Yogyakarta, or Jogja as the local people call it, in Indonesia’s Central Java, was once the beating of the mighty Mataram Empire, under which Javanese art and culture thrived. Today, it is a lively hub filled with batik studios, silversmith workshops, quirky street art, bustling markets, and cultural shows like Wayang Kulit (a traditional Indonesian shadow puppet).
The city is also home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples, an active volcano, a pottery village, underground caves, and gorgeous beaches. Whether you opt for a village cycle tour or your own two feet, you’ll never run out of things to do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Catch sunrise at Borobudur
Some 45 minutes from Yogyakarta, rising above a sea of lush paddy fields and pockets of wild jungle, the UNESCO-listed Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary. It has over 500 Buddha statues and thousands of relief panels spread across nine levels — all look particularly striking at dawn, making the high entry fee feel worth it.
Top tip: Swing by the nearby Klipoh Pottery Village, where the pottery tradition dates back to the construction of Borobudur. Watch artisans craft plates, mugs, or vases — or try your hand at it.
Cycle to Borobudur’s complex on: Classic Java: Borobudur & Mt Bromo
Get cultural at Kraton, the Sultan’s Palace
The Kraton (or Keraton) is a royal complex where the current Sultan still lives. It’s been around since the 18th century, but is far from stuck in the past. Inside, you’ll find lavish halls, airy courtyards, and grand pavilions, the latter is where daily cultural performances — gamelan orchestra recitals, traditional Javanese dance, and puppetry — go down. Grab the ticket at the gate as it’s your all-access pass to the show.
Spend free time at the Kraton on: Indonesia: Java & Bali
Take in Ramayana scenes at Prambanan Temple
Just an hour away from Yogyakarta by car, Prambanan is Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex. Over 240 temples are scattered around, standing strong for more than eleven centuries — it takes a while to get around them all. The crown jewel is Candi Shiva Mahadev, rising 47 meters, with its towering presence and intricate Ramayana reliefs. Not to be missed is the Ramayana Ballet, a dramatic dance performance with the temples serving as stunning backdrop.
Top tip: Chase the perfect sunset at Ratu Boko, a hilltop site less than 15 minutes from Prambanan, where ancient stone archways set the stage for awe-inspiring views.
Explore this ancient wonder up close on: Best of Java
Amble through Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari, the 18th-century royal pleasure palace (aka the Water Castle), might not be the sprawling marvel it once was, but it’s still got that wow factor. Think peaceful gardens, a mash-up of West-meet-East architecture, bathing pools, and secret tunnels — one of which leads to an underground mosque (great for selfies, not so much for the claustrophobic). For incredible city views, climb the watchtower.
A great way to get there is to opt for a traditional becak (pedicab) to save some wear on your feet. Just down the road, the neighbourhood of Kampung Wisata Taman Sari is alive with batik studios, art shops, and street art photo ops everywhere.
Opt for a becak tour to the Water Castle on: Indonesia: Yogyakarta to Bali
Descend into Jomblang or Langse Caves
For those craving a bit of adventure outside (nay, underside) the city, one of the best experiences can be found in the sinkhole-like Jomblang Cave, about one-and-a-half-hour drive from Yogyakarta, in the Gunung Kidul Regency. You will rappel 60 metres (197 feet) into the earth to a hidden rainforest, topped off with a beam of ‘heavenly light’ that looks straight out of a fantasy movie. It is Indiana Jones meets Mother Nature!
But if you really want to push your limits, Langse Caves is your playground. A heart-thumping trek down a cliff takes you to a mystical sea cave, where the only thing more epic than the view is the rush of making it down without face-planting.
Opt to explore Jomblang Cave on: Indonesia: Sumatra, Java & Bali
Hike Mount Merapi volcano
For an adrenaline-packed adventure, take on the 2910m (9547 ft) Mount Merapi, Indonesia’s most active volcano. The midnight climb is a grind — steep inclines, loose volcanic gravel, and the occasional breathless pause — but it’s absolutely doable with a few rest stops. The payoff? A jaw-dropping sunrise, sweeping views of the surrounding landscape and distant peaks like Mount Merbabu on the horizon. Oh, and lifetime bragging rights.
While you can hike solo, a local guide is smart for a smoother, safer climb. Just remember Merapi’s fiery nature adds plenty of thrill factor but demands respect. If trekking is not your thing, take a lava tour instead including a jeep ride across the volcanic terrain and to nearby villages.
Go royal at Ullen Sentalu Museum
Tucked away on the slopes of Mount Merapi, just 22.5km (14 mi) from Yogyakarta, the Ullen Sentalu Museum is your ticket to the royal side of Javanese history. It has eye-popping relics and artifacts from the royal families of Java, including vintage batiks, old-school photographs, letters, oil paintings, and sculptures. But here is the deal: no wandering solo. Guided tours are the only way in, and they roll out every 15 minutes, lasting an hour or so.
Score bargains at Beringharjo Market
A wonderland for bargain hunters, Beringharjo Market at the end of Malioboro Street is the largest market in the city. Fresh produce, batik, antiques — you name it, it’s here. Need a snack to fuel your shopping spree? Street food stalls are everywhere, but don’t leave without trying local favourites like gudeg (jackfruit stew) or satay kere.
Feast your way through Yogyakarta on: Indonesia: Yogyakarta, Java & Ubud
Learn the art of batik
Batik is an ancient textile art form from Java that has been around for thousands of years. It is a wax-and-dye process, done by hand or with copper stamps, creating designs that make you think — ‘I could never do that’. But guess what? You can! At Museum Batik Yogyakarta, they show you the ropes. Sign-up for a class (one to four hours, depending on your pattern) and leave with your own batik masterpiece.
Make your own silver jewelry in Kotagede
Yogyakarta’s silversmithing tradition dates to the 16th century, once made only for royalty. Today, Kotagede — just a stone’s throw from one of Yogyakarta’s main thoroughfares, Malioboro Street — is where this craft is alive and well. The area is packed with workshops where artisans use time-honored techniques to craft a wide range of items, from jewelry to utensils. Take a walk, watch the pros at work, or get in on the action with a class to make your own silver piece.
Wander to Malioboro Street on: Best of Java & Sumatra
Get sandy at Parangtritis and Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo
Need a breather? Drive an hour from Yogyakarta to Parangtritis Beach, which is a vision of dark, soft sand and flaming sunsets. The waves are too fierce to swim in, but they are pretty to look at. Over the west end of the beach, you have got Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo, a desert-like sand dune that is perfect for sandboarding, and if you are into oddball photos, it is a goldmine. Not your thing? Ride a horse or go full throttle on an ATV — there’s plenty to keep you busy.
