Who says Bali is the only vacation destination in Indonesia? Besides Bali, international tourists also flock to this amazing cultural city in the capital of Central Java, Yogyakarta, better known as Jogja. It won’t only be beaches and mountains that greet your sight, but old town streets and historical sites dating back to the Nusantara kingdom era. There are plenty of things to do in Jogja that you won’t get to experience elsewhere, especially when it comes to art and cultural attractions. From visiting the iconic shopping street Malioboro to visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site Candi Borobudur, I guarantee that Jogja will broaden your perspective on what it is like to enjoy Indonesia to the fullest. Here are the top 10 things to do in Yogyakarta and around, including some tips for first-time travelers!
- A night walk in Malioboro
- Enjoy the southern beach sunset at HeHa Ocean View
- Ubud in Jogja: Rumah Jembarati
- Glamor Camping with the Prambanan view at Pallatina Glamping
- Witness a hidden waterfall world, Curug Pulosari
- See the old Yogyakarta made alive through the History of Java Museum
- The Amazon River of Jogja: Taman Tempuran Cikal
- Welcoming the sunrise at Tebing Watu Mabur
- Afternoon tea time at Leyeh Leyeh Jogja
- Enter a new world through Goa Jomblang
Top things to do in Yogyakarta
A night walk in Malioboro
To start off the list we have the iconic Malioboro street near Zero Point in downtown Jogja. Almost every major hotels and shops are here, making it a hub for international tourists. There is great accessibility to transportation and accommodation as well here. Vehicles are prohibited to enter the street after evening, so you’ll see the streets packed with locals and tourists like you going from shop to shop buying Batik, keychains, street snacks, and other souvenirs. You can also ride the traditional horse-drawn carriage, or a dokar, to explore the neighboring areas!
Tip: The restaurants can be a little pricey for international tourists, so make sure to check the price before you order.
Enjoy the southern beach sunset at HeHa Ocean View
Yogyakarta is famous for its beautiful Southern Beach or Pantai Selatan, and the best way to enjoy it is from HeHa Ocean View. You might already hear about its sister location the HeHa Sky View where the sky and mountainside are the highlights. Located on a seaside cliff in the Gunung Kidul Area, this tourist spot offers a garden park with Instagrammable cafes and photo spots. So while you wait for the sunset, don’t forget to capture your best moments here!
More information on HeHa Ocean View: https://www.instagram.com/hehaoceanview/
Ubud in Jogja: Rumah Jembarati
Looking for a relaxing place to stay with a back-to-nature concept? Whether you’re a solo traveler or with a family, you should definitely try Rumah Jembarati (Jembarati House). With peaceful views of rice fields and the majestic Mount Merapi, this place can ease your worries and connect you back with nature for a rejuvenating holiday. There are several types of villas with different capacities, from 1 bedroom to 3 bedrooms for a group holiday. While staying here, do try the Little Garden restaurant for healthy and authentic vegetarian Javanese cuisine.
Book now: https://www.booking.com/hotel/id/rumah-jembarati.id.html?aid=396951
Glamor Camping with the Prambanan view at Pallatina Glamping
Camping while on your vacation? Why not! If you associate camping with sleeping in hard soil and tight tents, then you better redefine that definition. Glamping, or glamor camping, is the new way of luxurious camping with a soft mattress, air con, and even a TV. Guests can still get that adventurous camping feeling while still enjoying their stay comfortably. The Pallatina Glamping offers various tents and even a VIP one where you can wake up with the beautiful sunrise view of the Prambanan Temple right in front of you. A really fun experience to try in Yogyakarta if you don’t want to stay just in hotels!
Witness a hidden waterfall world, Curug Pulosari
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta, the Curug Polosari waterfall is a hidden gem for all nature lovers out there. The waterfall is located at the base of a cliff, so to reach the waters, you need to do some hiking and trekking. But don’t let it hinder you! As you hike through the forest and small rivers, you’ll get to bask in the beauty of nature right from the source. The waterfall falls down the hillside, forming a curtain of sparkling blue water surrounded by lush vegetation around it. After long days of sightseeing and shopping, dedicate a day for this to make the most of your vacation.
Tip: For first-time travelers, it’s better if you join a group of local or experienced guides.
See the old Yogyakarta made alive through the History of Java Museum
[Source: historyofjavamuseum.com]
As I mentioned before, Yogyakarta is known to be the center of Javanese art and cultural sites. If you want to know more about Yogyakarta’s history, then you have to visit the History of Java Museum. The museum is 30 minutes away from Parangtritis Beach. It’s equipped with advanced AR technology that makes the objects and artifacts look alive! Visitors need to download the museum application to support this. To make learning more exciting, this museum also invites visitors to travel back to the past through a mini theater that tells the history of Java, various kingdoms, and the spread of religion. There are also lots of photo spots!
More information on the History of Java Museum: instagram.com/thehistoryofjavamuseum/
The Amazon River of Jogja: Taman Tempuran Cikal
Dubbed the Amazon River of Jogja, Taman Tempuran Cikal displays a river adventure experience by canoe or speedboat. Cikal Tempuran Park is created as an effort by the local villagers to turn the riverside into a tourist spot to support the community. The residents work together to provide various facilities from restaurants, attractions, rides, and trails. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful, the river is also surrounded by bamboo forests, as well as decorations made by local artists.
More information on Taman Tempuran Cikal: https://www.instagram.com/taman_tempuran/
Welcoming the sunrise at Tebing Watu Mabur
Another sunrise spot for you to try is the Tebing Watu Mabur, literally meaning, flying stone cliff. If you are a lover of anti-mainstream holiday activities, be sure to try this tour of Bantul which is also famous for its bright Milkyway sky views. It’s also located near the Oya River and provides land for camping and outdoor activities. When visiting, you will see large stones scattered, as if flying. Besides the camping ground, Watu Mabur Cliff is also full of selfie spots with high art designs made of wood and stone. You can also rent a jeep to get around.
Tips: Come before dawn to enjoy the sunrise and morning mist.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/watumabur_camp/?hl=en
Afternoon tea time at Leyeh Leyeh Jogja
Yogyakarta is also known for its many aesthetic cafes and trendy restaurants selling the best of the local cuisine. One unique restaurant you should visit with your family and friends is Leyeh Leyeh Jogja. Leyeh-leyeh means lying down and relaxing, which is the whole theme of this restaurant. Instead of sitting at a table and chairs normally, you’ll dine on a Balinese-style hanging net seat with a river flowing underneath. But those who don’t want to sit there can sit on normal tables and chairs. Enjoy the weekend with the atmosphere of Kallurang accompanied by beautiful scenery and delicious food.
More information: https://www.instagram.com/leyehleyeh_jogja/
Enter a new world through Goa Jomblang
Featured in Amazing Race season 19, this cave was formed thousands of years ago from the subsidence of the soil and vegetation to the bottom that creates this sinkhole. Until now, vegetation like grass, fungi, ferns, and even large trees can be found here, alive and well for hundreds of years. During the day between 10 am and 2 pm, the sunlight that enters the cave through the hole above the cave and illuminates the trees, creating a truly stunning view. The location and the limit in visitors are reasons why making a reservation in advance is needed. Bring a change of clothes too, including an extra pair of socks, because you’ll get dirty here.
More information: https://www.goa-jomblang.com/
So those are the top 10 things to do in Yogyakarta! Stay tuned for more travel tips and recommendations.
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