Buzz
Yogyakarta epitomizes the distinctive cultural and artistic identity of Java island's inhabitants.
Embark on a journey to Yogyakarta – a captivating destination in Indonesia that promises an adventure like no other.
While a day may suffice to explore the city's highlights, delving deeper into its treasures will unveil a myriad of captivating experiences. Suggestions provided by Skyscanner.
Witness the dawn at Borobudur Temple
Commence your Yogyakarta exploration at this magnificent Buddhist architectural marvel. Borobudur stands as a prominent landmark in Indonesian tourism. Embrace the serene ambiance amidst the hillside, marvel at the majestic Mount Merapi and Merbabu, and admire the grandeur of surrounding structures that will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
Explore the primeval forest within the caves
Formed thousands of years ago after a massive landslide, Jomblang Cave stands as a rare natural wonder of Yogyakarta. Plummeting over 60 meters deep, it's hard to fathom a thriving ecosystem beneath the cave floor. Towering trees, fungi, and mosses flourish here, virtually untouched by human interference.
Venture through the entirety of this cave, traversing a dark tunnel approximately 250 meters long to reach Grubug Cave. Sunlight streams into this area through the cave mouth, illuminating the entire limestone expanse. To capture photographs of this fascinating phenomenon, visit between 10 am to 12 pm.
Indulge in traditional cuisine
After returning from your cave exploration, take a rest and relish in a sumptuous lunch. Yogyakarta boasts a relatively unique culinary scene compared to other regions of Indonesia. Be sure to try Gudeg – jackfruit stew. This dish is typically served with rice, eggs, tofu, shrimp crackers, and chicken.
Immerse yourself in the Water Palace
As a gift from the Portuguese to the royal family, Taman Sari Palace features numerous ponds and artificial islands. It used to be a place where the king of Yogyakarta and his queens would relax and unwind.
Take a stroll along the main corridor to reach the watchtower of this palace, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the entire cityscape, or visit Tajug – a system of underground tunnels.
Admire the art of Batik
The residents of Yogyakarta are renowned for their skilled craftsmanship, making it easy to find art workshops. The art of Batik originated in Southeast Asia and emphasizes the use of wax, dye, and various fabric materials. You can create intricate patterns on fabric using a tool called tjanting.
Seaside activities
Located 25 km from the city, Parangtritis is the nearest beach. Visit and experience the unique black sand formed from volcanic ash. Activities like off-road biking, horseback riding, or even sandboarding are available here.
Not far from the beach lies the sand dune of Gumuk Pasir – a perfect spot for photography and sandboarding. If you prefer not to head to the coastline, visit the surrounding swimming pools and enjoy your leisure time. This is also an ideal location for capturing sunset moments.
Stroll around the Southern Square at nightfall
Yogyakarta has two major squares, the North and the South. For tourists, visiting the Southern Square is a preferable choice. Art performances, street singing, and food stalls come alive in the evening.
You can try participating in a spiritual activity locally. Blindfold yourself and walk between two banyan trees. If you can pass through, it signifies a bright future ahead, otherwise... it's just a fun activity.
Enjoy an art performance
If you fancy this genre, head to Ramayana. Dancers will perform a dance to narrate to you an ancient Hindu legend about Rama and Sita. This is an outdoor art performance with over 200 participants.
Relax at the hotel
After a non-stop day of activities, take a moment for yourself at the 5-star Phoenix hotel. Originally a villa, it's one of the finest retreats in Yogyakarta. Nestled amidst a fusion of Eastern and Western architectural inspirations, you'll feel truly invigorated.
* From Vietnam, there are currently no direct flights to Yogyakarta, but you can easily transit in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), or Bangkok (Thailand)...
By Vinh Hy/Ngoi Sao
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourJanuary 13, 2017
