Prambanan Temple Yogyakarta Travel Guide
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YOGYAKARTA TRAVEL GUIDE with Budget, DIY Itinerary, and More

Exploring Yogyakarta: Your Travel guide to the Heart of Java

Ultimate Travel Guide to Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Yogyakarta (often called “Jogja”) is a city on the Indonesian island of Java known for its traditional arts and cultural heritage. Its ornate 18th-century royal complex, or Kraton, encompasses the still-inhabited Sultan’s Palace. Also within the Kraton are numerous open-air pavilions that host classical Javanese dance shows and concerts of gamelan music, characterized by gongs, chimes, and plucked string instruments. In this Yogyakarta Travel Guide Blog, we listed some tips on making your own DIY trip to Yogyakarta. We also included Yogyakarta Itinerary, Things to do and see, how to get there, and more.

Prambanan Temple Yogyakarta Travel Guide
Prambanan Temple Yogyakarta Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

The weather in Yogyakarta rarely varies, with temperatures going as high as 34.7 degrees Celsius. If you’re from a cold climate, try not to visit in October, September, and May because these are the hottest months. Instead, opt for November, December, January, February, and March. These are the most crowded months, but they also have cooler temperatures. July is a low-season month, so if you want to save on costs, this is the best time to visit.

Visa Requirement

The need for a Visa depends on your country of origin. There are several countries with Visa-Free entry, including the Philippines, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Every tourist should also have a passport valid for at least 6 months from entering Indonesia. The free visa is under a 30-day non-extendible requirement. Other requirements include proof of return or onward flight, and your passport must have one completely blank page.

How to Get There

By Air

The Adisucipto International Airport is the one that services the city of Yogyakarta. The main jump-off point to this airport would be Jakarta Jakarta International Airport. Countries like Malaysia or Singapore also have direct flights to Yogyakarta.

By 2020 however, a new international airport should be operational in the city, to be opened in Kulon Pogo, located west of Yogyakarta.

You can book flights to Jakarta via Cebu Pacific Air if you come from Manila.

By Bus

If you have the time, there’s also land travel from Jakarta, which takes around 6 to 8 hours. Taking the bus would extend the travel time to 13 hours.

Stopover - Train to Yogyakarta
Stopover – Train to Yogyakarta

By Train

The train to Yogyakarta starts at Gambir Station in Central Jakarta. If you want a faster and more convenient 8-hour train ride, take the Kereta Wisata Luxury Train. It’s an airconditioned Business Class train used by the Indonesian President and VVIP state guests. The train has a kitchen, dining area, karaoke lounge, movie room, luggage area, and a clean toilet. The train also offers a buffet lunch, traditional snacks, coffee, and tea.

Getting Around Yogyakarta

You have several options when getting around this city. There’s the train station primarily used to get from the airport to the main city. To explore the city, there’s the bus, or you can hire a taxi. Some buses have terminals in the airport, allowing you an alternative option if you enjoy the view. The Giawangan Bus Terminal will connect all the intercity buses, so you wouldn’t have any problems. Self-drive vehicles are also available if you prefer them over metered taxis.

Try a Becak

Embrace the local mode of transport and try a becak, traditional three-wheeled pedal-powered cart. Remember to negotiate the price before you start on your journey.

Andong in Borobudur
Andong in Borobudur

Experience Andong

Traditional horse-drawn carts known as Andong can be found in the tourist areas of Yogyakarta. These are a relaxed and romantic way to take in the sights.

Rent a Car

You may wish to organize a car and driver for your stay in Yogyakarta.

Grab a Bike

If you know how to ride a motorbike, you can hire one in the city. Taxis are available and can be arranged through your hotel. Buses are the primary form of public transportation here; however, their hours of operation and capacity can be limited. Try to enjoy some part of the rural side with a bicycle ride, and discover beautiful corners that can inspire you to fall more in love with the special charm of Yogyakarta!

Where to Stay

Asana Grove Hotel Yogyakarta

Asana Grove Hotel Yogyakarta
Asana Grove Hotel Yogyakarta

Address: Jl. Rukun Pertiwi No.53, Muja Muju, Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55165, Indonesia

[Check Rates and Availability]

Located close to offices and universities, this hotel is just a few minutes away from the airport and the train station. It boasts of room service, an in-house restaurant, free parking, and high-speed internet access. Visitors will love the nondescript rooms with all-day air conditioning and wake up to a great breakfast.

Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta

Suite Pool View Room at Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta
Suite Pool View Room at Adhisthana Hotel Yogyakarta

Address: Jl. Prawirotaman 2 No.613, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55153, Indonesia

[Check Rates and Availability]

This budget hotel doesn’t look budget at all as it boasts of a local design that makes you feel like you’re completely immersed in Indonesian culture. It’s a tranquil downtown address featuring a pool, free parking, an in-house restaurant, a lounge, and high-speed internet.

Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel
Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

Address: Jl. Ringroad Utara, Kaliwaru, Condongcatur, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55283, Indonesia

[Check Rates and Availability]

If you’re happy to splash a little bit of cash, the city’s Marriott Hotel is an excellent place to stay. It’s a 5-star accommodation featuring a resplendent pool, room service, a great restaurant, and a fantastic bar. There are also spa services, internet, and a workout room.

Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

Deluxe Mountain View at Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta
Deluxe Mountain View at Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta

Address: Jl. Laksda Adisucipto No.81, Ambarukmo, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia

[Check Rates and Availability]

This grand hotel is fairly old school with upgrades that brought it to the 21st century for your comfort. The hotel is conveniently located right next to a shopping mall. The place boasts a pool, a gym, a spa, a bar/lounge, and a restaurant offering all sorts of traditional and international delicacies. All rooms come with minibars and air conditioning with high-speed internet.

Where to Eat

SateBar

A popular spot for tourists, the bar offers a resplendent choice of vegetarian food and some western food choices. The restaurant is set in an open area so you can really enjoy the view. They serve a wide range of beverages and offer acoustic entertainment.

Water Castle Cafe

Water Castle Cafe photo via FB Page
Water Castle Cafe photo via FB Page

Address: Jl. Polowijan, Patehan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia

With outdoor seating, this beautiful restaurant is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. They serve all three meals and even offer cool coffee options for those who just want to sit back and relax.

Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito

Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito photo via FB Page
Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito photo via FB Page

Address: Jl. Nyi Agengnis No.9, Rejowinangun, Kotagede, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55171, Indonesia

This restaurant serves purely Asian dishes and accepts reservations. The native atmosphere makes you feel out of this world with dishes that are just pure heaven. They’re open all day and are even Halal compliant.

What to Do and See

Royal Palace

Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat
Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat

Also known as Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, this palace is the current seat of the reigning Sultan in Yogyakarta and contains royal artifacts. So yes – you can enter this Royal Palace and marvel at the items that boast of the Javanese culture.

Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple Complex
Prambanan Temple Complex

No trip is complete without visiting this piece of history. Prambanan Temple was constructed during the 9th century and remains beautifully strong and standing. It was built as a dedication to Trimurti, an expression of God.

Merapi Lava

Hike Mt Merapi photo by Aliko Sunawang via Unsplash
Hike Mt Merapi photo by Aliko Sunawang via Unsplash

Finally, if you’re into adventure, you might want to check out the Merapi Lava Tour. It’s a jeep ride that takes you through the ride of your life through the rough terrain of ups and downs. Make sure to bring clothes for this as you can get wet.

Borobudur Sunrise Trip

Borobudur
Borobudur

This 6-hour Borobudur day trip from Yogyakarta takes you to one of Java’s most beautiful temples – Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning architectural masterpiece. You will need to wake up early as your hotel pick-up is scheduled at 3:00am – but don’t let this discourage you, as the view you will get to behold will be worth the trouble tenfold.

BOOK THIS TOUR

Batik Making

Batik Maker in Yogyakarta
Batik Maker in Yogyakarta

If you want to take home a souvenir, why not one that you made yourself? You can schedule a Batik Making tour to make one of these cool things yourself. There are multiple places where this can be enjoyed.

For more unique activities in Yogyakarta, check out our list of Best Things to do in Yogyakarta.

WiFi and Internet Access

Indonesia boasts good internet speed, allowing tourists to easily connect through their phones and maintain contact with their friends. Most hotels also come with high-speed wireless internet.

Yogyakarta Travel Tips

  • Make sure to have your money exchanged for local currency, as they don’t accept USD or other forms of currency.
  • Bring an extra set of clothes wherever you go.
  • Keep bottled water with you to help with the heat. The weather in the city can be pretty unpredictable.

Sample Itinerary and Budget

Here’s a cool itinerary for a 4-Day, 3-Night stay in Yogyakarta:

Day 1

Arrive and check-in at your hotel. Settle in and relax a little before visiting the Yogyakarta Royal Palace for your first stop. The Water Castle is an important spot to check before a city tour.

Day 2

On Day 2, you can visit the Prambanan Temple Compound, the Sendratari Ramayana, and the Ratu Boko Palace for sunset viewing.

Day 3

For Day 3, check out the Borobudur Sunrise, Malioboro Street, and take the Merapi Lava Tour.

The overall budget for Yogyakarta travel depends primarily on your itinerary. Excluding hotel costs, you should budget around $150 for a 3-day stay.

Yogyakarta Travel and Tour Packages

Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Did you like our Yogyakarta Travel Guide? Have you been to Yogyakarta? Please help us improve this travel guide by sharing more travel tips, exciting and unique things to do, and personal recommendations.

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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