Written by Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Budi Santoso
16/08/2025
AL FARIZ, Pexels
Yogyakarta, often called Jogja, offers a deep immersion into Javanese arts and cultural heritage, highlighted by the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan temples. Beyond its historical grandeur, the city provides vibrant street life, traditional markets, and natural attractions including active volcanoes and scenic beaches.
For socializing, Malioboro Street serves as a bustling central hub with a lively atmosphere, offering diverse street food and an array of pubs, clubs, and bars for nightlife. Prawirotaman Street is known for its bohemian vibe, attracting artists and travelers with its culinary scene and charming cafes. The Kraton area, south of Malioboro, is also a dynamic spot frequented by backpackers, featuring food stalls and hawkers.
Top 7 Things to do in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring ancient spiritual and historical sites to engaging with vibrant local culture and embarking on thrilling natural adventures.
1. Borobudur Temple
Visiting Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist monument, is a profound experience. Its nine levels are adorned with thousands of relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues, reflecting ancient Javanese artistry. Ascending the temple at sunrise offers breathtaking views as the mist clears to reveal the surrounding landscape, but regular daytime visits are also available. Climbing to the top of the monument requires a specific ticket. It is important to book tickets online in advance, especially for sunrise slots which can sell out.
Cost: For foreign tourists, the entrance fee for monument climb access is approximately IDR 455,000 (around USD 30-31), as of May 2025. Access to the temple grounds only costs approximately USD 25.
Transport: Borobudur is located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta city. The most convenient way to reach it is by joining an organized tour, which often includes hotel pickup, or by hiring a private car with a driver. A day tour is typically around 8-10 hours, often combined with other attractions like Prambanan or Mount Merapi.
2. Prambanan Temple Complex
The Prambanan Temple Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Indonesia's largest Hindu temple complex. Dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), its towering spires and intricate carvings are impressive, showcasing ancient Javanese craftsmanship. Exploring the various temples within the complex reveals stories from the Ramayana epic carved into the stone. Visiting around sunset provides a beautiful backdrop. The Ramayana Ballet is also frequently performed here in an outdoor theater.
Cost: The entrance fee for foreign adults is approximately IDR 400,000 (around USD 25), as of June 2025. A combined ticket for both Borobudur and Prambanan can be purchased for approximately IDR 750,000 (around USD 45), which can offer savings.
Transport: Prambanan is about 17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta city center. It is accessible by Trans Jogja public buses for a low cost (approx. IDR 3,600 or USD 0.24) or by taxi/ride-hailing apps (Grab/Gojek). Many tours also combine Prambanan with Borobudur.
3. Kraton (Sultan's Palace)
The Kraton, or Sultan's Palace, serves as the official residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta and is a vibrant center of Javanese culture and tradition. As you wander through the complex, you can observe traditional Javanese architecture, explore museums displaying royal artifacts, and sometimes even see royal guards performing their duties. It offers an insightful glimpse into the ongoing royal heritage of Yogyakarta. The palace is closed on Mondays.
Cost: The entrance fee for foreign adults is approximately IDR 25,000, and for foreign children, it is IDR 20,000.
Transport: Located in the heart of Yogyakarta city, the Kraton is within walking distance of Malioboro Street and other central attractions. Short distances can also be covered by becak (pedicab) or dokar (horse-drawn carriage). Becak rides start from around IDR 25,000, and dokar rides from IDR 50,000.
4. Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, is an 18th-century former royal garden and bathing complex. It features a unique blend of European and Javanese architectural styles, with beautiful pools, intricate canals, and hidden chambers. Exploring this historical site provides a fascinating insight into the leisure and spiritual life of the Sultan. The site also includes a mysterious underground mosque. The surrounding Kampung Taman community offers local handicrafts.
Cost: The entrance fee for foreign adults is approximately IDR 25,000, and for foreign children, it is IDR 20,000. An additional fee of IDR 3,000 may apply for cameras.
Transport: Taman Sari is a short walk or becak ride from the Kraton, situated within the city center, making it easily accessible on foot from many central hotels.
5. Mount Merapi Jeep Tour
Embarking on a jeep tour around the base of Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, is an adventurous way to experience the powerful natural landscape. The tours typically traverse lava fields and visit sites affected by past eruptions, including a museum showcasing the aftermath. It offers a unique perspective on the volcano's destructive and creative forces. Early morning tours can provide stunning sunrise views.
Cost: Costs for a Mount Merapi jeep tour vary depending on the package and duration, typically ranging from IDR 350,000 - IDR 600,000 per jeep (for 2-4 people). These tours are usually part of a package with transport from Yogyakarta.
Transport: Mount Merapi is located approximately 50 kilometers north of Yogyakarta. Access is almost exclusively by organized tour or private car/driver, as public transport options are limited and do not reach the jeep tour starting points directly.
6. Malioboro Street Exploration
Jalan Malioboro is the vibrant heart of Yogyakarta, offering a lively and bustling atmosphere. It is an ideal place to experience local life, shop for souvenirs like batik textiles and handicrafts from street vendors and shops, and sample a wide array of delicious street food. The street comes alive, especially in the evening, with street performers and a bustling night market, perfect for a leisurely stroll and soaking in the local culture.
Cost: Shopping and food costs vary depending on personal preferences and bargaining skills. Short rides on a becak start from IDR 25,000, and a dokar from IDR 50,000.
Transport: Malioboro Street is centrally located in Yogyakarta and is easily walkable from many city hotels. It is also a major hub for Trans Jogja buses (IDR 3,600 per trip) and ride-hailing services like Grab and Gojek.
7. Jomblang Cave Adventure
For those seeking an adventurous experience, Jomblang Cave offers a thrilling descent into an ancient vertical cave. The highlight is witnessing the 'Light of Heaven,' a spectacular ray of sunlight that penetrates through a sinkhole, illuminating the cave's chamber. The activity involves rappelling into the cave with professional guides and equipment, making for a truly unique natural wonder experience.
Cost: Tour costs for Jomblang Cave can vary, but typically range from IDR 600,000 to IDR 1,200,000 per person when part of an organized tour, including equipment and guides. Some sources indicate prices around IDR 975,610 for a combined cave tour for a group of 5.
Transport: Jomblang Cave is located approximately 1.5 to 2 hours drive southeast of Yogyakarta city. Due to its remote location and the specialized nature of the activity, it is highly recommended to visit via an organized tour that includes transportation from Yogyakarta.
At TFA Travel we believe in travel for all. Our mission is to enable people to explore the world as easily as possible without having to pay a travel agent a huge commission.
Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
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