Yogyakarta, or Jogja because the native folks name it, in Indonesia’s Central Java, was as soon as the beating of the mighty Mataram Empire, below which Javanese artwork and tradition thrived. Today, it’s a full of life hub crammed with batik studios, silversmith workshops, quirky road artwork, bustling markets, and cultural reveals like Wayang Kulit (a standard Indonesian shadow puppet).
The metropolis can also be residence to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, an energetic volcano, a pottery village, underground caves, and beautiful seashores. Whether you go for a village cycle tour or your individual two ft, you’ll by no means run out of issues to do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Catch dawn at Borobudur
Some 45 minutes from Yogyakarta, rising above a sea of lush paddy fields and pockets of untamed jungle, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary. It has over 500 Buddha statues and hundreds of reduction panels unfold throughout 9 ranges — all look significantly hanging at daybreak, making the excessive entry price really feel price it.
Top tip: Swing by the close by Klipoh Pottery Village, the place the pottery custom dates again to the development of Borobudur. Watch artisans craft plates, mugs, or vases — or attempt your hand at it.
Cycle to Borobudur’s advanced on: Classic Java: Borobudur & Mt Bromo
Get cultural at Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace
The Kraton (or Keraton) is a royal advanced the place the present Sultan nonetheless lives. It’s been round for the reason that 18th century, however is much from caught previously. Inside, you’ll discover lavish halls, ethereal courtyards, and grand pavilions, the latter is the place day by day cultural performances — gamelan orchestra recitals, conventional Javanese dance, and puppetry — go down. Grab the ticket on the gate because it’s your all-access cross to the present.
Spend free time on the Kraton on: Indonesia: Java & Bali
Take in Ramayana scenes at Prambanan Temple
Just an hour away from Yogyakarta by automotive, Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple advanced. Over 240 temples are scattered round, standing robust for greater than eleven centuries — it takes some time to get round all of them. The crown jewel is Candi Shiva Mahadev, rising 47 meters, with its towering presence and complicated Ramayana reliefs. Not to be missed is the Ramayana Ballet, a dramatic dance efficiency with the temples serving as beautiful backdrop.
Top tip: Chase the proper sundown at Ratu Boko, a hilltop website lower than quarter-hour from Prambanan, the place historical stone archways set the stage for awe-inspiring views.
Explore this historical marvel up shut on: Best of Java
Amble via Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari, the 18th-century royal pleasure palace (aka the Water Castle), won’t be the sprawling marvel it as soon as was, however it’s nonetheless bought that wow issue. Think peaceable gardens, a mash-up of West-meet-East structure, bathing swimming pools, and secret tunnels — one in every of which results in an underground mosque (nice for selfies, not a lot for the claustrophobic). For unbelievable metropolis views, climb the watchtower.
A good way to get there may be to go for a standard becak (pedicab) to avoid wasting put on in your ft. Just down the highway, the neighbourhood of Kampung Wisata Taman Sari is alive with batik studios, artwork retailers, and road artwork picture ops in every single place.
Opt for a becak tour to the Water Castle on: Indonesia: Yogyakarta to Bali
Descend into Jomblang or Langse Caves
For these craving a little bit of journey outdoors (nay, underside) the town, among the best experiences might be discovered within the sinkhole-like Jomblang Cave, about one-and-a-half-hour drive from Yogyakarta, within the Gunung Kidul Regency. You will rappel 60 metres (197 ft) into the earth to a hidden rainforest, topped off with a beam of ‘heavenly light’ that appears straight out of a fantasy film. It is Indiana Jones meets Mother Nature!
But in the event you actually need to push your limits, Langse Caves is your playground. A heart-thumping trek down a cliff takes you to a mystical sea cave, the place the one factor extra epic than the view is the push of constructing it down with out face-planting.
Opt to discover Jomblang Cave on: Indonesia: Sumatra, Java & Bali
Hike Mount Merapi volcano
For an adrenaline-packed journey, tackle the 2910m (9547 ft) Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most energetic volcano. The midnight climb is a grind — steep inclines, unfastened volcanic gravel, and the occasional breathless pause — however it’s completely doable with just a few relaxation stops. The payoff? A jaw-dropping dawn, sweeping views of the encircling panorama and distant peaks like Mount Merbabu on the horizon. Oh, and lifelong bragging rights.
While you’ll be able to hike solo, a neighborhood information is wise for a smoother, safer climb. Just bear in mind Merapi’s fiery nature provides loads of thrill issue however calls for respect. If trekking shouldn’t be your factor, take a lava tour as a substitute together with a jeep journey throughout the volcanic terrain and to close by villages.
Go royal at Ullen Sentalu Museum
Tucked away on the slopes of Mount Merapi, simply 22.5km (14 mi) from Yogyakarta, the Ullen Sentalu Museum is your ticket to the royal facet of Javanese historical past. It has eye-popping relics and artifacts from the royal households of Java, together with classic batiks, old-school pictures, letters, oil work, and sculptures. But right here is the deal: no wandering solo. Guided excursions are the one method in, they usually roll out each quarter-hour, lasting an hour or so.
Score bargains at Beringharjo Market
A wonderland for discount hunters, Beringharjo Market on the finish of Malioboro Street is the biggest market within the metropolis. Fresh produce, batik, antiques — you identify it, it’s right here. Need a snack to gasoline your buying spree? Street meals stalls are in every single place, however don’t depart with out making an attempt native favourites like gudeg (jackfruit stew) or satay kere.
Feast your method via Yogyakarta on: Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Java & Ubud
Learn the artwork of batik
Batik is an historical textile artwork kind from Java that has been round for hundreds of years. It is a wax-and-dye course of, finished by hand or with copper stamps, creating designs that make you suppose — ‘I could never do that’. But guess what? You can! At Museum Batik Yogyakarta, they present you the ropes. Sign-up for a category (one to 4 hours, relying in your sample) and depart with your individual batik masterpiece.
Make your individual silver jewellery in Kotagede
Yogyakarta’s silversmithing custom dates to the sixteenth century, as soon as made just for royalty. Today, Kotagede — only a stone’s throw from one in every of Yogyakarta’s predominant thoroughfares, Malioboro Street — is the place this craft is alive and properly. The space is filled with workshops the place artisans use time-honored methods to craft a variety of things, from jewellery to utensils. Take a stroll, watch the professionals at work, or get in on the motion with a category to make your individual silver piece.
Wander to Malioboro Street on: Best of Java & Sumatra
Get sandy at Parangtritis and Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo
Need a breather? Drive an hour from Yogyakarta to Parangtritis Beach, which is a imaginative and prescient of darkish, delicate sand and flaming sunsets. The waves are too fierce to swim in, however they’re fairly to have a look at. Over the west finish of the seaside, you’ve got Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo, a desert-like sand dune that’s good for sandboarding, and in case you are into oddball images, it’s a goldmine. Not your factor? Ride a horse or go full throttle on an ATV — there’s lots to maintain you busy.
