Top 10 Must-Do Experiences in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

As Jomblang Cave is privately owned, visitors must book a tour to enter. The tours run once a day, starting around 9:30 AM, and they include everything from equipment to guides. This tour offers a unique experience, where you’ll feel like an explorer embarking on an adventure as you descend into the cave.

The most amazing part of the Jomblang Cave tour is the opportunity to view the cave from above and enjoy the lush forest surroundings. The highlight is undoubtedly the sunlight pouring into the cave, creating a surreal, magical atmosphere.

In addition to its pristine white sand, surrounded by massive, towering rocks, the mesmerizing clear blue water seems to beckon visitors to dive in. As night falls, visitors can admire the breathtaking view of the horizon as it transitions from bright blue to fiery red-orange, eventually giving way to the dark sky filled with sparkling stars. This creates a wonderfully romantic atmosphere for couples visiting the beach. Onshore, the vibrant lights of beachside restaurants enhance the scene, adding to the charm of this picturesque destination.

The Upper Progo can only be rafted during the rainy season. The route spans 9 kilometers, and the rafting takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Participants must be at least 14 years old and have basic swimming skills. Experience in Grade II Plus rafting is required, as the river has sections rated Grade III and IV. The Lower Progo is a more intense section, with Grade V rapids, the highest level allowed for white-water rafting. The river's flow is strong, as it’s where other rivers like the Elo and Upper Progo meet. Additionally, this river is fed by lava flows from the Merapi volcano, so its shape and character can change with each eruption.

The Lower Progo rafting route stretches for 25 kilometers and usually takes 4-5 hours to complete. To tackle this challenging river, you’ll need to have adequate rafting experience and swimming ability. Safety equipment, including life jackets, helmets, paddles, and experienced guides, will be provided for your safety during the rafting adventure.

Gudeg is usually served with ketupat, a type of rice cake, and hard-boiled eggs. This traditional dish is typically enjoyed as a side or as part of a larger meal. Its rich flavor has made it a favorite choice for locals and tourists alike.

With its growing popularity, Gudeg can now be found in restaurants across Indonesia.

A walk along Jalan Malioboro Street is one of the must-do activities for any traveler visiting Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of the city, Malioboro is both an iconic landmark and the busiest commercial area in the region.

The Jalan Malioboro street is lively 24/7 and stretches for 1 kilometer from north to south, featuring a blend of colonial Dutch architecture, modern buildings, and Chinese and contemporary commercial districts. The best way to explore the street is on foot, from Stasiun Tugu (Tugu Railway Station) to the southern intersection, known as Nol Kilometer (Zero Kilometer). Alternatively, you can hire a becak (rickshaw) or a four-wheeled horse-drawn carriage called an “andong”.

Jalan Malioboro is home to many affordable shops, offering everything from local stores to luxury malls. Walking along this street feels like entering a large handicrafts market.

No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without a visit to Taman Sari, often referred to as the Taman Sari Water Castle. Located to the southwest of the Royal Palace, the castle is a complex of pools, springs, and royal buildings designed for the king's use.

The Taman Sari Water Castle is an architectural gem, blending Eastern and Western styles. One of its most famous spots is Umbul Parasuraman, the bathing and resting area for the king and his princesses. Most tourists find this place fascinating, especially due to the intriguing story behind its creation.

Although much of the Taman Sari Water Castle is now in ruins and slowly collapsing, this only adds to the charm. Visitors can spend an afternoon wandering around the graceful remnants that date back to the 1700s.

Indonesia is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, which is evident in its numerous zoos and wildlife parks scattered across the country. One of the most popular destinations for animal lovers is Gembira Loka Zoo in Jogja. Visiting this zoo to see rare animal species is a must-do activity for any animal enthusiast visiting Yogyakarta.

A major attraction at Gembira Loka Zoo is its impressive collection of animals. The zoo is home to a variety of species, including exotic birds, primates, reptiles, and large carnivores. Some of the most notable animals you can find at the zoo include the Sumatran tiger, African lions, Komodo dragons, and orangutans. Visitors can also observe a wide array of birds, such as colorful parrots, majestic eagles, and noisy long-tailed parrots. The zoo's primate collection is equally remarkable, with species like gibbons, proboscis monkeys, and macaques on display.

In addition to its impressive animal collection, Gembira Loka Zoo also boasts a variety of amenities that enhance the visitor experience. The zoo features food stalls, souvenir shops, picnic areas, and playgrounds for children. It also offers a range of educational programs and activities, including guided tours, animal feeding sessions, and interactive exhibits.

The most popular tourist attraction in Yogyakarta is Borobudur, one of the most stunning temples in Southeast Asia, alongside Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Myanmar. Borobudur leaves visitors in awe with its vast temple complex, which includes several grand buildings. In fact, it is considered the largest Buddhist monument in the world, with a colossal pyramid structure featuring 9 levels, 2672 relief panels, and 504 Buddha statues.

Experiencing the sunrise at Borobudur has become a must-do for visitors to Yogyakarta. The sunrise view at Borobudur emphasizes the temple and its surroundings as the scene transitions from deep darkness to the breathtaking shades of morning light. If you’re lucky, you may also witness Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's volcanoes, releasing a steady plume of smoke into the sky from afar.

Borobudur Temple officially opens at 6 AM, so visitors must purchase a “Sunrise at Borobudur” ticket from the Manohara Resort. Manohara is located on the temple grounds and is the only option for early entry.

Prambanan is one of the famous landmarks of Yogyakarta and a must-see destination on Java Island. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Prambanan is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to the god Shiva, discovered by the Dutch in the 10th century. While Borobudur is known for its massive scale, the temples of Prambanan are renowned for their height and intricate decorations, with the tallest tower reaching 47 meters. The three largest temples honor the main Hindu gods: Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and are adorned with scenes from the Ramayana epic.

Watching the sunset from a unique spot surrounded by ancient temples is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The sky, painted in shades of pink and orange, along with the towers of Prambanan, creates a breathtaking scene of shadow and light. After a day of sightseeing, relaxing while watching the spectacular sunset is the perfect way to end your day.

Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Indonesia, looming over the cities of Yogyakarta and Solo (Surakarta). It has erupted at least 68 times since 1548. This volcano is believed to be the main cause of the collapse of the Hindu Mataram Kingdom in Central Java in 1006, as well as the abandonment of the nearby massive Prambanan temple complex. Visiting Merapi Volcano is widely regarded by tourists as one of the most exciting activities to do when in Yogyakarta.

Hiking around Merapi Volcano is a popular activity (as long as the volcano isn't emitting hot gases and ash). From Selo, the nearest village on the northern slopes, you must hike for 3 hours to reach the summit for some physical exercise. For other visitors, the climb takes more than 4 hours, and the return journey takes nearly the same amount of time. Most climbers begin around 00:30-01:00 AM to ensure they reach the summit before sunrise at 05:30 AM.