Places to Visit in Yogyakarta

You cannot visit Yogyakarta without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Borobudur temple, which is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. This was built in the 9th century and features some of the most intricate stone carvings and stupas and offers the most breathtaking sunrise views to its visitors. The temple allows tourists to explore the terraces and learn about the Buddhist teachings and the ancient way of life. While visiting this temple, you get to immerse yourself in the rich history of the temple and its religious significance while also marvelling at the panoramic views from the top.

Another very popular landmark and among the top places to see in Yogyakarta is the Prambanan temple, which is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and is dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. This temple was also built in the 9th century and has tall, towering structures and detailed carvings projecting from the walls that largely depict the Hindu epics like in the Ramayana. If you want to make the most of visiting this temple, then consider visiting it during sunset, where visitors can also enjoy the Ramayana Ballet performance held in open-air theatre, which brings mythology to life through music and traditional dance.

If you are looking for a destination that holds the most cultural and historical significance in the entire city, then you will definitely have to visit Sultan’s Palace or Kraton Yogyakarta. This palace, which was home to the Sultan of Yogyakarta, is the living proof of the Javanese heritage and serves as a museum for those who want to explore the community’s culture and historical heritage. Tourists visiting this palace get to witness the traditional art performances and explore the elegant halls holding the royal artifacts, batik collections and historical photographs. Moreover, you can also catch daily cultural performances that provide insights into the city’s artistic traditions.

One of the most vibrant and diverse locations that provides the visitors with everything they are looking for is Malioboro Street. This street has a buzzing shopping and cultural scene, which is lined with shops, street vendors and traditional markets where you can buy a number of batik, souvenirs and local handicrafts to commemorate your trip to Yogyakarta. If you are a foodie looking to enjoy authentic native delicacies, then visit this street at night, where the street comes alive with several delicious food stalls where you get to indulge in the native dishes like the young jackfruit stew and traditional sweet pastries. Additionally, you also get to enjoy the several street musicians and performers, adding to a vibrant and lively atmosphere with deliciousness and entertainment.

One of the most exciting and thrilling places to visit in Yogyakarta is, without a doubt, Mount Merapi, the most active volcano in Indonesia. Visitors get to take a jeep tour and explore the lava fields where they can witness the effects of the volcanic eruption. The adventure lovers can also take a sunrise trek to the top of the mountain and get engrossed in the majestic views of the volcanic craters and the surrounding valleys. Additionally, you can also visit the Sisa Hartaku Mini Museum, which showcases remnants of a village that was destroyed due to the destructive effects of a volcano eruption.
 

The Jomblang Cave, which is an underground cave, provides tourists with a unique and exhilarating experience. This is a particularly memorable landmark as the visitors are made to descend into a large sinkhole using a rope. Located in Gunungkidul, this cave also features a hidden forest and an underground river at the bottom of the cave. The most appealing part of this attraction is the ‘Heaven’s Light,’ where the sunlight seeps in through the cave’s opening and illuminates the entire cave in a magical glow. Hence, if you are an adventure lover and also enjoy admiring the beauty of nature, then this place is for you.

This destination calls out to all the beach and nature lovers. The Parangtritis beach, located in the south of Yogyakarta, is a gorgeous coastal seaside escape for everyone seeking a peaceful beach day. This beach is known for its large waves, black sand due to the volcano and the rolling stones that make the beach look stunning. Another unique and appealing feature of the beach is that it is steeped in native Javanese folklore and believed to belong to the Queen of the Southern Sea, Nyai Roro Kidul. Moreover, visitors get to go on horse-drawn cart rides, go sandboarding or simply just relax by the seashore.