Things to do & places to visit in Yogyakarta Region, Java, Indonesia

Yogyakarta boasts stunning architecture and a truly spiritual sensibility. The ancient Hindu temples of Prambanan look like hand-drizzled sand castles, while the Sultan's palace is reminiscent of a gilded music box filled with jewels. Known for its arts and handicrafts, Yogyakarta is a cultural hub, a nerve center for traditional and modern puppetry.

Yogyakarta Region region in , Indonesia. Timezone: Asia/Jakarta, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 23:45.

Yogyakarta Region Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

83°F - 74°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm with a gentle breeze

Feels like

55%

Chance of rain

531.0 millimeters

Amount

10.3 mph

Wind speed

86%

Humidity

11.8

Daylight length

5:41 AM

Sunrise

5:27 PM

Sunset

27%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots

What to wear

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Pendhapa Art Space (65 reviews)
- Good
Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Art Galleries

an alternative art space in Yogyakarta, which provides a facility for the implementation of cultural and arts activities for the artists and public. See more..
4.5 Merapi Volcano (2.236 reviews)
- Good Experience ! A must go place
Volcanos

One of the top place to visit when you in Jogja. I ride a Jeep early in the morning , enjoying mountain view which is very scenic, cold air, clean river, enjoying sunrise. You can see active volcanos, trace back Mbah Marijan (ex Mt Merapi watchmaker) and mount erupted remains, ex Mbah Marijan house's With the nice view and cold brew air on the mountain, you can take many pics to bring back home. See more..
4.5 Ullen Sentalu Museum (1.498 reviews)
- Very good & interesting museum to learn about Jaca history
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM History Museums

Javanese Heritage museum See more..
4.5 Sewu Temple (858 reviews)
- Worth the effort to visit
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Although Sewu temple is significantly smaller than both the main Shiva temple within the Prambanan complex and Borobudur it has the added appeal of not getting very many visitors. This seems to be largely because it is located about 1km from the main Shiva temple and most people appear to be too lazy to walk the distance. When I visited on a Sunday afternoon the main Shiva temple was extremely busy but the Sewu temple was completely deserted - I was able to wander around without being disturbed and soak up the tranquility. So although the temple itself isn't quite as impressive, the peace and quiet of the location makes it well worth the effort to visit. Entrance is included with the 225k IDR you pay to enter the Prambanan temple complex. See more..
4.5 Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan (785 reviews)
- Good performance
Ballets

The performance was real quality and performed by good dancers. The story was easy to follow for us as Indians and the leaflet handed out before the show helped others to follow the story. There was some great pyrotechnics at display too during the performance. The food was very average and small quantity. I would recommend for people to only buy the performance package and have dinner on their own before going for the show. See more..
4.5 Plaosan Temple (672 reviews)
- Coffee on the Bus trip to Plaosan
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

It was just awesome,arrived in the sunset time was perfect for the family... My nieces also more than happy to see the temples, unfortunately we cannot enter the temple, but that's not a big deal because we can enjoy from outside also... Hopefully covid19 soon going so we can enjoy the temples properly, and for sure we will come back again. See more..
4.5 Jomblang Cave (568 reviews)
- The best place to go in jogja
Friday: 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Caverns & Caves

My trip to jomblang Cave was outstanding, it think the cave is underrated. The 280m long trekking through the dark and slippery jungle cave was a life time experience. And dont forget the zip line from which we get down and up the 50m tell cave! The price of the cave is.... I will not say anything but it is complete worth it! I never thought that I will see something like this in johns. See more..
4.5 Timang Beach (357 reviews)
- Once in a life time experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Beaches

Recommended to come here by my guide. Took a Jeep from the village to the beach which cost us 350k IRP. The view was just breathtaking with the treacherous wave and rugged landscape. We chose the gondola ride, and one really had to ignore the safety aspect. It was a hair-raising ride, with the crushing wave chasing behind the gondola. Adrenaline filled to the max! The view from the other end was even more breathtaking! We were slightly upset that we weren’t told the Jeep ride did not include the price for the gondola, which cost additional 200k IRP per pax or the bridge which cost additional 100kIRP. Apart from that, it was an experience of a life time! See more..
4.5 Ijo Temple (291 reviews)
- Breathtaking
Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Ijo temple is a hidden gem, well off the beaten path, but so worth seeing it. Judging by the complete lack of foreign tourists, I'm guessing not many tours includes it on their map. It's best you hire a bike or some other transportation because it's a shame to miss it. The temple itself is not much, but the journey itself is breathtaking. Ijo is perched on top of a hill, and as you go up you'll get a taste of Indonesian countryside, with people working the fields, green rice paddies and lovely small houses. It's real Indonesia, the way anyone interested in local culture would like to see it, away from the noisy and crowded cities. You can make as many detours as you would like on the way, to get a closer look at people working in the rice fields and go about their daily lives. Highly recommend it ( too bad I can't post any pictures, as for some reason the trip advisor app doesn't recognise my photos ) See more..
4.5 Jogja Bay Waterpark (230 reviews)
- One of kind in Yogyakarta
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Water Parks

Jogja Bay Waterpark (JBW) is one of southeast asia's largest waterpark located in the second largest tourist city in Indonesia namely Yogyakarta. And lately, it has become one of the tourist destinations in Yogyakarta. The uniqueness of Jogja Bay Waterpark is there is story telling between the tradition of Yogyakarta with the Pirates of Europe that poured through On-site Live Show, character, Water rides and Merchandise. Jogja Bay Waterpark old ghetto became a Pirate ambience Tropical Lust filled with greenery and thematic old pirates. In addition, there is the bay of jogja in 9 exciting rides that can be played, some of the most challenging rides. See more..
4.5 Ganjuran Church (187 reviews)
- A place to get closer with God
Churches & Cathedrals

Its a good place to pray. And they still prevent the old building which was built during the Schmidt family live there. Many people believes that the water in Ganjuran Church could heal not only physical ill but also our soul. This church visited not only by the catholic people but also other relugions like moslem, christiant and Buddhist. See more..
4.5 Pinus Pengger Nature Tourism (162 reviews)
- Nice place but quite far
Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

We were having half day free and we decide to go there. Lucky weather was good. Itself is a nice place to have a walk and make some pictures. Cost us go and return 150k, 3 hours trip. Not sure it was worthy, but we didn’t have nothing better to do. See more..
4.0 Malioboro Road (2.824 reviews)
- New concept
Flea & Street Markets

The pedestarian is now free from street vendors. They are being allocated to 2 spot on each end of the road. Now the street is filled with park chairs and esthetic road blocks. I just wish they still give space for street performer so the entertainment can be enjoyed, not only street for shopping See more..
4.0 Ratu Boko Temple (1.395 reviews)
- Lovely compound of a temple ruin
Ancient Ruins • Religious Sites

Ratu Boko is a nice, ruined temple not far from Prambanan temple complex, up on a hill. It has an impressive entrance gate. I only had less than two hours so had to hurry round the temple area. The weather was good and there were not so many people so I wandered around almost alone, as my companions preferred to wait in the shade. So I went all around, even up the hill to the "Padang" from which there is a lovely view across to Prambanan. With the brochure I was able to read up a bit afterwards too, since I was in a hurry to catch a late afternoon flight. For foreigners living in the country, don't forget to bring your kitas to avail of the normal entry price, currently Rp 40,000 per person. See more..
4.0 Pindul Cave (661 reviews)
- Great place not to be missed!
Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Caverns & Caves

We went there not knowing what to expect. But we were flabbergasted with the experience we had. Floating on a tube and passing through the dark cave which had thousands of rats on the roof and stalagmites that had formed over thousands of years. We came across a small opening of the cave roof that let the sunlight in. Heavenly look indeed!! Don't miss this place if you are visiting Yogyakarta. See more..
4.0 Kalibiru National Park (644 reviews)
- Breahtaking view
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours National Parks • Parks

KaliBiru National Park is a pleasant nature spot in KulonProgo Regency, Yogyakarta. KaliBiru National Park is perfect nature conservation with the green and lush environment for your relaxing Park. There many great spots to take your photography. Make your day worth together with your family, colleagues or spouse before or after exploring great spots like Borobudur temple, Merapi volcano, etc. See more..
4.0 Taman Pintar Science Park (468 reviews)
- Great fun!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

The Taman Pintar Science Park is a lovely place for families or anyone interested in science. It is a hands on interactive facility which encourages everyone to participate. I enjoyed the batik making but friends loved playing the gamelan instruments - their sound is very relaxing and easy to learn. If you have a few hours spare it is worth the visit and a very cheap entry fee. Have a go, you will not be disappointed. See more..
4.0 Beringharjo Market (457 reviews)
- Great market - very busy
Flea & Street Markets

Great market. Massive and easy to get lost in. Found awesome local batik down the side alleys and watching the locals buying their daily stuff. Local food around if you hunt around the little corners and entrances. See more..
4.0 Yogyakarta Fortress Museum (420 reviews)
- Clean Museum with Cheap Ticket
Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

An old Dutch fort in Yogyakarta Centre, now a museum and office building See more..
4.0 Gembira Loka Zoo (413 reviews)
- Best zoo for the sake of biodiversity conservation and education
Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Biodiversity has been living together with us for many years. But we are destroying their natural habitat for sustaining our needs. Also, we could be able to leave with them on a small scale like the zoo, and improve their life. It was an honor and a pleasure to visit this zoo and see how we can conserve biodiversity and in return gain knowledge and enjoyment from the visit. This is a well-maintained zoo. See more..
4.0 Yogyakarta Monument (385 reviews)
- In the middle of traffic
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

You need a person to watch out for you while you take a photo to avoid getting run over. Its in the middle of traffic but lovely all the same. See more..
4.0 Southern City Square (361 reviews)
- Pass the tree and make your wish!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Alun-alun Jogjakarta is very famous among local for the believes about two big trees that stand tall in the middle of the field. Locals believe that if someone could pass the middle of the tree then they can make their dreams come true. For some people it might sounds easy, but trust me IT WAS NOT! I have tried it several times and somehow never made it. Our tour guide said that only people with pure heart, mind and soul can usually pass the tree. When you did, do not forget to make a wish, because they believe that any kind of wish can be granted once you pass the 2 big tree. Interesting? See more..
4.0 Kota Gede (300 reviews)
- silver arts and handicrafts
Neighborhoods

The old section of the town which contains an old mosque that holds the remains of the first sultan of Mataram. See more..
4.0 Affandi Museum (280 reviews)
- 100% worth it
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Art Museums

Totally worth to pay a visit, evn for people who don't know who is Afandi. I had a very pleasant visit and had a chance to get to know him through his work and a really friendly guide. Not mentinoning the unique architecture that encapsulate the whole experience perfectly. See more..
4.0 Plaza Ambarrukmo (249 reviews)
- Best mall in Yogyakarta
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Shopping Malls

Ambarrukmo Plaza, or Amplaz as it is known opened in 2006 and is located right on Jalan Solo (on your right side when you come into the city from the airport). It's a modern mall with all the sorts of things you'd expect: a cinema at the top floor, Carrefour grocery/departmental store, Centro (multi-level departmental store), food court, restaurants, Starbucks, and lots of other middle-class shops such as Nike, Polo, etc. Amplaz is one place in Yogyakarta where you're sure to see some expats (non-Indonesians), often at Carrefour and Starbucks. Amplaz is one of the highlights of Jogja and although it doesn't even compare to the malls in the capital, Jakarta, it is actually an escape to civilization for many people that live in and around Yogyakarta. There's a taxi stand at one entrance, and if you walk out a bit, you can take one of the many waiting becaks (bicycle-taxi-thing). See more..
4.0 Jogja City Mall (243 reviews)
- Beautiful mall
Shopping Malls

Jogja City Mall is a newly opened shopping mall located in Yogyakarta with the aim of being a leading icon of entertaining and shopping destination in Asia through the spirit of Jogja. See more..
4.0 Imogiri Kings Cemetery (132 reviews)
- Interesting experience
Spent < 1 hour Cemeteries

First a few warnings: STEPS - Unless entering through the top, there're about 500 steps between the car park and the entry so, come prepared. DRESS CODE - Traditional Javanese. You can change into your own costumes there, or hire one. A staff will help you put it together (Tip 10,000 to 20,000RP) FOOTWEAR - Not allowed inside the compound so, be prepared to tip toe if you come on a hot day. UMBRELLA - Not allowed inside so, for ladies, a scarf may be useful. PERSONAL ACCESORIES - If considered 'loud' you may be asked to remove them. TIPS - You'd be asked by almost everybody at every point so, prepare many small notes (I was told 2,000RP is reasonable) The complex is about 370 years old, built by Sultan Agung of Mataram, and I was fortunate to be taken inside the room containing his tomb by a regular visitor. Regulars will usually be let in first, to a hut housing Sultan Agung's tomb. They'd pray at the entrance to the inner chamber, and one by one, led inside the inner chamber for blessings. Entrance is almost by crawling through a very small door (small even for an Australian size 8). The chamber fits around 5 people. It is dark, smoky, and crowded, and you squeeze your way out after the blessing. The complex contain many tombs from different sultans and their families, and they look pretty similar to one another. Some background reading may be useful if you're looking for any one of special significance. The more popular ones when I visited seemed to be the tombs of Sultan Agung, and the Hamengkubuwana (or Hamengkubuwono) lineage, ancestors of current Sultan of Yogyakarta. If you're curious, interested in a bit of history (from your own reading, unless you have a guide) and nostalgia, the walk up is pleasant, the scenes quite beautiful, and the experience 'different'. Not for those who're accustomed to comfort, or have an aversion to tropical heat, and the sun. See more..
3.5 Water Castle (Tamansari) (3.275 reviews)
- Must see
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Water Castle "Taman Sari" is another great spot to visit in Sultan's Palace Yogyakarta area. You may combine with Sultan's Palace visit and other interesting places nearby. An archaeological museum, the Palace Grand Mosque, Royal Horse Cart Museum are recommended places to visit. Tamansari means a fragrant Garden. It was a garden of pleasure for Royal King and family, also an escape place from an enemy's attack. It has secret and trapped tunnels around Tamansari. Let's explore and reveal the stories and history of the area. See more..
3.5 Yogyakarta Palace (2.835 reviews)
- So-So on the Sultan Palace
Friday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The Palace complex was built in 1755–1756, led the chief architect was Sultan Hamengkubuwono I (The King I) who founded the Yogyakarta Sultanate. His architectural expertise was appreciated by the Dutch scientist Theodoor Gautier Thomas Pigeaud and Lucien Adam, who considered him a worthy successor of Pakubuwono II (founder of the Surakarta Sunanate). The palace layout, which followed the basic design of the old city of Yogyakarta, was completed in 1755-1756; another building was added by the next Sultan of Yogyakarta. Sultan's Palace is located inside the Sultan's area where also has other sites within; The Water Castle, The Royal Horse Carriage Museum, The Grand Palace Mosque, etc. You may explore and visit all great sites in one day to get experience and see the cultural heritages. See more..
3.5 Parangtritis Beach (324 reviews)
- still the best
Beaches

Since Pantai Parangtritis is very open space for public, I guess I have to find the way to enjoy this beach. I usually arrived here at 4 or 4.30 pm and waiting for the sunset. Don't expect less people there, so I always make 'a private space' with my daughter and not getting close with other people. See more..