AsiaPhoto by Eugenia Clara @fleetingstill on Unsplash
Yogyakarta
Batik workshops, volcano sunrises, and gamelan courts.
Why visit
01 / 10The case for going
Yogyakarta is the only Indonesian city still governed by a sultanate, a living Javanese court culture that shapes its identity.
This spiritual heartland pulses with traditional arts, a thriving street food scene, and stands as the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage temples, Borobudur and Prambanan, each a masterpiece from ancient kingdoms.
What to do
02 / 10Ways to spend a day
Activities €60–150 total
- 01Catch a pre-dawn sunrise over Borobudur Temple, then explore its reliefs. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 02Wander the ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan, especially Loro Jonggrang. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 03Take a traditional batik printing or painting workshop. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 04Explore the Kraton (Sultan's Palace) and watch a gamelan performance. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 05Join a jeep tour on the slopes of Mount Merapi. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
- 06Sample street food and local crafts along Malioboro Street. Book on GetYourGuide (opens in a new tab)
Book activities & tickets
Batik workshops, volcano sunrises, and gamelan courts.
Where to stay
03 / 10The right base
Accommodation €25–60/night
Prawirotaman
bohemian vibe, guesthouses and lively cafés
Ngampilan
central and walkable, near the Kraton and Malioboro
Kota Gede
historic silver craft quarter, quiet and traditional
Find a place to stay
How to get there
04 / 10Easiest way in
Fly into:
- Yogyakarta International Airport YIA
Plan the journey
How to get around
05 / 10Once you land
Within the city, Grab or Gojek ride-hailing apps are cheap and easy for motorbikes or cars. For temple day trips, hire a private car and driver, or join a tour group from the city.
Get around
What to eat
06 / 10Order this
Food €10–25/day
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Gudeg
jackfruit stew with rice
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Bakpia Pathok
sweet mung bean cakes
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Sate Klathak
lamb satay skewers
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Nasi goreng
Indonesian fried rice
- TasteAtlas (opens in a new tab)
Jamu
herbal tonic drink
By the numbers
07 / 10Cards on the table
Safety index
78/100
General guide, not advisory data
Best seasons
Summer · Fall
When it's at its best
Stay for
5 days
The sweet spot
Daily spend
$
Easy on the wallet
How to fit in
08 / 10Read the room
Visit the Kraton in the morning to see the palace complex and perhaps catch a traditional performance, then seek out one of the city's many batik workshops to appreciate the intricate craft firsthand.
How to pack
09 / 10What goes in the bag
Best in Summer
Summer: warm and dry around 25-32C, with sunny days ideal for outdoor excursions to temples and volcanoes.
- light, breathable clothing
- sturdy, broken-in walking shoes
- sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- a light scarf for sun protection
- a portable power bank
How to prepare
10 / 10The boring bits
Three things worth sorting before you fly.
Tomorrow's detour
One place worth the trip.
Curated destinations, one a day.