While most people go to Indonesia and visit Jakarta, Yogyakarta is just as fun and interesting. With a population of 373,589 people (2020), it has one of the highest Human Development Indexes in Indonesia.
Besides that the city is pretty busy, it is really important for the Javanese fine arts such as ballet, literature, music, poetry, silversmithing, and much more. If you are a tourist and are interested in these kinds of things, don’t go to Jalan Prawirotaman. It’s a street (and area) specially dedicated to tourists. There is nothing Indonesian about it.
If you walk around you will see a lot of different styles, people, and areas. The streets are pretty busy, so public transport is available, but walking is a bit faster.
Want to know what you can do in this south-central Indonesian city? We have listed our top 10 things to do in Yogyakarta.
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1. Fort Vredeburg
If you want to know more about the Dutch and Japanese history you can visit Fort Vredeburg, a big fortress in the center of Yogyakarta. In Dutch, fort means fortress and vrede means peace. Burg is a structure.
As soon as you enter you can see an introductory movie about the fortress and its history. Fort Vredeburg was built around 1760 as the start of the Dutch settlement in Yogyakarta. It was close to the sultan’s palace. The name of the fort was then still Rusteberg.
In 1867 the fort was completely destroyed in an earthquake but was rebuilt and was then given the name Vredeburg. In 1942 the fort was taken over by the Japanese who made it their base during World War II.
After the Second World War, it was taken into use by the Indonesians and fell into disrepair. The fort now serves as a medium to celebrate and showcase Indonesian independence. The film also clearly states that the fort has not been restored to celebrate Dutch glory.
Inside the structure, you will find dioramas and artifacts that show you the (violent) history of Indonesia. The information is in English as well. As a Dutch person, I didn’t feel really comfortable seeing what my ancestors did here, but it’s history and worth a visit.
2. Taman Sari
Taman Sari, also called the water palace, dates from 1758 and was built by Sultan Hamengkubwono. At the time it was used by the royal family as an amusement park, an escape from the everyday grind. The complex contained several swimming pools, an underground mosque, and a large lake. Unfortunately, it fell into disrepair after the sultan’s death. But the water palace is definitely worth it.
Upon entry, we received a folder with a brief explanation of the complex and the various buildings. Just don’t find it strange when they might charge you extra for the use of cameras. You can also hire a guide if you want a little more background information.
There are two swimming pools, one for the men and one for the women. Although the ravages of time are clearly visible, you can still imagine the splendor it must have had at the time. If you walk further you will come to a small square where some men are waiting and where you have a small shop with some art.
There is also a very beautifully decorated gate with which you enter a kind of bathhouse / sauna-like building. Inside it is very dark but nice and cool. You can also climb the gate and see the neighborhood behind it. It’s very colorful and friendly. A nice vibe too if you walk through it.
3. Sumur Gumuling
While you are at Taman Sari, you might experience a maze. Not like this was the idea, but somewhere around Taman Sari is an underground mosque, called Sumur Gumling. Things might have changed, but we really struggled to find this place. Locals try to help, but we found ourselves stuck at some dead end again and again.
But when you find it it’s worth it. It’s a rather large building with the entrance somewhat hidden. And then you go down.
The space consists of a staircase that goes in four directions, one up and three down. The platform is a popular photo location and so it is crowded at all openings. Entire photo shoots are held and that is a bit of a shame for such a beautiful location. But if you are lucky, and have a little (read: a lot of) patience, you can take a nice picture. There is little else to see, the space is very sober. We crawl into a niche to have a drink in the cool and to give our feet a rest.
4. Borobudur
Most people come to Yogyakarta to see the Borobudur temples. Although the entrance fee for a temple is very high, it can be really special to see them. You can go on your own, with a rented scooter, or you can book a tour through an operator. The advantage of the latter is that you are picked up and dropped off at the entrance. The entrance fee of the temple is usually included (not with all operators!).
This 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and consists of nine stacked platforms, six squares, and three circulars, topped by a central dome. It was restored in 1911, but it’s still a special sight.
If you do decide to go and use a tour operator, check if they also bring you to Prambanan.
5. Prambanan
This Hindu temple is located 17 kilometers from the city of Yogyakarta and it’s as stunning, complex, and just as enormous as the Borobudur. It’s a large compound with a 47-meter central building in the middle.
Prambanan was built in 850 CE. The strange fact about this compound is that after 80 years of usage, it was abandoned mysteriously. Some temples even collapsed after an earthquake in the 16th century. It was rediscovered in 1733 by a member of the VOC. In 1918, the Dutch government started the reconstruction of the temples.
If you are going to Borobudur, you can combine the Prambanan in one trip. If want to use a tour operator you can ask if they have a package that contains both temples. But it is also possible to just visit Prambanan. Both temples are pretty expensive to enter, but it’s worth it.
6. Alun Alun Kidul
Behind the palace of the Sultan is a square called Alun Alun Kidul. A square we crossed when we were heading for Taman Sari, but that was during the day. But in the evening, when it is dark, this square lights up… With cars.
Around the square is a road that is full of small cars decorated with lights. It’s not just fun to see, it’s art. And the most fun part is that you don’t see many tourists. It’s a thing for locals, who hire a car and drive around the square. Whole families are packed in an old VW van.
Besides the cars, there are a lot of places to eat, souvenirs, and much more. It feels like a fair, but then every night. Children are running around, people are eating and laughing, and cars are driving in circles. It’s a great experience.
7. HS Silver 800-925
On the outskirts of Yogyakarta, you will find Kota Gede, a neighborhood that is best known for the many silver shops that are located here. HS Silver 800-925 seems to be one of the largest where you can also see how the silver is made.
So we are at the door on Sunday afternoon. The parking lot is almost empty, but there are two girls who welcome us. Apparently, they heard us talking because we immediately get a Dutch brochure pressed into our hands.
If you are into silver and jewelry this HS Silver is a must! But be prepared to pay a lot of money for it, and you can’t negotiate. But visiting this store is an experience on its own. The details, the bling bling, it’s incredible. And all made by hand.
If you are lucky they will let you see how they make it. With precision and patience, they make the tiniest necklace or ring.
8. Jalan Malioboro
If you want to shop, then the Jalan Malioboro is the street to go. This is a major shopping street in Yogyakarta. If you go by public transport or Grab, make sure you mention the street. Jala Malioboro is also the name of the neighborhood.
On both sides of the bustling street, the pavement is occupied by numerous stalls selling a diverse range of merchandise. As the sun sets, a number of street-side open-air restaurants known as lesehan open up for business. Malioboro is known as the artist’s street, with street musicians, painters, and other creatives showcasing their work along the thoroughfare. Although less apparent to visitors, the local populace regards the side streets, alleyways, and structures that connect to Malioboro as being just as crucial as the street itself.
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9. Local food
Java, and especially Yogyakarta, is known for its Indonesian satay. This is a Southeast Asian dish of seasoned, skewered, and grilled meat, served with a sauce. It’s really a must to try it and there are some local restaurants to eat them. Don’t go to those high-end places. Find a small stall or restaurant with lots of locals, not those places that are packed with tourists.
If you have little experience with Indonesian cuisine, it might be a good idea to get a food tour. This way you get some help discovering delicious food. Indonesian people love sweets, so be ready for salty meats and very sweet desserts.
I think it’s a real must to discover and try the local dishes. Just wander around and see what you will find. Most locals speak enough English to help you out.
10. Gua Selarong
Visit this historical cave located in the southern part of Yogyakarta. During the Indonesian War of Independence in the 1940s, Gua Selarong served as a hideout for the Indonesian army against Dutch colonial forces. The cave was used as a base for guerrilla warfare, and the troops were able to defend themselves against Dutch attacks from the cave’s strategic location.
Gua Selarong is also known for its hidden mosque, which was used by the soldiers during their stay in the cave. The mosque is situated inside the cave and is believed to have been built during the 18th century by the Mataram Sultanate.
Gua Selarong has become a popular tourist attraction in Yogyakarta, and visitors can explore the cave and learn about its history. The cave is surrounded by lush green vegetation and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can also visit the nearby Museum Sejarah Bantul (Bantul Historical Museum), which provides further insight into the Indonesian War of Independence and the role that Gua Selarong played during that period.
Share your favorite things to do in Yogyakarta
As you can see/read there is enough to do in Yogyakarta. We stayed a week, but two weeks is a good idea if you want to take it slow and see it all.
Have you been to Yogyakarta? Share your favorite thing to do in the comments below this article. We’d love to hear about your favorite restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
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