9 Awesome Things To Do in Yogyakarta for First-Timers

9 Things to Do in Yogyakarta

1. Visit Borobudur at Sunrise

Borobudur is, hands down, one of the most famous landmarks in Yogyakarta. The Buddhist temple was constructed in the 9th Century, back when Buddhism thrived on the archipelago, and it consists of a big central dome surrounded by more than 70 stupas with Buddha images inside.

The temple is built in a multi-tiered layout, with all the stupas surrounding the main dome at each level. You can climb all the way up to the top, where you will be able to have a pretty stunning view over the landscape around Borobudur.

Due to its height, you will also be able to have a nice vantage point to watch the sunrise; hence, I highly recommend you visit Borobudur at sunrise.

Borobudur also gets extremely crowded during the day, with many Indonesians from other islands coming to Yogyakarta to admire the beauty of this temple in droves. The only time when you will get to enjoy this place in solitude is at sunrise.

There are many organized tours you can take to visit Borobudur at sunrise, most of which will pick you up at 4 AM. You will have a few exclusive hours at sunrise before the temple's gate opens to the public.

2. Bewildered at the Sight of the Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam)

What is the Chicken Church, you asked? Well... it is a church shaped like a chicken, duh! We were tipped off by a hostel owner about this place, and since it sounded pretty intriguing (I mean, who wouldn't want to see a chicken-shaped church?), and due to its location being near Borobudur, visiting the place was a no-brainer for me.

I chose to check out this place after we visited Borobudur. With our motorbike, we rode northwest from Borobudur and walked up a steep path to the top of a hill where the church was located.

This unusually-shaped church is actually designed to look like a dove, but due to how it appears from the ground to people, they decided to rename it to what it actually resembles: a chicken.

The church was built by a devoted Christian in the 90s, but due to the financial crisis and fierce resistance from the locals, it was never finished, and construction stopped in 2000, leaving it pretty much abandoned.

That said, due to many depictions of the church in films, the place has gained new fame and is now a tourist attraction in Yogyakarta for those who are looking to see something unique. You can even climb up to the top, but you might have to pay the entrance fee.

3. Be Amazed at the rare animals in Gembira Loka Zoo

Usually, zoos aren't exactly why I travel to a place. But since Indonesia is home to many rare animals, including the Komodo Dragons, and since I had never seen one before, I decided to give it a go. I visited Gembira Loka Zoo in Yogyakarta, and boy, was it worth seeing.

The zoo doesn't just have Komodo dragons; they also have a pretty impressive collection of other animals that you don't get to see every day, like the great tortoises and all kinds of creepy reptiles, which I'm not a big fan of. Snakes creep the bejesus out of me 😂.

If you are not planning to visit the Komodo Island anytime soon but you still want to witness the Komodo Dragons, the Gembira Loka Zoo is your chance to witness these magnificent beasts.

For more information about which cruise to pick, how many days and what to consider, check out:A complete guide on cruising around the Komodo Islands

4. Explore Taman Sari, the Water Castle

Taman Sari is an old, yet beautifully ornated, royal garden that was constructed in the 18th century by the Sultanate. The structure used to have many functions, but only the main bathhouse area and its artificial lake are well-preserved enough for us to visit.

Since the only preserved area is the main bath complex, that is why the place may also be referred to by tourists as the water castle. You can't actually swim in the lake, but you can stroll around, however you like, and there are many nooks and crannies to be discovered here.

There are also tunnels and underground places to explore at Taman Sari, like the underground mosque, so be sure to spare at least an hour here.

5. Visit Prambanan Temple

If you think Borobudur is big, wait until you see Prambanan temple, a 9th-century Hindu temple complex that is considered to be the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and one of the largest in the region.

The temple consists of the main structure with the spire reaching a height of 47 meters, while being surrounded by other smaller but still very impressive temples. Back in its glory days, there used to be more than 200 temples around here. It really shows just how impressive and grand this old Java ancient city was.

If you have not seen Angkor Wat in Cambodia, this place will blow your mind away. And even if you have seen it before, the place is still an interesting place to visit, as its architecture is rather different from those in Cambodia, with several structures adorning a sharp-spire design.

The place preserves the forgotten history of this part of the world very well, and if you are interested in the history of Indonesia, this is a great place to visit.

6. Relax at the Parangtritis Beach

Most people do not know that there is a beach you can visit in Yogyakarta. However, if you are looking for a nice beach spot to relax in, Parangtritis Beach is a great place to be.

It is pretty far from Yogyakarta, and it takes about 2 hours to get there. However, if you really crave a beach vacation in Yogyakarta, this is the best place to be.

Just be aware of the tidal currents when you're there. The tidal currents here can be very strong and can drag you out to the ocean in seconds. I wouldn't recommend swimming here if you're not a strong swimmer.

7. Go Caving at Jomblang Cave

Jomblang Cave is a collapsed sinkhole that is part of a larger network of caves outside of Yogyakarta, and it is a great place for people who are looking for a bit of adventure in Yogyakarta.

To get to Jomblang Cave, you are going to have to go on an organized tour and they will give you all the equipment you need for an adventurous time in the cave. You will be rappelled 60 meters down the sinkhole and spend almost 4 hours hiking around the cave's floor.

It is a great place to take a day trip if you have a few days to spare in Yogyakarta. If you are looking to visit Jomblang Cave, be sure to book the tour beforehand.

8. Go on a Walking & Food Tour

One of the best ways to explore a bustling Asian city like Yogyakarta is to go on a walking & food tour and discover the culinary delights of the light, sweet flavors of Javanese cuisine.

Since Yogyakarta is a university city and, like most university cities, there are a ton of affordable food options and nightlife to be had here. You won't discover them without going with a local tour guide. Hence, why I recommend you spend a night exploring Yogyakarta with a local guide.

On this tour, you will be visiting many famous places in the city such as Malioboro Road, Beringharjo Market, Alun Alun Utara, and more, and you will get to ride the becak rickshaw without having to haggle with them. If you want to dive deep into the city, there is no better way to do it than to go on a walking tour like this.

9. Explore Malioboro Road at Night

Last but not least, before leaving Yogyakarta, you should also go for a stroll along the major shopping strip of Malioboro Road at night to truly experience what Yogyakarta is all about.

During the day, Malioboro street is often empty and full of traffic, but the moment the sun disappears, the street turns into a bustling shopping area where you will find all kinds of handicraft shops, street food stalls, and plenty of opportunities for you to go people-watching.

It's like night and day (literally) at Malioboro Road, and you will be able to experience why Yogyakarta is so awesome.

To really make the best out of a night in Yogyakarta, I highly recommend you go on a walking & food tour as I recommended above. You will get to see everything in a few hours and without having to deal with all kinds of unwanted attention from salespeople on the streets. It's a win-win situation.

How to Get to Yogyakarta?

The best way to get here is to fly to Jakarta International Airport. I would recommend you browse through Skyscanner or Expedia to find a cheap flight from where you live to Jakarta, so you can pick the best one that fits your itinerary.

From Jakarta, you can take a train from either the central station (for late afternoon trains) or from the Pasar Senen station (for early morning trains). There are 4 trains per day, and you can most likely book it through your hostel, but you will have to pay for your ticket at the closest convenience store.

We paid ours at the Alfa Mart in the Old Town Square. The train took us around 7 hours, and we got off at the Lempuyangan train station. From there, it was only a 5-minute walk to our hostel. Yogyakarta has 2 train stations, so make sure you get off at the one nearest to your accommodation.

How to Get Around Yogyakarta?

Renting a motorbike is the best way to explore Yogyakarta with flexibility. We found a great motorbike shop on Malioboro street, and we rented it for a day for around 50,000 IDR, exploring the city at our own pace.

You can also hire a tuk-tuk or a taxi, but if you really want to experience Indonesia and its crazy traffic, you will have to be on the road with them.

What to Pack for Yogyakarta, Indonesia?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Yogyakarta, Indonesia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Indonesia

I hope this travel guide will help you plan your Indonesia trip. I have visited Indonesia more times than I can count, and I have written a ton of articles about the country.

If you are looking for more articles about Indonesia, here is a selection of articles that might help you plan your trip to Indonesia even further.

• Looking for a complete itinerary and travel guide for Indonesia? One Month Itinerary for Indonesia.
• Are you planning to travel to Indonesia as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• If you are visiting Bali for the first time, here is a travel guide to get you started: 10 BEST Places To Visit In Bali.
• Jakarta is a massive city unlike any other, and there is quite a lot to do here if you know where to look. Here are the 8 Best Things To Do in Jakarta.
• Did you know that there is an island in Indonesia that is free of tourists? One of them is Karimunjawa, a true hidden gem island of Java. Here’s a complete guide on how to travel to Karimunjawa Island.
• Looking for an article that summarizes a trip through the Java island? Check out my photo essay of Java, Indonesia.
• Lombok is now gaining in popularity, but one of the best things you can do on the island is to trek Mount Rinjani, a volcano on a lake in another volcano on an island. Here's a complete guide on how to trek Mount Rinjani.
• Gili Trawangan is one of the most popular Gili islands in Lombok, and even though it’s crowded, you can often find solitude if you know where to look. Plus, it is affordable. Here’s an article about exploring Gili Trawangan.
• Komodo Island is one of the most unique experiences you can never experience anywhere. Here’s a backpacking travel guide on how to explore the Komodo Islands (what to do, which cruise to pick, and more).
• Flores is another great island that deserves way more credit than it receives. There are the Komodo islands, Kelimutu tri-colored lakes and much more. Here is a 10-day travel guide for Flores and Komodo Island.
• Talking about Kelimutu, here's a complete travel guide on how to get to Kelimutu lakes in Flores.
• Are you planning your Indonesia trip as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? If so, be sure to check out my photographic journey through the subcontinent. Here are 64 photos that will inspire you to visit Southeast Asia.
• Wondering where you want to go next? How about Timor-Leste? Visit Timor-Leste Travel Guide page for more travel guides about Timor-Leste.
• To see all articles about Indonesia, visit my Indonesia Travel Guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for Southeast Asia? You can find more on my Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.