Jogja is a relatively small and very compact city and all the neighbourhoods look similar. We recommend choosing accommodation close to the centre, as the commute from the outskirts of the city can be well over 30 minutes due to traffic jams.
There are no dangerous or slummy places to avoid in Yogyakarta.
Tips for hotels and locations
We recommend choosing one of the following locations:
Near Malioboro Street
The busiest part of Yogyakarta is also the best strategic place to stay.
From Malioboro Street, you can easily walk to all the sights within the city centre, plus there are many bus routes to all parts of the city passing through Malioboro.
At the north end of the street is the railway station and at the south end is the DAMRI bus stop in the direction of Borobudur or the beaches.
- Yogyakarta BnB Malioboro - Extremely cheap local style guesthouse with shared bathroom and good ratings (prices from 9 eur
- Amaris Hotel Malioboro - Jogja ** - small modern and very cheap hotel in the southern half of Malioboro (prices from 29 eur)
- Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro **** - international hotel in the northern half of Malioboro (prices from 48 eur)
- Melia Purosani Yogyakarta ***** - one of the most luxurious hotels is in a quiet area about 400 meters from the main street (very good prices from 66 eur)
Sultan Kraton Palace
The area around Kraton Jogja Palace is much quieter than the centre of Malioboro and also gives a more historical and authentic feel.
Also, from here you can walk to all the sights in the centre and you will be relatively close (within 1km) to the DAMRI bus stop at Bank Indonesia towards Borobudur and the beach.
Here you will find mainly small local hotels.
- Griya Wijilan ** - a small and well rated hotel in the quietest part of the area (prices from 18 eur)
- BSH (Bu Sud's House) Yogyakarta - a family-run guesthouse with cosy rooms is just a few metres from the main entrance to the palace (prices from 13 eur)
By the railway station
If you prefer to stay close to the train for early morning departures or late arrivals, you have a wide range of accommodation to choose from.
We recommend staying to the south or east of the station, as there is no exit from the station to the north.
- Hotel Neo Malioboro by ASTON ***
- Royal Malioboro by ASTON ****
- Andrea Hotel ** (the cheapest decently rated hotel with rates from 10 usd per night)
The downside is the frequent train horns, even at night, which can be disturbing to travellers with lighter sleep.
Borobudur Temple
Although it is currently impossible to watch the sunrise over Borobudur, you can still visit at least the grounds around the temple from 6:30am, when there are good light conditions for photographers.
Although the first bus leaves from the center of Yogyakarta as early as 4:30, it will be more convenient to spend the night in Borobudur.
We would recommend these hotels right at the entrance of the complex:
Prices
You can get the cheapest bed in a hostel near the centre from just 4 eur.
Even though Yogyakarta is the most touristy city in Indonesia, even the prices for accommodation with private bathroom in the room are very low.
In local guesthouses or small hotels you can pay between 9 eur and 26 eur per night in a 2-bed room.
Good quality large local 3* hotels offer rooms from 33 eur per night and better 4* or international hotels from about 40 eur per night.
Seasons and when to book accommodation
Prices are highest in the high season from July to September and lowest in the rainy season from January to April.
Due to the low prices, you can book your accommodation in Yogyakarta at the last minute 5-7 days before your trip and you will still have a chance of getting a good hotel at a decent price.
