A hub of traditional Indonesian culture on the island of Java, Yogyakarta (or “Yogya” for short) is an ideal jumping-off point for exploring archeological sites such as Prambanan and Borobudur. Visitors can also take a guided tour of historic buildings, temples, and monuments, including the Kraton Complex and Water Castle; or catch a show—Javanese dance, puppetry, and music are all popular options. And with beaches, caves, and mountains all within driving distance, you won’t be short on options for things to do in Yogyakarta, one of the region’s oldest cities.
As ever in Java, Yogyakarta’s climate is a tale of two seasons: wet and dry. Most travelers prefer the May–October dry season, and Borobudur and Prambanan are rammed to the gunnels in July and August. The city hosts a cornucopia of festivals. Buddhists flock from across the globe to celebrate Waisak at Borobudur in May or June. The sultan marks Idul Fitri (Eid al-Fitr), the end of Ramadan, with Grebeg Syawal, a parade and almsgiving.
Unusual for Indonesia, Yogyakarta is blessed with Trans Jogja, an efficient, affordable city bus network that’s also digitized enough to pop up on Google Maps. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, options run from private drivers and metered taxis (including the reliable Bluebird Group) to Grab and Gojek 2-wheel and 4-wheel rideshares. Becak (pedicabs) are great for photos and short hops around the center, but agree on price and destination before you set off.
Gudeg jogja, a lightly spiced coconut milk and jackfruit stew usually served with rice, chicken, and/or eggs, is Yogyakarta’s signature dish. Try it at Gudeg Yu Djum, which has been serving up variations on the classic recipe since 1950. Fans of quirk who are visiting Borobudur should see the Chicken Church, one man’s dream of a multi-faith worship center. Intended to resemble a dove—it’s more cluck than coo. The views from the beak are spectacular.
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Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur, a ninth-century pyramid that’s the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Its Prambanan Temple Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A royal city, with a sultan living in the Kraton (palace area), Yogyakarta competes with Surakarta (Solo) for the role of Java’s cultural capital
...MoreWhile it’s easy to spend a week or more in this charming university city, many travelers find three days is enough to hit Yogyakarta’s highlights. For most, that’s Prambanan, Borobudur, Mt. Merapi volcano, and a city tour to include the Kraton, Water Castle, and some street food.
...MoreNo. Yogyakarta and Jakarta are two very different cities—even though Yogyakarta is confusingly sometimes written Jogjakarta. Both cities are on the island of Java. But Jakarta is a huge metropolitan area in West Java, and Yogyakarta is 350 miles (560 kilometers) away in Central Java and considerably smaller.
...MoreYogyakarta is in Indonesia so everyone speaks the national language, Indonesian. But it is on the island of Java, so you’ll also hear the island’s local languages. Javanese is most common, but you may also hear Sundanese and Madurese. Educated people and tour guides generally speak some English.
...MoreYes, it’s safe. Like most of Indonesia, there’s a small risk of terrorism, but street and violent crimes are rare. Mt. Merapi is an active volcano that erupts. Authorities monitor it closely, so explore with a guide and follow instructions. Indonesia is no place to learn to ride a motorbike.
...MoreYes, as the Yogyakarta area is home to two of Indonesia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Borobudur and Prambanan). If ancient monuments aren’t enough, Yogyakarta is also a cultured city with a long royal heritage, excellent food, and lively nightlife. Its artistic traditions include silversmithing, batik fabrics, and wayang shadow puppets.
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