Yogyakarta Travel Guide (Yogyakarta Special Region/Central Java/Java/Indonesia/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Yogyakarta
List of Places to Visit in Yogyakarta
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Yogyakarta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Yogyakarta
Best Things to Do in Yogyakarta: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Yogyakarta
Food and Drink Scene of Yogyakarta
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Yogyakarta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Yogyakarta
Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta
Do’s and Don’ts of Yogyakarta
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health in Yogyakarta
- Safety in Yogyakarta
- Health in Yogyakarta
Getting to Yogyakarta: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Yogyakarta
Where to Go Next from Yogyakarta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, often called Jogja or Yogya, is a cultural hub filled with charming arts and historical sites, and a thriving foodie scene. Located in Central Java, Indonesia, it is the capital of Javanese culture, and has become a popular tourist destination for local and foreign travelers alike.

Yogyakarta is a special region in Java, consisting of the city of Yogyakarta and many small towns. In the heart of the region’s city is the royal palace, Kraton Ngaayogyakarta Hadiningrat, home to the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The city is also known for its art scene, with local artists creating batik textiles, puppets, and silver jewelry.

Visiting Yogyakarta is like experiencing a fusion of contemporary and traditional Javanese culture in one go. The city’s rich history and heritage, combined with modern-day offerings, make it a unique and exciting destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Yogyakarta

Whether you’re interested in art, history, or outdoor adventures, Yogyakarta has something for everyone. Here are some must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Kraton Yogyakarta: The royal palace and home of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The palace has a collection of Javanese artifacts and artifacts from around the world.
Taman Sari Water Castle: A stunning 18th-century bathing complex built for the sultan and his concubines.
Sonobudoyo Museum: This museum showcases an extensive collection of Javanese culture, including batik textiles, wayang puppets, and ceramics.
Kotagede: A historic neighborhood of Yogyakarta, known for its silver workshops, old Javanese houses, and charming streetscapes.

Natural Attractions of Yogyakarta: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Merapi: An active volcano that offers hiking and jeep tours.
Borobudur Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples.
Prambanan Temple: The largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jomblang Cave: A scenic cave with an underground river and an impressive beauty of light rays.
Pindul Cave: A popular attraction for cave tubing, surrounded by a lush and scenic countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Yogyakarta

If you love outdoor adventures, explore Yogyakarta’s hiking and biking routes. Trekking routes lead you to scenic areas, some of which have historical and cultural significance.

Tourists can explore the Merapi Trail, which takes hikers through areas scorched by the 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi, or participate in the Borobudur Sunrise Trekking Tour, which takes visitors up to the temple to watch the sunrise.

Biking in Yogyakarta is also a favorite way of exploring the city’s scenic areas. Take a tour to see local life and the beautiful countryside. A bike rental in Yogyakarta comes at a reasonable price, and you can head out on your own or take guided tours.

Best Things to Do in Yogyakarta: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring cultural and natural attractions, there are plenty of fun activities and tours to keep you engaged in Yogyakarta:

Try Javanese cooking classes and learn local recipes.
Try the Shadow Puppet Theatre, one of the most popular cultural performances in Indonesia.
Visit Yogyakarta’s famous Ramayana ballet, a traditional dance that tells the story of the Ramayana.
Take a cycling tour in the trails surround the Merapi volcano or Yogyakarta’s countryside.
Enjoy the weekend walking tour guide to nearby Joglo houses, streets and alleys filled with the tastiest local snacks and drinks.
Take a sunrise bike ride through the city or the hills surrounding it.

Week-Long Itinerary for Yogyakarta

There are plenty of things to see and do in Yogyakarta, and if you’re planning to visit for a week, here’s a sample itinerary:

Yogyakarta Itinerary Table

Food and Drink Scene of Yogyakarta

With a mix of flavors, cuisines, and street food, Yogyakarta’s food and drink scene is exceptional and delectable. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Gudeg: A sweet, spicy stew made with young jackfruit, palm sugar, and coconut milk.
Nasi Gudeg: White rice served with gudeg, fried chicken, and sambal (chili sauce).
Satay: Grilled skewered meat, chicken, or fish.
Bakpia Pathok: Pastries filled with sweet mung bean paste.

Local Beverages

Wedang Uwuh: Javanese herbal tea made with lemongrass, ginger, and other herbs.
Beer Bintang: A favorite Indonesian beer
Kopi Joss: A local Javanese coffee with a piece of burning charcoal added to it, that gives it a unique flavor.

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Yogyakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from affordable guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

Greenhost Boutique Hotel: A top-rated eco-friendly hotel located in the heart of Yogyakarta.
Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel: Affordable accommodation with an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace.
Ostic House: A guesthouse built in a traditional Javanese style, with beautiful gardens and a serene pool side.
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta: A luxurious hotel with beautiful gardens, recreational facilities, and direct access to one of the best golf courses in the area.

What to Buy in Yogyakarta: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Yogyakarta is bursting with souvenir shops and markets, where you can find unique, locally-made products. Some must-buy souvenirs include:

Batik textiles: A traditional hand-dyed cloth, often used for clothing or home décor.
Wayang puppets: Intricately designed puppets used for traditional shadow puppet theatre.
Silver jewelry: Local artisans craft beautiful and intricate silver jewelry.
Keris: A Javanese blade weapon that famously comes with a beautiful wood or metal sheath.

Local Culture and Customs of Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has a proud and distinct Javanese culture, where customs and traditions are an integral part of daily life. Here are some local customs and cultural facts:

It is customary to greet someone with both hands pressed together, fingers pointing up, and a slight bow of the head.
Visitors who enter a house or temple are required to remove their shoes. It’s also considered inappropriate to point feet at someone or display the soles of your feet.
It’s common for Javanese people to speak slowly, with a soft voice and to speak indirectly.
Javanese people have an innate sense of politeness where hierarchy and respect for elders and those in positions of power are deeply ingrained.
Wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or anything revealing in some places is considered inappropriate, especially when visiting temples and holy sites.

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta has a tropical climate, with hot and humid conditions throughout the year. The best time to visit is from May to September. The weather is cooler, less humid, and more pleasant for outdoor activities.

However, it is worth noting that the city is bustling with tourists during peak seasons, and accommodations (especially budget options) may be more difficult to book during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Yogyakarta

It’s essential to be respectful and mindful of local customs when visiting Yogyakarta. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

Respect local customs and traditions.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting temples or holy sites.
Ask permission before taking someone’s picture, especially if you are taking pictures of local people or in their homes.
Try local food and drinks, it’s delicious!

Don’t:

Display anger or aggression in public.
Touch someone’s head and feet, it is considered rude.
Use your left hand when giving or receiving something, as it is considered impolite.

Safety and Health in Yogyakarta

It’s important to stay safe and healthy when traveling to Yogyakarta. Follow these safety and health tips:

Safety in Yogyakarta

Avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive jewelry when exploring the city.
Always be aware of your surroundings; pickpocketing is not uncommon in tourist areas.
Women travelers should dress modestly and consider avoiding walking alone late at night.

Health in Yogyakarta

Drink only bottled water, or check that the water has been boiled or filtered.
Pack or buy mosquito repellent to protect yourself against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.

Getting to Yogyakarta: Transportation Options and Logistics

Yogyakarta is easily accessible from other major cities in Indonesia, and there are several ways to get there:

Airports Near Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport is located just 8 km east of the city center. There are direct flights from most major cities in Indonesia and South East Asia. Taxis, buses, and hire cars are readily available at the airport.

Bus Stations Near Yogyakarta

The city has several bus stations connecting it to other cities across Java and Bali. The largest and most accessible is Jombor bus station. Schedules and tickets can be obtained online or at the bus station.

Other Options

Other transport options to Yogyakarta include renting a car or motorbike, which can be convenient for visiting attractions outside of the city. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab (widely available in Indonesia) are also a popular way to get around within the city. Alternatively, you can hire a driver or tour guide through local agents and travel agencies.

How to Get Around in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta’s central attractions are close to each other and can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle. If you prefer not to walk or bike, taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available in the city.

Be prepared to negotiate the fare with taxi drivers, and always agree on a price before heading to your destination. Bargaining is a common practice in Yogyakarta, so don’t hesitate to haggle when buying souvenirs.

Where to Go Next from Yogyakarta: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Yogyakarta is a great starting point for exploring other nearby destinations. Here are some popular places to visit:

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: An active volcano near Surabaya with stunning landscapes.
Bali: A popular tourist destination known for its beaches, culture, and nightlife.
Mount Ijen: A volcano with a stunning turquoise crater lake, located in East Java.
Dieng Plateau: A scenic highland area north of Yogyakarta with ancient temples, hot springs, and breathtaking views.

Conclusion

Yogyakarta is a cultural hub of Javanese traditions and modern-day offerings in Indonesia. With so much to see and do, it’s a must-visit destination for any traveler to Indonesia. From natural attractions to delicious cuisine and traditional art, Yogyakarta has everything you need for an incredible travel adventure.