DESTINATIONS
YOGYAKARTA
INDONESIA
Yogyakarta (often called “Jogja”) is a city on the Indonesian island of Java known for its rich cultural heritage. I fell in love with the local community here with everyone spending time together talking outdoors. The people were so friendly and welcoming, we stopped to chat and take photos with many of them.
THE BASICS
LANGUAGE: Balinese, Indonesian, English
CURRENCY: Indonesian Rupiah
CLIMATE: Tropical (hot & humid), Rainy season is Oct – April
DRESS CODE: Casual, Lightweight clothing as it can get very hot
GETTING AROUND: Grab, GoJek, Local taxi, Motobike
COST OF VISITING: $ – Hostels start at $4 per night and street food is a little as $2 to $3 (USD) per meal
TIPPING: Tipping is not expected but a nice gesture, some restaurants add a service charge to the bill
SAFETY: Generally a safe place, watch out for pickpockets as you would in any other city
PACKING ESSENTIALS: Sunscreen, Mosquito Repellent, Poncho
VISA: No visa needed for tourist visits under 30 days for US citizens, Must have passport valid for at least 6 months
GETTING THERE
FROM ADISUCIPTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JOG)
Adisucipto International Airport is located about 6km from the city center. A taxi from the taxi counter will cost you around 85,000 IDR. If you would prefer to pay slightly less, you can find a normal taxi with a meter on the right of the exit from national departures.
WHERE TO STAY
HOSTELS
Jalan Minggiran Baru No. 19, Mantrijeron, 55141 Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Map)
A cute funky little hostel with an indoor pool and several seating areas. Walking distance to the main part of Jogja where all of the restaurants and markets are located. They also offer motorbike rentals for about $5 USD per day.
WHAT TO DO
SEE THE SITES
Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah (Map)
A 113 foot high Buddhist pyramid. Each level contains buddhas sitting enclosed in stones carved into a bell shape. With the volcano in the background, this is the perfect place to watch the sunrise. I am not usually one for touristy destinations but this was one of the most beautiful sites I have seen in Indonesia.
Gombong Village, Kembanglimus, Borobudur, Magelang 56553, Indonesia (Map)
Located close to the Borobudur Temple, the chicken church is a giant church shaped like, well, a chicken. It was built by an Indonesian man who had a ‘vision from God.’ You can climb to the top and see the view out of the chicken’s beak or roam around the really creepy rooms in the basement. Definitely a strange place.
Jalan Waduk Sermo, Kokap, Hargowilis, Kalibiru, Kabupaten Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta 55653
(Map)
A park organized by locals overlooking the green forest and mountains below. Here you take a jeep ride up a steep hill to the top where several wooden platforms are located. You can pay a small fee to climb up to the top and have several professional photos taken of you with the beautiful landscape in the background.
Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No. 16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa,
Togyakarta 55571 (Map)
A UNESCO world heritage site consisting of 240 temples, some which are 47 meters high. We didn’t have the chance to go here but the temples are stunning. Definitely on my list for next time.
HANG WITH THE LOCALS
Jl. Ngadisuryan | Alun-Alun Kidul, 55133, Indonesia (Map)
Southern City Square is a great place to come and see what local life is all about. Here you will find families sitting down to have picnics, people walking around the park, and VW bugs with neon lights all over them. There are two large Banyan trees in the center and legend has it that if you can walk through the middle of the trees blindfolded, that you can make a wish and your dreams will come true.
EAT
Chill atmosphere. A nice cozy place to relax and have dinner. Connected to a cute shop and this restaurant also offers cooking classes.
$$-$$$, Southwestern, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly
Jl. P. Mangkubumi No. 52, Gowongan, Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta 55233 (Map)
A beautiful lounge with fusion cuisine and a bakery. You may even get a teddy bear painted on the top of your coffee. 🙂
$$-$$$, Italian, French, Pizza
Jl. Tirtodipuran No. 24 A, Mantrijeron, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta 55143 (Map)
Another cozy restaurant with a chill atmosphere. Serving French and Mediterranean cuisine.
A restaurant offering authentic Thai cuisine. Also offering Western food and vegetarian friendly options.
$$-$$$, Asian, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly
Jln. Prawiritaman No. 127B | Parangtritis, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, 55153, Indonesia (Map)
Very cute bohemian-ish restaurant.
$, Asian, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly
Jl. Faridan M Noto No. 7, Kotabaru, Gondokusman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224 (Map)
A great spot popular with the locals. Gets crowded so try to get there early. Was told there can be lines but that it is totally worth the wait.
DRINK
Jl. Prawirotaman 2 No. 629, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
55153 (Map)
One of the few rooftop bars in Yogyakarta, Agenda is located on the top floor of the hipsterey Greenhose hotel. A really chill place to come and enjoy some jazz music on Wednesdays, acoustic on Thursday, R&B on Friday, and house music on Saturday.
Jl. Jlagran No. 18, 55272, Indonesia (Map)
A trendy new beer garden.
Jl. Sosrowijayan No. 2, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
55271 (Map)
Chill beer garden with relaxing tunes. Great place to have a drink to wind down your day.
Another local beer garden with a young expat and Indonesian crowd.