Explore Yogyakarta
About Yogyakarta
The Special Region of Yogyakarta, is one of Indonesia’s 38 provinces. Located about 430 kilometers (260 miles) south-east of the nation’s capital, Jakarta. Yogyakarta is the 2nd smallest province by the land area, with the total population of around 4,21 million people. In Indonesia, Yogyakarta is called as “The Student’s city”. Its designation as a center of learning is marked by the existence of Existence of hundreds state and private education institutions with a student population over 300.000 in the region.
Yogyakarta is also renowned as one of the top tourist destinations in Indonesia, it is widely known as one of the foremost cultural centers of Java. Every corner that is filled with artwork, inherent culture, the friendliness of the local people, and tasteful traditional foods. In this harmonious city you will meet both genuine Javanese traditions combined with the beauty of modern city.
Tourist Attraction
Malioboro Street
Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, which is near from 2nd AAC on DHM venue, this is the main street and was once the ceremonial avenue for the Sultan to pass through on his way to and from the Keraton. Malioboro is also surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and has a lot of shops selling curiosities, clothes, souvenirs, and local cuisines.
Yogyakarta Royal Palace
Yogyakarta Royal Palace is a grand complex the seat of the reigning Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family. The Palace complex was built in 1755–1756 during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, the first Sultan of Yogyakarta. Inside the complex, there are museums that exhibiting many collections of The Sultanate of Yogyakarta, such as number of collections ranging from the household appliance, kris, spears, puppets, gamelan, and ancient manuscripts, and royal carriage museum.
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Indonesia, which has various kinds of statues and reliefs. This temple that built in ninth century by the old Mataram Kingdom, is about 20 km from the city of Yogyakarta. Prambanan is consists of 16 main temples and 224 smaller temples, besides visiting the temple complex, tourists can also watch Ramayana Ballet which a show that combines dance and drama without dialogue, telling the epic story of Ramayana.
Borobudur Temple
The magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist temple. Built between AD 780 and 840 by Sailendra dynasty, the ruling dynasty of Central Java at the time. This temple is still being used as pilgrimage site by Buddhists from all around the world and also designated as one of Indonesia’s super priority tourism destinations. Borobudur is located in Magelang Regency, Central Java Province, it is surrounded by beautiful scenery of Central Java’s nature and about 35 kilometers from City of Yogyakarta.
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes on earth. Mount Merapi is located near Yogyakarta and peaking at 2,910 metres above mean sea level. There is a lot of tourist destination around the mountain’s slope such as camping grounds, villas, museums, and many more. Tourists can also rent an off-road car tour that will take you to several spots that shows the aftermath of Merapi eruption.
Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis is located around 28 km (17 miles) from Yogyakarta this is the ideal distance to come for a day trip to take a break out of the city and soak up the roar of the waves and the astounding atmosphere. Here you’ll see some incredibly green lush hills set against the backdrop of a raging ocean. With raging surf and salty sea breezes it will be hard not to feel rejuvenated and refreshed as soon as you arrive here. There are a lot of things that tourists can do in Parangtritis, such as riding a traditional horse-drawn carriage or watching the sun sets over the Indian ocean. Tourists can also try sandboarding in Parangkusumo Sand Dunes or enjoying the ocean view from the top of Watugupit Hill.
Transportation for Exploring Yogyakarta
Taxi
Taxi is convenient decision that suits those who want a fast and easy. There are two types of Taxi, namely Offline and Online taxi (Book online through an application). If you want to use the online taxi, you will need to download the GoJek or Grab app and register to use the application.
Ojek pangkalan usually can be found in every place of a specific location such as a traditional market, popular destinations, and many more. You can choose Ojek Online in many services such as GoJek, Grab, and Maxim.
Car Rental
Car Rental can be a great option if you are looking to stroll around Yogyakarta. Renting a car, especially with a driver also gives advantages for looking for hidden gems around Yogyakarta by directly asking the driver. There are several online platforms that you can use to rent a car per day such as Traveloka and Tiket.com.
Trans Jogja Bus
Trans Jogja bus can be an option if you are looking for cheap transportation. With only Rp. 3,600 flat fares per trip, it is one of the convenience ways to enjoy Yogyakarta. TransJogja routes also passes by several major tourist area, including Jalan Malioboro and Prambanan temple. For more information about TransJogja, you can pick up a route map for free from the Government Tourist Information Centre on Jalan Malioboro or by the following website: https://dishub.jogjaprov.go.id/trans-jogja.
Local Food of Yogyakarta
Gudeg
One of the most famous foods in Yogyakarta is gudeg or often described as jackfruit sweet stew. Gudeg is made from unripe jackfruit stewed for several hours with coconut milk and palm sugar. To make the dish more delicious, gudeg is added with garlic, coriander seed, bay leaves and teak leaves that give brownish color to the dish. Gudeg is usually served with krecek (cattle skin either cow or water buffalo), braised hard-boiled eggs, tofu and chicken.
Bakpia Pathok
Bakpia is a small, round-shaped Chinese-influenced Indonesian sweet roll. Bakpia is stuffed with mung beans, but have recently come in other fillings as well such as chocolate and cheese. They are one of Yogyakarta’s specialties and usually comes with name “Pathok” which the area in Yogyakarta that the pastries originated.
Sate Klathak
Originally from Bantul, sate klathak is made from goat or mutton. It is roasted in an open fire. The name comes from the sound “klathak” that you can actually hear when the meat is being cooked. The skewers used to grill or roast the satay are made from iron, unlike usual satay in Indonesia that uses bamboo skewers.
Javanese Noodles
Bakmi Jawa or Javanese Noodle is one of the comfort foods for the locals in the city and thus while taking a street food tour in Yogyakarta. You will find that Bakmi is often included in the menu. There are two versions of Bakmi – soupy and dry. Both the versions include eggs and noodles that are topped with spring onions and shredded chicken.