Designated as a special region of Indonesia, Yogyakarta has 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 local and foreign tourists, and there is always something to do.
There are many activities to 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.
Airport
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 or Bali and continue your trip with another flight.
After arriving at the airport, you can take an airport taxi to your hotel. It’s important to note that the airport is approximately 45 km away from Yogyakarta city. You may also consider other transportation options, such as ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek or 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
Gua Jomblang, Parangtritis Beach, Mount Merapi, Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, Batik Museum, and Keraton Ngayogyakarta are among the city’s top destinations.
Borobudur temple is particularly interesting, as it is named a World Heritage site by UNESCO. If you spend your day in the area, you should not miss the sunrise. In fact, the sunrise at Borobudur is famous for having one of the most outstanding views in the world. You can stay at Borobudur Manohara, a resort located near the temple, for more convenient access to this famous temple.
Another cultural site worth visiting 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 the Batik Museum, you can see the traditional Indonesian clothing pattern of batik and even learn how to make one on certain occasions.
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) played in the Sonobudoyo museum.
If you are keen on nature sightseeing, you might want to see the sunset at Parangtritis Beach and visit Dieng Mountain. Both are beautiful in their own way and often packed with 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 and a great ambiance that you can rave about to your friends.
