When we headed over to Yogyakarta (pronounced Jogjakarta) from Jakarta, we had really no idea what there was to do there. In fact, we always just saw it as a kind of pit stop for heading to Mt Bromo rather than a destination in its own right.
But how wrong we were, there is so much to do and see here, too much for us to do in a single visit!
We fell in love with the city. We loved how it was much quieter and more reserved than the busy streets of Jakarta, yet still so full of history, quirky culture, welcoming locals, amazing food and wonderful landscapes!
In fact, during our time here, we extended not once, but twice and really did not want to leave! So, if you’re considering a visit, you’re in the right place. Let’s check out my best things to do in Yogyakarta… the heart and soul of Java!
One of the absolute highlights of our time in Yogyakarta was exploring the UNESCO-listed Borobudur temple. This huge complex is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world and dates from the 9th century.
For us, it was alongside the likes of Bagan and Angkor Wat in terms of amazement and that sense of Indiana Jones-type adventure into the lost temples of ancient civilisations. Despite being outside the city, it’s the top thing to do in Yogyakarta by far and one of the most memorable for us.
As if it couldn’t get any more magical, you can even visit at sunrise if you can drag yourself out of bed, that is!
Not only this, but the nearby Prambanan temple is just as impressive and offers a totally different style of construction to Borobudur, resembling the temples at Angkor Wat in style and layout. The great thing is that with them being so close, it’s easy to visit them both in one day.
This has to be one of the most bizarre but awesome areas of the city at night. Here, there are two huge grass squares with traffic going around the outsides. During the day, there isn’t much to see here besides maybe a few kids having a kick around.
But at night, the Alun-Alun Selatan comes to life!
Here you will find one of the most fun and surreal sights we have laid eyes on over our time in Asia! Converted Beetles and Camper vans covered in flashing lights are being peddled around the square – The Bling Bling car!
It’s not just for children either, everyone comes down here almost every night to take part in this strange tradition of circumnavigating the square whilst blasting out the tunes! It’s a great way to embrace the local culture.
This is one of the most fun things to do in Yogyakarta for sure!
3. Walk Between the Twin Beringin Trees Blindfolded!
Spoiler alert: We didn’t make it!
While you’re down at Alun-Slun Selatan at night, you have to try another game – walking between the Beringin trees blindfolded.
It is said that those who manage the feat will make their wildest dreams come true. Well, no luck for us then, though we did get the closest out of our group from the hostel! It’s actually quite hard to walk in a straight line with your eyes covered up. One of the guys we were with somehow ended up doing a complete U-turn without realising!
It’s one of the more random things to do in Yogyakarta, but it is certainly one of the most local, and it’s a great way to get talking to people. I mean, the thing is, if you’re travelling on a budget, it’s literally free to do too!
Outside of the city, there are many amazing viewpoints you can head up to take in the magnificent landscape of the region.
The most popular has to be the Setumbu Hill, around an hour’s drive from the city. This particular viewpoint allows you to see the famous UNESCO-listed Borobudur temple, which is a great place to take in the sunrise.
Be sure to also check out Becici Peak & Bukit Panguk Kediwung. For both viewpoints, there is a small entrance fee/ donation, but it’s well worth it. The lush jungle-covered mountainside is a great place to take a short hike and offers some incredible panoramic views.
Others that are also worth a visit are Punthuk Mongkrong, Punthuk Sukmojoyo and Purwosari Hill. You can also swing by the surreal Serebu Batu, which is filled with all sorts of quirky wooden constructions that resemble Hobbit houses!
You will need to rent a scooter or take a grab bike out to visit there, and there is some walking involved, too. Alternatively, you could hire a driver to create a custom itinerary for you so you can hit up all the best spots.
Things are heating up… especially with that leather jacket on! Image: The Roaming Renegades
The main street in Jogja is a must-see thing to do in Yogyakarta, it’s the place to come to get a hold of some great and authentic souvenirs from this wonderful city.
Be sure to check out the Beringharjo market for some of the city’s famous Batik wear – dive into the noise and atmosphere of this colourful place and grab yourself a bargain!
There is also no shortage of amazing street food to try down here, with stalls lining the road, people flogging their wares and the unique pedal-powered tuk-tuk drivers working hard up and down the road!
It really is the heart of the city and where much of the old and new come together. If you’re travelling at a slower pace, it’s nice to come down here and just get lost in the nearby streets.
One of the coolest things to see in Yogyakarta is the Taman Sari, or the Water Castle. It was built by the Sultan back in 1758 as lavish private baths for him and his family, as well as functioning as a fortification and workshops.
The complex was once much larger than what we see today, consisting of a network of underwater tunnels, lakes, pavilions, island buildings and even a man-made sea! Much of the outer grounds was covered when the Kampung Taman of nearby houses was built by residents after the Sultan’s power waned.
But still, this has to be at the top of our list of things to do in Yogyakarta! Though, actually, you’ll notice I’ve added it at six, because I’m a renegade afterall!
Today, though, the bizarre site is well-preserved and a quite stunning sight to behold. The level of elegance and detail brings to mind what I imagine the hanging gardens of Babylon to look like, and is a throwback to a bygone era.
One of the focal points of the Water Castle is the Sumur Gumuling, or the Underground Mosque, which was accessible by underwater tunnels and resembles one of MC Eschers pieces!
Another must-do is the Royal Palace, the home of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The once again lavish grounds are a cultural centre for the city and Java itself. Built in 1755, it is the centre and focal point of the city as well as being a beacon of pride for those who call this beautiful city home.
The palace also functions as a museum holding valuable artefacts from the reign of the Sultans and the city as a whole.
It also plays host to several important cultural festivals throughout the year, including a huge parade on the first day of Eid that we were fortunate enough to be able to watch. It’s one of the most incredible historic things to do in Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta has become known for its vibrant street art over the last few years, and it’s one of those things that really makes the city feel much more alive and youthful despite its historic architecture.
The street art here isn’t just for decoration either; it often explores political themes, social justice issues, and reflections on the local culture here in the region. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from travelling over the years, it’s that graffiti usually tells you more about a city than any museum.
Kampung Code and Kampung Cyber in particular are areas where the street art scene is thriving, and they’re known for their community-driven large-scale murals.
Yes, you read that correctly. Whilst wandering around Jogja, you don’t really get the seaside vibes you’d imagine for somewhere that’s actually pretty close to the coast, and some amazing coastline at that. So ya know, it’s actually a pretty legit alternative to Bali!
Parangtritis is also one of the most popular beaches and is just stunning at sunset.
Be sure to check out places like Watu Lumbung Beach; it’s a little off the beaten track, but you’ll be greeted with the most incredible scenery. Wediombo Beach is another hidden gem that only the locals know about!
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more adventurous, then Timang Beach is perfect. It’s known for its sandboarding and dune buggy tours, as well as the nearby Jomblang Cave, which most tours offer as a combined package.
10. Take In the Local Culture and Everyday Street Sights
The best food is often found *literally* on street level Image: The Roaming Renegades
One of our favourite things about Yogyakarta was the alleyways and little historic streets. The city is a wonderful example of crumbling colonial and ancient architecture with a wealth of local culture. The city in many ways reminded me of an Indonesian version of Hoi An, but very much unspoilt by tourism, with friendly locals who embraced visitors to their charming city.
It is also a great change of pace from Jakarta and has a much more cosmopolitan feel despite being so packed full of history. Exploring the streets of the city and finding all the off-the-beaten-track signs has to be one of the most rewarding things to do in Yogyakarta.
There is a great merging of tradition and modernity here, you will see little old women carrying their wares on their heads, men playing chess on the curbside, tuk-tuk drivers taking a nap in between rides, shimmering green and blue petrol sold in the bottle by the roadside and a vast array of amazing graffiti and street art.
The city really feels alive with its culture and has a great combination of keeping the past alive and moving with the times.
We were also lucky enough to be in Yogyakarta during Eid. The noise from the mosques on the morning of Eid was something to behold, starting at the crack of dawn, the poor guy had almost lost his voice a few hours later, but kept on going.
The whole city was on a high, and the streets were filled with people dressed in their best and celebrating with their friends and families. It was wonderful to see the many carnivals and parades both during the day and night over the 3 days of Eid and join in with the celebrations.
Ok, so not really in the city or really that close by… 15 hours by bus!
But Yogyakarta is often a starting point for many heading off on this amazing adventure to climb the volcanoes of Bromo and Mt. Ijen. Seeing the iconic blue flames of Mt Ijen was easily one of the most memorable experiences across our twelve months in Asia.
From Yogyakarta, it is easy to organise these trips either yourself or on a tour.
I recommend taking a tour and doing both over the course of a few days, as it can be a pain to organise all the different elements on your own. When we visited Mt Bromo, we almost got stranded at the foot of the volcano because we tried to do it on our own!
You can also combine that with transport from either Mt. Bromo or Ijen to Bali easily, making it a great way to see these amazing volcanoes and then chill in Bali afterwards… whether that counts as recovery or not depends on which version of Bali you decide to embrace!
Before you pack up your lil bag and skip off merrily to Yogyakarta, I’ve put together a few useful tips when it comes to visiting so you can make the most of your time here and, ya know, actually get here!
When Is the Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta?
May to October is the best time to visit Yogyakarta. This is the dry season in this part of Indonesia, and with that comes better weather with milder temperatures, very little rain and humidity.
June to August tends to be the busiest time for visitors in Jogja, Indonesia, so bear this in mind.
AVOID November and March if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor activities like caving or hiking, as heavy rain can cause disruption.
Below, I’m going to outline in more detail the different transport options to help you get to Yogyakarta, including flights, trains, buses, and car hire.
Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is well-served by many major cities in Southeast Asia (such as Singapore and KL), as well as being connected to Jakarta and Bali. For longer distances or more obscure destinations, you’ll likely have to take a connecting flight.
Travel Tip: Once you arrive at Yogyakarta International Airport, take an airport train or a shuttle bus to the city centre (it takes about 1.5 hours). Or use ridesharing apps like Grab.
Yogyakarta has two train stations – Tugu and Lempuyangan. Both are centrally located, so getting to your accommodation from here is easy by walking or getting a Grab.
From Jakarta, the train takes around 7-8 hours but is a comfortable and scenic experience.
From Surabaya, it takes 4–5 hours, and from Bandung, it’s 6-7 hours (this one also offers lovely views along the way)
Bus travel to Yogyakarta often involves large distances and long journeys, though they do offer the most budget-friendly method of arrival, and most are modern, comfortable buses.
From Jakarta, the bus takes around 10–12 hours, and from Surabaya, it takes 7–9 hours.
Buses also connect to Bali via a ferry, and they take roughly 12–15 hours. However, you will be able to get off the bus and have a wander around on the ferry, which does break the journey down significantly.
Another option is to rent a car whilst travelling around Indonesia. This means you can take your time on the long journey across Java and explore some of the wonderful places along the way. Or, you could truck on and get to your destination much faster than via public transport.
Another benefit to hiring a car is that once you’re in Yogyakarta, you can easily make your own way to Borobudur as well as places like Bromo and Ijen further afield.
Many accommodation options, including Adhisthana Hotel, also have free on-site parking, which is a great thing to have in Jogja, Indonesia.
When travelling in Indonesia, it’s important to stay connected, given the vast distances covered and the various trials and tribulations travel can bring.
For example, when we climbed Mt Bromo and Mt Ijen, we ended up getting mixed up with our days as a result of getting up each morning to hike for sunset and actually arriving on our ferry a day earlier than our booking in Bali.
Thankfully, I realised when I was checking on my phone and was able to book us somewhere close by for a night. Plus, with data on my phone with my e-sim, we could easily book a Grab to pick us up, which, if you’ve been to Bali, you know is a lifesaver with the shocking public transport!
Whilst Jogja, Indonesia, is super safe and fun, you can never be sure what is around the corner… especially with so many adventures planned! Our favourite insurance provider for long-term travel is Safetywing.
They offer awesome rolling monthly packages that can be cancelled or paused at any time, and personally, I claimed twice last year (accident-prone, I know!), and they paid out both times in less than a week. Let’s be honest, dealing with a trustworthy and proactive insurance provider is much better than it’s better than overseas hospital scams!
Why Yogyakarta Might Be My Favourite Place in Java
Alright then, guys, there you have it, my guide to the most amazing things to do in Yogyakarta. I hope you fall in love with this city as much as we did because it’s somewhere that became very close to our hearts after our visit, and a place I often look back on with such fond memories.
Of course, everyone knows about Bali when they visit Indonesia, and rightly so, but what’s cool is that with Yogyakarta, you really get to celebrate Javanese culture in all its glory. Where Jakarta has become an overwhelming megacity rife with pollution, traffic and overpopulation, Yogyakarta retains its ancient charms.
You won’t regret stopping off here for a few days (or longer if you’re lucky) on your way across the country. Enjoy!
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Hell yeah, Yogyakarta turned out to be my favourite city in Indonesia.
I just loved the combination of cultural gems like Borobudur, the Water Castle, amazing street art and great local food. Yogya has a real chilled-out vibe, which is pretty uncommon in Indonesian cities, and honestly, I could have stayed here a lot longer.
There is a lot to do in Yogyakarta and the surrounding areas.
I recommend spending a week here to make the most of your time. However, if you’re pushed for time, then 3 days is perfect.
If you’ve got 3 days, prioritise visiting Borobudur and Prambanan temples, hit up Malioboro Street, the Water Castle and the Royal Palace.
If you’ve got a few days longer, then take the time to head to the beach, Setumbu Hill and stroll around discovering the unique street food and art the city has to offer.
Ideally, you would have longer to give yourself enough time to relax and visit some of the more off-the-beaten-track areas of the city.
However, 2 days will give you a chance to see the main attractions, plus spend a full day exploring Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
But realistically, you’ll miss out on embracing the more relaxed pace of life in Yogyakarta, which is a real shame.
Aside from being the closest city to Borobudur Temple, Jogja is famous for being one of the only areas of Indonesia still ruled by a sultan, which can be evidenced by the impressive Royal Palace in the centre of the city.
Yogyakarta is also known for being the main hub for Batik Art and fabrics. It’s the perfect place to buy some unqiue Indonesia souvineers or even take some lessons and learn more about this beautiful art form.
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Yo, I’m Nic (they/them), one-half of The Roaming Renegades.
I’m an adventure (and halloumi) obsessed traveller with a passion for hiking mountains, exploring cities, watching Arsenal win, moshing out to Rammstein in random European fields and getting hopelessly lost on a motorbike somewhere in Asia! I am also a proud member of the LGBT+ community.
I’ve explored 80 countries, lived in Australia and New Zealand, and spent months wandering Southeast Asia, South America and Eastern Europe, all while trying to avoid growing up!
Did it work? I dunno, but my back hurts, and I still collect Pokémon cards! Who wants in?!
What a fantastic guide! Yogyakarta truly is a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty. This list is super helpful for anyone planning their trip.
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What a fantastic guide! Yogyakarta truly is a treasure trove of culture, history, and natural beauty. This list is super helpful for anyone planning their trip.