Best Things to Do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta occupies a unique position in Indonesia as the only Indonesian city still governed by a traditional sultanate — the Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) is the administrative, cultural, and symbolic center of the city, and the Sultan remains the head of government by special arrangement in the Indonesian constitution. The things to do in Yogyakarta combine the extraordinary archaeological heritage of the surrounding region (Borobudur and Prambanan are two of the world’s greatest historical monuments, both within 45km), the living Javanese cultural traditions (wayang kulit shadow puppet theater, gamelan music, classical court dance, batik textile art), and the outdoor adventure of Merapi volcano. Yogyakarta is Indonesia’s most complete cultural destination and should not be skipped on any serious Java itinerary.

Best time to visit

April through October is the dry season and the best time for Borobudur, Prambanan, and Merapi activities. The sunrise at Borobudur is best in the dry season (clear skies, dramatic light). November through March is the wet season: afternoon rains can obscure Merapi and make outdoor temple visits muddy. The wayang kulit performances, the Kraton dances, and the batik workshops are available year-round. The Sekaten Festival (the prophet Muhammad’s birthday celebration, dates vary with the Islamic calendar) is the most important cultural event in Yogyakarta, with two weeks of market, gamelan performances in the Kraton, and a final procession.

Getting around

Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA, new, opened 2020) is 45km west of the city, 1 hour by express train or road. The older Adisucipto Airport (JOG) remains open for some domestic routes, 7km from the city center. Within Yogyakarta, the Trans Jogja bus system and online ride-hailing (Gojek, Grab) are practical. The Malioboro pedestrian mall (the main cultural and shopping street) is walkable. For Borobudur (40km northwest), organized tours or a hired driver are the standard approach. For Prambanan (17km east), the Prambanan Express bus runs from the Malioboro area.

What to eat and drink

Yogyakarta has a distinct culinary tradition within Java. Gudeg — jackfruit slowly cooked in palm sugar and coconut milk for 24 hours, resulting in a sweet, brown, caramelized mass eaten with rice, chicken, and various accompaniments — is the city’s signature dish. The older generation describes it as a taste of home; visitors find it either compelling or cloying. Warung gudeg restaurants open as early as midnight to cater to the 3am Borobudur departure market. Nasi kucing (cat’s rice — tiny portions wrapped in banana leaf, sold at the Angkringan street carts along the streets at night) is the Yogyakarta student food tradition. The Angkringan cart culture (late-night street food including various skewers, rice cakes, and cheap coffee) is the most authentic eating experience in the city. Kopi Joss (coffee with a live piece of burning charcoal added, a Yogyakarta tradition — the charcoal is said to neutralize acidity) is the local specialty.

Top things to do

Borobudur at sunrise – The world’s largest Buddhist monument: nine stacked platforms of volcanic stone, covered in 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, crowned by 72 stupas each containing a seated Buddha figure. Built in the 9th century by the Sailendra dynasty, abandoned after a volcanic eruption and rediscovered in 1814 by Raffles’ surveyor. The sunrise experience (booking required, groups limited) involves watching the first light illuminate the monument while mist fills the surrounding valleys and palm trees. The full circuit of the monument requires 1-2 hours.

Prambanan Hindu Temple Complex – The most magnificent Hindu temple complex in Southeast Asia: eight main temples and 240 smaller shrines in a plain 17km east of Yogyakarta. The Loro Jonggrang temple (dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) has the most elaborate stonework in Indonesia. The Ramayana Ballet performances at Prambanan (full moon nights May-October) use the temple as a backdrop for a dance performance of the Hindu epic.

Kraton (Sultan’s Palace) – The royal palace of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, the oldest and most continuously occupied royal court in Java. The Kraton is a city within a city: a complex of pavilions, courtyards, and ceremonial halls built over three centuries. The museum within the palace has an extraordinary collection of royal regalia, gifts from Dutch colonial officials, and Javanese royal artifacts. The Gamelan performances in the Kraton’s main pavilion are free to observe on certain mornings.

Merapi Volcano jeep tour – The active Merapi volcano (2,930m, last major eruption 2010) is visible from the city on clear days. 4WD jeep tours from the village of Kaliurang (25km north of Yogyakarta) cover the lava fields, volcanic monuments, and former villages buried in the 2010 eruption. The tours are historically and visually striking; nighttime tours allow views of the active crater glow on clear evenings. Summit treks are possible in the dry season with a guide (depart 1am, summit at dawn, descent by 8am).