakarta. This natural wonder features a large sinkhole that leads to an underground cave system filled with stunning geological formations and crystal-clear pools of water. The journey to the cave involves a steep descent down a rope ladder, followed by a trek through the cave’s underground river. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by towering stalactites and stalagmites, creating a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The highlight of the trip is the “heaven’s light” phenomenon, where sunlight streams through a hole in the cave’s ceiling, creating a breathtaking display of light and shadow. Visiting the Jomblang Cave is an adventure that will leave you with memories that last a lifetime.

While Yogyakarta is known for its cultural attractions and historic landmarks, it can quickly get overwhelming and stressful. Spending a day at the beach is a perfect way to escape the city and enjoy some relaxation and sun. Some of the best beaches near Yogyakarta include Parangtritis Beach, Glagah Beach, Krakal Beach or the beautiful (but farther away) Gunung Kidul Beach. These beaches offer wide stretches of sand, crystal clear water, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Spending a day at the beach is a perfect way to unwind and soak up some of the natural beauty that Indonesia has to offer.

Yogyakarta is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The Adisucipto International Airport is located just 7 kilometers from the city center and serves several domestic and international flights.

Alternatively, visitors can take a train from Jakarta, Surabaya, or other major cities in Java. The Tugu Station in Yogyakarta is the main train station in the city. Download the KAI Access app to book your tickets or simply go to the train station. Buses are also available for those who prefer a more budget-friendly option. There are several bus terminals in Yogyakarta that serve routes to other cities in Java and other parts of Indonesia. Once in Yogyakarta, you can move around use local transportation such as taxis, buses, and motorcycle taxis to get around the city.