Yogyakarta is a top tourist destination of Indonesia and visited yearly by people from all over the world. The cradle of Javanese culture is Yogyakarta and Yogyakarta tourism has lots to offer you in terms of culture, historical heritage and architecture.
Tourist attractions in Yogyakarta
Being an ancient city of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is full of beautiful heritage buildings and monuments. Some of the top atttractions to visit in Yogyakarta include Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono's palace, the Tugu Monument, the sultan's pleasure garden Taman Sari and lots more!
The nightlife is abundant with numerous popular bars. Javanese shadow puppet shows are held every day at venues all over the city.
Access
By air, Yogyakarta can be easily reached via Jakarta, Bali and Surabayan by different domestic airlines. The main airport is Adisucipto International Airport from which regular flights to Jakarta and Denpasar are available. There are also flights thrice a week to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.The main railway station is Tugu Station from which trains depart regularly to Jakarta. Giwangan is the main bus station from which Bus services throughtout the island, are available.
Accommodation in Yogyakarta
Accommodation options in Yogyakarta will delight the budget traveller as well as those who like to travel in style.Most hotels are in Prawirotaman and Sosrowijayan street. Some of these are listed for you:
- Hyatt Regency
- Mercure
- Ibis Malioboro
- Ministry of Coffee
- Hotel Bladok
- Mercure
- Inna Garuda
- Losmen Nuri
- Mercure
Getting Around
Transport options in Yogyakarta are an exotic blend of the old and the modern. Medium and small size buses are fairly popularYou can also avail a taxi to get around. Or you could ride a traditional horse cart called andong or dokar.Yogyakarta is one of the few cities in the world where you can still ride a traditional three-wheeled, pedal-powered cart called becak.
Come to Yogyakarta in Indonesia for an exclusive glimpse into the rich, living Javanese culture!
History of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta in Indonesia has had a colorful history and for many years people have been fascinated with the legends and stories associated with this place. People have been living here in Central Java and the Yogyakarta since decades. The history can be traced back to the 9th century where the Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms had their hey days when people saw the construction of amazingly beautiful temples such as Prambanan, Ratu Boko, Kalasan and many more.
Yogyakarta was established in the 18th century when the Muslim Mataram Kingdom was under the regime of Pakubuwono II. The kingdom was however divided in two regions like Surakarta Hadiningrat kingdom and Nyayogyakarta Hadiningrat kingdom. The second kingdom was only called Yogyakarta. The Yogyakarta Sultanate was established in 1755. The Sultan Hamengkubuwono I spent a good many years to build the capital Surakarta and Kraton was declared as the centerpiece. The ruler was known to hold a degree from the Dutch Leiden University and his position was quite ceremonial.
Yogyakarta was declared as province Daerah Istimewa which recognizes a Sultan's power only in the domestic matters. Hence Sultan was declared as the governor for his entire life span. Yogyakarta was held as the Indonesian republic when the Dutch reoccupied Jakarta. Yogyakarta is however now under the regime of the Sultan's son Sri. Sultan Hamengkubuwono X and according to popular law the title has now been passed on to him as he is the new governor. He is the only one who hails from a military background. The Yogyakarta Special region was given provincial status in 1950 because of its contribution in the independence struggle. In 1945 Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX of Yogyakarta and Sri Paku Alam V111 in Yogya declared their independent sultanates to be a part of the Republic of Indonesia. In 1998 however the new Sultan was selected as the new governor of the provincial House of Representatives.
Yogyakarta thus has had a colorful and eventful historLocation of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, located on the island of Java is one of Indonesia's most popular tourist destinations. Yogyakarta is in south central Java and it is surrounded by the Indian Ocean in the south and it also borders on the province of central Java. The latitudinal and longitudinal location of Yogyakarta is 7 47 S and 110 22 E. The city of Yogyakarta is capital of the province of Yogyakarta.
Total Area: Yogyakarta covers an area of about 3185.80 kilometer square. Among the other provinces in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is the second smallest, the first being the Jakarta Capital Region. Yogyakarta, despite its small area, has a high population density. The population of Yogyakarta as recorded in 3000000.
Regencies and main city: There are four regencies and one city in the province of Yogyakarta. The regencies are:
Bantul Regency
Gunung Kidul Regency
Kulon Progo Regency
Sleman Regency
The city is named after the province and covers an area of about 32.5 kilometer square. Yogyakarta is the location of higher education an Indonesia and also the cultural center. There are various theatres, batik galleries and other places located all around the city where you can witness ballet, music, drama, poetry and all other forms of traditional Javanese art.
Volcanic zone: Yogyakarta is located on the "ring of fire" and Mount Merapi is a very active volcano that often emits gray smokes and hot molten lava. The mountain is one of the major tourist attractions in Yogyakarta and despite its being a dangerous and active volcano, it is the favorite of those who love mountain climbing. Yogyakarta is also located in an earthquake prone zone and the earthquake in 2006b caused severe damage to the place and many of its ancient buildings such as the Imogiri Royal Cemetry.
Yogyakarta Tourist Attractions
Yogyakarta is popular tourist destination in Indonesia and renowned for its cultural heritage. There are ancient temples that will make you gape with awe and old palaces that will take you back to the days of the sultans. Also there are museums and exotic markets where you can get some flavor of the culture, traditions and customs of the place.
Borbodur temple: The origin of the temple can be traced back to as far as 8th century. It is a great Buddhist monument and stands high on top of a hill. The structure is huge and there are numerous small stupas and Buddha statues inside it. UNESCO marks it as a world heritage site.
Kreton Complex: This huge complex used to serve as the residence of the sultans of Yogyakarta. The complex includes palaces, the resident quarters of the King's attendants and also an old mosque.
Imogiri Royal Cemetery: This is a Cemetery complex wherein lies the graves of the sultans and other members of the royal families.
Prambanan Temple complex: This is the largest Hindu Temple in Java and it was built in the 9th century. There are three main temples in the complex that are devoted to Brahms, Vishnu and Shiva. The walls are etched with beautiful images and most of them are tales from Ramayana. The temple of Shiva is the biggest of the three and contains an overwhelmingly large statue of God Shiva.
Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park: This is a volcanic landscape. The natural beauty of the place accounts for its immense popularity.
Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets): Shows such as these are a part of Indonesian culture and it is a great experience to watch one. The puppets are made of goat or buffalo skin and they have flexible limbs that can be moved by the puppeteer from behind a backlit screen. The stories are usually culled from Hindu mythologies.
Sightseeing in Yogyakarta
If you tour around Yogyakarta, you will soon find out why this place is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Indonesia. There are plenty of ancient temples, majestic palaces, Buddhist monuments, beaches and lots more that will make you fall in love with this ancient land. Here are some of the places that you must not miss out on your trip to Yogyakarta.
Tugu Monument, Yogyakarta:
This giant monument is the symbol of meditation and it was supposedly built in the year 1755.
Benteng Vredeburg, Yogyakarta
This is an Old Dutch fort that has now become a museum displaying memorabilia from the independence movement of Indonesia.
Kotagede, Yogyakarta
This is a very ancient town that used to be the seat of the Mataram Empire. It is a place of historical importance and it is also famous for its silverware.
Kraton Complex, Yogyakarta:
This is a huge royal complex that used to be the residence of the royal family. The compound includes palaces, bathing pools, servants' quarters and also an old mosque.
Baron Beach, Yogyakarta:
The beach is not only known for its scenic beauty but it is also a favorite destination for those who love fishing.
Gedung Agung, Yogyakarta:
This majestic house has not only been the residence of the Dutch Governor but also the Yogyakarta President at the time when Yogyakarta had been the capital of the country.
Glagah Beach, Yogyakarta:
The Glagah Beach is located at the mouth of the Serang River where it meets the South Sea. It is a nice place for camping.
Borobudur, Yogyakarta:
This is an old Buddhist monument that is located high on top of a hill. UNESCO has marked it as the World Heritage Site.
Imogiri Royal Cemetery, Yogyakarta:
This is a cemetery complex wherein lies the graves of the sultans of Yogyakarta and also other members of the Royal family.
Plaosan Temples, Yogyakarta:
This is a temple complex that consists of two twin temples.
Sari Temple, Yogyakarta
This is a two-storied Buddhist temple. The upper floor is used to stock religious relics.
Sambisari Temple, Yogyakarta
This is a Hindu Temple dedicated to God Shiva and was discovered from under volcanic ashes and dust in 1966.
Sewu Temple, Yogyakarta:
This is a huge Buddhist Temple Complex and is perhaps the second largest in Java.
Yogya Kembali Monument, Yogyakarta:
Built in 1985, this monument is built in remembrance of the Indonesian Freedom struggle.
Museums in Yogyakarta
There are innumerable museums in Yogyakarta that reflect the tradition, art and culture of the people. Some of the most important ones are the
Central Museum, Yogyakarta
The Central Museum is a must visit spot for all those who are on the tour of this land. It is reputedly one of the best museums in the whole of South East Asia. The Central Museum, Yogyakarta was established in 1788 and till today it is said to possess the most complete set of Indonesian artifacts in the world.
The collection is huge that it is rival to even the Leiden Museum that is said to be the best in the world. The Central Museum has the best collection of Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese export ceramics, Tang, Han and Ming porcelain. The numismatic collection of this museum is all inclusive of the rare specimens of the special type of cloth money that was used in various parts of the land of Indonesia.
Sonobudoyo Museum, Yogyakarta
The Museum Sonobudoyo, Yogyakarta is a Javanese style that is located in the North Square. It was built by the Java Institute and the museum is famous for the rich and fascinating collections of the Javanese artistic heritage. It includes displays of the various old books, the arts, literature, the batik, wayang, keris, masks, and some statues.
Museum Dirgantara, Yogyakarta
The Indonesian Air force has an excellent museum that is known as the Museum Dirgantara Mandala or just the Museum Dirgantara, Yogyakarta. This museum is indeed a good one. But who ever visits Yogyakarta should visit this museum as it really promises to be an enlightening experience.
Museum Kekayon, Yogyakarta
The Museum Kekayon, Yogyakarta describes the entire history of the Indonesian nation and also the puppet history. It was founded by Soedjono Prawirohadikusumo by 23rd July 1990. the museum deals with the various phases of Indonesian history and how the country has emerged from these ages past.
Festivals and Events in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta has many festivals both religious and cultural, to commemorate various events and ceremonies. So you can enjoy your Yogyakarta trip by being a part of these festivals. Some of the more famous festivals are as follows:
Garebeg Besar, Yogyakarta:
Garebeg Besar is a festival held in the month of March. It is a Mouslim festival celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival is held to commemorate Idul Ad'ha which is also the Moslem Day of Sacrifice.
Labuhan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:
This is another important festival in Indonesia and is held in the month of April. Labuhan Ceremony is performed to secure the welfare and well being of the Sultan and the people of Yogyakarta.
Waicak, Yogyakarta:
Waicak is a Buddhist festival, celebrated in the month of May. It is held to commemorate Gautam Buddha's life, his birth, accession and death. Held in most of the Buddhist temples and Viharas throughout Indonesia, it is particularly celebrated with enormous exuberance in Yogyakarta. The most important ceremony of this festival is held on a full moon evening in May at the Mendut and Borobudur temple
Sekaten Ceremony, Yogyakarta:
Sekaten Ceremony is held in the month of June. The people of Yogyakarta commemorate the birth of Prophet Mohammed by celebrating this festival. The Sekaten Ceremony continues for one week, where in the people perform traditional dances and sing folk songs. On the first day of this ceremony a mid- night parade is organized which continues to the Grand Mosque. A night fair is also held for one whole month at the alum-alun utara.
Saparan Ceremony, Yogyakarta:
The Saparan Ceremony is also celebrated during the month of June. It is basically celebrated by the people of Ambarketawang, where in people eat apem cake and make ceremonial offerings to please Gods. A procession is also held during the Saparan Ceremony, and the members of noble family - Ki Ageng Wonolela, participate in this procession.
Art Festival, Yogyakarta:
The Art Festival is celebrated throughout Yogyakarta in the month of June and July. During this festival you will witness various artistic performances including dance and singing performances, puppet shows etc. Various artifacts are also on display during this period and you can also buy some of these artifacts.
How to Get in
Yogyakarta is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts travelers from all across the globe. How to get there to Yogyakarta is not difficult to answer as there are several modes of transport making it all easy.
The quickest and comfortable way to get to Yogyakarta is by air and flights connect all the important cities of the Indonesia and also important cities of the world. The Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta has flights to all the important cities of Indonesia and to Singapore and Kalimantan.
The travelers can get to Yogyakarta by bus with the major bus terminal is located 4 km from the center. The bus service provides regular connection to all the important parts of the island including Jakarta, Surabaya and Badung.
The other option to get to Yogyakarta is by train that offers a time to witness the beautiful landscape. The station in Yogyakarta is called the Tugu Station and connects the important cities.
Yogyakarta is a popular tourist destination in Indonesia and attracts visitors from all across the world. The attractions include temples, palaces, beautiful landscape and the innumerable festivals.Sports and Recreation in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta has always been noted for the plethora of activities offered to the tourists who come visiting the place. There are numerous activities which the tourists can participate in while visiting the place. The activities are as follows:
Cycling in Yogyakarta
All those coming to visit Yogyakarta can really enjoy themselves by going on long cycling trips throughout the place. All eager cyclists can participate in long cycling trips and get ready to have a splendid time here as they whiz past the busy city side and slowly breeze in to the countryside.
One can come across farmers sitting in the fields and farming. All cyclists would get a very rare glimpse of the typical Javanese village scene. Cycling gives all tourists the rare opportunity to explore the rustic side to the place and tourists can really experience a new joy by simply inhaling the fresh natural air of the countryside. Cycling thus gives all tourists a different experience.
Climbing in Yogyakarta
All tourists visiting Yogyakarta can manage to find time to indulge in exhilarating activities like cycling, climbing and others. Climbing is a very important activity in Yogyakarta and is best explored in the mountain slopes of Sumatra, Mount Merapi. However all those who are daring and loves to indulge in adventure can give rock climbing a try as it is a major adrenaline push for all those with a daredevil spirit.
Things to do in Yogyakarta
Tourists in Yogyakarta are spoilt for choice when it comes into indulging in the wide range of activities here. There are many activities for all tourists here to participate in. Once can visit the numerous places here like the Kraton Palace, Borobudur, Kota Gede, Yogyakarta Bird market, Jalan Malioboro, Imogiri and many other! However all those interested in coming here can also indulge in activities like shopping at the numerous shopping malls, cycling, climbing, boating and visiting the numerous tourist destinations here.
Shopping in Yogyakarta
All those interested in shopping here at Yogyakarta can come here and really have a nice time shopping at the numerous shopping malls here. There are many malls as well as stores selling silver, gold and batik products. There are many shopping malls here Malioboro Mall, Jalan Malioboro, Pasar Beringharjo and others.
What Where to Eat in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta has many delicious delicacies to boast about. Renowned for their sweetness, Yogyakarta dishes are sure to steal your heart. You can also discover the delightful diversity that Yogyakarta dishes offer. So taste the interesting concoctions of Yogyakarta as they present every dish with a local touch.
Suit your palate with their spicy, sweet or fusion cuisines. Some delectable dishes and their preparations are as follows:
Gudeg is one of the famous dishes with locals. It is a curry of jackfruit, egg and chicken beautifully served with rice. Some of the popular restaurants that prepare this dish are- Gudeg Bu Amat , Gudeg Juminten, Gudeg Bu Tjitro, Gudeg Tugu, Gudeg Wijilan.
Kipo this is a snack made of green colored tapioca dough with sweetened grated coconut stuffings.
Jadah Tempe is an appetizing sandwich with rice cake and sweet beancake. This is served at Kaliurang.
Bakpia is a snack made of sweetened greenbean paste wrapped with thin dough pastry. You can eat some of the best Bakpia at Bakpia Patuk.
Nasi Langgi is warm rice and is usually served with side dishes.
Besides the above mentioned local dishes you can also get the regular cuisine in Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta is a food lover's delight as he can experiment with a number of varied dishes at cheap price. You can find well prepared, tasty and cheap food at every nook and corner of the place. Some budgeted eateries are:
- Empek-Empek Kamto
- Angkringan Tugu
- Sate Karang
- Soto Pak Soleh
- Waroeng Steak
- Xtra Hot
There are many mid-range eateries which will suffice your pocket, along with providing a great dining experience and creating a perfect ambience. Some of these are as follows:
- Seafood Bu Tutik
- Gudeg Sagan
- Dixie Easy Dining
- Ayam Goreng Suharti
- Gudeg Wijilan Yu Djum
If you like your food to be served in style with the perfect ambience and taste, then tries the expensive restaurants at Yogyakarta:
- Rempah
- Omah Dhuwur
- Sobo Pakulaman
- Gabah Resto
- Gajah Wong
So enjoy your dining experience at Yogyakarta.
Popular Restaurants In Yogyakarta
Get set for an amazing culinary adventure at the popular restaurants in Yogyakarta!
Rumah Makan Adem Ayem, Yogyakarta
Javanese food as well as Moslem Chinese food, including seafood is served at this popular restaurant of Yogyakarta.
Bale Raos Restaurant, Yogyakarta
This restaurant near the sultan's palace features traditional architecture complemented by great Javanese cuisine.
Bu Tjitro Restaurant, Yogyakarta
Along with great seafood and wines, this restaurant also offers cocktails just perfect for your cocktail party!
Dixie Restaurant, Yogyakarta
Seafood delicacies at this popular restaurant of Yogyakarta are complemented with a great range of wines.
Pesta Perak Restaurant, Yogyakarta
Enjoy traditional Javanese delicacies here, served by waiters and waitresses in traditional Javanese dress. Sweet tunes of Javanese musical instruments complement your meal.
Restoran Sederhana, Yogyakarta
Try out the traditional Padang cuisine of Java in a homely atmosphere at this popular restaurant of Yogyakarta.
Sekar Kedaton, Yogyakarta
Housed in a heritage building that's a must visit, this place serves both Javanese and European cuisine and features a restaurant, a lounge bar and a tea room
Trubus Restaurant & Bakery, Yogyakarta
This restaurant serves traditional Javanese cuisine including the rice cone (tampeng), lumpa and lots more. You can also enjoy Javanese cakes here!
Ayam Bakar Wong Solo, Yogyakarta
If you want Javanese as well as Chinese cuisine, this popular restaurant in Yogyakarta features the best of both!
Ulam Bahari Restaurant, Yogyakarta
This restaurant in Yogyakarta specializes in great seafood. You can also enjoy European and Indonesian delicacies here.
Kemangi Bistro, Yogyakarta
The main restaurant of the Hyatt Regency in Yogyakarta, you can get everything from Chinese and Lebanese to Indian and European cuisines here.
Gadjah Wong Restaurant, Yogyakarta
Enjoy classical jazz and live music at this restaurant by the Gadjah Wong River. The menu features Indian and Javanese cuisines and lots more!
Taman Tirta, Yogyakarta
Enjoy international cuisine at this great restaurant that also features a wonderful buffet spread.
Genji Restaurant, Yogyakarta
This restaurant serves all manners of Japanese food. You'll love the Sushi Bar and Teppanyaki tables here!
Useful Information
Yogyakarta is one of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia and attracts travelers from all across the globe. The useful information about Yogyakarta provides all the necessary information for the travelers while visiting this beautiful land.
Tourist Information Centre in Yogyakarta acts as a guide in exploring the major attractions of the city. Hospitals of Yogyakarta provide medical treatments thus ensuring complete safety of tourists and locals. Generally Yogyakarta is a safe place to visit in Indonesia and is very rich in its culture.
Yogyakarta useful information provides details on certain basic facts which one needs to know while visiting this city. When to Go to Yogyakarta states the appropriate time to visit this magnificent city.
Yogyakarta is a popular tourist destination in Indonesia and attracts visitors from all across the world. The attractions include temples, palaces, beautiful landscape and the innumerable festivals.Hotels in Yogyakarta
Amanjiwo. Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia Java (Jogjakarta)
Losari coffe plantation Resort& Spa. PO. Box 108, Magelang
Rumah Sleman private Boutique Hotel. No. 111 Warak Kidul, Sumberadi, Mlati, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55288, Indonesia
Dusun Jogja Village inn. Jl. Menukan 5, Karangkajen, Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia Yogyakarta
Hyatt Regency. Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar 55581 Yogyakarta Indonesia
Inna Garuda. Jl. Malioboro 60, Yogyakarta 55213, Indonesia
Melia Purosari. Jl Mayor Suryotomo 31 55122 Yogyakarta Indonesia
Santika Premier Jogja. Jl Jend Sudirman 19 Yogyakarta 5523 Indonesia
Saphir. Jl. Laksda Adisucipto 38 Yogyakarta Indonisia
Mutiara Malioboro. Jl. Malioboro 18, Yogyakarta Yogyakarta, 55321
Grand Mercure Yogyakarta. Jl. Jendral Sudirman No. 9, Yogyakarta 55232, Indonesia
Plaza. Jl. Gejayan, Complex Colombo, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesi
Quality. Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No. 48, Yogyakarta, 55281, PO Box 82, Babarsari, Indonesia.
Novotel. Jl. Jendral Sudriman No.89 Yogyakarta 55223 Indonesia
Ibis Malioboro. Jl. Malioboro No.52-58, Yogyakarta 55001 Central Java
Shaid Raya Yogya. Jl.Babarsari, Yogyakarta
Puri Artha Hotel. Jl. Cendrawasih No. 36
Jayakarta. Jl Laksda Adiscipto Km 8 Yogyakarta, 55282 Po Box 90
Hotel Brongto. Jl. Suryodiningratan 26
Matahari. Jl. Parangtritis No. 123, Yogyakarta
