Yogyakarta was a wonderful surprise; it’s the kind of city that’s somewhat touristy but spared from mass tourism like Bali. There’s a good balance between locals and tourists, and I even felt that it was visited more by Indonesians than by Eurasian-type tourists, which is refreshing. It’s also a very cultural city, with artistic events organized by students and cultural centers, beautiful historical buildings, and a significant religious hub for Hinduism and Buddhism.
I should have stayed two days in Yogyakarta, just enough time to see the temples, but I ended up spending a week there. So in this article, I’ll share my favorite places in Jogja and its surroundings.
1. PREPARING YOUR TRIP TO INDONESIA – USEFUL INFORMATIONS
First of all, if you’re planning to visit Indonesia, it’s worth checking out some useful information.
Visa: A visa is required to enter Indonesia. You can obtain one on arrival at the airport, valid for 30 days and renewable at an immigration office. Alternatively, you can apply for an e-visa on the official website, which can also be renewed online for an additional 30 days if needed.
Book Your Flight: Make sure to book both your outbound and inbound flights (or , as Indonesian customs require proof of your departure from the country. Be aware of higher prices during peak periods like July and August, which are local school holidays, as well as during the New Year.
SIM Card: To use internet and apps like Grab & Gojek, buy a SIM card outside the airport for better prices, or get an eSIM beforehand.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is highly recommended in this kind of countries where bally belly, dengue fever and scooter accident are usual. I regretted not having it after a scooter accident that ended up costing me a small fortune.
Health: Tap water is not drinkable in Indonesia. It’s best to use a filtering flask, small purifying tablets, or refill your bottle from the water dispensers often available at hostels and hotels.
Language: Indonesian is the country’s national and official language, but Indonesians also speak their own local language. So the dialect in West Java will be different from that in East Java. During my trip, I made sure I knew a few words of politeness in the local language: Hello, Thank you, Goodbye. These are just 3 sentences to learn, but it will greatly please the locals who will be more likely to help you or give you a good price when you negotiate. Indonesians in the big cities speak basic English, but it’s enough to understand each other, especially if you use Google Translate.
2. GETTING TO YOGYAKARTA
- By train : Jogja is well connected by train to Jakarta (9h) Bandung and Surabaya (5h). The website and mobile app Traveloka give you all the schedule and prices of trains and you can book your ticket with it or book it at the train station. Price starting at 10 euros. During school holidays, don’t forget to book earlier your train ride.
- By bus : the main bus terminal of Jogja, Giwangan Terminal host numerous bus companies connecting other cities with Yogyakarta. This is the cheaper option but will add some hours to your travel time. From Jakarta, it takes 13h to reach Jogja and 8 hours from Surabaya.
- By plane : Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is located 40km from the city center. Domestic and International flights deserve the city frequently.
3. WHAT TO SEE IN YOGYAKARTA
- Kraton royal district
The Kraton is the Sultan’s Palace, built in the mid-18th century. It still serves as the residence of the sultan and his family today.
Yes, in Yogyakarta, the sultanate sill exists, which is unique within the context of Indonesia’s democratic republican system. Yogyakarta holds a special status as the only region in the country governed by a hereditary sultanate. This status dates back to Indonesia’s independence in 1945, when the sultan at the time supported the independence movement, allowing Yogyakarta to serve as a refuge, base, and resource center for nationalist leaders and the army. Once independence was achieved, the government, in recognition, granted the province special status. Today, the sultanate functions as the local authority, coexisting harmoniously with the republic’s institutions.
Upon entering the Kraton, you can see pavilions, courtyards, and gardens. Each structure is built according to strict spiritual principles and is precisely aligned with Mount Merapi and the Indian Ocean, representing the balance between natural forces and Javanese spiritual beliefs. The palace also houses museums displaying royal, spiritual, and ceremonial objects. Visitors can learn more about the Javanese traditions that are still preserved today. The guards in traditional attire are also a notable attraction in themselves.
- Taman Sari, Water Castle
Taman Sari is located near the Kraton. Built in the 18th century, it served as a retreat for the royal family but was also a space where the sultan could host his wives and concubines. The lush gardens, water basins for rituals and purification, and pavilions created a special atmosphere for romantic encounters, all while respecting the cultural norms of the time.
The Water Castle has become a must-visit place in Jogja, with an entrance fee of 5 euros. You can also opt for a guided visit of the Castle.
- Malioboro Avenue
Malioboro is the busiest avenue in Yogyakarta, filled with souvenir shops, street food stalls, traditional clothing, and colorful markets. It’s perfect for shopping and trying local specialties.
- Museum Affandi
The museum is dedicated to one of Indonesia’s most iconic artists: Affandi Koesoema. Inside, you will find a vast collection of colorful paintings and drawings that reflect the artist’s unique world.
- Ramayana iconic representation
There is an iconic place to see a Ramayana performance, and that’s at the Prambanan temple. However, if you don’t book several days or even weeks in advance, you won’t have a chance to get a seat. Fortunately, you can also find many Ramayana performances in downtown Jogja. I had the chance to attend the one from Nevertheless, in downtown Yogyakarta, you can also find many representations of the Ramayana show. I had the opportunity to attend a performance of the Ramayana Ballet Purawisata and loved it!
The show is a captivating musical and dance performance immersing you in a fantastical world filled with kings and demons. It is inspired by the Indian epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and their battle against the demon king Ravana. When Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, Rama embarks on a heroic quest to rescue her. The performance was stunning, with beautiful costumes, impressive dances, captivating music, and spectacular pyrotechnics. I absolutely loved it!
4. WHAT TO SEE AROUND YOGAKARTA
- Merapi Vulcano
Merapi is the most dangerous and active volcano in Indonesia. This means that at any time of day, you can see smoke rising from its crater, and at night, you may even witness red lava flowing down its slopes. It’s truly an impressive sight. While you can’t see it clearly from Yogyakarta, venturing north of the city offers stunning views of the volcano. I visited by scooter, which was the best way for me to explore the surrounding area. There are quad biking activities available around the volcano, making it a fun option for families and friends. There are also a few hiking trails in the surroundings, though information on them was limited on Alltrails.
- Temples of Borobudur & Prambanan
These two temples are symbols of Indonesia. While Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. I’ve already written an article about Borobudur, so don’t forget to check it to get all the useful information.
As for Prambanan it’s easily accessible by public transportation, such as taxi or scooter, and is about an hour from the city.
Built in the 9th century, it is dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the protector), and Shiva (the destroyer). It consists of several temples adorned with reliefs depicting Hindu mythology. The entrance fee is 50,000 IDR (with a discount for students), and you can choose a guided tour for 100,000 IDR. However, I did not enjoy my official guide, who seemed more interested in taking my photo for Instagram in literally all the buildings and provided limited information about them. A better option is to simply pay the entrance fee, and at the temples, you’ll find students in the temple who offer free tours in return for a language exchange in English. This is their way of practicing, and they are less commercial, and not rushed, making it a pleasure to interact with them. Don’t forget to tip them if you enjoyed the tour!
