Welcome to Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th centuries and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Yogyakarta was known with the slogan of “Jogja The Never Ending Asia" for its endless appeals. Today, it is also renowned as “Jogja Istimewa“, a tagline that elaborates its special values.
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This city is one of the foremost cultural centers of Indonesia. From strolling through the living museum of The Kraton or The Keraton (Sultan’s Palace), to hanging out at the famous Alun Alun, to watching silversmiths produce amazing jewelry at Kotagede and maybe try a splurge shopping up at Malioboro road. Chasing sunrise in famous temples like Prambanan and Borobudur in the neighboring town of Magelang, are only some of the many more ways to never get bored in this relatively small yet bustling city.
The Wonders of the Ancient Heritage
You can experience all five wonders in this artsy city. Starting from indulging in the natural wonders, by visiting scenic beaches and photogenic landscape. Parangtritis, Indrayanti, Pok Tunggal, Siung, Krakal, and Jogan are some of the famous beaches in town. Breathtaking points such as Puncak Becici, Pinus Pengger, and Jurang Tembelan are only several of plenty more exciting back-to-nature destinations in Yogyakarta!
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For culinary wonders, don’t forget to try the Gudeg first, special cooking of traditional Javanese recipe that is iconic to this city. The Bakpia, is a traditional snack with many enticing flavors that are popular for souvenirs. For a beverage, you can try the Jamu, a natural herb mix beverage based on ancient tradition used for natural remedies.
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Batik is the national treasure based on the Javanese word of “amba” and “titik”, meaning to write the dots. It is an art of decorating fabric using wax and dyeing process. Yogyakarta has a signature batik pattern that is usually made with a bright white basic. Some of the motifs are namely The Parang Kusumo, Kawung, and Truntum, each was created with the special philosophy behind its every dots.
There are Batik Tulis, Batik Cap, Batik Print, and the mixed result of the techniques. The most expensive is the Batik Tulis, which are made of 100% hand paint ornaments. It will become even more expensive if it is made from precious silk fabric. Making a fine quality Batik Tulis can range from a day of production to a meticulous months-long process, depend on the size and sheer complicated details of the design.
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Wayang is also an amazing art heritage known from Yogyakarta. There are the Wayang Kulit or leather puppet, played on a shadow puppet show by the dalang or puppet master through a screen lit by lights. Wayang Orang is the life-size performances depicting the same philosophical messages from ancient stories and is presented by men and women in elaborate traditional costumes.
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You can discover the Recreation wonders, by visiting the tourism villages in Yogyakarta. Tembi, Pentingsari, and Nglanggeran are three of the places that you can start with. Experience the authentic daily life of the locals, and learn some new skills, such as playing the gamelan, weaving janur, and perform a Javanese traditional dance!
Adventure wonders are also aplenty in Yogyakarta. Starting with exploring Mount Merapi National Park, riding the thrilling jeep ride, and hiking Mount Nglanggeran, an ancient volcano located in a beautiful village.
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Rock climbing can be done in Siung beach, while cave tubing is a major attraction in Goa Pindul, and If you're looking for some underrated, high-adrenaline experience, then Goa Jomblang is the perfect place for you. Located in Jetis Wetan Village, Goa Jomblang is an enormous, 80-meter deep vertical cave that is naturally decorated by karst formations and plants, such as stalagmites, stalactites, crystal stones, and ferns. You can also find a swift-flowing underground river here. Not only cave experts, but beginners can also enjoy the wonders of this cave as they will be given directions by a cave guide here.
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Yogyakarta is indeed a city with numerous attractions to enjoy. All of this and many more to explore has brought Yogyakarta as the second most visited destination in Indonesia after Bali.
Must-See Attractions
Prambanan Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site That Will Make You Marvel
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Prambanan Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. The temples of Prambanan are a masterpiece of Javanese architecture, and they are sure to leave you in awe. This is a must-see for any visitor to Yogyakarta, and it is a great place to learn about the history and culture of Java.
Yogyakarta Palace
The Official Palace of the Yogyakarta Sultanate
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The Yogyakarta Palace is the official palace of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. It is located in the center of Yogyakarta City and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The palace was built in the 18th century by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I.
Malioboro Street
The Heart of Yogyakarta
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Malioboro is a street located in the center of Yogyakarta City. It is one of the icons of Yogyakarta City and is a popular place for shopping, dining, and enjoying the city atmosphere.
Borobudur
The World's Largest Buddhist Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
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It is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Candi Borobudur is a must-see for any visitor to Indonesia. It is a stunning example of Buddhist architecture and culture, and it is a powerful reminder of the rich history of this region.
The Srimpi
Srimpi, a ceremonial dance of Java, Indonesia, is closely tied to the Royal Palaces of Yogyakarta and Surakarta. It embodies the elegance of the Javanese court, symbolizing both the ruler's power and the refinement of Javanese culture.
Wayang Kulit
Wayang Kulit, a traditional shadow puppetry from Java and Bali, Indonesia, features rear-projected puppet figures on a linen screen illuminated by coconut oil or electric light. The dalang, or shadow artist, manipulates carved leather figures to bring shadows to life. Narratives typically revolve around the theme of good vs evil.
Batik
Batik, originating from Java, Indonesia, is a wax-resist dyeing technique applied to cloth. Artisans use a canting or a cap to draw or print wax, creating patterns. The wax resists dyes, enabling selective coloring by soaking the cloth, removing wax, and repeating for multiple colors.
Gudeg
Gudeg is a traditional Javanese dish made from young unripe jackfruit stewed with palm sugar, coconut milk, and an array of spices such as garlic, shallot, candlenut, coriander seed, galangal, bay leaves, and teak leaves. This sweet stew, often described as 'green jackfruit sweet stew,' is a culinary specialty of Yogyakarta and Central Java, Indonesia.
Bakpia Pathok
Bakpia Pathok is a small, round-shaped Indonesian sweet roll, originally influenced by Chinese cuisine, commonly filled with mung beans. However, contemporary variations include chocolate, durian, and cheese.
A specialty of Yogyakarta, these sweet rolls originated in the Pathok suburb.
Sate Klathak
Sate Klathak, a distinctive goat or mutton satay dish originating from Pleret District in Yogyakarta, is grilled on iron skewers using mainly salt and a pinch of pepper for marination. Unlike bamboo skewers, the iron skewers act as heat conductors, ensuring even cooking. Typically served with richly spiced gulai (curry soup), the satay is a unique culinary delight from the region.