Top 10 Things to Do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is in the south-central part of the island of Java. As the only royal city in Indonesia, Yogyakarta seamlessly mixes tradition with modernity.

This guide takes you on a journey through Yogyakarta’s cultural wonders and serene natural landscapes. You will find the top things to do in Yogyakarta, including attractions like Borobudur temple, the world's biggest Buddhist monument, Mt Bromo, Parangtritis Beach and more.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is the 9th century construction and it’s the largest Buddhist temple. This temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its religious significance, magnificent architecture and intricate stone carvings. Borobudur means "a pagoda on a hill", but there is no written record of who built it and it is very mysterious.

Basic information about Borobudur Temple

*Opening hours may differ. Please confirm the opening hours for specific days with the location.

Things to do at Borobudur Temple

• Sunrise tour: Arrive early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the temple, waiting for the sun to rise and a golden glow on the pagodas and Buddha statues.
• Temple exploration: There are more than 2,600 reliefs and 500 Buddha statues on the pagoda. Walk through the different levels of the temple, each adorned with detailed carvings depicting various Buddhist teachings.
• Meditation: Find a quiet spot to meditate and soak in the serene atmosphere.
• Miniature train and bicycle tour: Rent a miniature train or bicycle to travel around the site and the surrounding villages.

How to get to Borobudur Temple

Take a 1-hour drive from Yogyakarta city centre. You can hire a private car or join a guided tour. Or take a bus from the Jombor bus terminal

Tips for visiting Borobudur Temple

• Arrive early for the sunrise tour to avoid crowds.
• Wear respectfully to maintain cultural sensitivity.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Prambanan Temples

Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, built in the 9th century. It's a stunning example of Hindu architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The main compound consists of 3 temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. There's also a small museum and a deer feeding area to enjoy.

Basic information about Prambanan Temples

Things to do at Prambanan Temples

• Guided tour: Learn about the fascinating history associated with the temples. Wander through the temple complex, visiting the main temples dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• Ramayana Ballet: Enjoy the evening Ramayana Ballet performance, which uses traditional dance and music to tell the epic story of Ramayana.
• Night view: See the towers at night, when artificial light illuminates the pointed buildings.

How to get to Prambanan Temples

It's a 30-minute drive from Yogyakarta city centre. You can use a taxi, ride-sharing service, or join a tour.

Tips for visiting Prambanan Temples

• The Ramayana Ballet is seasonal, so check the schedule in advance.
• Bring a light jacket for the evening performances.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Mt Bromo

Mount Bromo is an active volcano located in East Java, famous for its stunning sunrise views and otherworldly landscapes. This uninhabited area feels like the end of the world, especially at sunrise.

Basic information about Mt Bromo

Things to do at Mt Bromo

• Sunrise tour: Take a jeep or hike to one of the viewpoints for a breathtaking sunrise over the volcano.
• Crater exploration: Walk up to the edge of the crater to see the steaming caldera and take in the surreal landscape.
• Horse riding: Ride a horse across the Sea of Sand to the base of the volcano.

How to get to Mt Bromo

From Yogyakarta, take a train or bus to Probolinggo, then transfer to a jeep tour to Mount Bromo.

Tips for visiting Mt Bromo

• Dress warmly for the early morning hike.
• Be prepared for a bumpy jeep ride.
• Check the volcanic activity status before planning your visit.
• intain cultural sensitivity.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Beringharjo Market

Beringharjo Market is Yogyakarta's largest traditional market located in the heart of Yogyakarta, offering a variety of goods including batik clothing, spices and souvenirs. Established in 1758, it stands as one of the oldest markets in Indonesia.

Basic information about Beringharjo Market

Things to do at Beringharjo Market

• Try batik: Visit the batik section to see the beautiful textiles and learn about the process of making batik.
• Shopping: Buy traditional batik clothing, local handicrafts, resh spices and herbs, and souvenirs at stalks. Don’t forget to bargain!
• Taste traditional food: Sample a variety of local snacks and delicacies, such as gudeg (a traditional Javanese dish) and bakpia (sweet pastries).

How to get to Beringharjo Market

The market is located on Malioboro Street, easily accessible by foot, taxi, or public transport. You can take Becak, which usually takes 10-15 minutes from city centre hotels, and it typically costs around IDR 20,000-30,000.

Tips for visiting Beringharjo Market

• Bargain for the best prices.
• Keep an eye on your belongings as it can be crowded.
• Visit early in the day to avoid the heat and larger crowds.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Kampung Wisata Taman Sari

Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, was once a royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, featuring pools, gardens, and underground passages. It is located in the southwest of the Sultan's Palace in Yogyakarta. This elaborate retreat was built between 1758 and 1765 by a Portuguese architect.

Basic information about Kampung Wisata Taman Sari

Things to do at Kampung Wisata Taman Sari

• Explore the pools: Wander through the beautiful pools and pavilions that were once used by the royal family.
• Underground mosque: Visit the underground mosque, which is an architectural marvel with its circular stairs.
• Take great photos: Capture the unique architecture and serene environment, especially the iconic central bathing complex.

How to get to Kampung Wisata Taman Sari

Located near the Sultan's Palace, you can easily reach Taman Sari by walking or taking a short becak (pedicab) ride from the city centre, which takes 10-15 minutes.

Tips for visiting Kampung Wisata Taman Sari

• Make sure to bring cash for the entrance fees and any additional costs.
• When visiting the underground mosque or any other cultural sites, follow local etiquette, such as removing shoes when required.
• Hire a local guide for a deeper understanding of the site.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: The Palace of Yogyakarta

The Palace of Yogyakarta is the cultural centre. This is a nearly 250-year-old Forbidden City designed and built by Gu Buvorno I. The unique feature of the Forbidden City is that Indonesia allows the original royal family to continue to live in the palace, and the servants used in the palace still wear ancient clothes. It is a living museum showcasing Javanese culture and history.

Basic information about The Palace of Yogyakarta

Things to do at The Palace of Yogyakarta

• Cultural performances: Enjoy traditional Javanese dance, music, and puppet performances, which are held daily in the palace grounds.
• Visit museum: Explore the museum within the palace, which houses a collection of royal artefacts, including costumes, weapons, and gifts from foreign dignitaries.
• Explore architecture: Admire the beautiful Javanese architecture, including intricately carved wooden structures and elegant courtyards.
• Traditional crafts: Watch local artisans at work, creating batik, wayang (shadow puppets), and ancient Kameilan musical instruments.

How to get to The Palace of Yogyakarta

You can head south along Malioboro Street to there, which takes about a 20-30 minute walk. Or you can choose a 10-15 minute Becak ride.

Tips for visiting The Palace of Yogyakarta

• Respect local customs by dressing modestly. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing.
• Entrance fees and additional charges (like for cameras) are usually paid in cash. Bring small denominations of Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) for convenience.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Ramayana Ballet

The Ramayana Ballet is a traditional Javanese dance performance that tells the epic story of a prince saving his wife from the devil, often held in the open-air theatre at Prambanan Temple.

It is divided into two parts. 4 parts that combine art, dance, Javanese music, gorgeous costumes and lighting. The ballet "Ramayana" won an award from the Indonesian Museum of History.

Basic information about Ramayana Ballet

Things to do at Ramayana Ballet

• Watch the Ballet: Enjoy the mesmerising performance, which combines traditional dance, music, and elaborate costumes to narrate the Ramayana epic.
• Cultural experience: Immerse yourself in Javanese culture through the captivating storytelling and artistic expression of the Ballet.

How to get to Ramayana Ballet

The Ramayana Ballet is performed at two main locations in Yogyakarta: Prambanan Temple and Purawisata.

From Yogyakarta city centre to Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple, you can take a taxi in 30-45 minutes, or take the Trans Jogja bus route 1A, which takes about 45-60 minutes.

From Yogyakarta city centre to Ramayana Ballet at Purawisata, you can take a taxi in 10-15 minutes, or have a becak ride, which takes about 15-20 minutes.

Tips for visiting Ramayana Ballet

• Book tickets in advance: The Ramayana Ballet is a popular show. Book your tickets on Trip.com in advance to secure your spot.
• Respect local customs: Show respect by remaining quiet during the show and refrain from any disruptive behaviour.
• Check schedules: The Ramayana Ballet may not run every night. Check the schedule in advance to plan your visit accordingly.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Parangtritis Beach

Parangtritis Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its black sand, stunning sunsets, and mystical legends. It is located around 28 km (17 miles) from Yogyakarta City. People come here to watch the sunset, hike up the Gembirawati cliffs, see the interesting sand dunes, and engage in different forms of beach activities.

Basic information about Parangtritis Beach

Things to do at Parangtritis Beach

• View sunset: Relax and witness the breathtaking sunset over the Indian Ocean.
• Sandboarding: Try sandboarding on the dunes for an adventurous experience.
• Explore cave: Visit nearby caves like Goa Jepang, known for its historical significance during World War II.
• Hike up: Hiking up the Gembirawati Cliffs offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the historical ruins of the Ratu Boko Palace. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for most hikers.
• Horse and ATV rides: For a fun experience, rent a horse or an ATV to ride along the beach. Prices are negotiable, so feel free to bargain.

How to get to Parangtritis Beach

You can take a bus from Giwangan Bus Terminal to Parangtritis, which takes about 1.5 hours.

Tips for visiting Parangtritis Beach

• Swim with caution: Always swim in designated areas because the waves can be very strong.
• Enjoy local cuisine: Try the local seafood from the beachside warungs (small eateries). Fresh coconut water is also good.
• Try evening visits: Stay for the sunset if you can. The beach offers stunning sunset views.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in the world known for its thrilling hiking trails, volcanic landscapes, and cultural significance. It towers into the sky at 2,911 metres above sea level and overlooks Yogyakarta, Borobudur and Prambanan.

Basic information about Mount Merapi

Things to do at Mount Merapi

• Jeep tour: Take a jeep tour to explore the volcanic slopes, visiting sites like Kaliadem Bunker and Alien Rock.
• Hiking: Challenge yourself with a hike to the summit for panoramic views of Java Island.
• Visit the museum: Learn about the history and volcanic activity of Mount Merapi at the Volcano Museum.

How to get to Mount Merapi

From Yogyakarta, take a bus or drive to Kaliurang. It takes about 1-1.5 hours. For a more adventurous option, you can rent a motorcycle in Yogyakarta.

Tips for visiting Mount Merapi

• Check for eruption updates: Check the volcanic activity status before planning your visit.
• Choose the right time: Plan your visit during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is clear, and visibility is better. Avoid the rainy season (November to March) as trails can be slippery and views may be obstructed.

Things to do in Yogyakarta: Malioboro Street

Source: Wikipedia

Malioboro Street is Yogyakarta's bustling shopping district, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, street vendors, and cultural offerings.

Basic information about Malioboro Street

Things to do at Malioboro Street

• Shopping: Browse through numerous shops selling batik, traditional handicrafts, and souvenir.
• Try street food: Indulge in local delicacies such as gudeg, nasi goreng, and wedang ronde from street vendors.
• Enjoy nightlife: Experience the lively nightlife with street performances, live music, and cafes open until late.
• Attend cultural shows: Attend Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) performances and gamelan music concerts.

How to get to Malioboro Street

If you're staying in the city centre, Malioboro Street is within walking distance of many hotels and guesthouses.

Tips for visiting Malioboro Street

• Bargain: Bargain politely when shopping at the street stalls (kiosks) for the best prices.