Travel Budget for Yogyakarta Visit Yogyakarta on a Budget or Travel in Style

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Yogyakarta include:

• Lafayette Boutique Hotel Yogyakarta starting at $68
• Swiss-Belboutique Yogyakarta starting at $46
• The Westlake Hotel & Resort Yogyakarta starting at $47
• GAIA Cosmo Hotel starting at $40
• Harper Malioboro Yogyakarta starting at $38

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Yogyakarta

Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.

The city's old town is a popular spot for tourists. Although hotels in this area might be more expensive, they often come with plenty of character and easy access to nearby attractions.

Yogyakarta's international airport, Adisucipto International Airport, is just eight kilometers east and has several flights daily to and from Jakarta and Denpasar.

From the airport, you can take a taxi, train, bus, or rent a car to get into the city. There is a bus inside the airport and the main bus station in Yogya is Giwangan Station.

If you choose to take a taxi, make sure it is metered. To be safe, you can also pay for your cabride into the city at the information counter in the arrivals hall. Take your receipt and get into the taxi stand line. Tipping is not customary in Indonesia, so no additional payments should be made after taking your receipt.

If you are coming from or going to nearby cities Semarang or Solo, you can take a joglosemar, which is an inexpensive option for a shuttlebus that operates between the cities.

Within the city, if your destination is not a walkable distance, take a becak or cycle rickshaw, which is a common local mode of transport to get from one area to another. Becak drivers are known to be pushy, but stand your ground and don't be shy to haggle until you come to an agreement on price or find a driver who will and you'll have no problems getting around this small city.

For sites outside the city, take a tour, public bus, or taxi. Tours can be arranged by Indoparadiso or Seven Trans Jogja, both reputable tour companies which can take you to Prambanan, Borobudur, or Dieng Plateau among many other historical sites.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

• Yogyakarta Private Departure Transfer- Yogyakarta Hotel to Airport for $34 details
• Jomblang Cave Day Trip with Hotel Transfer for $30 details
• Yogyakarta International Airport to Hotel - Arrival Transfer for $35 details

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Yogyakarta is around $20 (Rp323650) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $49. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Yogyakarta are as follows:

• Breakfast: $2 to $6
• Lunch: $3 to $8
• Dinner: $6 to $14
• Coffee: $2
• Fast Food or Street Food: $3

Culture buffs can indulge their tastebuds in Yogya's regional specialties; after all, some of the best traditions are passed down through cuisine. One of Yogya's most famous local dishes is Nasi Gudeg, unripe jackfruit stewed in coconut milk, palm sugar, spices, and chili, sometimes served with chicken or eggs over rice. Gudeg Yu Djum serves up a mean Nasi Gudeg as well as krupuk, or deep fried-crackers.

Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant specializes in another famous Yogya specialty, brongkos, which is a sweet and spicy dish containing beef, coconut milk, dark sweet soy sauce, ginger, lemongrass, galangal and chili over rice. Both locals and visitors frequent Warung Handayani, another well-known restaurant famous for brongkos and ayam tombo ngidam, fried chicken with mango sauce

Yogya also has a plethora of international restaurants, if you want to take a break from local food. Meditteranea Restaurant is popular for its western fare, with offerings of pizza, kebabs, steak, and fresh fruit juices served in hefty portions in a cozy and modernly decorated dining room. Be sure to make a reservation if you don't arrive early, as the restaurant is often crowded.

Run by a non-profit dedicated to the prevention of AIDs and HIV, Mila features vegan and vegetarian dishes of both western and Indonesian cuisine, including pumpkin soup, biryani, and tempeh. Don't be surprised when you're seated on a cushion on the floor; diners love the rustic and romantic ambiance in the gazebos among a lush garden.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.

Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.

Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.

If you want to experience the culture in Yogyakarta, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

• Yogyakarta Historical Walking and Food Tour for $30 details
• Private Ramayana Ballet Performance Tour at Prambanan with Dinner for $105 details
• Yogyakarta Evening Walking and Food Tour for $30 details

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!

Sightseeing Tips

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

Nightlife Tips

Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.

Nightlife is fun, but be cautious when drinking. Thieves target distracted people, so stay with your group and trust your instincts to keep yourself safe.