Yogyakarta: Best Things to Do & Top Attractions
Located on Java Island, this city is renowned for its rich Javanese culture, traditional arts, and historical significance, including the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
- Size
- 32 square km
- Airport
- Yogyakarta International – Int'l & 1 other
- Train Station
- Tugu
- Est. Visit Days
- 3 days
Overview
Yogyakarta, a city on the island of Java in Indonesia, is known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. The city is home to the famous Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, which are major draws for tourists interested in history and architecture. Yogyakarta also serves as a hub for Javanese performing arts, especially classical Javanese dance and gamelan music. However, the city can be quite crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, which might detract from the experience for some visitors. Additionally, the infrastructure in Yogyakarta is developing but may not be as modern as in some other major cities.
Traffic & Transport
The city experiences moderate traffic, with peak congestion during rush hours and on weekends, particularly near popular tourist sites. The best means to navigate and explore the city are by motorbike, which offers flexibility to weave through traffic, or by using traditional becak (pedicabs) for a more leisurely experience. For longer distances, ride-hailing services like Gojek and Grab are convenient and cost-effective options. Public buses are available but may not be the most efficient for tourists due to route complexities. For reliable taxi services, visitors can rely on Blue Bird Group, which is known for its professionalism and use of meters. Additionally, the use of the Grab app for booking both taxis and motorbike rides is highly recommended for its ease of use and availability throughout the city.
History
Originally established in 1755 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as the new capital of the Mataram Sultanate, the city was designed based on traditional Javanese cosmology. It became a significant center of Javanese culture, arts, and learning. The city played a pivotal role in the Indonesian National Revolution, being the capital of Indonesia from 1946 to 1948. It was the only region in Indonesia headed by a monarchy during the country's early years. The city is renowned for its traditional arts and cultural heritage, including batik, ballet, drama, music, poetry, and puppetry.
Itinerary Sample
Explore the cultural and historical highlights of Yogyakarta over three days:
– First day: Visit the Sultan's Palace, also known as Kraton, then explore Taman Sari Water Castle, and stroll through Malioboro Street for local crafts and food.
– Second day: Head to Borobudur Temple early morning to catch the sunrise, then visit nearby Mendut and Pawon temples.
– Third day: Visit Prambanan Temple complex, explore the Ramayana Ballet in the evening if available.
Near Excursion
This city offers several interesting day trips within a short distance. Here are some suggestions:
– Borobudur Temple at 40 km: The world's largest Buddhist temple, known for its sophisticated carvings and nice sunrise views.
– Prambanan Temple at 17 km: A 9th-century Hindu temple complex, famous for its tall, pointed architecture.
– Mount Merapi at 30 km: An active volcano offering adventurous hiking trails and scenic views.
– Parangtritis Beach at 27 km: A popular beach known for its black sand dunes and beautiful sunsets.
– Kalibiru National Park at 40 km: A park offering treetop views, hiking trails, and photo spots with scenic backdrops.
Attraction
Known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, the city offers a variety of attractions for tourists.
– Borobudur Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it's the world's largest Buddhist temple, featuring complex carvings and handsome architecture.
– Prambanan Temple: This 9th-century Hindu temple complex is renowned for its towering spires and detailed reliefs.
– Sultan's Palace (Kraton): The royal palace serves as a cultural center and museum, showcasing Javanese art and history.
– Malioboro Street: A remarkable shopping street famous for its local markets, street food, and lively atmosphere.
– Taman Sari Water Castle: A historical site with beautiful gardens and pools, once a royal garden of the Sultanate.
– Mount Merapi: An active volcano offering adventurous hiking trails and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Activity
Yogyakarta offers diverse cultural, natural, and adventure experiences for travelers.
– Borobudur Sunrise Tour: Witness the nice sunrise over the ancient Borobudur Temple.
– Jomblang Cave Adventure: Descend into a vertical cave to see a heavenly light beam.
– Merapi Volcano Trek: Hike up Mount Merapi, an active volcano with panoramic views.
– Ramayana Ballet: Watch a traditional Javanese dance performance based on the Ramayana epic.
– Batik Workshop: Learn the art of traditional Indonesian batik fabric making.
Cuisine
The city offers a rich culinary heritage with a mix of traditional Javanese flavors and street food delights. Some of the city's most famous dishes include:
– Gudeg: Sweet jackfruit stew cooked with coconut milk, served with rice and chicken.
– Nasi Kucing: Small portions of rice with various side dishes, often sold at street stalls.
– Bakpia: Sweet pastry filled with mung bean paste, popular as a local snack.
– Sate Klathak: Skewered and grilled goat meat seasoned simply with salt and pepper.
– Es Dawet: Traditional dessert drink made from rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
– Ayam Geprek: Fried chicken smashed and mixed with spicy sambal chili sauce.
Shopping
In the city, tourists can explore Malioboro Street, known for its beautiful market atmosphere and array of local crafts. Batik fabric, a traditional Indonesian textile, is a popular gift to purchase here, available in various patterns and colors. Silver jewelry from Kotagede is another unique gift option, showcasing fine craftsmanship. Additionally, handcrafted leather puppets, known as wayang kulit, make for distinctive and culturally significant souvenirs. The local art markets also offer a variety of paintings and sculptures by local artists. These items not only serve as memorable gifts but also support the local artisan community.
Arts & Culture
The city is renowned for its traditional arts and cultural heritage, including classical Javanese fine art and ballet, batik textiles, and shadow puppet shows. It hosts the annual Yogyakarta Arts Festival, which showcases a variety of performances, exhibitions, and cultural activities. The Ramayana Ballet At Prambanan, an open-air theater performance, is a popular cultural event that depicts the Ramayana epic with Javanese classical dance and music. Additionally, the city is a hub for contemporary arts, with numerous galleries and an active community of artists.