Yogyakarta (Jogja), Java Travel Guide

Yogyakarta had long been a must-visit place in Java, Indonesia. It is also interchangeably known as Jogjakarta or Jogja or Yogya (you decide!) by travelers and locals alike. From all the places you must visit in Java, this is the one place you cannot miss.

Yogyakarta is packed with all the intricacies of a good travel place withhidden treasures of bygone days, narrow alleys and main streets of delights, a vast array of delicious food to try, arts and cultures dotted everywhere, and rich histories. Most importantly it is near to two of the largest ancient temples of Buddhist and Hindhu, both equally magnificent and humbling in its own way. Being a city of half a million people, Yogyakarta is further packed in with travellers from all around the world, thanks to the tourist attractions that it offers. Come here and find out what it means by truly travelling Indonesia.

Where is it

Yogyakarta is located in Central Java, just slightly at the south with

Why go

Come here to discover the two ancient temple which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Indonesia – a foreboding unique circular Buddhist temple Borobudur and a magnificent legendary Prambanan. Not to mention the city is filled with arts and cultures and rich in history with Kraton Palace and the Water Castle. Plus the food here is the epitome of Javanese cuisine. The people is nice and the place well connected with the Transjogja bus.

Borobudur at Central Java

When is the best time to go

Best time to go to Yogyakarta would be the dry season which is generally April to October so that you can get the best out of your time without having rain dampening your activities. But it is still possible to travel in the rainy season for it usually only rains in the evening so you can still do everything in the day. The day starts really early here with the city bustling by 6 am.

Where to stay

There are literally hundreds of budget hotels, guesthouses and hostels in Yogyakarta to choose from. Since it is a really popular tourist destination, you can be sure you will find good quality backpackers place or hostels around the town. Most of the budget hostels can be found at Sosrowijayan Street which is just next to Malioboro Street *. This place is by far the most strategic location to stay being in centre of all the tourist attractions. But another travelers’ favourite is Prawirotaman Rd, 3.5km south of the city center, which also boasts many hostels and to top it off good cafes for you to chill in.

What to see

Being one of the top tourist place, Yogyakarta have many tourist attractions around the city. Here is some of what I thought the best tourist attractions you must see in Jogja.

Prambanan – well known ancient Hindu temple built in the 9th century for Trimurti as an expression that God is the Creator (Brahma), Preserver (Vishnu) and also the Destroyer (Shiva). The temple compound lies just 18km east of Yogyakarta and can be easily reached with the Transjogja public bus, which is by far the cheapest and best option to visit Prambanan. It is one of the Indonesia UNESCO World Heritage Site, being one of the largest Hindu temple architecture in Southeast Asia.

Reading at Kraton Palace, Yogyakarta

Kraton Palace– This is a palace from the days of the Sultans of Yogyakarta, with its own unique architecture and many heirlooms of the glory days. Be sure to get a guide to walk you through the palace (it’s free) so that you will understand and appreciate better the history and culture of Jogja.

Taman Sari (Water Castle) – This castle is a massive complex served as a former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and it has its various functions including a surreal bathing place. The blue pool stands starkly against the pink buildings making it almost surreal.

Candi Sambisari – among the many Candi (temples) scattered around Yogyakarta, this one stands out as it used to be buried five metres underground for hundred of years until the first slab of stone was discovered in 1966 and it had been slowly reconstructed since then. Moreover it is a good stopover on the way to Prambanan.

Bathing pool at Taman Sari, Yogyakarta

What to do

Shopping – Shopping in Yogyakarta will be a delight with the likes of shops along Jalan Malioboro and Pasar Beringharjo that offers so much of Indonesian goods like rattan products, silver jewelries, food, household items and handmade products.

Golf – Many tout that this is the finest place to play golf in Indonesia, with the famous 18 holes golf course located at the slopes of Mount Merapi. You can enjoy the scenic view of the mountains while playing golf, somewhat of a golfer’s paradise. This famous golf course is designed by the international firm Thomson Wolveridge & Perret.

Golf with Mount Merapi as backdrop, Yogyakarta

What and where to eat

Gudeg – touted as the City of Gudeg, this dish is a must to try. It is an unique Indonesian dish is a stew made from young jackfruit (nangka) with palm sugar, coconut milk, meat, garlic and spices. The special taste came from the slow melding of flavours and textures to the right perfection. Get a taste of gudeg at the longest standing establishment – Gudeg Yu Djum.

Ayam Goreng – also famous for its fried chicken/ Free range chicken are meld with flavours of garlic and coriander and then fried to perfection. A place to try this is Ayam Goreng Mbok Berek

Gudeg Yu Djum, Yogyakarta

Nasi Langgi – it is something that locals eat most of the time, warm rice served with various dishes which you can choose your own. Get them at the small stall in Gandekan Street.

Angkringan – used to be sold by people using a hopper as storage, now it can be found in restaurants. This humble dish consisted of a small serving of rice with sambal and wrapped inside a banana leaf. The most popular angkringan is Angkringan Lik Man, also known as Angkringan Tugu as it is located near the Tugu station.

Kopi Joss – don’t forget also to try out this Javanase espresso dipped with burning coal, Indonesia’s answer to a good old coffee.

For slightly higher budget but worth it, you should try out Gajah Wong. I have to say the food here is up to standard and I might even go as far to name it the best restaurant in Yogyakarta. You can find the finest Javanese cuisine here. If you are at the right time, you may also be accompanied by the Javanese gamelan music which would be performed live.

Food at Gajah Wong, Yogyakarta

How to get there

By flight
Fly into Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport, just 8km east of town, it is one of the very convenient airport hub. Garuda serve many frequent flights to here and also connects to Denpasar few times a day. Other Indonesiandomestic airlines also fly here from Jakarta, Denpasar, Surabaya and other major cities. International flightslike Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines flies to Yogyakarta from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Air Asia also fly from Singapore to Yogyakarta.

How to get around

Taxi – most taxis here are metered and normally trustworthy to use in comparison to Jakarta. Most fare around town would not cost more than 15,000 Rp.

Becak (Trishaw)
One of the novel way to get around Yogyakarta is on a Becak, which you can feel the city as you go by. Remember to haggle the price before getting on.

Becak (trishaw), Yogyakarta

Bus
The best bus to take here is Transjogja, which connects nearly every corner of Yogyakarta and even up to Prambanan. Look out for the bus stops, scattered around the town, to get on one. For the routes, you can always ask the attendant at the stop for assistance. A single trip usually cost around 3,000 Rp. When you are ready to get off, either flag at the driver/helper or else just knock on the windows like the locals do.

Ojek (motorbike taxi)
Many people are walking around especially on Malioboro, who would want to service you with their motorbike, just remember to haggle for the price before getting on any. It is a good choice to avoid traffic during rush hour.

Car
You can always rent a car with a driver here, driving is not really recommended with the crazy Indonesian traffic. Rental may varies around 400,000 Rp for a full day.

Transjogja and its bus stop, Yogyakarta

Where to go nearby

Borobudur– 1 hour drive from Yogyakarta, this 9th century temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world and is one of Indonesia UNESCO Heritage site. It consists of six square platforms with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha status. Thousands of Buddhists does their pilgrimage here in Borobudur during Waisak day.

Surakata (Solo) – a nearby town famous for its Batik.

Parangtritis beach – the nearest beach to Yogyakarta, the locals flock here during the weekend.

Surabaya – next major city from Yogyakarta, here you will use it as a springboard to many other places with the second major airport of Indonesia. You can also make way to Mount Bromo from here.

Prambanan at Yogyakarta

Travel Tips

Stay safe here as petty crimes are rampant with such like pickpocket, especially on local bus. Also, watch out for many scams that prey on tourists here, the most famous it the one that tries to get you to see how students make batik in an art centre and then try to sell to you at crazy prices.

What To Know Before You Go Bali

Expect crowds

One of the most touristed islands on earth, Bali isn’t exactly an untouched paradise. But while it can be difficult to escape the throngs ofsouth Bali and Ubud, determined solitude seekers will be pleased to find loads of secluded corners beyond these primary tourist centres. Tip: head to the central mountains, or Bali’s more chilled-out north and west coasts.

Choose your base carefully

It pays to put some thought into your Bali base, as chaotic traffic and hot weather are likely to make you stick close to your hotel or guesthouse rather than wander far on foot or sit in stuffy taxis. If you’re looking for real R&R, Kuta probably isn’t your thing. If you want to shop up a storm and eat more than your body weight in fine food, a week on Nusa Lembongan isn't likely to leave you fully satiated. Find your perfect spot with the help of Lonely Planet's 'first time Bali' guide.

The fresh, tropical juices on offer in Bali make it easy to stay hydrated. Image by Samantha Chalker / Lonely Planet

Don’t fret about 'Bali belly'

Strict dietary habits are no longer required to prevent spending your Bali break within two steps of a toilet. Once upon a time, salads, cut fruit, ice cubes and most meats were on the danger list, but hygiene standards have improved markedly across the island, and many kitchens offer good quality organic produce. While dodgy prawns will always be out there, by staying hydrated, avoiding notorious local liquor arak and consuming street food with a degree of caution, the dreaded Bali belly should be kept at bay.

Dress for the occasion

Beachwear doesn’t always cut it in Bali – many higher-end bars, restaurants and clubs enforce a dress code. If you’re unsure, call ahead to save the potential embarrassment of being turned away.

Spiritual and religious devotion plays a key role in Balinese life. Image by Samantha Chalker / Lonely Planet

Respect religious customs

Religion rules the roost in Bali. Don’t get your knickers in a knot when a street is blocked off for a ceremony or your driver pulls over mid-trip to make a blessing – this is all part of the magic of the island. Plan accordingly if your travel dates fall on Nyepi when everything in Bali (even the airport) shuts down for the day, and always dress modestly (covering the shoulders and knees) and conduct yourself appropriately when visiting temples and holy sites.

Prepare for a mixed bag of price tags

It’s still possible to visit Bali on a shoestring by staying in guesthouses, dining at warungs and shopping at local markets, but you can just as easily blow your life savings as drinks, meals, spa treatments and room rates at high-end establishments are priced similarly to that in Australia, the UK and the US. Look out for online discounts and happy hour deals.

Bali's monkeys are known for their thievery. Image by Samantha Chalker / Lonely Planet

Be cautious of wild and stray animals

Give wild and stray animals a wide berth. They may look cute, but rabies and other diseases are serious risks in Bali and monkeys are notorious for their thieving ways. Bali’s stray dogs are numerous, and often in pretty bad shape. If you’re keen to make a difference, consider making a ‘doggy donation’ to Bali Dog Refuge (balidogrefuge.com) which helps to rescue and rehabilitate the island’s stray pups.

Avoid plastic water bottles

Bali’s heat and humidity calls for constant hydration, but consider the environment before purchasing another bottled drink. An estimated three million plastic bottles are discarded in Bali each month; help reduce this figure by investing in a stainless steel bottle that you can refill; most good cafes and restaurants have a water filter available that you can use for free or for a small fee. Earth Café in Seminyak has stainless steel bottles available for purchase.

Learn some local lingo

A few basic words of Bahasa Indonesia will take you a long way in Bali. Try selamat pagi (good morning), tolong (please) and terima kasih(thank you), for starters.

Just another rainy day in Seminyak, Bali. Image by Samantha Chalker / Lonely Planet

Remember that low season often means rainy season

Be mindful of Bali’s rainy season (January to April and October to November) when planning your trip. Discounts can be great, but if you end up spending your holiday cooped up indoors, you may be left wondering if making the trip was worth it. Fortunately, the rains are often limited to brief afternoon downpours, so your holiday isn't likely to be a total write-off.

Bargain respectfully

You can bargain for many items and services in Bali, but do so respectfully and with a smile on your face. You’ll know when the vendor has reached their limit, and at that point don’t push it. When in doubt, walk away – if the seller doesn’t come after you, you can be sure they aren’t prepared to drop their price any lower.

Get your head around the current visa situation

In early 2015, Indonesia waived its standard 30-day tourist visa-on-arrival (VOA) system for 45 countries; visitors from most other nations (including Australians) must purchase the VOA. While extending a 30-day visa is possible, it can be a tricky business. Speak to a reputable visa agent on the ground, or contact your nearest Indonesian consulate prior to departure. At the time of publication, 60-day visas could be arranged in advance, but not in-country.

Play by the rules

The Indonesian legal system may seem confusing and contradictory, but it's best not argue with police if you are accused of an infringement that may feel unjust, and pay ‘fines’ with good grace. Do not expect any special treatment for being a foreigner, and it goes without saying that having anything to do with drugs is a very bad idea.

Respect the ocean

Even if you’re an avid beach-goer and surf worshipper, Bali's powerful waves, strong currents and exposed rocks can be treacherous, so take care, and don't swim alone unless you are completely confident in doing so. Show equal respect for the beach by not leaving any garbage (including cigarette butts) behind – when the tide comes in, it'll be sucked into the ocean at great cost to the marine ecosystem.

Lombok : Beaches, Surf and Diving that Rival Bali’s

In recent years, Lombok is getting more press and recognition as a top travel place, where many people are touting it as the next Bali or the alternative to Bali or the Bali before the commercialization. Though Lombok itself may not appreciate such references but it cannot be helped as it is located right next to the famous Bali that needs no more introduction in the world traveling scene.

That said, Lombok had actually been famous in the circles of independent travelers for many years. Everybody knows this so called best kept secret which is not much of a secret anymore. this is because Lombok has lots to offer from beaches to diving spots to surfing and even a volcanic mountain, Mount Rinjani that is famous for hikers and trekkers.

Lombok, Indonesia

The indigenous Sasak takes up 90% of Lombok population and are Muslims with their own culture and language. The name Lombok is actually derived it which literally means straight (ahead). But more tourists said that the name actually means chili as it means so in Bahasa Indonesian. Nevertheless, both holds some form of meaning and relation to this island.

Where is it

Located between Bali (east of) and Sumbawa (west of), Lombok is the best of the both worlds.

Travel Map of Lombok, Indonesia

Why go

Gili Meno, Lombok, Indonesia

Relatively still unspoiled in comparison to its neighbor Bali, Lombok boasts many natural tourist attractions like beaches, waterfalls, volcanoes and mountains and crystal blue sea.

Besides the local culture from the indigenous Sasak is very much still alive and the way it from old times while the businesses around is still very much run by the local people.

Come here for the famous tourist attractions in Lombok like the threeGili Islands that so many travelers talked about, the magnificent hike up Mount Rinjani, surfer’s paradise at Kuta beach, and beautiful beaches at Senggigi’s long stretch of sweeping bays.

When is the best time to go

Most of the time is a good time to go to Lombok, being like the rest of the Indonesian weather and climate, it is dry and hot with then some rain at certain times of the year.

The best time to go to Lombok would be the dry season if you want to fully enjoy every moment and that is June – February. Though peak season will see many tourists especially during July/August or December/January.

Also, come here during February or March, to catch a glimpse of the first nyale (wormlike fish) at the huge fishing festival. The indigenous Sasak people of Lombok will commemorate a mythical princess who had drown in these waters to escape a politically arranged marriage. This festival is done the same time with the season of these wormlike fish, where they are caught and eaten roasted in banana leaves with much enthusiasm.

Mount Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia

What to see

Mawun Beach Lombok – this quiet and beautiful beach is one of the favourites of independent travelers as there are fewer people here while the waters are beautiful and the sand white and soft. This is a kind of protected cove that is ideal for swimming as the coral/rocks are far out. Though be careful as the place is quiet, there are reported thefts around when things are left unattended.

Sendang Gile Waterfall, Lombok, Indonesia

Sendang Gila Waterfall (or Sindang gila), which means slightly crazy waterfalls. If to go with its namesake, it is crazily beautiful with tall and looming waterfalls amidst the jungle backdrop. Unfortunately though the place is now well known thus tourist touts haunt this place.

Air Terjun Tiu Kelep (waterfalls) is your next best choice if you want a less touristy alternative. This waterfall is another 1-hour walk in and it is advised to get a local guide to show you the way as the path could be tricky. Here you will have a deep pool to swim in or for the adventurous to jump off the rocks or use a tunnel with the concrete shoot as a water slide.

Sukarare – for those who are interested in local arts and handicraft, here you can find a weaving village in Desa Sukarana (village). The things here are cheaper in compared to shops in Senggigi.

What to do

Diving – Lombok is one of the best diving sites in Indonesia, having features such as drop-offs, plateaus and slopes among fascinating corals and diverse marine lives. You may find Hammerhead sharks here and other wild marine life.

Diving Lombok, Indonesia

Surfing – also another top with being one of the best place to surf in Indonesia, Kuta beach is known as the surfer’s paradise. One of the famous secret yet not so secret anymore surf place is The Desert Point. There are also good surf breaks here in surf spots like Mawi, Mawun and Point X along the southern coast of Lombok.

Surf Desert Point, Lombok, Indonesia

Trekking Mount Rinjani – the second highest volcano in Indonesia after Mount Kerinci in Sumatra, is one of the most popular volcano trekking in Indonesia. This is because it offers amazing adventurous hike that promises breathtaking view at the peak. The demanding trek that requires two days to conquer the mountain will make it all worthwhile when greeted by the view at the summit.

What and where to eat

Nasi Campur, Lombok, Indonesia

Lombok work holds similarity to the word chili, and what more than to pay homage to its name and give yourself a taste of it. Be careful you might get burn but it is worth it as it comes in a form of sambal that unsurprisingly the locals know well to make it dangerously delicious. Sambal is a spicy condiment that you may dip with most of your local Indonesian food or it may be also cooked into some dishes already like curry or grilled meat.

Best local dish is ayam taliwang, which is chicken coated with rich red sauce of galangal, turmeric and tomato, and it can be hot or not depdening on where you get it. Generally inexpensive food to eat here is the mixed rice (nasi campur) where you can choose a variety of dishes of meat and vegetables to go with your rice. Sambal would be your universal condiment of choice here.

Where to stay

At Lombok, you best best for good accommodations are at Senggigi beach. There are many choices for budget or backpackers here. Though there are many travelers who would go to Gili Islands as a place to stay instead. Kuta beach can also be a choice where it is more serene and back to traditional village environment.

How to get there

Flights
Lombok has its own international airport (Bandara Internasional Lombok), Indonesia domestic airlines fly from places like Bali, Jakarta, Surabaya and Medan. International flights are limited to Singapore by Silk Air and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (with a stop at Surabaya) by Garuda Airlines and Air Asia. There are seasonal charter by Nordwind Airlines to/fro Russia. Take note of departure tax of around 25,000 Rp for domestic and 100,000 Rp for international. Check here for visa requirements to Indonesia.

From the airport to the center of Lombok, you may take the airport bus that serve routes to Mataram or Senggigi. Else you can always opt for taxi, though be careful and look for genuine ones or metered taxi.

Long boats at Lombok, Indonesia

By Boat
You can take ferries from Bali to Lombok, which departs every hour and take about 4-5 hours at the cost of around 36,000 Rp. There are also fast boat options from Bali to Gili Islands in Lombok.

There are also ferries that connect Poto Tano in Sumbawa to Labuhan in Lombok. Perama tour is the largest orpeator in this where it also serves from Bali.

How to get around

Car – you may hired the usual Bluebird taxi or Express taxi to go around Lombok on ad hoc or you can rent a car which cost from range of 150,00 Rp to 450,000 Rp depending on type. It would be best to also hire a driver as driving here is quite challenging with ambigous roads system.Bemo – the usual popular land transport for Indonesia, a sort of minivan that normally covers short distances in a place. Here you can go from Ampenan to Senggigi for a bout 5,000 Rp per person. Again take care of your belongings as you use this crowded public transport.

Motorbike – you may also rent motorbike from various places costing around 50,00 Rp, do take great care when riding around as the roads in Lombok is not well maintained while the motorists can be quite notorious sometimes. You may also hire ojek (motorbike taxi) as you go.

Horse cart – may seem like a novelty but it is quite common here for short distances. It is known as cidomo. Just agreed on a price before climbing up.

Boat – you may hire boats to connect from Lombok and various islands. Traditional fishing boats known as perahu can be chartered or you can talk to the owners directly.

Where to go nearby

Gili Islands – just off the coast of Lombok and not too far west from Bali, these islands are the best bet to get your ultimate remote islands exprience.

Bali – this famous next door island has actually many to offer. Check out our Top 10 Must Visit Places in Bali.

Uluwatu Temple at Bali, Indonesia

Flores – Visit Flores for the almost untouched island, where you can trek to see the Tri-colored lakes in Kelimutu,Komodo Dragon, swim in calm pool with waterfall backdrop, enjoy your meal and mingling with locals amidst view of lush paddy fields and smoking volcanic mountain. You can even dive or snorkel off various amazing dive sites.

Sumbawa islands – an island truly off the beaten track to further challenge Lombok in this arena. It is also known as one of the best places to surf in Indonesia and even the world. The place may be lacking in facilities but it made up in natural beauties.

Gili Islands, Lombok, Indonesia

Travel Tips

Many travelers gave advice to be especially careful of thefts in Lombok. Keep your things well attended and lock your luggage, there are even thefts at the beaches

For women and solo travelers, try not to go to quiet places in the dark.

Language can be tough here as most people speak only Sasak instead of the usual Bahasa Indonesian or what more English.

Also, dress appropriately to respect the custom, especially when visiting holy places, but generally as well as revealing clothes are not recommended. The tip is to carry a sarong or a shawl around all the time so that you can wrap on over swimwear or whenever needed.

Also note that there are no alcohol serve on this island. There are also reported cases of dengue fever and malaria.

In short, come to Lombok for the beautiful beaches, the powerful waves for surfing, the untouched sea fordiving, magnificent waterfalls and unchanged culture and people under the wonderful weather of sun and breeze.