Indonesia - Java
Yogyakarta is the capital of the island of Java. Located in the south center of the island, it is home to art, temples and culture. City of 400,000 inhabitants, student city, you can easily spend 3 days there during your visit. Discover in this article the places to see in Yogyakarta:
1 - A sunrise in Borobudur
You must have seen the temple of Borobudur during your research on Indonesia. 9th century Buddhist temple, ie built around the year 800 and abandoned around the year 1100 is still open to visitors!
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It is a shrine dedicated to Buddha and a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists.
It has many "bells" called "stupas" and the building forms a mandala from the sky !! Unbelievable.
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If you approach the stupas closely you will be able to discover a Buddha sitting inside, in each of them!
I advise you to go there for the sunrise .
You'll have you up early, around 4am. It is 90 minutes drive from Yogyakarta.
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They will first take you to a garden to admire the sun rise over the mountains, the colors warm up and the mist dissipating in the forest. A moment filled with calm and magic .
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You can then go to the Borobudur temple as soon as it opens. Beware, there are already quite a few people in the early morning!
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The temple and its engravings are impressive in themselves, but the 360 ​​° view of the volcano and nature is breathtaking.
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2 - Prambanan, the largest site in Indonesia
Unlike Borobudur, Prambanan is a Hindu temple. With more than 240 temples originally, this site is the largest in Indonesia.
Many are unfortunately in ruins
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The journey takes about 1h30 from Borobudur to Prambanan.
The sculptural work there is impressive!
NOTE : drones are prohibited on the 2 temples, thank you for respecting, even if the desire is tempting.
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How much does it cost ?
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Two temples combo pass € 39.48
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Transport Borobudur + Prambanan return + breakfast € 10.97
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Hills Sunrise entrance € 1.88
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Entrance fees to these temples are high, especially for Asia. These are the most expensive that I have seen. But believe me, to see them once in a lifetime is definitely worth it !
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You can find this kind of pass in a travel agency, at your accommodation or on the internet.
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Note : be careful, organized tours often benefit tourists and the price is much higher! Example: to see the sunrise in Borobudur I paid € 1.88, on the internet they offer € 20 !!!!
3 - Underground Mosque
Underground Mosque or "Summer Gumuling" is an underground mosque. A wide pyramidal staircase is bathed in daylight.
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This mosque is part of a larger complex. This one opens at 9am, I recommend you to go early.
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4 - Water Castle
Water Castle, or Taman Sari is a complex whose architecture is a mixture of Javanese and Dutch culture.
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These baths were occupied by the Sultan's harem of women.
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5 - Street art in the streets of Montrijeron
Yogyakarta is an artistic city. You just have to walk around Montrijeron to enjoy the beautiful murals.
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6 - Malioboro street
Large street in the center of Yogyakarta where you can shop, stroll through the markets, buy souvenirs.
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Watch out for art dealers who are mainly tourist scams.
7 - Eat!
Lots of small inexpensive cafes and restaurants are present in Yogyakarta especially in Jalan Prawirotaman Street.
So I invite you to relax at the end of the day and treat your taste buds!
++ If you have more time I advise you to add to your list:
Unfortunately, being alone I did not drive a scooter and renting a car with driver for the day was getting expensive for me. So I skipped some places.
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Becici Peak & Bukit Panguk Kediwung viewpoints
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Love Yogyakarta garden (Taman Gumuk Pasir)
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Sukorama Rice Fields
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Serebu Batu
How to get to Yogyakarta?
- International airport
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- From Jakarta by train € 16.10
- From Malang by train € 11.10
Where to stay
There are all types of accommodation in Yogyakarta. Hotels, inns, homestays ... for all budgets.
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I stayed at the Jempol Homestay, the comfort is basic but the owner so welcoming! He even took me at 4 a.m. to the meeting point for the minivan going to Borobudur.
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For € 6.27 per night in a room only . I recommend you to go ! Be careful, however, you will have to walk a little bit to buy food or borrow a free bike from the owner.
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I hope this article has made you want to visit the capital of Java! Do not hesitate to ask me questions in comments or tell me your impressions of Yogyakarta during your visit !