Indonesia | Interesting Spots and Things to Do in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, also referred to as Jogja, is an autonomous province located in the Southern Java Island of Indonesia. It is one of the most historically and culturally rich locations in region, known for its ancient Javanese artifacts and remnants of the Dutch colonial rule. If you want to experience the best arts and music scenes of Indonesia, this is the place to visit. Its history stays so strong that it’s still rules by a monarchy to this day! Jogja’s diverse past is influenced by the Western culture combined with Hindu and Buddhist roots, making it wonderful destination to visit and explore – the only question is, what to do first when the possibilities are endless?

PERSONAL NOTES

I had the chance to explore the Special Region of Yogyakarta last September 2018. As usual, I had limited time to spare because of work. I spent my weekend discovering this province-level autonomous region in Java Island with my Filipino and Indonesian workmates. Good thing they are always in for this kind of weekend adventures!

Our first day started with free breakfast courtesy of Luxston Hotel, which served as our accommodation in Yogyakarta City. Since renting a car is much cheaper than availing tours offered by tour agencies, we decided to avail one to travel around region. We’re six in our group, but the car was spacious enough to accommodate all of us. The name of the rent a car company is Rent Car Moo Yogyakarta - contact number: +6385743353536/ +6381393065812.

We visited the Prambanan Temples, Gunung Kidul, Patuk Hills, and Pinus Pengger on our first day. For our second day, we were able to witness the beauty of Borobudur Temple after our Yogyakarta City Tour.

There are a lot more interesting spots and things to do if you’re going to stay in this part of Java Island. However, due to limited time, our 2-Day DIY Tour was not enough to cover all. Now I have more reasons to get back to Jogja! Don’t worry, I’ll be adding to this post from time to time to keep you posted. If you have any suggestions on my next visit, just comment down below!

INTERESTING SPOTS and THINGS TO DO WHEN IN YOGYAKARTA

Yogyakarta City is the capital of Special Region of Yogyakarta. To help you out in your Yogyakarta adventure, here’s a list of some of the best activities to try when in Yogyakarta Region particularly in its royal Indonesian capital city.

Explore the Kraton – Royal Palace in Yogyakarta City [Address: Jalan Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta]

The Kraton Royal Palace is where the main seat of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, as well as his family, is located. Since the 18th century, the title of Sultan is being passed down from father to son, rendering it extremely important to the culture of Yogyakarta and of the entire Indonesia. The palace features stunning European-influenced architecture which houses museums filled with ancient relics and gift from Kings and royalty all through the ages.

Inside the Kraton

Visit the Prambanan Temples [Address: Jl. Raya Solo - Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta]

The Prambanan Temple Compound is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of 240 temples, all of which are founded in dedications to the Hindu Gods – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The group of temples were built to seem like they can reach the sky, offering a magnificent and picturesque scene to the visitors. You can also watch their beautiful evening ballet performances conducted by the Ramanaya ballet dancers.

Inside the Prambanan Temple Complex

The breathtaking Prambanan Temples

Visit the Borobudur Temple [Address: Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah]

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Borobudur Temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. This temple has quite a veiled past – nobody knows the true purpose of why it was built, and what it was originally called. All that’s known is that it’s a Buddhist structure built during the 9th century. The temple is consists of 9 platforms stacked into 3 tiers with a large stupa at the top, built to form a pyramid-like structure. If you’re looking for the perfect viewing spot for sunset watching, you may want to consider climbing the topmost part of the temple!

Located in Magelang, Jawa Tengah (Central Java), Borobudur Temple is actually outside of Yogyakarta - more or less an hour travel if by private car and up to 2 hours if by public transport (commuter bus).

Inside the Borobudur Temple Complex - the stupas, sunset and the red lady

The Borobudur Temple

Visit the Museums in Yogyakarta City

There are many prominent and informative museums in Yogyakarta, one of which is the Ullen Sentalu Museum. The museum features Batik samples and ancient Javanese relics such as paintings and pictures. Ullen Sentalu is located at the foot of Mt. Merapi. Don’t worry, tickets cost as little as IDR 60,000 for adults and IDR 40,000 for children.

Walk around in Jalan Malioboro of Yogyakarta City

If you’re planning to buy some souvenirs for you and your friends, then don’t forget to roam around Malioboro Street. It’s the best place to shop for locally-made items like bags and hats. You may also want to check out items made from the famous Indonesian fabric – Batik. After a tiring day of shopping, head down the street to fill up with some delicious Indonesian street food.

Souvenirs from Yogyakarta

Nature Adventures in Goa Pindul [Address: Gelaran2, RT.03/RW.16, Bejiharjo, Karangmojo, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Special Region of Yogyakarta]

Yogyakarta has more to offer other than its rich depiction of ancient history and culture - it also has exhilarating and adrenaline-filled activities that is sure to get your heart pumping. Try the nature adventures at Goa Pindul in Southern Yogyakarta. Here are some examples:

• Cave tubing in Pindul Cave and Underground River

• Visit the Crystal Cave in Wonosari, Gunung Kidul 

• Go River Tubing in Kali Oyo Pindul

The three famous attractions in Goa Pindul - Crystal Cave, the Underground River and Oyo River

Inside the Crystal Cave of Goa Pindul

Enjoy the View and Take an Epic Photograph at Pinus Pengger [Address: Jl. Dlingo-Patuk, Pantirejo, Terong, Dlingo, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta]

Are you a nature lover? Then take time to visit Pinus Pengger. It’s a nature tourism spot surrounded with trees (most of them pine), shrubs, greenery, and terrific photo locations! Take a dynamic shot at the “Giant Hands of Pine Tree”, which resembles a pair human hands stretching out into the vast Yogyakarta skyline. After a tiring day of exploring Pinus Pengger, pick a spot and enjoy the beautiful sunset. End the day by posing at the Pinus Pengger’s night photo studios, which feature the city lights in the background.

Pine Trees and Sea of Clouds in Pinus Pengger Park, (c) Galangwnie

Stunning view at Bukit Bintang in Gunung Kidul Patuk Hills

Bukit Bintang is a popular hill to hike up to, not just for the thrill of it, but also for the amazing panoramic views of the entirety of Yogyakarta from above - great for early morning pictures of sunrise or gazing the starry sky and twinkling city lights at night.

Yogyakarta City from Bukit Bintang at night

Mangunan Fruit Gardens  [Address: Mangunan, Dlingo, Bantul, Special Region of Yogyakarta]

If you visit the Mangunan Fruit Gardens at the right time, you can witness its famous “sea of clouds” where a flurry of clouds will cover the sights below, making it seem like you’re on a high-altitude mountain. The high view on the hill makes the spot a good place to view the sunrise and sunset. Aside from the view, you can also learn a lot about the local produce and fruit nursery functions. 

Sea of Clouds in Mangunan Fruit Gardens, (c) Galangwnie

Eat like a local!

Eat Gudeg for lunch. We took a GrabCar from our hostel to one of the most famous restaurants in Yogyakarta - the Gudeg Yu Dyum. Gudeg is one of the most popular dishes in Central Java. It’s a traditional Javanese cuisine that originated from Yogyakarta. The dish is made from young jackfruit that is stewed for hours, then flavoured and paired with chili, coconut milk, and palm sugar. Gudeg is best served the traditional way - with eggs and chicken.

Gudeg (below) best paired with traditionally-cooked chicken meat and eggs

Try Salak. Salak is a fruit abundant in Yogyakarta, as well as other areas in Indonesia such as Java and Sumatra. Locally named as “salak”, snake fruit is a small fruit with a prickly outside but a sweet-sour inside, akin to the longan fruit or rambutan.

Snake fruit/Salak

HOW TO GET THERE 

From Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia, to Yogyakarta City

(c)googlemaps, Jakarta to Yogyakarta Route

By Air 

• Fly directly from Jakarta City to Yogyakarta City – flight time is approximately 1 hour. 
• Cost: IDR 450,000 (approx. Php1700 or 32 USD) to IDR 1,200,000 (approximately Php4400 or 85 USD)
• Below is the list of airlines and sample cost – as of this writing. 

(c)google.com/flights, Jakarta to Yogyakarta

By Train

• Train ride from the capital city Jakarta to Yogyakarata is approximately 8-9 hours. 
• Cost: IDR 300,000 (approximately Php1000 or 21USD). 
• Routes: Gambir Station to Tugu Station in Yogyakarta orPasar Senen Station to Lempuyangan Station in Yogyakarta
• Below is the schedule of train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta – as of this writing. 

(c)google.com, Jakarta to Yogyakarta train schedule

By Bus 

• Taking a bus going to Yogyakarta from Jakarta is a 12-hour ride. Bus stops are located in Jakarta Barat and Jakarta Selatan.
• Cost: IDR 150,000 (approximately Php550 or 10 USD) to IDR 230,000 (approximately Php 800 or 16 USD)
• Below is the schedule of bus trip from Jakarta to Yogyakarta – as of this writing.

(c)easybook.com, Jakarta to Yogyakarta Bus trip schedule

From Bali Island to Yogyakarta City

(c)googlemaps, Bali to Yogyakarta route

By Air 

• Fly directly from Bali to Yogyakarta City – flight time is approximately one and half hours. 
• Cost: IDR 600,000 (approximately Php 2200 or 42 USD) to  IDR1,200,000 (approximately  Php4400 or 85 USD)
• Below is the list of airlines routing Bali to Yogyakarta – with sample cost – as of this writing. 

(c)google.com/flights, Bali to Yogyakarta flights

By Direct Bus

• There are regular trips of buses directly going to Yogyakarta from Bali – travel time is approximately 15 hours. Available bus stops at Denpasar Ubung Terminal.
• Cost: IDR 180,000 (approximately Php700 or 12 USD) to IDR 350,000 (approximately Php1300 or 25 USD)
• Below is the schedule of bus trip from Bali to Yogyakarta – as of this writing.

(c)easybook.com, Bali to Yogyakarta Bus schedule

From Bandung City, West Java to Yogyakarta City

(c)googlemaps, Bandung to Yogyakarta route

By Air

• Fly directly from Bandung (Husein Sastranegara International Airport BDO) to Yogyakarta (Adisucipto International Airport) –flight time is approximately 1 hour (direct flight). 
• Cost: Minimum of IDR600,000 (approximately Php2200 or 42 USD)
• Below is the schedule of flight from Bali to Yogyakarta – as of this writing.

(c)google.com/flights, Bandung to Yogyakarta flight

By Train 

• Train ride is available from Bandung to Yogyakarta (vv) – see schedule and travel time below.

(c)google.com, Bandung to Yogyakarta train schedule

By Direct Bus 

• There are regular trips of buses to/from Bandung to Yogyakarta City –travel time is approximately 10-11 hours. 
• Route: Gedebage, Bandung, Jawa Barat to Banguntapan, Yogyakarta 
• Cost: Minimum of IDR 140,000 (approximately Php550 or 10 USD)
• Below is the schedule of bus trip from Bandung to Yogyakarta from easybook.com – as of this writing.

(c)easybook.com, Bandung to Yogyakarta Bus schedule

Travel Notes

• Make sure to allot enough time for each of the travel destinations - the structures, particularly the temples, are quite large. It will take time to explore the grounds and appreciate the sights and architecture. A few hours per temple is a good allotment. 

• Bring along a camera - the views are amazing! 

• Flying a camera drone is not allowed in Prambanan and Borobudur Temples. 

• Bring cash around as some of the best stalls and services in Yogyakarta are cash-based and does not accept debit/credit card.

• Remember to wear appropriate clothes - the weather in Yogyakarta is generally hot and humid.

• GrabCar is a safe and efficient way to get around the city.

I would like to say thank you to Indonesian colleagues  and friends, Bu Sri, Bu Dahlya, Pak Priyono, Pak Bayu and Pak Sopono; travel buddies, Robin and Welland - for making this Yogyakarta weekend trip possible. Special thanks to Instagram friend Galangwnie (check his amazing Instagram profile @Galangwnie) - for sharing a lot of helpful information and photos about this beautiful city!

AGAIN, there are a lot more interesting spots and things to do if you’re going to stay in this part of Java Island. However, due to limited time, our 2-Day DIY Tour was not enough to cover all. Now I have more reasons to get back to Jogja! Don’t worry, I’ll be adding to this post from time to time to keep you posted. If you have any suggestions on my next visit, just comment down below. :) 

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