Must-Visit Destinations In Yogyakarta Indonesia

Yogyakarta, often simply referred to as “Jogja,” is a true gem on the island of Java, Indonesia. This vibrant city holds a special place in the hearts of travelers for its rich cultural heritage, enchanting landscapes, and warm hospitality. Whether you seek to uncover the secrets of ancient kingdoms or simply enjoy the beauty of Indonesian culture, Yogyakarta promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you with unforgettable travel memories. When visiting this cultural city, make sure you do not miss these must-visit spots.
Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Malioboro Street

Budget backpackers will find great places to stay in Yogyakarta’s Jalan Malioboro district

Malioboro Street is the biggest shopping street in Yogyakarta. Around one-kilometer long, Malioboro Street offers different choices of shops, hotels and restaurants for its visitors. The shops vary from traditional local shops, to big shopping centers. Local vendors are spread along the sidewalks in Malioboro, and you can choose from many types of souvenirs: batik clothes (traditional cloth painted with wax), wayang (Javanese puppets), and much more.

Kraton Yogyakarta

Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari is a water castle located approximately two kilometers south of Kraton Yogyakarta. It is an old royal garden built in the 18th century. The complex includes a workshop area, a resting area, a meditation area, a defense area and a hiding place. Basically, Taman Sari can be divided into four different zones. These are the Segaran Lake area in the west and the Umbul Binangun bathing complex to the south of Segaran Lake. There is also the Pasarean Ledok Sari and Garjitawati Pool in the south of the bathing complex, and the remaining parts of the complex.

Prambanan Temple

Being one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia, Prambanan Temple was also believed to be the testimony of love from a powerful young man named Bandung Bondowoso to Princess Roro Jonggrang. The temple itself was built in the 10th century as an tribute to Shiva. Visitors will be mesmerized by its many magnificent structures. The temple opens daily from 7.30am to 5 pm. Tickets are classified by domestic or foreign visitors.

Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is clearly the crucial destination to visit when in Yogyakarta. Being the largest Buddhist temple in the world, visitors will be delighted with an amazing view from the top of this 800-AD temple. Beat the crowds and the heat by visiting the temple at sunrise, at approximately 4.30am. The local guides will help visitors understand the ornately decorated relief walls around the temple.

Ullen Sentalu Museum

The Ullen Sentalu Museum is a private museum on art and Javanese culture. It is situated in Kaliurang, Yogyakarta. Established in 1994, the museum belongs to four of the central kingdoms of Java: two kingdoms in Yogyakarta and the other two in Surakarta. It displays a wide range of paintings, artifacts and relics from royal houses and palaces (kraton) of Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Pakualam and Mangkunegaran.

Mount Merapi

The beautiful yet terrifying Mount Merapi is the perfect tourist attraction for adventurous travelers. This very active volcano in Indonesia has erupted 68 times since 1548. Dare to hike the mountain to shoot spectacular photos while grooving on amazing scenery. A ticket booth is available before the village of Selo, and it is the only way to hike to the summit of the mountain. Most climbers start their hike at 1am to be able to reach the summit by sunrise at 5.30 am.

Beringharjo Market

Being the oldest market in Yogyakarta, Beringharjo Market upholds the town’s historical and philosophical values. It is a multi-level market with diverse sellers, offering different items from fabrics, clothing, herbs and spices, to wedding supplies and souvenirs. It is also the land of batik in Yogyakarta, especially inexpensive stamped batik (batik cap). Visitors are advised to bring cash and to utilize their bargaining skills when shopping in the market.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.