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Yogyakarta, one of the oldest cities on the island of Java, is today Indonesia's most important university city. Throughout history, it has been a center of Javanese culture and art. Various civilizations have constantly collided and merged in Yogyakarta. During the 1945-1949 War of Independence, Yogyakarta served as Indonesia's capital, and it remains the only province in Indonesia ruled by a sultan. After visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Bagan in Myanmar, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, is sure to be your next destination.
Yogyakarta, also known as Jogjakarta, is an ancient city in Indonesia and the capital of the Yogyakarta Autonomous Region. Located in southern Central Java, it is adjacent to Mount Merapi and borders the Indian Ocean to the south. As one of the country's three provincial-level special administrative regions, it is directly under the jurisdiction of the central government. The city covers an area of 32.5 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 430,000. It is a major cultural and educational center in Indonesia and a showcase for traditional Javanese culture.
Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta) is a special administrative region in south-central Java, Indonesia. It borders the Indian Ocean to the south and covers an area of 3,169 square kilometers (1,224 square miles). Its western half consists of a coastal plain, 24 kilometers (15 miles) wide at its widest point, with the soil formed by lava and volcanic ash. To the east, it is an extension of the Kendang Plateau, which runs east-west and reaches the coast. The main rivers in the region, the Ojo (including its tributaries, the Opak) and the Progo, flow southward into the Indian Ocean.
Currently, there are no direct flights from China to Yogyakarta. Garuda Indonesia operates flights from Beijing and Shanghai via Jakarta, and from Guangzhou via Jakarta and Denpasar. AirAsia operates flights from Chengdu and Hangzhou via Kuala Lumpur. There are numerous daily flights from Bali, offering affordable fares at various times.
Yogyakarta's old city is tranquil and elegant, rich in Indonesian traditions. It boasts a mild climate, averaging 25 degrees Celsius. As the birthplace of Javanese culture and art, the ancient capital boasts a rich history of literature and dance, numerous reliefs and statues, and numerous institutions of higher learning, the most renowned of which is the Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia's oldest law and politics university. Castles, palaces, and pavilions left behind by Dutch colonists can be found within the city. The city's suburbs are home to numerous historical sites, including the world-renowned monumental Borobudur and the exquisite Prambanan temple complex, both of which are tourist favorites. It's worth noting that Yogyakarta attracts over one million tourists annually, rivaling only Bali in Indonesia in terms of tourist appeal.
Borobudur, located approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, is the world's largest Buddhist architectural complex and a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site. Borobudur, meaning "stupa on a hill," was likely built around 800 AD, but its construction remains a mystery, as there is no written record of its origin. However, based on relief carvings and royal inscriptions, it is believed to have been built by the then-rulers of the Sailendra dynasty, which ruled Java.
"Shalentra," translated as "King of Mountains," was later sunken by volcanic eruptions, remaining hidden in dense tropical jungle for millennia until it was excavated by Dutch explorers in the early 19th century. Upon arriving at Borobudur, you'll be awestruck by its sheer majesty. Constructed of local volcanic rock, the 10-story structure comprises six massive square platforms, three circular platforms, and a central dome. Its base stretches over a hundred meters, and its total height exceeds 40 meters. The stupa boasts over 2,600 relief carvings and over 500 Buddha statues, which can be fully admired by climbing the steps. The stone walls of the corridors on each floor are covered in vivid relief carvings, each intricately crafted with a variety of designs. Some depict Buddhist stories, while others vividly depict daily life, livestock, flowers, birds, fish, and insects. The Buddha statues, large and small, each with their own unique expressions and postures, are truly captivating, providing a truly captivating spectacle.
Climbing to the summit, you'll see the central, pointed dome, surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated within hollow stupas. The scene is truly awe-inspiring. You can peer through the hollow stupas to see the Buddha statues within, while a few, partially exposed, tower over humans and draw the eye. On clear days, the summit offers a panoramic view of Mount Merapi, and the seated Buddhas seem to gaze into the distance, just as you do, creating a truly captivating scene.
Borobudur is also a perfect spot for sunrise viewing. Many people make the trip in the quiet of the early morning to wait for the sun to rise, illuminating the stupa and Buddha statues. The view is tranquil, magnificent, and breathtaking. However, to see a stunning sunrise, it's essential to depart from downtown Yogyakarta before 4:00 AM, as arriving later won't guarantee a good spot. Also, check the weather in advance to avoid fog and clear skies. A museum located north of the stupa is included in Borobudur admission. The museum explains the meaning of the reliefs, making the stupa even more captivating. In addition, every June, the Mahakarya, a spectacular performance, takes place in an open-air theater, showcasing the conception and construction of Borobudur through traditional Javanese dance.
Tips:
If you wish to watch the sunrise or sunset at Borobudur, you must purchase a tour package from the nearby Manohara Hotel. The tour will take you to the temple, and includes breakfast or afternoon tea, along with a light meal. Sunrise tours allow entry as early as 4:30 PM, while sunset tours allow departures as late as 6:30 PM. Sunrise tours are also available in downtown Yogyakarta, with round-trip transportation. Please inquire with your hotel for details.
2. About 3.5 kilometers east of Borobudur is Mendut Temple, which is also worth a visit and can be reached by bus.
Prambanan is Indonesia's most magnificent Hindu temple complex. Having suffered numerous volcanic and earthquake damage, over 50 temple ruins remain. Built between the 8th and 10th centuries AD, Prambanan shares many similarities with Angkor Wat in Cambodia, both in architectural style and sculptural subject matter. The temple complex comprises three courtyards, with the outer two floors largely in ruins. Only a few temples remain on the innermost level. The three grand main temples are dedicated to Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu, while three smaller temples honor their mounts, the sacred bull, the sacred goose, and the sacred eagle.
Like Borobudur, Prambanan Temple is constructed of volcanic rock, its walls covered in exquisite relief carvings, though the themes are largely drawn from the Indian epic Ramayana. Compared to Angkor Wat, while telling the same story, the artistic style and depictions differ significantly. Prambanan Temple is also known as Lorojonggrang Temple, the name of an ancient princess. Legend has it that Hercules, wishing to marry the princess, refused and demanded that he build 1,000 temples overnight. With the help of his friends, Hercules completed 999 temples before dawn. The princess, hastily imitating the crowing of a rooster, urged the arrival of dawn. In desperation, Hercules transformed the princess into a temple, finally completing the total of 1,000 temples. This legend demonstrates the immense scale of Prambanan Temple in its heyday.
Tips:
1. There are often pickpockets on buses to Prambanan, so please do not carry too much cash and valuables, and keep your backpack within your sight.
2. Prambanan is famous for its sunset and is suitable for visiting in the evening.
3. There is an open-air theater in the temple. Every few days before and after the full moon, the dance drama "Ramayana" is performed there, which is worth seeing.
4. Everyone will be given a local sarong when they enter the door, and remember to return it when you leave.
5. The main tower has a limited number of people, you need to queue up and wear a green helmet when entering.
Completed in 1756, the Yogyakarta Palace is located in the heart of Yogyakarta. It was designed and built by Hamengkubuwono I, the first king of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. While the palace is modest in size, it stands as a symbol of Javanese royal architecture. The palace and grounds are lavishly decorated, with the Golden Pavilion (Bangsal Kencana) at its center a breathtaking sight. However, the palace itself appears somewhat dated. To this day, the palace is still inhabited by the Sultan's royal family, who employ local residents to provide them with a comfortable lifestyle. Art performances are held daily at 10:00 AM, which are included in the entrance fee and are not required.
Tips:
Fake tour guides and scammers are rampant around the Yogyakarta Royal Palace. They will falsely claim to take you inside the palace, but in reality, they'll lure you into an art gallery and force-sell merchandise for a commission. The palace has two entrances and ticket offices: the official entrance is located northwest of the palace; the unofficial entrance, where these fake guides and scammers operate, charges 5,000 rupiah.
Located southwest of the Yogyakarta Sultanate's palace, the Water Palace is a complex of canals, ponds, and palaces. It once served as the palace's luxurious entertainment park, swimming pool, and a waterway for the Sultan and his entourage. This elaborate retreat was built between 1758 and 1765 by a Portuguese architect. Initially damaged during the Java Wars of Diponegoro, it was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1865. Today, most of what remains are remnants of the original, with the landscaped bathing pool, the most iconic feature of the Water Palace, being a later reconstruction.
Tips:
When visiting the water town, beware of fake tour guides and scammers selling batik near the entrance.
Entering the underground corridor of the garden from the Water City, you will encounter a building called Sumur Gumuling. This circular building with an open air in the middle was once a mosque. The center of the building is a unique elevated platform with five flights of stairs leading to it.
Tips:
The location of Gumuling Temple is very secluded, so you must find an experienced driver to lead the way when you visit it.
There is basically no information about this coral island located in the southern suburbs of Yogyakarta in China, but it is a very popular tourist attraction in foreign countries. Even the Korean show "Running Man" has filmed here.
To reach the island, one must use a wooden cable car or suspension bridge, crossing a 100-meter-wide channel. Built in 1997, the fully manually operated cable car is called the Adrenaline Gondola, literally translating to "adrenaline-inducing gondola." While riding, the waves surge high enough to hit passengers' feet. The gondola seats only two people and requires only simple tools to operate. Despite its simplicity, monthly maintenance and daily inspections by staff have ensured a total of 20 years of operation without an accident. This is all thanks to 54-year-old Siswanto and his crew, who use a primitive yet rigorous method to help visitors reach Tenno Island.
Tips:
Tianwang Island is rich in lobsters, and you can enjoy a lobster feast here at the most affordable price.
Michio Hoshino said: "Life is a long journey, always in pursuit of the light of life." This is a recently developed attraction in Yogyakarta. To receive the baptism of heavenly light in the cave, you must be suspended at high speed to a depth of over 50 meters, traversing streams and muddy underground tunnels to see the "light of life."
Tips:
The sinkhole is located in Semanu, a three-hour drive from Yogyakarta, and only about 40 people are allowed to enter it each day.
Mount Merapi is one of the world's most active volcanoes, its crater shrouded in constant smoke, as if poised for its next eruption. Towering 2,911 meters above sea level, it overlooks Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple, and Prambanan. This massive volcano poses a significant and disturbing threat to the thousands of people living nearby. Over the past century, the volcano has erupted dozens of times, most recently in 2006. Merapi's eruptions have brought untold devastation to Yogyakarta, while Borobudur Temple and Prambanan were destroyed not by human intervention or erosion, but by the volcano itself.
However, frequent eruptions haven't stopped people from continuing to live in the mountains. The population density is 690 people per square kilometer, and Mount Merapi is home to hundreds of small towns. Kaliurang is the closest settlement to Mount Merapi, and several hotels in the town offer volcano tours. Some of the owners are knowledgeable about the volcano, and some offer terraces with stunning mountain views.
Tips:
Mount Merapi is one of Indonesia's most dangerous volcanoes, erupting with alarming regularity. During quieter times, it's easily accessible from the north, starting in the town of Selo. However, during periods of high activity, climbing from any direction is prohibited.
Like many other volcanoes in Indonesia, you can choose to climb Merapi in the middle of the night, reach the summit 4-5 hours later before sunrise, and then spend another 3-4 hours descending the mountain. Alternatively, you can climb during the day the previous day, stay overnight in a tent on the mountain, and then climb back down the next day, so you can see both the sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain.
3. The slopes on Merapi's summit push are quite steep in some places, but the footholds are not crowded, with plenty of large rocks and small patches of ground to rest on. The entire summit has a moderate slope, so even if you slip, you'll just fall flat on your butt, not likely to roll or fall.
4. On the side of Mount Merapi is the scenic mountain resort of Kaliurang. You can also go to the volcano viewing point from here. The reference price for group tours is US$15 per person.
This Instagram-famous spot, located southeast of Yogyakarta's old town, offers panoramic views of the city. Ever since the towering pine forests have been graced with unique tree-branch art installations, it has become a daily draw for European and American tourists. April to November is the peak season, with low rainfall and an average temperature of 28°C, making it a great time for outings, picnics, and camping.
Tips:
There is no entrance fee for Pinus Pengger. You only need to pay the parking fee, which is 3,000 Indonesian rupiah (about 2 yuan) for motorcycles and 10,000 Indonesian rupiah (about 6 yuan) for private cars.
In Yogyakarta, time seems to have stood still. The attire and duties of the royal guards have remained largely unchanged for centuries. Rush hour traffic still snarls in front of the ancient royal palace. The gentle sounds of gamelan echo across the city alongside throbbing disco music. Although 95% of the population is Muslim, the pagan wonders of Borobudur and Prambanan are meticulously preserved. In Yogyakarta, you can truly feel every trace of time.
