10 Things to Do in Yogyakarta

If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, then you definitely need to add Yogyakarta to your itinerary. This city is packed with culture, history, and natural beauty. And there’s plenty to do, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. Here are the top ten things to do when you’re in Yogyakarta for the first time.

Visit the Sultan’s Palace.

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Yogyakarta, and for good reason. The Sultan’s Palace is a beautiful example of Javanese architecture, and it’s surrounded by lovely gardens. Plus, it’s where you can see the infamous “throne room” that was used in Stanley Kubrick’s film Barry Lyndon.

Go see the temples at Borobudur and Prambanan.

These two temple complexes are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they’re definitely worth a visit. Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, while Prambanan is an impressive Hindu temple complex. You can easily spend a whole day exploring both of these sites. For some of my personal experiences in Prambanan have a read here.

Take a walk through Taman Sari Water Castle.

This former royal garden is now open to the public, and it’s a great place to take a leisurely stroll. Be sure to stop by the Bathing Pool, where you can get a glimpse of life during the Sultanate era.

Shop at Beringharjo Market.

This traditional market is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or just browse for interesting items. You’ll find everything from traditional textiles to handmade pottery. Visit Kota Gede, the Silver Smith Village 5.. Kota Gede is Yogyakarta’s silver smith district, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in seeing how this craft is done. You can even watch the silversmiths at work and maybe even pick up a piece of jewelry for yourself!

Learn about Javanese batik at Affandi Museum.

Batik is an Indonesian textile art that uses wax-resist dyeing techniques, and it’s very popular in Yogyakarta . At Affandi Museum , you can learn about this art form and see some beautiful examples of it.

Take a cooking class in Yogyakarta.

If you want to learn how to cook Indonesian food , then taking a cooking class is a great way to do it . In Yogyakarta , there are several cooking schools that offer classes for all levels , from beginner to expert .

See the sun rise at Borobudur Temple.

One of the best things about Borobudur Temple is that you can watch the sun rise over it . It’s an unforgettable experience , and one that you shouldn’t miss if you’re in Yogyakarta.

Go hiking at Gunung Merapi National Park .

Gunung Merapi is an active volcano that towers over Yogyakarta , and it’s also home to Gunung Merapi National Park . The park has several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels , so there’s something for everyone.

Experience an authentic Javanese massage.

A Javanese massage is said to be one of the most relaxing experiences you can have , so be sure to try one while you’re in town ! There are several places where you can get a massage , but we recommend going to a traditional spa like Dewi Sri Spa or Rumahku Spa .

Conclusion:

Yogyakarta is an amazing city with plenty to see and do, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler. From visiting temples and palaces to shopping at traditional markets and learning about Indonesian culture, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!