36 TOP DESTINATIONS IN YOGYAKARTA

1.   Borobudur (Full name: Bhumi Sambhara Buddhara)

Borobudur is located in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province (not in Yogyakarta). But, Yogyakarta is the nearest city from the airport to Borobudur. It is only need about 60 – 80 minutes by car (depends on the location of your accommodation). 

This temple is the World’s Largest Buddhist Archeological Site since 2012 (Guinness World of Record), UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Ancient World Wonders. Borobudur is 8^th century Buddhist monument and top destination in Java Island, also one of main destinations in Indonesia. To explore the monument and visit museums inside of Borobudur Park, you need 3 – 4 hours. This temple is also one of the locations for Hollywood film “Java Heat (2013)” which is starred by Mickey Rourke and Kellant Lutz. 

Additional attractions in Borobudur and its surroundings:

-          Borobudur Sunrise is amazing experience even if you cannot see the sunrise. It is so magical, mystic, and unforgettable experience for your journey in Java. After the sunrise, your guide is going to explain about the temple then bring you to Manohara Restaurant for Java Coffee and Tea with traditional Javanese snacks. The last, you are going to get free special Batik scarf with exclusive design for your souvenir. Batik is one of Javanese masterpiece and one of Indonesian Heritages. 

-          Audio Visual Borobudur for watching a short documentary film about the restoration, ritual, history, philosophy, reliefs, and so on. It is strongly recommended by me to watch the film (20 minutes) first before visiting the temple. The film gives general description about Borobudur and this is very important for knowledge because visual is more powerful than oral storied. 

-          Elephant Ride Borobudur is good attraction for kids and adult. The elephants are from Lampung Province – Sumatera. 

-          Borobudur Museum is a free to visit for every visitor. You may see the unfinished Buddha statue, Gamelan instruments and music, and many stones from the temple which is still need time to restore. Don’t forget to look the old photos of Karmabiwangga Reliefs. This museum can increase your understanding about Borobudur. 

-          Samuderaraksa Museum is a free museum for every visitor. You may see the old history about ship in Indonesian archipelago in the past, cinnamon route, ancient trading route from archipelago to Madagascar and Africa.

-          Mendut Temple is a starting point for every Buddhist monk doing the ritual in Vesak Day. This ancient temple nears Buddhist monastery which is free to visit. Travelers may see different statues of Buddha here (Thailand style, Japanese style, Korean style, Khmer style, Java style, and so on). 

-          Punthuk Setumbu is a popular destination for Golden Nirvana Sunrise and easy to reach. But you must have a “tele” for your smartphone or expensive camera. 

-          Chicken Church A.K.A Rumah Doa Bukit Rhema is a rising destination. This church is open for everyone who wants take a meditation, praying, and so on. 

2.   Prambanan or  Candi Roro Jonggrang 

Have fun together with tourists from Thailand

It is 9^th century Hindu Compounds and only 20 minutes from Yogyakarta airport. Prambanan is UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful Hindu temple in the world, and the tallest ancient Hindu temple in Southeast Asia. This compound has more than 200 temples and right now 19 temples are still stand magnificently. The restoration is still on progress. You need 3-4 hours for exploring the temple and the park. This temple is the location for Hollywood films “Beyond Skyline (2017)” and “The Philosophers A.K.A After the Dark”, and also The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 Episode 8 (2016).

In Prambanan Park, you may visit the other temples such as Lumbung Temple, Bubrah Temple, and Sewu Compounds where all are Buddhist temples. You may rent a cycle or just walk, getting a mini train, or a golf cart. Don’t forget to watch a short film about Prambanan in Audio Visual building. The last, please feeding the spot deer in Prambanan Park.

 Sewu Compound with "after the dark" artists

Additional attractions :

-          Horse Ride (for kids)

-          Arrow Game (for everyone)

-          ATV

-          Playground

3.   Ramayana Ballet Prambanan (Indoor and Outdoor)

Ramayana is epic story about love, trust, lust, faith, hero, and goodness vs badness. Ramayana Ballet is the only ballet in Indonesia. This is traditional Javanese Ballet and one of top attractions in Yogyakarta. A spectacular show and classic that can give you unique experience here. The show needs 2 hours performance. Ramayana Ballet Prambanan got award as Golden Winner in PATA Asia Pacific Award 2012. One of your top bucket lists in Yogyakarta. 

4.   Ramayana Ballet Purawisata (Indoor)

 After performance (Taken by Christine Liu - Singapore)

In this place is another style of Ramayana with difference show and the performance is shorter than Ramayana Ballet Prambanan. The show needs 90 minutes performance. Try the Javanese authentic foods with buffet style at Gazebo Restaurant before enjoying the ballet. 

5.   Kraton Ratu Boko (King Boko Palace) 

It is UNESCO World Heritage Site which is built at around 7^th-8^th centuries. This is Hindu-Buddha ancient palace for Syailendra Dynasty. Ratu Boko is only 20 minutes from Prambanan. This palace has big area that includes the two gates, wall, cremation temple, King Palace, Royal Pool, Cave for meditation, and so on. Mostly the buildings are ruined but some sites are still quite good conditions. Ratu Boko is very famous for sunset and from this palace you may see Prambanan from the top of the hill. Borobudur – Prambanan – Ratu Boko are your top bucket lists. Don’t miss it. 

6.   Candi Plaosan A.K.A The Twin Temples 

It is ancient Buddhist monastery with Hindu compound outside of the main temples where is only 15 minutes from Prambanan by car. The architecture is unique because blending between Hindu and Buddhist architectures. The main temples have similarity with temples in Bagan – Myanmar. Plaosan temple is less touristic than Borobudur and Prambanan, but surrounded by paddy field, corn field, and chili field.  What a view!

7.   Candi Ijo 

It is Hindu Compound and alternative spot for enjoying the sunset. It is not far from Kraton Ratu Boko.  You may visit also Candi Barong before visiting Candi Ijo. 

8.   Volcano Tour Merapi (Off road, fun and adventure) 

After eruption in 2010, Yogyakarta has a new destination called Volcano Tour Merapi. Merapi literally is Mount of Fire and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It is safe to explore for tourists by jeep and now is one of top destinations here. There are three packages that you may choose (Short – Medium – Long) and one Sunsrise Trip. 

Short Trip (90 minutes)      : Mini Museum – Alien Stone – Japanese Bunker and Kaliadem Village

Medium Trip (2 hours)       : Mini Museum – Alien Stone – Mbah Maridjan Graveyard – Japanese Bunker and Kaliadem Village

Long Trip (3 hours)            : Short Trip + Medium Trip + Kalikuning River

9.   Ullen Sentalu Museum

Ullen Sentalu Museum is a private museum located in Kaliurang – Mount Merapi. It is exclusive Javanese museum and has great collections from the past. 

10.              Volcanology Museum  Kaliurang

It is special volcanology museum which will make you understand about volcano. 

11.              Kraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace)

This sultanate palace was built by Prince Mangkubumi (Sultan Hamengku Buwono I) in 1756. It is not only museum with amazing collections and attractions but also the residence of Sultan. This palace is different and not like typical sultanate palace in the world. It has unique architecture which is blend with Hindu architecture, Buddhist symbols and Islam symbols. To respect his ancestors, Sultan was built the palace with various symbols. He was also proving to the people if he was not conservative Sultan, and until today Islam in Yogyakarta is not strict or conservative. 

12.              Tamansari Yogyakarta (Water Castle)

Tamansari was built by 3 architects from 3 different places (Portuguese, Yogyakarta, and Madiun).  It is not only recreational palace for the Sultan and the royal family but also for fortress. 

13.              Sumur Gumiling (Underground area of Tamansari)

It is still Tamansari area and has two tunnels. Walking is the best way to explore this place. Visiting Tamansari is not complete without Sumur Gumiling. 

14.              Javanese Batik Yogyakarta at Tirtodipuran

The kids in sultanate palace are wearing "Sarong Batik" 

Batik has been declared by UNESCO as masterpiece since 2009. Batik is an Indonesian pride and not only for dress but also for painting, table cloth, scarf, wooden crafts, and so on. This Javanese heritage is very famous and now you can find Batik with special design in other places at the archipelago (including Singapore and Malaysia). In Tirtodipuran area, you will learn how to make it.

Batik has 4 different qualities:

-          Handmade Batik is the original one and need long time to make

-          Combination Batik (Handmade + Stamp) is the second quality and of course cheaper than original

-          Stamp Batik is the third quality and of course cheaper than Combination Batik

-          Printing Batik is the lowest quality but the cheapest

15.              Silver Course at Kotagede

Silver crafts in Yogyakarta have long history. Kotagede is the center of silver industry and has highest quality (sterling and filigree silvers). You will learn how to make filigree silver in this area. 

16.              Traditional Javanese Dance at Ndalem Pujokusuman 

Ndalem Pujokusuman is one of the centers for learning the Javanese Traditional Dances. Javanese dance needs flexibility, power, and balance. It is good for your healthy and body. 

17.              Wayang Kulit Experience  

It is located in the behind of the main Sultanate Palace area and you will get explanation about Javanese philosophy through Wayang Kulit and see the process of making Wayang. Wayang Kulit literally is Shadow Leather Puppet and one of Javanese masterpieces, also has long history. Wayang has been declared by UNESCO as masterpiece since 2003. If you open your mind, the knowledge will blow your mind because contains universal values. 

18.              Wayang Kulit Short Show 

It is located in Alun-Alun Kidul (behind of the Sultanate Palace area), you will see how Dalang (Master Puppet) controls the puppets from behind of the screen. The original performance needs hours but in this place, 30 minutes is enough for you. Or maximum 1 hour show. 

19.              Jemparingan at Royal Ambarrukmo 

 www.blog.hulaa.com

Jemparingan is arrow training ala Yogyakarta and original from here. It is fun and not easy, The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 was made this attraction as one of the games. You must wearing the Javanese dress ala Yogyakarta and learning how to shoot with sit position. 

20.              Javanese Keris Yogyakarta at Wukirsari

Keris has been declared by UNESCO as masterpiece since 2005. It is another Javanese heritage. Because the popularity, you can find Keris in other islands such as Bali, Sumatera, Borneo, Sulawesi, Singapore, and Malaysia with different style. Keris is an asymmetric dagger and many people in Indonesia have this as the symbol of identity. Visiting Keris Industry in Wukirsari Village is an interesting attraction.

21.              Affandi Museum 

 www.affandi.org

Affandi is one of Indonesian painter maestro and his private museum is open for public. Affandi Museum is a must visit if you love oil painting museum. 

22.              Sonobudoyo Museum 

 www.IntisariOnline.com

It is government museum and has amazing collections. This is not only Javanese museum but also has Balinese amazing collection. 

23.              Paragliding Parangtritis

This is one of top paragliding attractions in Indonesia. It is so fun and will make you more a live!. Spectacular panorama from the top of hill, Indian ocean, beach, and great view!. 

24.              Becak Trip

Indonesian rickshaw called Becak and this local transportation only can find in Java Island especially in Yogyakarta. 

25.              Andong Trip

Andong is traditional horse cart originally from Yogyakarta and Solo. This transportation is very famous for tourists. Try it!.

26.              Cave Tubing Gua Pindul

Yogyakarta is not only temples but also popular for natural attractions. This is the only cave tubing in Indonesia. It is so fun activity!

27.              Tubing Oya River

Mostly, after tubing in Gua Pindul travellers continue to Oya River for the next level. The attractions will give you amazing experience!

28.              Tubing Lava Bantal Geo Park

 This picture is taken from www.ArdianKusuma.com

This is another tubing attraction in the river but has longer route than Oya River (more than 2 km). 

29.              Srigetuk Waterfall

Yogyakarta also has some waterfalls and Srigetuk is the nearest from the downtown. Reach the waterfall using the semi traditional boat. Tourists also may swim here.

30.              Pantai Parangtritis Bantul

This is the most popular beach in Yogyakarta and has popular legend about The Queen of Southern Sea. It is black sand beach with strong wave and good for surfer. Not only paragliding, but you may rent an ATV or Bendi (small traditional horse cart ala Yogyakarta) to explore the shore. 

Additional attractions and spots:

-          Parangkusumo Beach

-          Cemoro Sewu Beach

-          Pelangi Beach

-          Depok Beach for seafood

-          Gumuk Pasir (Sand Dune) for Sand Boarding activity

31.              Pantai Drini Gunungkidul

It is white sand beach, virgin, less touristic, and you may swim!. 

32.              Pantai Nglambor, Pantai Sadranan, Pantai Wediombo

 

This picture is taken from www.Mailoloo.com

Snorkeling time!. This is the three musketeers of snorkeling beaches in Yogyakarta!. Not only snorkeling but also delicious sea food, free diving, wave rafting, and surfing!. Complete!

33.              Hiking at Nglanggeran Ancient Volcano

 www.surgaituindonesia.blogspot.com

Nglanggeran is an ancient volcano million years ago and now very good for hiking. The route has easy and medium difficulty. You need 2 hours for hiking here and the best time to visit is in the early morning for sunrise and in the late afternoon for sunset. 

34.              Pantai Timang “Adrenaline Gondola”

 The picture is taken from www.spotunik.com

This is only for adrenaline junkie!. Not only beach but also the manual gondola is really really wow.

35.              Gua Jomblang “Light of Heaven”

 www.jalanpiyungan.blogspot.com

This is very popular cave for Light of Heaven. You need advance booking for this. This cave is one of the locations for famous TV program “The Amazing Race Asia Season 5 Episode 8 (2016)”.

36.              Candirejo Village Trip + Gamelan Course

Candirejo Village is the most popular village for tourism. Exploring the villages together with your local guide and learning how to make Taro chips. The last is learning how to play Javanese Gamelan instruments and music with the kids. Finally, you will play together with them. All is in one package (including Andong trip). 

What are you waiting for? Just pack and Go!. For most all destinations in Yogyakarta, you need a professional guide to accompany you. Yogyakarta also has direct International flights from Singapore and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru).