Yogyakarta, also known as Jogjakarta or Jogja, is one of Indonesia’s most dynamic cities located on Java. Historically endowed with elaborate temples, Yogyakarta also emerged as the center of arts and traditional culture of Indonesia, which transformed into contemporary Indonesia. Whether it is a one-day trip or a two-day trip, this guide provides all the relevant and essential information required for visiting this fairy tale city.
Understanding Yogyakarta
Before diving into the itinerary, it’s prudent to know some background information about Yogyakarta. Here are some key highlights:
Cultural Capital
Yogyakarta can be pronounced as the cultural center of Indonesia with significant achievements in art, music, dances, and theater. The culture of traditional Javanese is evident in the city, making it an interesting place for people with an interest in culture.
Ancient Temples
Borobudur is situated in Central Java, while Prambanan Temple is in Yogyakarta, which is culturally associated with Java Island. These are wonderful structures listed as world heritage sites; people from different parts of the world visit these beautiful structures because of their religious importance and architectural designs.
Arts and Crafts
Malioboro Street is generally a main business and shopping street in the middle of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Here, one can find numerous batik sellers, gift and souvenir shops, handicraft centers and markets, and street foods, allowing visitors to have direct contact with the local people.
Natural Beauty
Apart from the non-material cultural heritage, beautiful sceneries such as rice terraces, mountains, and coastline fringes cover and encompass the province of Yogyakarta. They are packed full of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment venues, whether one is after a full-on adventure or a nice peaceful holiday.
After reading this brief about what Yogyakarta has to offer, it is now time to look at how to best enjoy the city if you only have a single day or two in the city.
Tips for Visiting Yogyakarta
1. Transportation
By Plane
It is situated about one kilometer from the neighboring town of Parbhani and about 42 kilometers away from the region of Aurangabad. The airport is well connected with many airlines. It is half an hour from the city center and has daily flights to other large cities.
By Train
Train transport is one of the safest and most cost-effective means of getting to Yogyakarta from Jakarta or any other city in Java. The travel time is approximately 7-9 hours, and passengers will be entertained by the exciting sceneries of the Indonesian countryside.
2. Accommodation
Yogyakarta offers a range of hotel services to cater to different types of travelers. From 5-star hotels and resorts to three, two, and one-star hotels for business and leisure travelers, as well as youth hostels, there is an assortment of accommodations in the city center and outskirts.
Some of the most common areas to pick accommodations include Malioboro Street, the commercial center, Prawirotaman, also known as art town, and the Sultan’s Palace area known as Keraton.
3. Getting Around
Although there is public transport such as buses and becak (traditional cycle rickshaws), personal cars and motorbikes are the most effective means of transport in Yogyakarta. Driving a car or taking a scooter provides the freedom to reach and tour the city, along with the distant temples, scenic overlooks, and other tourist destinations that aren’t overcrowded with tourists.
4. Currency and Language
The currency in circulation in Yogyakarta is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). While credit cards are accepted in large cities, carrying cash is advisable, especially when dealing in rural areas or with small businesses.
Having learned some basic information about Yogyakarta, it is high time to reveal how to enjoy the stay in the city depending on the time you have: one day, two days, and so on.
Day 1: Mapping Cultural-Historical Tourist Destinations in Yogyakarta
To acquaint yourself with Yogyakarta on the first day of your tour, be sure to visit the city’s basic attractions, including landmarks, temples, and markets.
Morning: Borobudur Temple
Begin your day’s tour as early as you can and get to the Borobudur Temple, one of the greatest Buddhist temples in the world situated in Central Java and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Borobudur is only 40 kilometers northwest of Jogjakarta and can be reached by car, or there are daily tours arranged from Jogjakarta.
Borobudur Temple
The first things you are likely to notice when you get to Borobudur are the dome-like structures that surround the temple as well as the reliefs on the walls and rocks. Borobudur was constructed in the 9th century during the Sailendra dynasty and is the largest and among the oldest founded Buddhist temples.
- Tour the three-tiered structure of the temple, each of which corresponds to another level of Buddhist metaphysical evolution, and appreciate the stalactites, statues, and intricate carvings depicting various postures of Buddha.
- Take a hike to the roof of the temple to view the countryside and the greenish-green arable land and hills in the distance.
Afternoon: Prambanan Temple and Malioboro Street
Move to the next Yogyakarta site, Prambanan Temple, also listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest Hindu temple in Southeast Asia.
Prambanan Temple
Standing about 17 km northeast of Yogyakarta city, Prambanan Temple is reachable by private car or taxi, or by a combination of transportation including becak (tricycles) and public buses. The temple complex contains several towering shrines associated with the holy trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Explore the temple complex and enjoy the beautiful architecture, the amazing carvings on the stones, and high steeples.
- Learn more about the history and culture of Prambanan from tour guides or recorded guides available at various locations of the site.
Evening: Malioboro Street
Make your last stop on Malioboro Street, the biggest shopping area and the most crowded street in Yogyakarta.
Malioboro Street
Wander around Malioboro Street, which is lined with shops, stalls, and sellers offering various items such as batik clothing, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more.
- Explore local markets selling a myriad of things and taste some of Indonesia’s delights including gudeg (a jackfruit dish originating from Java) and bakpia (a well-favored pastry stuffed with sweet beans).
- Prepare yourself for a visual and auditory feast with street performances by musicians, dancers, and Javanese dressed in traditional costumes.
Day 2: Off the Beaten Track and Unseen Tourist Attractions and Nature’s Miracles in Yogyakarta
For the second day of the tour, here is an itinerary to explore the city further and discover things you did not see the day before.
Morning: Sambisari Temple and Cetho Temple
Sambisari Temple is one of the off-the-beaten-track temples easily accessible by car and is about 8 km from Yogyakarta city.
Sambisari Temple
Located amidst the rice fields, this temple dates back to the 9th century and lies buried five meters below the ground until it was discovered in the 1960s.
- Descend into deeper levels to see beautiful architectural designs combined with art on the stones.
- Learn with the help of guides who can explain about Sambisari Temple or using the information displayed on boards at the site.
Afternoon: Cetho Temple and Tea Plantation
From Sambisari Temple, travel to another discovered temple called Cetho Temple, situated on the hill of Mount Lawu.
Cetho Temple
Located on one of the hills, Cetho Temple is famous for the amazing view over the countryside and exceptional construction.
- Continue moving along the steps up to the entrance of the temple and be astonished by the stone carvings, enormous stupas, and beautiful pagodas.
- Marvel at the beautiful view of tea plantations and valleys surrounding the temple area.
Evening: Parangtritis Beach Sunset
End the day by visiting Parangtritis Beach to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is situated about 27 km south of Yogyakarta and is known for sunbathing, surfing, and nature visits.
- Amble along the beach, feeling the soft sand up to the water’s edge, and observe the sunset in the west.
- Admire the coastline characterized by steep cliffs, bounding waves, and rocky outcrops.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you have one or two days, Yogyakarta is full of cultural, historical, and natural interesting sites. Many visitors will remember this monumental city for containing something or another that could catch their interest as tourists: temples, food markets, or simply gorgeous geographical sites. Therefore, grab your suitcases, prepare your schedule, and let the cultural wonders of Yogyakarta, the capital of Indonesia’s Java island, amaze you.