Yogyakarta region and it’s main city was almost unknown to me until a few months ago, when I came across an amazing photo of Borobudur temple while browsing online.
A little bit of “googling” later, and I’m wondering, why this place isn’t one of the world’s top destination to visit…
Luckily for me ( and you ), it is still mostly unknown to foreign visitors, so I could sample the real Indonesia, far away from the crowds of the more popular locations.
Travelling around central Java is adventurous, thrilling and very satisfying. It is safe, easy & also “friendly” to your wallet. It’s almost unbelievable to see, how much this region has to offer. Not forget to mention great food and friendly locals…
Discover my list of 8 BEST places to visit below!
Don’t forget to check 3 Day Yogyakarta Trip itinerary at the end of this post !
1. EXPERIENCE SUNSET at BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Borobudur is one of the most unique places on the planet and world’s largest Buddhist monument.
It’s history begins in the 9th century and the complex includes over 70 stupas with hidden Buddha statues inside.
To take a postcard perfect photo isn’t easy. You need to be lucky with the weather, patient with the crowds and skilled with photoshop 😉
But it’s absolutely worth it, the crowds thinning as the sun settles down and you can fully enjoy the majestic surroundings and magical atmosphere.
Definitely one of the highlights of my trip!
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 1,5 hrs from Yogyakarta
TICKET : 325.000 IDR ( incl. drink )
TIME TO ENJOY : approx. 2 hours
DRESS CODE : No open shoulders, shorts below the knee ( you can rent sarong there )
2. DISCOVER PRAMBANAN TEMPLE
Located in central Yogyakarta means, you don’t have to travel too far, to discover this amazing Hindu temple dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva gods.
The central 47m high temple is truly impressive and the entire place offers great locations for taking photos and discovering the surrounding grounds.
To find a quieter area, exit the main temple podium through the gate on the left side and find yourself in ruins covered site, offering the perfect views and angles with no other visitors.
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 20min from central Yogya
TICKET : 325.000 IDR ( incl. water )
TIME TO ENJOY : 1-2hrs
NO DRESS CODE
3. ZIP LINE IN KALIBIRU NATIONAL PARK
Don’t miss Kalibiru National Park for splendid views and thrilling adventure park.
Zip line, climb and challenge yourself in this hill-top obstacle course. Nothing beats the adrenaline rush while swishing up amongst the tree tops and being stopped in the middle for a quick “hanging in the air” photo opportunity.
If you are a keen Instagrammer, this a place for you ! You can choose from many “stations” and obstacles and the staff will take photos of you, which will be downloaded to your phone afterwards.
If you are Iphone user, better bring USB to download photos!
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 1,5hrs from Yogyakarta
TICKET : 10.000 IDR + Pay per activity and extra photos 80.000 for 8pc’s
- the entire system is a bit confusing as no one speaks english. Be patient and start at the rock climbing station. From there you can do all the activities and also download photos ( 8 snaps) to your phone at the end. Staff lunch break 12-1pm so come before or after. Long queues!
TIME TO ENJOY : 2hrs ( could be more, depends on the waiting lines )
DRESS CODE : Sport clothes, sport shoes
4. GET LOST in TAMAN SARI WATER CASTLE & UNDERGROUND MOSQUE
Ideal place for a leisurely stroll, away from hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta. It is peaceful, quiet and if you come during weekdays, not too busy.
The actual castle isn’t big, but don’t miss the surrounding areas, including picturesque streets with batik shops, restaurants and of course the underground mosque with its dark corridors.
It’s not easy to find it all, so get lost in the tiny colourful streets and explore. But not to worry, there is plenty of friendly locals, that will point you in the right direction.
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 10min from central Yogyakarta
TICKET : 16.000IDR
TIME TO ENJOY : 1-2 hrs
NO DRESS CODE
5. HANG OUT at TIMANG BEACH ROPE BRIDGE & GONDOLA
I was really lucky to arrive to Timang Beach during storm. It really added to the rough spirit of this fantastic location and also, there was absolutely no one else 🙂
Raw nature, deafening waves crashing against razor edged cliffs and sea spray hitting my face.
I loved it. You can choose to travel on the small rocky island in hand pulled gondola, or cross a 100m long rope bridge on foot.
I would recommend the bridge. It takes much longer to cross, offers unique photo opportunities with waves reaching up to 20m in height and it’s really spine chilling experience.
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 2hrs from Yogyakarta
TICKET : 100.000IDR for Rope bridge / 10.000 for Wooden podium
50.000 bike ride from near by village ( 15min necessary ride ) / Jeep ride optional
TIME TO ENJOY : 1-2hrs
DRESS CODE : comfortable clothes, no flip flops or sandals
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6. EXPLORE GOA JOMBLANG CAVE
Definitely one of the most thrilling experience’s of my life! Conquer your fear of heights and descent into “Jurassic World”.
To only way to get inside the mysterious Jomblang Cave is via 80m deep descent on a hand pulled rope similar to abseiling.
Only 60 adventurers is lowered all the way down every day. The entire procedure feels very safe and all equipment is quite new. Nonetheless, hanging in the air with 80m of nothingness below me, was terrifying.
The reward comes soon after walking through pitch black muddy cave into a “dome” with waterfall of light.
Nature created breathtaking show which is the best to see between 11.30-12.30 and on sunny day only. Honestly, I haven’t seen anything like this before. It was simply incredible!
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 1,5 hrs from Yogyakarta
TICKET : 450.000 IDR
TIME TO ENJOY : 4hrs
- only 60 people/day so better pre-book and arrive before 9am.
- the full experience lasts 4 hours.
- you will get dirty and very wet ( take extra clothes and towel )
DRESS CODE : comfortable clothes ( you will get rubber shoes and all equipment )
7. DON’T MISS UNDERWATER PHOTOSHOOT AT UMBUL PONGGKOK
In three words…SO MUCH FUN!
Umbul Ponggkok is a natural spring lake in Klaten town. It’s a a bit bizzar place with crystal clear lake, lots of fish and “daily” objects thrown in the water to take a photo with.
Once you figure out how this place works ( a bit complicated due to language barrier ), dive into the fresh cold waters, put snorkel on and let the underwater world pass by.
You need to pick your desired photo objects at the booth and “photo crew” goes with you to style and take fantastic fun snaps of you. You can download all the photos to your phone afterwards.
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 1,5hrs from Yogyakarta
TICKETS : 15.000IDR / Snorkel rental 13.000IDR / Photo shoot : 250.000 IDR
- you can rent all underwater equipment
TIME TO ENJOY : 1-2hrs
DRESS CODE : Swimwear
8. PLAY GOLF, DINE & enjoy a SHOW at the HYATT REGENCY HOTEL
Do you fancy to show off your best shirt, or lovely dress?
Delicious Indonesian themed dinner buffet with intriquing Ramayana Ballet show is your best bet!
The one & only place to do so, is at the finest hotel in the region…Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta.
It’s spacious grounds hiding 9-hole golf course and also tennis court and Spa.
Why not make it a day? Play golf and enjoy great food with a show after the sunset…
FULL REVIEW OF HYATT REGENCY YOGYAKARTA COMING SOON !
INFO :
TRAVEL TIME : 20min from central Yogyakarta
PRICE : 165.000 IDR
TIME TO ENJOY : dinner 2-3 hours
DRESS CODE : smart casual
- 3 DAY TRIP ITINERARY SAMPLE :
DAY 1 : Prambanan + Kalibiru + Borobudur
DAY 2 : Roa Gomblang + Timang Beach
DAY 3 : Taman Sari Castle + Umbul Ponggkok
- To reach all destinations, hire a skilled driver with a comfy, AC car – prices around 500.000IDR/day – try Danar : 0062 813 9282 9086
- Note, charge for using toilets is 2000IDR ( everywhere ), so have small change!
- Shopping in Yogyakarta : Ambarukmo Plaza / Hartono Mall / Jogyakarta City Mall
- 3 Best Restaurants : Sasanti / Gojah Wong / Abyagiri
- I was travelling to Yogyakarta from Dubai with Singapore Airlines and Silk Air.
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