Dubbed as a special region of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is an area with many natural and cultural charms. Locals are attached to Javanese culture. It’s no wonder that Yogyakarta has become Indonesia’s leading tourist destination. The area attracts both local and foreign tourists, and there is always something to do.
There are a lot of activities that you can do in Yogyakarta. However, before you start planning your trip, you need to know several things in advance, such as transportation options, weather conditions, and, most importantly, customs in Yogyakarta.
Transportation
The main airport in Yogyakarta is Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). There are some direct international flights from and to Yogyakarta, such as from Singapore and Malaysia; however, most of the time, you must transit in Jakarta and continue your trip with another flight.
You can use an airport taxi to take you to the hotel upon your arrival. Other transportation options are available, such as ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek and the Trans Jogja bus rapid transit.
Weather & Language
When you arrive in Yogyakarta, you’ll be welcomed by nice tropical weather. The city has a tropical climate with high temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and low temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). There are two seasons in Yogyakarta, dry and rainy. The locals are friendly towards tourists, and many of them speak English, which makes it easier for international visitors.
Top Destinations in Yogyakarta
Among the top destinations in the city are Gua Jomblang, Parangtritis Beach, Mount Merapi, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Batik Museum, and Keraton Ngayogyakarta.
Borobudur temple is particularly interesting, as it is named a world heritage by UNESCO. If you spend your day in the area, you should not miss the sunrise. As a matter of fact, Borobudur sunrise boasts one of the most outstanding views in the world. Stay at Borobudur Manohara, a resort located near the temple, for more convenient access to this famous temple.
Another cultural site worth a visit in Yogyakarta is the Prambanan temple, where you can watch the Ramayana Ballet (check their schedule), and learn about the history of the Hinduism movement in Indonesia. At Batik Museum, you can see the traditional Indonesian clothing pattern of batik and even learn how to make one on certain occasions. And in Keraton Ngayogyakarta, you can learn more about the royal family’s life. Then, afterward, you might also be interested in watching puppet shows (wayang) that are played in the Sonobudoyo museum.
If you are keener on nature sightseeing, you might want to see the sunset at Parangtritis Beach and visit Dieng Mountain. Both of them are beautiful in their own way and often packed by local and international visitors at certain times.
After your meaningful tour in Yogyakarta, it is time to unwind and shop for mementos to take back home. You can bring batik and keychains bought from the Beringharjo market and enjoy the night eating gudeg, the specialty Yogyakarta dish made from young jackfruit.
Not satisfied? Try visiting Malioboro street, where you can find delectable street food at an affordable price, with a great ambiance that you can rave about to your friends.
