21 must see places

Borobudur Temple, view
Borobudur Buddhist Temple

Temple

For most tourists heading to Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple is the main destination and often the only reason to visit the city or even the whole of Indonesia. Indeed, Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the world class monuments. Despite many earthquakes, the 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple is remarkably well preserved, although it has undergone several renovations. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www…

Read more
Prambanan
Prambanan Hindu Temple

Temple

Along with Borobudur Temple, one of the most famous sights in all of Indonesia should be your "must-see" when visiting Yogyakarta. Although these are pretty touristy places, we definitely recommend visiting both famous temples. Prambanan is a 9th century Hindu temple and within the grounds you will also find, in addition to the main temple, the smaller temples of Sewu, Bubrah and Lumbung, all accessible on one ticket. [btn "The 10 best hotels…

Read more
Ratu Boko
Ratu Boko

Palace, Lookout, Archaeological site

Just 3.5 kilometres from Prambanan is the ruins of Ratu Boko Palace. Thanks to its hilltop location, you can get spectacular photos of this archaeological monument from here, plus the best sunset views in all of Jogja. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogakarta now" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-ratuboko] The archaeological complex of Ratu Boko contains many remains of buildings, palaces and temples,…

Read more
Kraton Yogyakarta
Sultan's Palace Keraton

Palace, Museum

Right in the centre of the city you will find the Sultan's Palace Keraton Yogyakarta, often spelled more like Kraton and with the full official name "Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat". Keraton is the de facto city within the city, behind whose walls you will find human dwellings, a market, shops, a mosque and schools. Some of the people who live within Kraton are employees of the Sultan. [btn "10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking…

Read more
Tamansari
Taman Sari

Palace, Castle

Taman Sari Water Castle was the site of the royal gardens and a favourite resting area for the Sultan and his family, who still reside in Keraton, 2 km away. Today, Tamansari is used only by tourists and all its premises are accessible. In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful places right in Yogyakarta and we definitely recommend including Taman Sari in your plans. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking.com/city…

Read more
Fortress Vredeburg
Benteng Vredeburg

Fortress, Museum

Originally a Dutch colonial fortress, Vredeburg has been transformed from a military facility into the Museum of the Struggle for Independence. The fort was built in 1787 and completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1867. The name translates as "peace fortress "l which refers to the peaceful coexistence of the Dutch colonial power with the local sultan. [btn "Best hotels near Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid…

Read more
Malioboro
Main street Malioboro

Shopping class

On the main street of Jalan Malioboro, you'll find countless shops, both local with souvenirs and batik fabrics, and Western with well-known brands. As well as shopping, you can also eat here, either at local stalls or at the many restaurants around. [btn "The best hotels around Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-malioboro] Malioboro is the center of all of Yogyakarta, and locals and…

Read more
Kotagede
Kota Gede

Archaeological site, Mosque, City Quarter, Cemetery

Kota Gede used to be the capital of the ancient Islamic kingdom of Mataram and as such is a great place to explore the ancient Javanese architecture and its unique layout. Today, Kotagede is known as a silver village, among other things, and many locals will entice you into their silver shops. Where to go in Kotagede? The most interesting place is undoubtedly the Grand Mosque surrounded by the tombs of the Mataram kings. The place, which…

Read more
Gembira Loka Zoo
Gembira Loka Zoo

Zoo

A popular destination not only for families with children, it is located in the east of Yogyakarta. The Gembira Loka Zoo combined with a botanical garden and a leisure park is an ideal place to take a break from the hectic city. The zoo covers an area of 22 hectares and is one of the most famous in Indonesia. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-gembira]…

Read more
Tugu Monument
Tugu Monument

Monument

The Tugu Monument is about a 30-40 minute walk from the Kraton Palace along Jalan Malioboro and then Jalan Margo Utomo, which connects to the main street. The Tugu Monument is at its best after dark when it is beautifully lit up. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-tugu] The monument is one of the icons of the city and is the most important place in…

Read more
Sonobudoyo Museum
Sonobudoyo Museum

Museum

The Sonobudoyo Museum is just one of the many museums that Yogyakarta has to offer, but it is one of the most visited in the city. The Sonobudoyo showcases the very rich Javanese history and culture and contains the most valuable and extensive collection of Javanese art after the National Museum in Jakarta. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-sonobudoyo]…

Read more
Pantai Baron
Pantai Baron

Sandy beach, The Cove, Cliff, Lighthouse

Pantai Baron is the place where the endless Indian Ocean meets the jagged coastline of South Java, creating a cozy little cove with a sandy beach and a tourist village. [btn "The 10 best hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-pantaibaron] The bay is the most beautiful easily accessible spot on the Yogyakarta coast. What to do in Pantai Baron The diverse and beautiful coastline…

Read more
Pasar Berignharjo
Beringharjo Market

Market

The traditional Beringharjo market is on your right hand side as you head north along Malioboro Street towards Keraton. Just turn into the next alley and you'll find that parallel to Jalan Malioboro is a whole other world. [btn "The best hotels around Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-berignharjo] You can buy almost everything here - from household items that don't quite interest a…

Read more
Mount Merbabu
Mount Merbabu

Mountain

Gunung Merbabu is a dormant volcano towering 3,145 metres above sea level. It is one of the most popular destinations for hikers in Central Java, especially for the breathtaking views of the very photogenic active volcano Merapi, which is closed to the public. [btn "Book your hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-merapi] Although the summit of Merbabu is no longer in…

Read more
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi

Volcano

Gunung Merapi is a stratovolcano with an elevation of 2,910 metres and at the very foot of the volcano is the city of Yogyakarta. The centre is about 30 km away from the summit as the crow flies. Mount Merapi is Indonesia's most active volcano and large eruptions occur about 1-2 times a year. The eruptions usually do not directly threaten the inhabitants of the surrounding towns, but the volcano has taken many lives, especially of tourists. …

Read more
Parangtritis
Parangtritis beach

Black sand beach

Parangtritis Resort is the closest place from Yogyakarta where you can enjoy swimming in the ocean. Due to its proximity to the city and its beautiful 3km long wide beach, Parangtritis is especially popular with locals. Very few foreign tourists come here. While the beach is very busy on weekends, it is much more relaxed on weekdays and you can enjoy much more peace and quiet. Beach facilities Virtually the entire length of the beach is…

Read more
Plaosan
Candi Plaosan

Temple

If after Borobudur and Prambanan you still don't feel that you've had enough of temples, the Buddhist temple of Candi Plaosan located just a kilometre from Prambanan is certainly worth a visit. Plaosan was built in the 9th century as a symbol of the union of two rival families through a marriage between a prince from the Hindu Sanjayan dynasty and Queen Sri Kahulunnan of the Buddhist Sailendra dynasty. [btn "Show cheapest hotels in Yogyakarta"…

Read more
Bendhung Lepen
Bendhung Lepen

Park

Head to the southeastern outskirts of Yogyakarta to visit one of the city's newest attractions, especially popular with locals. If you have a few extra hours, a visit to Bendhung Lepen Park will be an interesting insight into local life away from the well-known tourist attractions. [btn "View the cheapest hotels in Yogyakarta" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-bendhung] In 2020, the sewer that…

Read more
Tebing Breksi
Tebing Breksi

Cliff

If you've visited all the sights in Yogyakarta and the temples around it and are wondering where to go on a trip outside the city, you should focus your attention on the interesting attraction Tebing Breksi, or Breksi Cliff. [btn "Book a hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-breksi] Tebing Breksi was formerly a limestone mining site, but in 2014 the mining was shut…

Read more
Plynuon Kalikuning
Plunyon Kalikuning

Bridge, Hiking trail, Waterfall

Head to the foot of Merapi volcano and walk across the Kalikuning hiking bridge, which leads through the valley of the same name with its many man-made water cascades. A short walk of about 1.5 km through a mountain valley with dense forests is a very pleasant diversion to Yogyakarta's bustling city and historical sites. [btn "Book your hotel in Yogyakarta in advance" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p…

Read more
Gedung Agung
Gedung Agung

Palace

Gedung Agung is one of the 6 presidential palaces located in Indonesia, and as such serves as the residence of the president when he is in Yogyakarta. As the former capital during the struggle for Indonesian independence, Yogyakarta enjoys a privileged position and the President stays here for several weeks a year. [btn "Best hotels near Malioboro" https://www.booking.com/city/id/yogyakarta.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-yogyakarta-vredeburg] …

Read more

Sign in to Cestee

... the worldwide travel community

Do not have your travel account yet? Sign up