Dubbed as a special region of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is an area with a lot of charms, both natural and cultural. Many locals are very much attached to Javanese culture. It is no wonder, then, that Yogyakarta becomes one of Indonesia's leading tourist destinations. The charm of Yogyakarta attracts local and foreign tourists, and the area never sleeps because of that.
So, what exactly can you do in Yogyakarta? There are a lot of activities that you can try 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 will need to transit in Jakarta and continue your trip with another flight. Upon your arrival, you can use an airport taxi to take you to the hotel. Other transportation options are also available, such as ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek, and the Trans Jogja bus rapid transit.
Weather & Language
When you arrive in the city, you will be greeted by nice tropical weather. Located in the central part of Java, the weather in Yogyakarta is warm, averaging around high-20 to low-30 degrees Celsius (high-68 to low-86 degrees Fahrenheit) most of the year. The city has two seasons, which are dry and rainy. The citizens are also friendly to tourists, so you might not have any difficulties adapting to the surrounding. In fact, many locals understand English, making it convenient 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 Ramayana Ballet (check their schedule), and learn about the history of the Hinduism movement in Indonesia. In 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 life of the royal family. 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 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.
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