Things To Do In Yogyakarta: Places Of Interest And Activities

Yogyakarta, often referred to as Jogja, is a city on the island of Java in Indonesia known for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and vibrant arts scene. The city has a long and fascinating history, and it has become a popular tourist destination for those seeking a blend of tradition, history, and natural beauty. The city was established in 1755 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as the royal capital after the division of the Mataram Sultanate into two parts.

Yogyakarta’s history as a tourist destination is deeply intertwined with its cultural heritage, historical significance, and the preservation of traditional Javanese arts. The city offers a unique blend of ancient temples, royal palaces, vibrant arts scenes, and natural wonders, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience in Indonesia.

Places To Visit In Yogyakarta: Attractions & Activities

Yogyakarta’s must visit attractions are all one-of-a-kind destinations. They take the rich history, culture and nature of Yogyakarta and put it on full display, allowing visitors to get a taste of the city’s story. If you’re looking for some unforgettable sights and experiences, then these need to be on your itinerary.

1. Taman Sari

Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, is a historical site located within the city of Yogyakarta in Java, Indonesia. It was built in the 18th century as a royal garden and bathing complex for the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Today, Taman Sari is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors with its unique architecture, historical significance, and cultural charm.

The site is known for its distinctive architecture, which combines Javanese, Islamic, and European influences. The complex consists of a series of bathing pools, pavilions, and underground passages. Taman Sari has an underground mosque known as Sumur Gumuling. Visitors can explore the mosque, which has a unique circular shape.

2. Yogyakarta Monument

The Yogyakarta Monument, also known as the Tugu Yogyakarta or simply Tugu, is an iconic landmark and a symbol of the city of Yogyakarta. The Yogyakarta Monument was erected in 1755 during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. It was built to commemorate the relocation of the capital city from Kartasura to Yogyakarta after the Treaty of Giyanti.

The monument represents the resilience and unity of the Javanese people during times of political and social changes. Thus, it has a unique and symbolic design, consisting of a large obelisk or column mounted on a square base. The column is adorned with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict Javanese cultural elements and historical events.

3. Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is an active stratovolcano near Yogyakarta, and a popular tourist attraction. Guided trekking tours to the summit of Mount Merapi are popular among adventurous tourists. These tours usually start from the base of the mountain, and participants hike to various vantage points, enjoying panoramic views along the way. Jeeps tours are also available, in case you aren’t a big fan of trekking.

4. Ratu Boko

Ratu Boko, also known as Kraton Ratu Boko or Ratu Boko Palace, is an archaeological site located on a plateau near the aforementioned Prambanan Temple. Ratu Boko is believed to have been built during the 8th century, around the same time as the construction of Prambanan Temple. The main gate, Pendopo Agung, is an impressive structure with towering walls adorned with intricate reliefs.

Ratu Boko is considered to be a significant archaeological site that provides insights into the cultural and architectural heritage of ancient Java. It is believed to have been a place for royal ceremonies and events, befitting its namesake.

Well-Known Temples

Like many places in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is rich with historical temples featuring exquisitely exotic architecture. Great measures have been taken to preserve these fantastical buildings, and as a result, they stand today as monuments to Jogja’s bygone eras. For history buffs, these are must-visits!

1. Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most iconic Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Prambanan was built in the 9th century during the height of the Mataram Kingdom, and it is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temple complex is characterized by its towering spires, intricate carvings, and well-preserved stone reliefs.

Visitors can explore the temple complex, learn about its history through guided tours, and enjoy the scenic surroundings. Prambanan hosts regular cultural performances, including traditional Javanese dance and the Ramayana Ballet, which takes place against the backdrop of the illuminated temple complex during the evening.

2. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is a magnificent Buddhist temple complex, one of the most stunning in Indonesia. The temple is constructed in the shape of a stepped pyramid, consisting of nine stacked platforms, topped by a central dome. The entire structure is adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architectural design reflects a unique blend of Indian and Javanese artistry.

Historically, Borobudur served as a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Today, Buddhists and tourists alike visit the site to participate in rituals, meditation, and to appreciate the spiritual ambiance of the temple.

3. Plaosan Temple

Plaosan Temple, also known as Candi Plaosan, is one of the lesser-known but historically significant Buddhist temples in Yogyakarta. Plaosan consists of two main temple compounds, namely Plaosan Lor (North Plaosan) and Plaosan Kidul (South Plaosan). Plaosan is known for its well-preserved decorative elements, including carved reliefs, kala-makara (mythical beast) faces, and decorative panels.

4. Sewu Temple

Sewu Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia, and was constructed during the height of the Mataram Kingdom. Sewu Temple consists of a main central complex surrounded by numerous smaller stupas. The overall layout of Sewu Temple follows a mandala pattern, which is common in Buddhist architecture. The mandala represents the universe and is designed to facilitate meditation and spiritual practices.

Popular Historical and Cultural Attractions

It’s not an overstatement to say that the local culture plays a pivotal part in the success of Yogyakarta’s tourism industry. Jogja is known worldwide for its incredibly rich cultural offerings and artifacts. Many of these are now preserved in museums for the world to see, so if you have a vested interest in the topic, don’t miss out on these attractions!

1. Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

The Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, commonly known as the Yogyakarta Kraton or Sultan’s Palace, is a grand royal palace complex. It serves as the residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and is a cultural and historical center for the Javanese royal court. The Kraton houses a rich collection of royal artifacts, traditional Javanese weapons, gamelan instruments, batik textiles, and other objects of cultural importance.

The Yogyakarta Kraton regularly hosts cultural performances, including traditional Javanese dance, gamelan music, and wayang kulit (shadow puppet) shows. There’s also a museum that houses a collection of royal carriages and modes of transportation used by the sultans for various ceremonies.

2. Museum Ullen Sentalu

Museum Ullen Sentalu is a privately-owned museum renowned for its extensive collection of Javanese art, culture and history. Museum Ullen Sentalu is situated in the hills of Kaliurang, approximately 30 minutes from the city center of Yogyakarta. The museum is housed in a Javanese-style building with a design that complements the natural surroundings.

The museum is known for its impressive collection of artifacts, including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and historical objects. The collection spans various periods of Javanese history, with a particular focus on the Mataram dynasty and the royal courts of Yogyakarta and Solo.

3. Jogja National Museum

The Jogja National Museum, frequently called Yogyakarta’s premier contemporary art gallery, is a unique destination. Housed in a former art academy from the 50’s, the Jogja National Museum features brutalist architecture and countless art showcases. The museum typically charges no entry fees, though this tends to change during events. If you’re a big fan of unique artistic expression, then consider paying a visit!

4. Pendhapa Art Space

Art tourism is unsurprisingly popular in Yogyakarta, especially when it comes to the Pendhapa Art Space. As the name implies, the Pendhapa Art Space is a tourist destination to showcase and catalog Jogja’s cultural art activities. Visitors can visit, create their own artwork, and enjoy shows put on by the artists at the art space. It provides deep insight into the local art scene, so if that’s your bag, then Pendhapa Art Space is for you.

5. Masjid Jogokariyan

Masjid Jogokariyan, also known as the Jogokariyan Mosque, is an important part of Islam’s growth and history in the city. It’s a community center for many Muslims who live in Yogyakarta, with it being the oldest mosque in the area. To this day, it still serves as a community center for local Muslims, who go to the mosque to perform their daily prayers. Remember to dress modestly if you plan to visit!

Best Cultural Markets

Yogyakarta is rife with markets carrying many local goods, and on this list we want to highlight some of the best of them. These markets feature the best that Jogja culture has to offer, and you’d be remiss to not check them out, lest you miss out on all the incredible offerings.

1. Jalan Malioboro

Jalan Malioboro, often simply referred to as Malioboro, is a famous and bustling street in the heart of Yogyakarta. Malioboro is renowned for its vibrant shopping scene. The street is lined with a variety of shops, stalls, and street vendors selling a wide range of goods, including batik textiles, traditional handicrafts, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.

Malioboro is particularly famous for its batik products, a traditional Indonesian fabric that is intricately hand-dyed using wax-resist techniques. Visitors can find a plethora of batik items, including clothing, scarves, and home decor, making it a great place to explore Indonesia’s cultural heritage.

2. Pasar Beringharjo

Pasar Beringharjo, located in the heart of Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is the city’s oldest and largest traditional market. It is a bustling marketplace that offers a wide array of goods, from fresh produce to batik textiles and traditional crafts. Visitors are encouraged to engage in friendly bargaining with the sellers to get the best prices for their desired items.

Enjoyable Recreational Experiences

If you’re the outdoorsy type, then worry not, Yogyakarta has you covered. There are plenty of outdoor activities other than temples to visit in Yogyakarta, and here we’ve highlighted some of the best ones available.

1. Taman Pintar Yogyakarta

Looking for an interesting change of pace? Taman Pintar Yogyakarta is a science and educational park designed to provide interactive and fun learning experiences for visitors. Taman Pintar is organized into different learning zones, each dedicated to a specific area of knowledge. The park often hosts hands-on workshops, science experiments, and demonstrations, making for an enjoyable learning experience.

2. Timang Beach

Known for its stunning natural beauty and adventurous attractions, Timang Beach is naturally one of Yogyakarta’s star attractions. One of the main attractions at Timang Beach is Timang Island, a small rocky island located just offshore. Visitors can reach the island by crossing the ocean using a traditional wooden gondola or a makeshift cable cart system.

Best Food You Need to Try

For foodies, Yogyakarta is an excellent tourist destination. The local cuisine in Yogyakarta is diverse, flavorful, and reflects the unique culinary traditions of the region. All of these dishes are quite exotic, and well worth a try!

1. Gudeg

Gudeg is one of Yogyakarta’s most iconic dishes. It’s a slow-cooked young jackfruit stew, often served with rice, chicken, eggs, tofu, and tempeh. Gudeg has a sweet flavor due to the use of palm sugar and is typically accompanied by sambal and krecek (crispy beef skin).

2. Bakpia

Bakpia is a popular snack in Jogja. It’s a sweet pastry filled with various fillings, such as mung bean, chocolate, cheese, or durian. Bakpia Pathok is a famous variant named after a street in Jogja known for its bakpia.

3. Nasi Langgi

Nasi Langgi is a Javanese-style rice dish typically served with various side dishes such as tempeh, tofu, shredded chicken, grated coconut, and fried shallots. The dish is often accompanied by sambal and fried anchovies.

4. Sate Klatak

Sate Klatak is a unique form of satay originating from Yogyakarta. It consists of grilled lamb or goat meat on wooden satay skewers. The meat is marinated and grilled with minimal seasoning, allowing the natural flavors to shine through.

5. Kopi Joss

Kopi Joss is a unique coffee experience in Yogyakarta. It involves adding a piece of hot, burning charcoal into a cup of coffee. The charcoal is said to reduce the coffee’s acidity, creating a distinct flavor that’s quite unlike anything else.

6. Bubur Sumsum

On the sweeter side of things, Bubur Sumsum is a sweet rice porridge made from rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. It has a creamy and slightly sweet taste and is often served with grated coconut.

7. Kipo

Kipo is a sweet snack originating from Jogja. It consists of green, chewy cookies filled with sweet grated coconut and sugar. Kipo is often enjoyed as a gift or souvenir.

When is the Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta?

The dry season in Yogyakarta is between May to September, where rainfall is minimal and it’s easier to visit many of its best attractions. This is the best time to visit, especially since it makes it easier to explore the city and visit temples. Temperatures are also more stable during this period, though keep in mind that you’ll always want to dress lightly and carry a water bottle around as it can get quite hot and humid!

How Many Days Do You Need In Yogyakarta?

Generally we recommend staying for about 3 to 5 days in Yogyakarta. It’s enough time to explore the city’s cultural and historical sites, enjoy some shopping and visit the temples as well. There’s also extra time to just relax and find other things you may be interested in, like nature walks or musical shows featuring local culture. You can also still spend a day simply relaxing, and still have plenty of time to find more things to do.

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta is packed to the gills with high quality budget lodging, making it a great choice for the budget conscious visitor. Here, we’ve compiled a list of solid options for hotels and accommodation in the city. As usual, make sure to check reviews before you make any decisions!

• Favehotel Kusumanegara – Comfortable and reliable 3-star hotel in the city.
• The Alana Hotel – Excellent 4-star hotel in Malioboro with many amenities.
• The Pheonix Hotel – Popular 5-star hotel with stunning architecture and all the amenities you could want.
• Villa Felice – Beautiful and comfortable villa off of the beaten path.
• The Edwin Syariah – Stunning 3-star hotel that’s surprisingly affordable.
• Griya Yunika – Budget 2-star hotel with beautiful atmosphere and amenities.

How Do You Get Around in Yogyakarta?

The best way to get around Yogyakarta is by renting a motorcycle or a scooter. Motorcycles are easy to ride around the city’s bustling streets, and they provide flexibility in exploring both the city and the surrounding areas. However, if you’re in the city and looking for a more interesting travel experience, find a becak, a three-wheeled cycle rickshaw that provides short-distance rides within the city.

Yogyakarta Wrap-Up

Yogyakarta’s blend of cultural richness, historical significance, natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Indonesian experience. It’s also a budget-friendly destination, offering a wide range of affordable accommodations, food options, and activities. Yogyakarta’s just generally an inviting destination, hence why it’s so popular, so visit it today!

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