Yogyakarta (also called Jogjakarta, Yoga or Jogja) is a trending university city with many foreign students but as well rich in Indonesian culture. It has a perfect mix of everything. Below you will find a short mix of ultimate things to do in Yogyakarta,
Things to do in Yogyakarta
Tamansari Water Castle
The Tamansari Water Castle is an old ancient royal pool and bath. It was the former royal pool and garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta.
Stroll along Jalan Malioboro
Walk along the Malioboro street and watch the hustle and bustle of buy something in one of the uncountable shops.
Walk blind between the Twin Beringin Trees
I have heard there are many different myths about the Twin Beringin Trees challenge. The one I liked the most is that if you can pass between the two trees with your eyes closed then whatever you wish for is going to happen at one point. You have to walk blind from one point towards the two trees and pass in between of them. Sounds easy? Wait until you ever try it! It took me four or five attempts until I made it!
Alun-Alun Selatan Kraton
Go to the Alun-Alun Selatan Kraton at night and see all the paddle cars which are lightened up with LEDs and blinking lights
Prawirotaman
Walk around Prawirotaman street at night and take a drink at one of the either hip or local bars. There are cool options for food, drinks and live music.
Borobodur Temple
Borobodur Temple is not located directly in Yogyakarta, but it is often the main reason why people visit Yogyakarta. Rent a scooter and drive to it. It shouldn’t take more than one hour from Yogyakarta to the Borobodur temple. It’s a must see while being in Yogya.
Prambanan Temple
Visit this massive Hindu temple outside of Yoga.
Hike Volcano Merapi
I didn’t do it myself, but if you have time and if you like hiking you should hike up the Merapi Volcano. You will be rewarded with stunning views.
What and where to eat & drink in Yogyakarta
Food specialities
Bakso
Bakso is a simple but delicous local meat ball soup which you can’t miss. The best ones are the ones which are sold on a little tiny street food stall.
Gudeg
Gudeg is a young unripe jackfruit boiled for hours in coconut milk and palm sugar, served with white rice and chicken.
Places to eat
- Arjuna Coffee Shop (Prawirotaman)
- Black Circus
- Pizzeria Nanaima
- Jogjatronik Mall Food Court
- Hatoro Mall Food Court
Bars/Clubs
- K’Meals Bar & Restaurant (Prawirotaman): At the weekend they have great live music
- Lucifer Bar & Resto (Malioboro): Somedays they have live music, check their schedule before you go there.
- Oxen Free (Malioboro): Somedays they have live music, check their schedule before you go there.
- Warung Musik Kampayao (outside of Prawirotaman): Big hall with food an live music
- Cubic bar: Great bar to start the party evening with some drinks and good music
- Taj Lounge: Often the night ends at the Taj Lounge Bar/Club where you can dance until your legs are tired
Where to stay in Yogyakarta
I suggest either stay in the Prawirotaman area or close to Malioboro street. For me personally, I think at Malioboro you have a little bit more a local vibe and at Prawirotaman it’s a tiny bit more international, but you have more bars, coffee shops and restaurant around.
Transportation in Yogyakarta
You have a few different and cheap transportation options in Yogyakarta.
- During the day the public bus is the cheapest, but not the fastest.
- Rent a scooter: If you go to different areas in the city or to the temples, renting a scooter is your most convenient option, if you feel comfortable to drive 😉
- GO-JEK or Grab: Most of the time taking a GO-JEK or Grab taxi or motorbike taxi is a cheap and easy option. They are everywhere in the city and affordable.
- Wanna get some information about other Cities? Go to the City Guides overview
- Go to my Destinations page to get information about your next trip.
