Yogyakarta in Central Java makes for a handy base to explore the surrounding region. The city is nearby to the world heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as the perpetually-smoking Gunung Merapi volcano.
It’s also a great place to just hang out for a few days. There are plenty of interesting sites, and the city is well set up for travellers.
Things to do in Yogyakarta
Kraton
The Kraton is a walled royal enclave in the heart of Yogyakarta. It is a city in itself with residences within the walls as well as palaces, museums, temples and the home of the Sultan.
Jalan Malioboro
JL Malioboro is the main street of Yogyakarta. Here you’ll find stalls and cheap souvenir shops sitting beside air conditioned shopping malls. A great place to find Indonesian products such as batik art, topeng masks and wayang golek puppets.
Taman Sari
Taman Sari (Water Castle) is a complex that can be found within the Kraton. The area was a system of palaces, pools and canals, which is mostly ruins today.
Pasar Ngasem
Walk around the lanes of Pasar Ngasem (Bird Market) to see thousands of birds as well as exotic and domestic animals for sale.
Pasar Beringharjo
Pasar Beringharjo is the main market of Yogyakarta. Wander through the food and spice markets, check out the antiques and curios, or shop for batik or other souvenir items.
Dutch Jogja
There are still building that remain from the era of Dutch colonial rule in Yogya. The most notable are public buildings, such as the post office, and bank offices.
Accommodation
Yogyakarta hotels – Search for discount hotels in Yogyakarta.
Travel Guides
Jogja Tourism – Travel information for Yogyakarta as well as Borobudur and Prambanan Temples.
Blog Posts
Things to do in Yogyakarta – temples & beyond – a guide by thecrowdedplanet.com.
Food and Drink
Kopi Joss – The charcoal coffee of Yogyakarta – If you are a coffee lover you must try the strange yet delicious charcoal coffee.
Tours
Yogyakarta Tours – Attractions and things to do in Yogyakarta.
Guide Books
Lonely Planet Indonesia (Travel Guide) – Covers Yogyakarta and onward travel in Java.
Books
Raffles and the British Invasion of Java – In 1811 the British invaded the Dutch colony of Java and remained for five years. The book covers the 1812 sacking and looting of Yogyakarta.
Photos
Yogyakarta Photo Gallery – Photo gallery of my trips to Yogyakarta.
