Yogyakarta is a fascinating tourist destination located on the island of Java. It has become a favorite spot for travelers to spend their vacations. Unlike the metropolitan Jakarta, Yogyakarta has its own synergy between modern life, arts, and tradition. If you want to get to know Indonesian culture, Yogyakarta seems to be the right place for you to visit.
There are many places that offer artistic performances, whether on the streets or on stage. In addition, to broaden your knowledge about Indonesia, the city also offers educational attractions such as the Sultan’s Palace (Keraton), museums, libraries, Taman Pintar, temples, and more.
You can also enjoy outdoor adventures by visiting mountains and beaches. There are many exciting and thrilling tourist spots. It’s no wonder that many people choose Yogyakarta as their vacation destination.
Popular Tourist Attractions
Keraton Yogyakarta
Keraton Yogyakarta is a cultural heritage site and serves as the residence of the Sultan, the leader of the Yogyakarta province. The palace features a blend of European (Portuguese and Dutch) and Chinese architectural styles, although Javanese cultural values remain the essence of the structure.
Not all areas of the palace are open to the public. Visitors are allowed to explore Kedhaton (the central part of the palace) and the Royal Carriage Museum (Waharantha). You can also hire a tour guide who will help you learn more about the history of the palace and the Hamengkubuwono royal family (the title given to the king and his descendants).
In addition to sightseeing, they also host traditional Gamelan music performances and dance shows from 9 AM to 11 AM. The schedule for upcoming events is regularly posted on Instagram, where you can check for updates.
After a day of exploring, you can try the royal family’s favorite dishes at the Bale Raos restaurant near the palace exit. The food is affordable and delicious.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours:
- Kedhaton: Tuesday – Sunday, 08:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Waharantha (Royal Carriage Museum): Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Ticket Prices:
- Kedhaton: IDR 20,000 – 25,000 (around USD 1.31 – 1.64)
- Royal Carriage Museum: IDR 25,000 – 30,000 (around USD 1.64 – 1.97)
- Tour Guide Fee: around IDR 15,000 – 50,000 (around USD 0.98 – 3.28)
Backindo Tip: Make sure to wear modest clothing as you’ll be visiting a sacred site.
Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari was once a majestic royal garden, known as the bathing area for kings and their families. It’s located west of Keraton Yogyakarta, and you can either walk there in about 10 minutes or take a becak (rickshaw) while enjoying the historical buildings along the way.
In addition to serving as a bathing area, Taman Sari was also used as a water channel, a resting place, a meditation spot for the king, and allegedly as a fortress. Due to its grandeur, it has earned the nickname ‘Water Castle’.
Although the building is no longer fully intact, the majesty of the former castle can still be felt as you explore the grounds. Unfortunately, it is located very close to local residential areas, with some homes built inside Taman Sari itself.
Because of its large and winding layout, if it’s your first time visiting, it’s recommended to hire a tour guide to explain the history of Taman Sari.
North of Taman Sari, you’ll find Pasar Ngasem, a market with many traditional food vendors, especially in the morning. There’s also an open stage where dance and other artistic performances are held, which you can enjoy.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Ticket Prices: IDR 20,000 – 25,000 (around USD 1.31 – 1.64)
- Tour Guide Fee: around IDR 15,000 – 50,000 (around USD 0.98 – 3.28)
Temples
A temple is a historical structure that was used as a place of worship during the heyday of Hindu-Buddhist kingdoms in Indonesia. These structures are made of volcanic rock from ancient volcanic eruptions. In addition, many temples have reliefs that depict the lives of people in the past, stories from the Ramayana, and deities.
In Yogyakarta, there are numerous temples, ranging from small to large ones. Two of the most popular temples for tourists are Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple. Both of these temples have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Although they come from different religious backgrounds, both temples possess incredible appeal.
Borobudur Temple, in particular, is still an active site of worship for monks. Its tiered structure and numerous Buddha statues at the top of the temple are impressive. During religious celebrations, monks from across Southeast Asia gather there for rituals and prayer, drawing the attention of both local and international tourists.
Learn more about Borobudur in our guide Borobudur Temple Guide: A Wonder of the World from Indonesia.
Equally exotic is Prambanan Temple, also known as the “Temple of a Thousand.” This Hindu temple was built on a vast plain and is estimated to have been constructed in 856 AD. It is often used as a venue for international concerts. Additionally, there are statues and reliefs that depict stories from the Ramayana and the legend of Roro Jonggrang.
Learn more about Prambanan in our guide Prambanan Temple Guide: A Majestic Hindu Temple Complex.
Since the temple area is very open and large, it’s advisable to bring a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the intense heat. Besides Borobudur and Prambanan, other temples worth visiting include Ratu Boko Temple, Kalasan Temple, Mendut Temple, and many more.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Borobudur and Prambanan Temples are open every day from 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket Prices:
- Prambanan Temple: IDR 240,000 – 400,000 (around USD 15.83 – 26.38), not including show tickets
- Borobudur Temple: IDR 240,000 – 400,000 (around USD 15.83 – 26.38)
Nature and Adventure
While in Yogyakarta, it’s also worth exploring natural attractions, which are just as impressive and shouldn’t be missed. Yogyakarta offers many adventurous spots.
In the northern region, there is Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia. You can try the Lava Tour, where you explore the remnants of the eruption by jeep.
To the south of Yogyakarta, you’ll find many beaches with exotic views. You can enjoy the sunset at Parangtritis Beach or explore the beaches in Gunung Kidul. Besides beaches, Gunung Kidul also offers adventures like cave tubing at Goa Pindul or visiting the Sri Gethuk Waterfall.
Since these places are far from the city center, it’s recommended to book a tour package for a more convenient trip. If you prefer to explore on your own and save money, you can rent a motorcycle. Just make sure you know how to ride and have a valid license to avoid any issues.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Yogyakarta is not only a destination for solo travelers; visiting with family can also be fun and exciting. There are several child-friendly tourist spots that can enhance your understanding of culture, traditions, children’s games, and science.
For example, in the city center near the Yogyakarta Palace, there’s a place called Taman Pintar where you can learn about science through educational games. There’s also a planetarium and other attractions for children. Nearby, you’ll find the Museum Kolong Tangga, which displays traditional children’s games from the past, evoking memories of childhood.
For an even more enjoyable experience, you can take a tour around Yogyakarta with your family in a horse-drawn carriage (Dokar), visit a bakpia factory, or take a crafting class.
Visiting Yogyakarta with kids? Read 9 Family Friendly Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta.
Backindo Tips for Firstimer
- Best Time to Visit:
- Visit during the dry season (April to September) to avoid the rainy season.
- Avoid school holidays in June-July, as the city can get very crowded with school trips.
- Transportation:
- Public transport options like TransJogja and buses are available in the city center, but can be limited for longer journeys.
- For short trips, you can use local transport like dokar (horse-drawn carriages) or becak (pedicabs).
- For longer trips, it’s best to book a tour or rent a motorbike (make sure you have a valid license).
- Weekend Traffic:
- Avoid long trips outside the city on weekends, especially to areas like Gunung Kidul, as traffic can be heavy.
- Dress Code:
- Wear modest clothing when visiting sacred places like the Keraton or temples, respecting local traditions.
Conclusion
Yogyakarta is one of the must-visit tourist destinations when traveling to Indonesia. For those interested in learning about Indonesian history and culture, Yogyakarta is the perfect place to explore. Although the city can be crowded, there are still many quiet corners where you can blend in with the very friendly locals.
The cost of living in Yogyakarta is quite affordable. You can find budget-friendly accommodations and delicious, inexpensive food. For many who have visited, Yogyakarta leaves a lasting impression, and they often feel the desire to return to the heart of Java.
