Yogyakarta
Introduction
Located in the south-central part of the island of Java, Yogyakarta serves as the capital city of the Special Region of Yogyakarta. You will find it to be a unique destination as the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarchy.
You can immerse yourself in a rich cultural landscape where the city is regarded as an important center for classical Javanese fine arts and culture. These traditions include:
- Ballet
- Batik textiles
- Drama
- Literature
- Music
- Poetry
- Silversmithing
- Visual arts
- Wayang puppetry
Before you go
Before you arrive in Yogyakarta, prepare for a bustling atmosphere as a center of art, education, and shopping. You should be aware that the city is situated in a seismically active region near the fiery Mount Merapi volcano. During school holidays, expect heavy traffic and crowded conditions on popular spots like the shopping street Jl Malioboro and the northern palace square.
To ensure a safe experience, keep the following in mind:
- Be vigilant against pickpocketing in city buses and along Jalan Malioboro.
- Exercise caution regarding gallery scams and street sellers offering commissions for batik near the Kraton and Malioboro areas; if someone approaches you in English to offer a "genuine" gallery, they may be trying to manipulate you.
- Take care when navigating the streets, as traffic is brutal and pavements are often in poor condition with low-hanging signs.
- If traveling to Parangtritis beach, try to travel in groups, especially at night, as the long stretch of road can be dangerous.
- Avoid swimming at Parangtritis beach due to strong rip currents.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via Yogyakarta International Airport or Adisucipto International Airport. From the international hub, you can take a Damri bus or minibus to various destinations, including the local train station or the city center. Alternatively, the KAI Bandara Railink train provides a connection from the airport to Tugu Station. If you land at the smaller Adisucipto hub, you can reach the heart of the city by TransJogja bus, taxi, or the KRL commuter train which connects to both Tugu and Lempuyangan stations.
Rail travel offers several ways to arrive in Yogyakarta from major hubs like Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. You can choose between various classes of service on long-distance trains, including scenic routes across the mountains of Java. For regional travel, the KRL commuter train links the city with nearby areas like Solo and Prambanan. If you prefer road travel, several bus operators provide regular services from cities such as Bandung and Surabaya. You can also utilize shuttle buses for shorter trips between neighboring cities like Semarang and Solo.
Getting around
Navigating this relatively small city is straightforward, though walking is generally less convenient than other modes of transport except within specific areas like the vibrant Jalan Malioboro or the charming Kampung Taman Sari neighborhood. When traveling on foot, note that street signs at corners indicate the name of the street you are entering rather than the cross street.
You can choose from a variety of local transport options depending on your preference for speed and comfort:
- The TransJogja rapid transit system offers air-conditioned buses with designated shelters, while other local buses serve various routes throughout the city.
- Taxis are metered and widely available, while organized motorcycle taxis (ojek) provide a quicker way to navigate heavy traffic. Specialized disability ojeks with sidecars are also available for those requiring extra space or wheelchair access.
- For a more traditional experience, you can hire a becak, a three-wheeled pedal-powered trishaw for short journeys, or an andong, a two-wheeled horse-drawn carriage.
- Ride-hailing apps provide another way to book cars or motorbikes, though these are most convenient if you have a few Indonesian keywords ready to communicate with the driver.
- If you prefer independent travel, car and motorbike rentals are available near Tugu Station or at the airport; hiring a car with a driver is an alternative for a more relaxing experience.
Where to stay
You can find a wide range of accommodations in Yogyakarta, from international chains to local interest options at all budget levels. For those seeking a more local experience, many backpackers choose the alleys around Gang Sosrowijayan, located near the Tugu train station and Jl Malioboro. These areas offer various lodgings including traditional Javanese houses with internal courtyards, artistically decorated rooms, and cozy options tucked away in quiet back alleys. Other central locations provide a mix of boutique villas with private pools and accommodations situated in more conservative neighborhoods where students manage the properties.
If you prefer to stay further from the immediate center, the Prawirotaman area offers a different atmosphere with several guesthouses and homestays. This neighborhood features accommodations set within garden courtyards filled with birdsong, modern establishments with unique decor, and tranquil spaces away from the hustle of the main roads. Other nearby areas provide varied experiences ranging from community-focused stays to serene locations with swimming pools and terrace views.
Food & drink
Experience a diverse culinary landscape in Yogyakarta where traditional flavors meet modern influences. While the local cuisine was historically known for its sweetness, you can now find a wide variety of dishes ranging from spicy to fiery, including fusion options inspired by Chinese and Western cuisines. For an authentic experience, head to Malioboro for a lesehan dinner; here, you can sit on a mat in front of closed shophouses to enjoy grilled meats, satay, or the iconic gudeg—a sweet and dry jackfruit curry served with rice.
Explore various local delicacies across different neighborhoods:
- Try gudeg at specialized stalls or in a traditional kitchen late at night.
- Savor ayam geprek, which features deep-fried chicken crushed with chili peppers and garlic.
- Sample oseng mercon (spicy stir-fried beef and offal), brongkos (beef and bean in a nut soup), or enthok slenget (spicy muscovy duck soup).
- Visit Kotagede for kipo, a green tapioca snack, or find bakpia on Pathuk street.
- In the Kaliurang area, look for jadah tempe (rice cake and sweet bean cake) or es rujak, a fruit salad served with ice cream.
What to see and do
Explore the rich history of one of Indonesia's oldest cities, where the center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can wander through the Kraton, the Sultan’s palace, which serves as a grand example of Javanese heritage featuring both a majestic Main Court and a more intimate Residence. Nearby, you can visit other historic buildings such as the BNI '46 building, the Central Post Office, and Bank Indonesia. For a glimpse into colonial history, visit Benteng Vredeburg, a Dutch fort showcasing military items like a twin cannon, or explore the Kotabaru district to see heritage homes and a colonial-style church.
Experience the local culture through these activities and landmarks:
- Visit the Tugu Monument, a downtown landmark featuring a golden cylinder spire.
- Explore the Water Castle (Taman Sari), a partly-ruined pleasure garden with a network of tunnels and an intricate series of interlacing staircases.
- Discover the craftsmanship of Kotagede, the former economic center of the region, known for its Javanese architecture and local silver handicrafts.
- Visit the Masjid Gede Kauman, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the city.
- Experience traditional horse-drawn carriages, including the four-wheeled andhong or the two-wheeled dokar, to travel between landmarks like Malioboro and the Kraton.
- Explore various cultural spaces and museums, such as the Sonobudoyo Museum for Javanese artifacts, the Yogyakarta Batik Museum, and several art galleries like Bentara Budaya and Cemeti Art House.
Three days in Yogyakarta
Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the cultural heart of the city. You can visit the Kraton to experience Javanese traditions and then head to Jalan Malioboro to walk through the bustling atmosphere of the local market.
Day two, you can travel toward the coast to see Parangtritis or venture toward the majestic Mount Merapi. Throughout your stay, you can immerse yourself in local arts such as Batik, Wayang, and traditional music.
Day three, you can spend your time exploring the local crafts of silversmithing and visual arts. If you need to travel, you can take a Damri bus or the KAI Bandara Railink from Tugu Station to reach your next destination.