YOGYAKARTA

Yogyakarta Overview 

Welcome to Yogyakarta, one of Indonesia most iconic travel destinations and home to an amazing array of sights, activities and events. Even first time visitors to Yogyakarta will quickly be enthralled by how fun and fascinating Yogyakarta really can be. For those looking a glimpse of the real Indonesia, or just a fun night out, Yogyakarta mixes old world charm with a modern and vibrant night life. Click the general information links below for further information.

Situated on the Indonesian island of Java, Yogyakarta is both the name of a province and the capital city within the province. Yogyakarta is commonly called the ‘cultural heart’ and ‘soul city’ of Java, thanks to its rich history, heritage and commitment to preserving Javanese tradition. Visitors flock to the city in their thousands to see its plethora of cultural attractions, among which are royal buildings, religious structures and fascinating museums. The Borobudur Temple is a highlight, often mentioned alongside Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Egypt’s Karnak Temple for its historical importance and architectural significance. The Sultan’s Palace, or kraton, is also high up on the city’s list of culturally significant sites. Yogyakarta’s commitment to preserving traditional Javanese arts such as batik, gamelan music, puppet shows, drama and poetry has give the city its reputation as a centre for culture. There are plenty of opportunities to appreciate these art forms in Yogyakarta, with regular displays and a number of annual festivals dedicated to showcasing the performing arts. Eating out in the city can be an enjoyable experience, with local eateries in Yogyakarta offering popular Indonesian dishes as well as local specialties. If trying the traditional food is an integral part of the holiday for you, then Yogyakarta won’t disappoint with its varied selection of street vendors, authentic eateries and upmarket restaurants to choose from.

The city is reached easiest via its own airport (Adisucipto International Airport), which services a number of domestic connections as well as limited international flights. For most people, the easiest way to reach Yogyakarta is via an international flight to Jakartaand then a domestic transfer to Yogyakarta. Alternatively, there are direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

With such large numbers of tourists arriving every year, the city has developed its visitor infrastructure and consequently offers a good selection of accommodation options. Reputable hotel chains such as Sheraton and Hyatt Regency are present, alongside a large selection of mid-range and budget options.