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 8th 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 9th 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 7th-8th
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).
