It's clear why Yogyakarta attracts visitors, considering its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and historical sights.
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Borobudur Temple for $25
- Prambanan Temple for $25
- Pindul Cave for $30
- Kraton Yogyakarta for $1.50
- Taman Sari Water Castle for $1.50
- Jomblang Cave for $30
- Kaliurang Park for $1.50
Many visit Yogyakarta because it's so close to two of Indonesia's most important religious and archaeological sites, Prambanan and Borobudur.
Borobudur, a Buddhist temple about 42 km northwest from the city, was constructed in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Sailendra dynasty and is believed to have taken 70 years to complete. It's a must-see attraction, considering that it is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, with 504 Buddha statues on nine platforms.
The Prambanan Temple Complex, about 16 km northeast from Yogya, is the largest temple complex in Java, built in the 8th and 10th centuries. Consisting of 224 individual Hindu temples, the three main and tallest temples are dedicated to Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Ciwa. An earthquake in 2006 caused damage to a number of the temples in the complex, so don't be surprised if you see heaps of blocks behind fenced off areas, as parts of the complex are under re-construction.
Within the city, you can also check out Ullen Sentalu, a private museum containing artifacts and history about Yogya's royal family. Kraton Yogyakarta is the sultan palace, home of the Sultan and his family and includes a museum which contains the sultanate's artifacts.
Kraton holds live performances of arts and culture nightly; check the Yogyakarta's official government website for listings and times. The Taman Sari Water Castle features pools and an underground mosque for the royal family. Though it's known for its numerous pools, bathing is strictly prohibited.
Yogyakarta is the perfect place to soak up culture, whether you're going to an art gallery, theater, dance performance, gamelan recital, or modern rock concert, there's sure to be something to pique your creative interest while you're in town.
Watch the Wayung kulit shadow-puppet play at night in the Sonobudoyo Museum, near Kraton. Kraton also holds gamelan orchestra recitals, macapat (poetry readings), and dance performances throughout the week.
If you're up for an adventure, take a Jeep off-road and head over to the Merapi Volcano, where you can learn about the history of Merapi and take a four-hour hike up to the summit. Be sure to wear sturdy boots and long pants. Jomblang Cave is another place to explore if you can handle bumpy roads, an underground river, and dark tunnels.
For a cultural experience in retail therapy, shop at Pasar Malioboro, Yogya's famous shopping street where you can find anything from batik clothing to souvenirs, cheap food handmade crafts, jewelry, and much more. Get comfortable with crowds and haggling, as both are expected on the 24-hour shopping street.
For a calmer environment, spend a quiet afternoon strolling, horse riding, or flying a kite on Parangtritis Beach, Yogya's most popular beach with black volcanic sand, which is a popular venue to linger for sunset. If you're feeling adventurous, head up to the Parangtritis Hills to para-glide or hang glide. Don't forget to check the wind conditions before you go!
Museums and Attractions:
Yogyakarta stands out for its impressive museums and notable landmarks. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.
Historical Sights:
The historic old town attracts a large number of visitors. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.
Shopping:
Shopping here is a unique experience you'll want to have. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Yogyakarta. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Borobudur: Village Tour with Pottery and Tofu Making for $30 details
- FUN Cycling Tour De Temples for $27 details
- Borobudur-Merapi Jeep Tour & Pramban Temple Day Trip for $80 details
The public buses were cheap, but we wanted to get around to some of the temples. Booking one of the tours was actually cheaper than a private driver, and the guides were really good too. Borobudur was so epic.