You're Going to Love Yogyakarta
The sound of gamelan music, flashes of color from batik fabrics, and the bustling energy of the Kraton markets combine to make Yogyakarta (or "Yogya") Java's cultural highlight. And with day trips like Borobudur within easy reach, it's an unmissable stop during any Indonesian vacation.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Yogyakarta
1. It's a Center of Javanese Culture
Above all, Yogyakarta is a cultural capital. It's easily the best place to catch gamelan music, traditional dance, or Wayang puppet shows.
2. Stunning Historical Attractions
Yogya dates back centuries, and was once a royal capital. It's easy to step back in time at Taman Sari, a palace filled with bathing pools, or the center of the Kraton - still the residence of Yogyakarta's sultan.
3. The Kraton
At the center of Yogyakarta, you'll find the Kraton, a walled market with over 25,000 residents. The museum is a highlight, but don't miss the silver workshops and batik sellers as well.
4. Side Trips to Borobudur Are Easy to Arrange
Just 30 miles from central Yogya, this ancient complex of buddhas, bell-shaped towers, and temples is one of the world's greatest religious sites.
5. Take a Batik Painting Course
Indonesia's distinctive fabric printing technique, Batik is an art form and Yogyakarta has some of its masters. Sign up for courses at workshops like Winotosastro and take home a unique self-painted t-shirt.
A popular activity in Yogyakarta
When to Visit Yogyakarta
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The best time to visit Yogyakarta is when the weather is dry, between April and October.
How to Get to Yogyakarta
Plane
Adisucipto International Airport (JOG) offers excellent regional connections and is five miles east of the city. Expect a taxi to your hotel to cost around Rp150,000.
Train
Every day, trains from Jakarta run into Yogya's Tugu Station. The journey takes around eight hours and costs Rp400,000 (on the most comfortable, fastest routes).
Car
From Jakarta, take Highway 1, then follow Highway 4 to Bandung, before taking Highway 3 all the way to Yogyakarta.
Bus
Joglosemar buses run between Yogya and Semarang (Rp25,000), while Sumber Alam run buses from Jakarta, which take around 16 hours for about Rp180,000.
Airports near Yogyakarta
Airlines serving Yogyakarta
Where to stay in popular areas of Yogyakarta
How to Get Around Yogyakarta
Public Transportation
Trans Jogja buses run all over Yogyakarta and offer air conditioning (which can be a big advantage). Tickets are bought at bus stops and cost Rp3,600 each.
Taxi
Metered taxis charge a meter drop of Rp6,000, then around Rp5,000 per mile. You can get around even more cheaply if you take trishaws (becaks), which can be hailed almost everywhere.
Car
Car rental options in Yogya include Jogja Rent Car and Avis, and daily rates will be around Rp200,000 per day.
The Cost of Living in Yogyakarta
Shopping Streets
Yogya's markets are the place to hunt for bargain batik fabrics or jewelry, and you can find plenty of options along Malioboro. For western-style chain stores, try Galeria Mall, while Saptohoedojo Art Gallery is a great place to pick up art and craft souvenirs.
Groceries and Other
Supermarkets include Giant Express and Hero, where 12 eggs will cost you around Rp15,000.
Where to Eat in Yogyakarta
Try the jackfruit curries at Gudeg Permata or Gudeg Yu Narni Tugu, enjoy gamelan performances and gourmet food at Gadjah Wong or order spicy Javanese ribs at Iga Sapi Bali. Prices vary, but a good meal will cost about Rp50-70,000.