One of the largest cities in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is the gateway to the country and one of the most popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a wide range of interesting attractions.
Visitors to Yogyakarta really are spoiled for choice when it comes to entertainment, whether they are interested in exploring the city’s cultural heritage, shadow puppet performances, fine dining, temple hopping or shopping. Of course, shopping is a popular pastime and there are dozens of modern shopping malls dotted around the city as well as lively market places and bazaars. Don’t forget to barter at the market to get a great discount.
When it comes to fine dining, Yogyakarta’s restaurants don’t disappoint as there are literally hundreds scattered around the city, specializing in cuisine from all over the country as well as western food such as pizza, pasta and French fries. Here, traditional Balinese dishes are flavored with influences from Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish culinary styles.
Getting around the city is easy as there are a number of types of transport to choose from. Although there are plenty of buses and modern taxis for tourists, the city still has a good number of horses and carriages. Known as andong and dokar, this is an interesting way to get around and really see all that the city has to offer.
This is a good place to use as a base to explore west Java as there are a number of interesting daytrip destinations located nearby, such as cool hill stations, volcanoes and hot springs. When it’s time to move on, there are plenty of transport options, from numerous buses to trains and taxis.
If you are in Yogyakarta on a Sunday, it is worth getting up early and heading to the Universitas Gadjah Mada complex. Here you will discover a colorful collection of kite fliers, joggers, and other fitness freaks. This is also a good place to eat breakfast and browse for bargains in the flea market.
Getting There & Away
Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport is located just eight kilometers to the east of the city, with regular flights to and from cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. Yogyakarta is also well connected to the rest of Indonesia by road and rail, with Jakarta just an 8-hour train journey away.
Things to Do
Yogyakarta Attractions
- Masjid Gede Kauman
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This is one of yogyakarta’s largest and grandest mosques, formerly used by the sultan to perform religious rites and ceremonies.
- Siti Hinggil Selatan
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Visit this pretty palace at the weekend in the evening to watch traditional indonesian shadow puppet performances.
- Sultan’s Carriage Museum
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Featuring the sultan’s horse-drawn carriages, this is a good place to discover the city’s history and culture.
- Museum Kekayon
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Learn all about the wayang puppet tradition in this large museum and explore the picturesque garden.
- Tugu Monument
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Built by sri sultan hamengkubuwono vi, the top spire of this famous monument represents the universe.
- Benteng Vredeburg
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Located in front of the president’s palace, this old dutch fort is well preserved and features a twin cannon.