Yogyakarta, Indonesia — Yogyakarta, also known as Jogjakarta or Jogja, is regarded as the heart of classical Javanese fine arts and culture such as ballet, batik, drama, literature, music, poetry, and visual arts. With its rich history, it’s no surprise that it rivals Bali as one of the most popular destinations in Indonesia. Some of the most magnificent monuments created by men are located in the region and its surrounding areas.
The shift from dark skies to soft pink and orange sunrise hitting the countless stupas is an experience one cherishes for a lifetime.
Yogyakarta Overview
I had no expectations when I planned my first visit to Yogyakarta. I just wanted a break from all that’s happening in my work and personal life at that time. However, just like Jakarta, Yogyakarta turned out to be therapeutic and it became one of my favorite places in Indonesia. When compared to Jakarta & Bali, Yogyakarta is less hectic. It has that artistic and hipster vibe while staying authentic.
- Geography: The Special Region of Yogyakarta is located in the heart of Java Island. It’s around 560 kilometers from Jakarta (an hour by plane or eight to nine hours by car or train). The center is a bustling metropolis with mountains, volcanoes, jungles, and rice fields on the outskirts and to the south is the Indian Ocean.
- Culture: It’s the only Indonesian royal city still ruled by a monarch. Central Java encompasses Yogyakarta as a cultural concept, but is administrated separately. Although influences of Hinduism is prevalent, Yogyakarta is a Muslim majority region just like the rest of Java Island.
- Language: Most locals speak Bahasa Indonesia, their national language, and Javanese. Locals also speak and understand basic English.
- Flights: As of writing, the only international flights to Yogyakarta are from Malaysia and Singapore, other flights come from other Indonesian hubs such as Jakarta and Bali. Flights are scheduled in and out of Jogja almost every hour of the day.
- Transportation: You can reach Yogyakarta by train from Jakarta — I highly recommend taking the day trip so you can see the lush Javanese countryside and rice fields. Once in the city, you can go around by bus, car, or motorcycle (lots of motorbikes!). I personally use grab (car or motorcycle) for convenience.
- Activities & Attractions: Countless cultural, gastronomic, artistic, and nature-related activities to experience — from Borobudur and Prambanan temples to Mt. Merapi to modern and traditional food establishments. (Check Klook for organized tours)
- Food: Jogja has so much variety in terms of regional choices and whether it’s modern, traditional, or fusion cuisine.
- Hotel & Accommodation: As a major tourist destination, there are several budget to luxury accommodations. It helps to use booking sites such as Agoda or Airbnb.
- Tourists & Locals: Lots of foreign and local tourists but not as crowded as Bali. Because Yogyakarta is regarded as a center of Indonesian education, the region is home to a large student population.
- Cellular Network: I always buy an international SIM (Travel SIM PH) from the Philippines and test on the day before my departure. If not, you can buy at stalls before the airport arrival exit. I personally use Telkomsel.
Best Time To Visit Yogyakarta
- Peak Season: April to October, dry and clear weather. These are the best months to do tours and hikes.
- Off-Peak Season: From November to March, wet and rainy season. Average rainfall almost doubles during these months
Yogyakarta Map & Location
Where To Eat & Drink In Yogyakarta
I love Indonesian food. It’s probably one of my favorites in the world along with Thai cuisine. If you are uncertain about how to explore Jogja’s food offering, you can avail the Night Food Discovery from Klook (use this link to get a discount when you sign-up). You’ll spend more but a guide will lead you to the right places. Check out some recommended places below.
★★★★★ Art Kitchen
Art Kitchen is the restaurant of Greenhost Boutique Hotel. Great regional choices and fusion cuisine. I love their Palumara (a traditional South Sulawesi dish). The desserts and beverages are also worth checking.
★★★★★ Lumpia Samijaya
Best lumpia I’ve tasted (I’m sorry Filipino lumpia). It’s cheap and you should expect to wait at least 30 minutes because the queue is very long.
★★★★★ Tempo Gelato Prawirotaman
So good and big servings as well.
★★★★★ Yammie Pathuk
The noodles, the soup, the dumplings, I’m craving just thinking about it. There are so many noodle stalls around Jogja but hands down, this is one of the bests I’ve tasted. A favorite!
★★★★★ Bakmi Pak Rebo
Bakmi Pak Rebo is a place that serves the “legendary Javanese noodle soup” called bakmi jawa. It is a hearty chicken noodle soup with Chinese origins. Another favorite!
★★★★☆ Bakmi Kadin
Another place that serves bakmi jawa. Bakmi Kadin is not bad, however, Bakmi Pak Rebo’s broth has a richer taste.
★★★★☆ Wedang Ronde Mbah Payem
A humble-looking cart that serves Wedang Ronde, a traditional Javanese drink. The idea of rice balls and peanuts soaked in a sweet gingery warm soup can be a strange idea at first but it’s quite comforting once you get used to the taste.
★★★☆☆ Gudeg Pawon
The main characteristic of this dish is savory jack fruit cooked in coconut milk. This is one of the most recognizable dishes of Jogja. I’d like to point out that I’m not a fan of jack fruit.
★★★☆☆ Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man
Charcoal in your coffee? Sounds weird, but according to locals, the charcoal neutralizes the acidity of the coffee. It has a burnt caramel taste — I don’t mind it.
★★★★☆ Jenang Gesti Lempuyangan
A dessert made mainly of rice flour, coconut milk, and palm sugar. The texture is a little slimy. It’s located inside the market with confusing alleys so be patient in trying to find the stall.
★★★★☆ Street Food
Some of Jogja’s street food requires some getting used to. I particularly liked Nasi Kucing (rice with sambal, dried fish, and tempeh, wrapped in banana leaves). It comes with different kinds of satai such as quail eggs and intestines.
Lumpia Samijaya 
Lumpia Samijaya 
Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man 
Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man 
Tempo Gelato Prawirotaman 
Yammie Pathuk 
Gudeg Pawon 
Jenang Gesti Lempuyangan
| Meal Type | Average Spend Per Person |
| Café, Snack | USD 1 to 3 |
| Fast Food, Casual Dining | USD 3 to 6 |
| Premium Casual, Fine Dining, Buffet | USD 6 to 20 |
| Beer Per Bottle | USD 2 to 6 |
| Cocktail Per Serving | USD 6 to 9 |
| Wine Per Glass | USD 10 to 15 |
| Spirit Per Bottle | USD 30 to 50 |
Sweet Street Food 
Yammie Pathuk 
Tempo Gelato Prawirotaman 
Wedang Ronde Mbah Payem
Flight To Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is the main port for flights in and out of Jogja. It replaced Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) this 2020. One-way flight from Jakarta to Yogyakarta costs around PHP 1,500 to 3,500 (USD 30 to 70) depending on the carrier and season. Budget Airlines include AirAsia, Lion Air, and Citilink Indonesia. Garuda Indonesia, the country’s flag carrier, is a nice airline although it is on the expensive side. One thing I noticed about Garuda is that the cabin had a scent similar to a spa. Check Google Flights for your preferred schedule and airline. See estimated flight hours below.
| Point Of Origin | Estimated Flight Hours |
| Jakarta, Indonesia | 1 Hour, Direct / Nonstop |
| Manila, Philippines | 7 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
| Singapore, Singapore | 2 Hours, Direct / Nonstop |
| Dubai, UAE | 20 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
| London, UK | 28 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
| New York, USA | 33 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
| Los Angeles, USA | 28 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
| Sydney, Australia | 28 Hours, Connecting / With Layover |
Train To Yogyakarta
Another way to reach Yogyakarta is by train. The train units are well-maintained and very comfortable. I suggest you take the day trip so you can see the beautiful Javanese countryside and just in time to check in at your hotel when you arrive (if you book the 8:30 AM schedule). If you’re staying in Jakarta for a few days, you can book your ticket directly at Gambir Station — located near the National Monument and will serve as your departure terminal. It costs around PHP 1,500 (USD 30) one-way for the executive class. If not, then you can make a reservation on Traveloka. Be at the station at least an hour before your departure and food are for sale on the train.
Where To Stay In Yogyakarta
As a major tourist destination, there are several establishments to choose from — from budget inns, hostels, and luxury hotels. In my experience, it doesn’t matter where you’re hotel is located in Jogja. The city is quite accessible and organized tours will pick you up from your hotel. You can use booking platforms such as Agoda or Airbnb to check prices and book a place. Check out some recommended accommodations below.
★★★★★ Greenhost Boutique Hotel (Check Rates)
I always stay at Greenhost Boutique Hotel when I visit Jogja. And I will probably stay there again on my next visit. Great amenities and service at an affordable price.
| Classification | Price Range Per Night |
| Budget Accommodation | USD 4 to 10 |
| Mid Range Accommodation | USD 40 to 80 |
| Luxury Accommodation | USD 100 to 180 |
Things To Do & Places To Visit
Many tourists come to Yogyakarta as an accommodation base to visit tourists spots and historical landmarks around Central Java. Check the list below of things to do and places to visit in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas.
Borobudur Temple
This is the reason why people go to Jogja. Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Technically, it’s located in Magelang, Central Java, 43 kilometers outside of Yogyakarta. I highly recommend booking the Borobudur Sunrise Trip from Klook (use this link to get a discount when you sign-up). The 3:00 AM pick-up, couple of hours drive, and cost (USD 50) are all worth it. Take the sunrise tour and nothing else. The shift from dark skies to soft pink and orange sunrise hitting the countless stupas is an experience one cherishes for a lifetime. Plus, there’s a delicious breakfast buffet right after the tour. However, there’s a large crowd of tourists during peak season.
Here’s an interesting trivia about the temple:
“In 1931, a Dutch artist and scholar of Hindu and Buddhist architecture, W.O.J. Nieuwenkamp, developed a hypothesis that the Kedu Plain was once a lake and Borobudur initially represented a lotus flower floating on the lake.”
Ancient Lake Hypothesis
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the region, located on the boundary between Central Java and Yogyakarta. It might be lesser in terms of fame than Borobudur but it’s equally majestic. Prambanan is most beautiful at sunset, it exudes so much mysticism against a backdrop of orange skies and pastel blue mountains. I had the most magical sunset watching experience while listening to Lanterns On The Lake’s “Sapsorrow.”
You can book the Prambanan Temple Sunset Tour from Klook (USD 37). Don’t compromise between Borobudur & Prambanan, both temples are a must-see.
Candi Sewu, Candi Lumbung, & Candi Bubrah
Candi Sewu, Candi Lumbung, & Candi Bubrah are smaller Buddhist temples scattered around Prambanan Temple. You can walk and visit them for free before going inside Prambanan. These are also worth checking.
Jalan Malioboro
Malioboro is a long street where you can shop, eat, drink, or simply stroll. It reminds me a little bit of Khaosan Road in Bangkok, Thailand. It’s a good place to chill after a tiring day tour. I would recommend strolling along Malioboro just before sunset while listening to your favorite playlist. Amazing vibe!
Street Light at Jalan Malioboro 
Jalan Malioboro 
Food Stalls at Jalan Malioboro 
Street Performers at Jalan Malioboro
Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari Water Castle was a former recreation area of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. The complex has cool air, a contrast to the warm air outside. It has a romantic vibe which reminds me of the setting of “Call Me By Your Name” (movie).
Mt. Merapi
Mt. Merapi is a goal for my next Jogja trip. There are two tours you can do — a jeep course at the foot of the mountain or a hike. I plan to do the latter.
Dieng Plateau
Dieng Plateau is a cool, high-altitude region with scenic farmlands and mountains in Wonosobo, Central Java. It’s one of the most beautiful, serene places I’ve seen. The tourists are very minimal and mostly locals. A rare find and definitely worth another visit in the future. You can book the Day Trip from Klook (USD 52) and you can check this link for a dedicated post about Dieng Plateau.
Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave
Jomblang Cave is 60 meters deep descent. It’s famous for rays of light called the ‘light of heaven’ emanating from the cave’s wide sinkhole. Pindul Cave has hollows produced by karst rocks and a beautiful underground river flowing through it. Book Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Day Tour from Klook (USD 60).
Museums
Being a hip and artsy city, there are several museums around the region that you can check such as Ullen Sentalu Museum, Vredeburg Fort Museum, and Sonobudoyo Museum.
Alun Alun Kidul & Yogyakarta Palace
Alun Alun Kidul is an open grassy area behind the Yogyakarta Palace. There is a myth of walking past the twin banyan trees planted on the city square, with eyes blindfolded. If you’re able to pass, it means you’re a good person (or at least that’s how I remember it). The place has stalls where you can eat street food while sitting on rattan mats. There are also some buskers and lots of colorful vehicles designed with neon lights.
Twin Banyan Trees 
Neon Light Vehicles 
Rattan Mats
Itinerary & Budget
This is just a sample itinerary and budget. Change things up based on your travel style. My pacing is relaxed and I sometimes explore based on my impulses or what I feel like doing on a certain day.
Itinerary For Yogyakarta
If it’s your first time in Yogyakarta, then this itinerary will be good for you. It highlights the major tourist attractions. This itinerary is busier than my usual style since there are activities every day so feel free to add a rest day or two in-between days.
| Day | Activities |
| Day 1: Train | Flight to Jakarta |
| Train from Jakarta to Jogja | |
| Gelato at Tempo Gelato Prawirotaman | |
| Dinner at Art Kitchen | |
| Day 2: Borobudur | Borobudur Sunrise Tour |
| Lunch at Yammie Pathuk | |
| Visit Taman Sari Water Castle | |
| Snacks at Lumpia Samijaya | |
| Stroll at Malioboro / Explore Street Foods | |
| Dinner at Bakmi Kadin | |
| Day 3: Prambanan | Ullen Sentalu Museum |
| Vredeburg Museum | |
| Sonobudoyo Museum | |
| Lunch at Art Kitchen | |
| Prambanan Temple Sunset Tour | |
| Snacks at Wedang Ronde Mbah Payem | |
| Stroll at Alun Alun Kidul / Explore Street Foods | |
| Dinner at Gudeg Pawon | |
| Day 4: Caves | Jomblang Cave & Pindul Cave Day Tour |
| Dinner at Bakmi Pak Rebo | |
| Day 5: Dieng Plateau | Dieng Plateau Day Trip |
| Dieng View Point | |
| Arjuna Temple Complex | |
| Sikidang Crater | |
| Color Lake | |
| Visit Angkringan Kopi Jos Lik Man | |
| Dinner / Stroll along Malioboro | |
| Day 6: Shopping | Shopping & Free Day |
Budget For Yogyakarta
The estimates below are in American Dollars, Philippine Peso, and Indonesian Rupiah, and the exchange rates are based on the closing rates at the time of posting. To convert to your home currency, visit this site. The airfare cost is assuming that you are flying Manila-Jakarta-Manila, the accommodation cost if you are booking a mid-range hotel, and the transportation, if you’ll ride a train Jakarta-Yogyakarta-Jakarta and use GrabCar to go around the city. The major activities are booked through Klook.
Regardless of your travel style, Yogyakarta can be budget-friendly. The expenses that would cost you money are the organized tours, especially the Borobudur and Prambanan tours.
| 6-Day Budget | USD | PHP | IDR |
| Airfare | 160 | 8,000 | 2,400,000 |
| Accommodation | 230 | 11,500 | 3,450,000 |
| Food, Drinks, & Alcohol | 80 | 4,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Entrance & Activity Fees | 210 | 10,500 | 3,150,000 |
| Transportation | 80 | 4,000 | 1,200,000 |
| Tour Guide & Vehicle Rental | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Random Costs & Souvenirs | 40 | 2,000 | 600,000 |
| Total | 800 | 40,000 | 12,000,000 |
Final Thoughts
Yogyakarta, just like Jakarta, has found its way into my heart and soul. I feel very much alive whenever I’m in Jogja. It’s a place where art, food, culture, history, and way of life are interconnected. I cannot wait to go back!
★★★★★ Food
Diverse, unique, and adventurous.
★★★★★ Culture
A major cultural destination with some of the most magnificent historical monuments created by men.
★★★★☆ Nature
Enough nature-related activities to keep you from having temple fatigue.
★★★☆☆ Beach, Surfing, & Underwater
There are beaches and surfing spots somewhere South but haven’t explored this side of Jogja. No underwater spots as far as I know.
★★★★★ Nightlife
Jogja nightlife is easygoing and has that backpacker vibe (which I enjoy).
★★★☆☆ Relaxation
Yogyakarta is a balance between tiring and laidback activities.
★★★★★ Activities
Culture, nature, food, art — so many activities to choose from.
Pin To Pinterest
Hover to the image and click the tiny “Pin It” button at the top left corner. It would mean so much to me if you follow my Pinterest page here.
It would mean so much to me if you follow my Instagram page here.
8 Comments
I never get tired of Jogja.
Stunning photos!
Sunsets in Java ♥️
What camera did you use? those sunrise, sunset photos are nice.
Hey Arjun, Thank you! I used my iPhone X. 😀
Thank you for this now I know where to go first after the pandemic
You took so many beautiful pictures. I love everything: food, drinks, temples, architecture and, of course, views. They are breathtaking.
In my opinion, Indonesia can impress everyone. Even those people, who travel a lot, find something new there. I hope, that I will also go there someday.