Make the most out of your five day getaway in Yogyakarta — a city full of culture, heritage, and adventure — with this Yogyakarta itinerary.
The world’s largest archipelago has a hidden gem many tourists overlook. We visited this beautifully undisturbed city which is often overshadowed by the more touristy cities of Indonesia. One thing for sure, we were blown away by not only her amazing sights but also all the adrenaline-pumping activities she offers.
Despite the spelling, the actual pronunciation of Yogyakarta is /jog-jah-karta/, and locals often refer to it as “Jogja”.
Exploring Yogyakarta
We took the 7:25am AirAsia flight and arrived in Yogyakarta after 2 short hours. Quite glad we pre-booked our in-flight meals so we were ready to explore right away!
Staying connected: The Adisucipto airport is pretty small so there weren’t SIM Card retailers in sight. We got ours from Progo, a huge retail mart just across the street from our hotel. There are various telecom providers but we settled on simPATI (6GB for Rp75,000 or ~S$7.60), which connected pretty well in the city.
Accommodation: Melia Purosani Hotel, located in the city centre and just a ten minutes’ walk away from Jalan Malioboro; the iconic shopping street in Yogyakarta.
Taman Sari (Water Castle)
First stop, a 13-min uber ride from our Hotel — Taman Sari. This 1758 A.D. water castle was used for religious practices as well as a recreation and bathing place for the then Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family.
The area of Taman Sari used to be a lot larger, but today, the main building is set around a residential area so you’d need to walk through that to get to various historical sights that remain. One of which is Sumur Gumuling, a circular two-storey building which was used as a mosque.
Address: Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia
Opening hours: 9am – 3pm.
*Pro-tip: Do not enter too late as there will be a lot of restrictions for photo-taking once operators start locking up the entrance to various parts of the castle.
Shopping at Jalan Malioboro
15 minutes from Taman Sari by car, Jalan Malioboro is a 24-hour shopping street that has local street food, street performers, and horse-drawn carts. Roads are closed to cars, so your uber driver will have to drop you off at the adjacent street of Jalan Malioboro.
Ride an Odong-odong at Alun-Alun Kidul
Come nightfall, a particular part of Yogyakarta becomes very vibrant — Alun-Alun Kidul, the Southern City Square.
Here, locals and tourists often join in a game inspired by a folklore; walking in between the two banyan trees with their eyes blindfolded. Successfully walking between the 2 trees meant you’d never stray in life since it was believed only those with pure hearts and bear no evil intentions could do it.
Another must-do activity at Alun-Alun Kidul is riding the odong-odong. Donned with cute and colourful cartoon characters such as Doraemon, Hello Kitty, and Pikachu, you can spot these neon-decorated, foot pedal operated karts lighting up the City Square. Each ride had its own sound system with popular pop and EDM tracks. It was as though we were kids again, boisterously pedalling the colourful Odong-odong around the city square.
Address: Jl. Alun-Alun Kidul Yogyakarta Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Indonesia
Sunrise at Mount Merapi
With undisturbed terrains and few high rise buildings, Yogyakarta is a great place to catch the morning light. We set off at 4am early to catch the morning light at Mount Merapi.
Situated at Sleman District 30km north of city centre, Mount Merapi is an active volcano that last erupted in 2014. Regular cars will not be able to drive to the base camp, instead, you will need a jeep. We got our Jeep tours to Merapi arranged by our local hired driver.
After a 15-20min roller coaster of a jeep ride, we arrived at the base camp of Mount Merapi at 530am. Just in time to witness the mountain illuminate at the break of dawn.
Bring a jacket along as temperatures can dip to 16°C in the wee mornings at the foot of the mountain!
There is a small museum nearby — Merapi Museum — and jeep tours will cover it. Previously the house of a Merapi eruption victim, it has since been turned into a museum to showcase some interesting artifact and ruins of the eruption of Mount Merapi.
Also around the vicinity is The Lost World Castle, a new tourist spot opened just this year (2017). In it are replicas of famous world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, The Great Wall of China, and StoneHenge.
Opening Hours:
Jeep Lava Tour Merapi: 8am – 4pm
Merapi museum: 8am – 3.30pm, closed on Mondays
The Lost World Castle: 7am – 6pm
Prambanan Temple
Built in the 9th century A.D., Prambanan Temple collapsed due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in the 11th century. When we visited, ruins were still evident within the once-derelict temple site, making us wonder what did this once majestic civilisation go through.
*Pro-tip: Take pictures at the back of the temples, they look similar to the front, and has fewer people crowding around.
Address: Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
*Pro-tip: Bring your student cards along to enjoy student discounts.
Dinner at House of Raminten
This quirky and whimsical restaurant well-loved by locals was opened by a retired businessman who previously performed in soap operas. The House of Raminten is a restaurant filled with surprises at every corner — “Raminten” being the name of the soap opera character the owner used to perform as. Entering the restaurant was a truly trippy experience; pictures and caricatures of Raminten in humorous provocative gestures adorn the walls. While lurking in other corners of the restaurant are statues of Mother Mary, Buddha, and Ganesh sculptures overlooking diners while they have their meals.
Long queues are common here, but the wait is definitely worth the experience. Food was also delicious and inexpensive.
Address: Jl. Faridan Muridan Noto No.7, Kotabaru, Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Jomblang Cave & Goa Pindul + Sungai Oyo
Day 3 for us was all about adventures. Set out in comfy sports attire and clothes you can get wet in!
Witness Heaven’s Light at Jomblang Cave
First stop, Jomblang Cave. Set out early as visitors are only allowed to enter until 10 am. The number of visitors is also limited to keep damage to this natural gem at a minimum. Jomblang Cave is a different world altogether — both metaphorically and literally.
Part of an underground cave system, Jomblang is the result of a giant sinkhole in an ancient forest a few thousand years back. If the initial abseil into the ancient forest did not wow you enough, the lush vegetation that greets you 40m down below will surely leave you speechless.
Hike for another 10 minutes on muddy grounds and you’ll see another cave opening. Walk into the pitch-dark cave, before another surprise awaits in front.
Mesmerised. Everyone stopped in their tracks the moment light hit their eyes. Dubbed “Heaven’s Light” by the locals, there is really no other name more apt to describe this breathtaking sight.
Locals say the best timing to view Heaven’s Light is between 11.30am – 12pm when the sun rays are the strongest.
This is one of the priciest activities on the itinerary, but I can assure you the views and experience is so worth it; I would gladly do it all over again. That aside, the abseil pulley system is 100% by manpower, so part of the ticket fee goes to the men who use brute force to lift us up from the bottom of the cave.
Address: Pacarejo, Semanu, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55893, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Registration opens till 10 am daily.
Tubing at Goa Pindul & Sungai Oyo
After Jomblang, most visitors will head to Kalisuci for tubing activities. However, our local driver suggested Goa Pindul as a better alternative — cheaper and we got to explore caves!
At Goa Pindul, there are several packages which vary from locations and activities. We purchased the package that included two spots, Goa Pindul and Sungai Oyo. A rubber tube and life vest will be provided before starting your lazy river adventure.
The ride begins by going through a pitch dark cave filled with bats, swallows and giant Stalactites which were pointed out by our Bahasa speaking guide.
This is where the adventure really begins. After reaching the end of Goa Pindul, hop on a pick-up truck to Sungai Oyo 2km away. Midway through, your guide will stop where there are a 5m bridge and a 9m waterfall and edge you into jumping off one of these platforms.
Soon we found ourselves standing at the top of the 9m platform. And as though irresponsibly running away from adulting, I took a leap of faith, huddled my fears and jumped into the river below me. I hit right into the chilly waters, feeling refreshed. It didn’t surprise me when I found myself climbing back up the slippery rocks for a second leap. No wonder people say extreme sports are addictive!
Address: Wirawisata, Gelaran 2, Bejiharjo, Karangmojo, Gunungkidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55891, Indonesia
Opening Hours: Starts at 8 am till sunset, not available on rainy days.
Prices: Rp110,000 per pax (~S$11.20). Covers Goa Pindul + Sungai Oyo
*Pro-tip: Bring along booties if you have them as climbing up the rocks barefooted can be slippery from moss and algae growth.
Dinner at Gudeg Yu Djum
Gudeg Yu Djum, as the name suggests, is famous for the traditional Gudeg dish — a Javanese cuisine made from young unripe jackfruit boiled for several hours with palm sugar, and coconut milk. I’ve read about people using jackfruit as mock pulled pork, and I won’t be surprised if Gudeg was the inspiration behind it!
Address: Jln Wonosari, Jogja Km. 7 Gading, Playen, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55861, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 7am – 5.30pm
Price: Rp15,000 – 40,000 (~S$1.50-4), depending on what you add e.g. Egg + Chicken wing
Day 4: Borobudur Temple — Chicken Church — Pinus Pengger
Sunrise at Borobudur Temple
Catching the sunrise at Borobudur Temple is pretty popular bucket list item. This activityis so sacred and exceptional that local and foreign tourists would reach Borobudur as early as 4:30 am just to get a good spot within the temple compounds to view the rising sun.
As Borobudur is a grand historical artifact and also the top tourist attraction in Yogyakarta, there are high-security measures along the way leading up to the actual Borobudur site. From the entrance of Manohara Hotel where admission tickets are sold, there are three bag searches.
After your tour at the temple, remember to head over to the restaurant for some light refreshments — included in the ticket to Borobudur.
Address: Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 6am – 5pm (however, you can enter at 4.30am if you purchase the Borobudur Sunrise package).
*Pro-tip: While the sunrise looks pretty amazing, it looks just as good during sunset and there’s close to no one at that time.
Bukit Rhema (Chicken Church)
Affectionately known as “Gereja Ayam (Chicken Church)” to locals, this gigantic dodo of a bird is a lot more amusing than we thought. Can you believe that there is an actual building the shape of a humongous chicken? Bizarre as it seems, the creator of this place of worship said he had a vision from God to build a prayer house on a hill. Once dilapidated, the Chicken Church is now refurbished thanks to increasing tourism in the area.
We had too much fun at this church, and I dare say that no trip to Yogyakarta is complete without stepping foot into this cockadoo.
Address: Jalan Raya Borobudur Salaman Km. 2.5 Wringin Putih, Magelang
Opening Hours: 6am – 5pm (Mon-Fri), 5am to 5pm (Sat-Sun)
*Pro-tip: Watch the sunrise behind Borobudur from the top of the Chicken crown!
Lunch at Jejamuran (Mushroom Restaurant)
Mushroom lovers rejoice! There is a restaurant in Yogyakarta with its entire menu focused on only one main ingredient — mushrooms.
Jejamuran specialises in mushroom and almost every dish you find in their menu has some kind of mushroom in it.
There are even mushroom growing kits sold so you can grow them at home!
Recommended dishes:
– Mushroom satay, Rp16,000 (~S$1.60)
– Mushroom tom yam soup, Rp30,000 (~S$3)
– Deep fried king oyster mushroom, Rp25,000 (~S$2.50)
Specialty drinks:
– Es Dawet Jejamuran, a traditional Javanese drink with coconut milk, palm sugar, jelly, and of course, mushrooms. Rp12,000 (~S$1.20)
– Summer Breeze comes with enoki mushrooms in the drink! Rp12,000 (~S$1.20)
Sandboarding at Gumuk Pasir
After lunch, another round of adventure awaits. We headed southwards to Gumuk Pasirfor some fun sandboarding! Rent a sandboard at Rp100,000 (~S$10.20) and hit the sand dunes!
Sandboarding was new to me, and thankfully there was a local guiding us. He would follow us around polishing the bottom of our boards and showing us steeper slopes to conquer.
It was immense fun, I have to say, although I spent most of my time sand-tumbling instead. Best time for sandboarding is actually an hour or two before the sunset, when the temperatures are cool. Stay on for sunset and nightfall, and reward yourself with the sight of a sky full of stars. We were lucky and spotted the milky way with our naked eyes!
Address: Jl. Pantai Parangkusumo, Parangtritis, Kec. Kretek, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55772, Indonesia
Opening Hours: 6am – 7pm
*Pro-tip: Request for your taxi driver to wait by the beach for you while you sandboard, as taxis are extremely difficult to get at this part of town!
Pinus Pengger
If the idea of getting sand on your butt and face isn’t your cup of tea, a nearby sight might be of interest! Pinus Pengger — A favourite among locals, is a forested area filled with sculptures and artistic installments by local artists. Catch the sunset and stay through the night with great views of the city.
Each sculpture and art installment is a unique photo point, and there are donation boxes next to each photo point. Donations are highly encouraged as a form of support for the local artists. We recommend visits in the late afternoon when there’s still enough sunlight to take pictures and also to catch the sunset.
Jurang Tembelan
En route to Pinus Pengger, we also stopped by Jurang Tembelan. As if a secret hideout, this small and quiet lookout seems to be known only to locals. Jurang Tembelan is actually a small pit stop with restrooms and snack stores. A quick picture spot overseeing a river, you can enjoy panoramic views of mountains too. Another notable area to look out for is Puncak Becici, also a lookout where people can enjoy outbound activities. Puncak Becici recently gained attention after former US President Barack Obama’s visit in June 2017.
Address: Mangunan, Dlingo, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55783, Indonesia
Price: Free. Donation basis.
Dinner at Omah Dhuwur Restaurant
End your day with a great meal at Omah Dhuwur Restaurant. Besides serving traditional Javanese cuisine, Omah Dhuwur also has a Western menu that caters to tourists.
