Why Yogyakarta is special for your trip?

Dutch colonial building that still very well preserved in the downtown 

Yogyakarta or Jogjakarta is a special for me and for many people in Indonesia. Even Huffington Post and Times said the same thing. Articles from those famous sources said that “Yogyakarta is one of must visit cities in the world”. It is strongly recommended you are traveling to Yogyakarta first before Bali, if you are European tourists. Mostly European and American travelers were doing that since long time ago. 

This special region is romantic, full of nostalgic things for every student here. This is the city of education, the city of students, the city of heritages, the city of tourism and the second most popular destinations in Indonesia after Bali, the city of tolerance, the city of miniature of Indonesia, the city Javanese arts and cultures, the city of Batik in the world (World Craft Council 2015), the city of cheap and delicious foods, the city of museums, the city of republic and the old capital of Indonesia (1946 – 1949), and the city of revolution. 

 

Sultan of Yogyakarta with his only wife and his five daughters

Yogyakarta also is the only one province in Indonesia that between democracy and monarch are blending. Yeah Sultan of Yogyakarta (Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X) is the ruler here. He is a Sultan, a king for his peoples and also a governor for this special province. It is the only one unique status in the Republic of Indonesia since long time ago until today. Yogyakarta has so many nicknames. Tourism in Yogyakarta is just likes the combination of Ayutthaya – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai in Thailand, or just likes Malacca in Malaysia but with a plus mark, a volcano my friends. 

Although, I was not born here but I am proud of was living in Yogyakarta with so many wonderful things to visit. If you wanna something different, something unique, something adventures, something cultural things, you must open your mind and your heart before traveling here. Yogyakarta is not like Bali. All right, it is different. It is same hospitality, nice and smiling people, and many local people are trying chit chat with you, but not the same about how nature, cultural, and atmosphere will treat you. One thing I can promise to you, Yogyakarta is not touristic, and you will not see many Australian tourists here. This is the fact dude. 

Merapi (Mount of Fire) between Yogyakarta Special Region and Central Java Province

You love nature and adventure things? Volcano Tour in Merapi (Mount of Fire), tube caving in Gua Pindul and also in Kali Suci, exploring Gua Jomblang, trekking and hiking in Gunung Api Purba Nglanggeran, enjoying the natural forest attractions in Kalibiru and Mangunan, and also the lake attraction in Waduk Sermo are the best choices for you. Search on Google mates!. That is why we have internet. 

 Borobudur (only 90 minutes from Yogyakarta)

You love architecture and ancient temples? Here in Yogyakarta and its surroundings, there are “Three Musketeers” ancient temples that under 10^th century (Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ratu Boko Palace), and they are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Java was the land of Hindu and Buddha before Islam and Christian came. Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world (Guinness World record 2012) and one of World Wonders, Prambanan or Shivagrha aka Roro Jonggrang Compounds is one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in the world, and Ratu Boko Palace is an ancient Hindu – Buddha palace.

 Prambanan (only 40 minutes from Yogyakarta)

 Near Prambanan, you can visit Candi Sewu, Candi Plaosan, Candi Sambisari, Candi Sojiwan, Candi Ijo, Candi Banyunibo, Candi Barong, and Candi Kalasan. All the temples are for you guys. Every temple is unique and you will not disappoint if you are maniac in this kind of thing. And one more thing, all the temples are under 10^th century. The last is Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan Palace) and Tamansari (Water Castle). 

 

Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan Palace) is a living museum and the residence of Sultan

Even in Sultan Palace you will see with your own eyes so many Islamic symbols, Hindu symbols, and Buddhist symbols are blending each other’s. It is the only Sultan Palace in the world with so unique architectures and living palace, not only museum. Sultan of Yogyakarta is a very tolerance, not strict, not conservative, democratic gentleman, and only has one wife. 

You love beaches? Oh men, here in Yogyakarta there are more than 20 beaches with different characteristics (grey sands, black sands, white sands, and mix-mix). Pantai Parangtritis is a good for professional surfer, and Pantai Drini is a good for relax and enjoying the fresh sea foods. You love ballet? You cannot miss this one, Ramayana Ballet Prambanan and Ramayana Ballet Purawisata. This is the only ballet in Indonesia with the touch of Javanese Gamelan instruments and music. You love eating? Here is the paradise. The foods here mostly are not spicy.  

                                  Ramayana Ballet Prambanan is the only ballet in Indonesia

But if you love spicy foods, you may try Oseng – Oseng Mercon, Warung SS, and Sate Petir. Don’t worry about foods because you can find Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Mexican, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Korean, Thai, Malaysian, American franchises, Balinese, etc. Because you are in Yogyakarta, the heart of Java, please try Javanese foods. 

So many authentic Javanese restaurants here such as Pesta Perak Restaurant, Pendopo Dalem Restaurant, Bale Raos Restaurant, Sekar Kedhaton Restaurant, Ndalem Ngabean Restaurant, Prince Joyokusumo’s House Restaurant, etc. The last, you can try typically Indonesian foods (Indonesian Nasi Goreng, Soto, Bakso, Mie Ayam, Sate, Gado – Gado). Even, Jamie Oliver loves Gado-Gado very much.

Ah, don’t forget our Rendang. Rendang (caramelized beef curry) is original from Minangkabaunese ethnic in West Sumatera Province, Indonesia. Indonesian Rendang got award from CNNGo (http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/eat/readers-choice-worlds-50-most-delicious-foods-012321/) as "World's Most Delicious Food". Try it in Masakan Padang Sederhana 88 Lintau in Yogyakarta.

You know guys, traveling only one day in Yogyakarta is so rush through. Minimum you need 3 days and the best time is 5 - 6 days here. Yogyakarta is not only fun but also a spiritual trip for your brain, your mind, and your heart. Many tourists they got ‘something’ after traveling here. Welcome in Yogyakarta and strongly recommended you hire a professional and licensed guide here for your special trip. 

Videos on Youtube about Yogyakarta : 

1.Wonderful Indonesia Yogyakarta :  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V_4-f5Ocy4 

2.Yogyakarta  : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdPYSq6U5zA