Situated at the foot of Mount Merapi, in the Opak plain in the southeast of Java island, Yogyakarta, also called Jogjakarta, is regarded as the cradle of Javanese civilization. It is brimming with historic sites and monuments that will delight visitors of all ages and interests, whether history enthusiasts or not. This city also offers unusual places, charming accommodations with intimate and warm settings, and exciting activities that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

Brief History of Yogyakarta

From the eighth century until the early tenth century, Yogyakarta was governed by Indianized kings. However, for reasons that remain unclear, around 928, the sovereigns transferred their capital to eastern Java, and the region remained deserted until the birth of a new power at the end of the sixteenth century, centered around Kota Gede. This kingdom, the Mataram empire, founded by Panembahan Senapati, reached its peak under the reign of his grandson (Sultan Agung), from 1613 to 1645. However, internal problems as well as conflicts with the Dutch and the Madurese forced the latter to change capitals. Nevertheless, court intrigues continued until the intervention of the Dutch, who divided the Mataram kingdom into two.

The sovereign's rebellious brother established himself in Yogyakarta, took the title of sultan, and called himself Hamengkubuwana, a name retained by all his successors, reigning over one of Java's most powerful kingdoms in the eighteenth century. Sultan Hamengkubuwono X is the tenth and current sovereign of the Yogyakarta Sultanate. In this capacity, he is governor of the special territory of Yogyakarta by virtue of the Piagam Penetapan, the "Charter of Preservation." This document, signed on August 19, 1945, two days after Indonesia's independence proclamation by President Soekarno, declares the position of Sultan Hamengkubuwono IX and Prince Paku Alam VIII maintained as sovereigns of their respective states, in compensation for their integration into the republic.

Today, Yogyakarta has become the artistic, historical, and economic center of Java. Between tradition and modernity, you will spend thrilling vacations there.

What to See in Yogyakarta?

Borobudur Temple

About an hour's drive north-east of Yogyakarta stands one of its main tourist attractions: Borobudur temple. This monument holds the title of the world's largest Buddhist monument. Dating back more than 1,200 years, it is adorned with thousands of reliefs depicting the life of Buddha. As you ascend its stone terraces, you will discover bell-shaped stupas housing Buddha statues. The sunrise from Borobudur is a magical moment you will not want to miss.

Prambanan

Listed on the UNESCO World Heritage, Prambanan is also a must-see when visiting Yogyakarta. This complex of ninth-century Hindu temples is known worldwide for its impressive carved stone structures. Several temples dedicated to Hindu deities such as Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva stand here. You will love observing their detailed bas-reliefs, illustrating mythological epics such as the Ramayana.

While Borobudur is prized for its sunrise, Prambanan is often visited in the afternoon to enjoy its breathtaking sunset. It is located less than an hour from central Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta's Kraton

The Kraton of Yogyakarta is the sultan's royal palace and the cultural center of the city. Built in the eighteenth century, it is a magnificent example of Javanese architecture, with elegant pavilions, open courtyards, and lush gardens. When visiting the Kraton, you will discover exhibitions of royal treasures, traditional crafts, and gamelan musical instruments. In the morning, attend performances of classical Javanese dance or wayang kulit shadow puppetry. The Kraton is a 14-hectare stronghold that offers a fascinating immersion into Yogyakarta's culture and history.

Taman Sari

Another historic site to see in Yogyakarta is Taman Sari (Garden of Flowers). Built in the eighteenth century, it served as a retreat for the sultan, complete with swimming pools, pavilions, and lush gardens. Today, you can explore its picturesque ruins, discover the royal baths, and lose yourself in its maze of secret passages.

Malioboro Street (Jalan Malioboro)

Malioboro Street is Yogyakarta's main thoroughfare, always lively and vibrant, day and night. It is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. You will find souvenirs, batik clothing, handcrafted items, and more. The sidewalks are lined with food stalls where you can taste local specialties like gudeg. In the evening, street musicians and local artists enliven the atmosphere. Strolling along Malioboro means diving into the heart of Javanese culture and experiencing the unique vibrancy of Yogyakarta.

Beringharjo Market

As you wander down Malioboro Street, do not miss a detour to Beringharjo Market. Founded in 1925, it is the oldest and largest traditional market in the city. It embodies Yogyakarta's merchant spirit and offers a vast range of products, from traditional batik fabrics to spices and local crafts and souvenirs.

Mount Merapi Volcano

The special territory of Yogyakarta is not limited to its historic monuments. Natural attractions can also be visited in the region, and Mount Merapi, 30 kilometers north of the capital, will not disappoint. Why? It is one of the world's most active volcanoes, with 49 explosive eruptions between 1548 and 2010. It displays spectacular landscapes with steep slopes and an imposing crater. Viewpoints allow you to observe this force of nature more closely. Adventurers and the curious can explore its ancient traces of fury.

Other Tourist Sites in the Special Territory of Yogyakarta

Those mentioned above are only some of the jewels you can visit in Yogyakarta and its surroundings. Other lesser-known but equally fascinating sites await you. Among these, we mention Fort Vredeburg, a legacy of the Dutch colonial era; the tourist villages of Tembi, Pentingsari, and Nglanggera, where you can learn to play gamelan, weave janur, perform traditional dances, and more; and the Jomblang cave, which reaches a depth of 300 meters and offers an extraordinary speleological experience.

What to Do in Yogyakarta?

Attend a Ramayana Ballet Performance

The Ramayana ballet is a traditional performance of the Hindu epic Ramayana, very popular in Indonésie. It is executed with stylized dances and gestures, accompanied by a gamelan orchestra. Prambanan is the ideal place to attend this performance in Indonésie.

Watch a Wayang Kulit Theater Show

Wayang Kulit is a traditional form of Indonesian shadow puppet theater. It captivates both locals and tourists. Several places in Yogyakarta, including the Kraton, organize such performances.

Taste Local Cuisine

Yogyakarta will also not disappoint those wishing to explore exotic flavors. The city's specialty is Gudeg, a dish made from young, unripe jackfruit. Do not forget to try Bakpia and Jamu as well!

Enjoy the Beaches

Beaches are also among the natural wonders of the special territory of Yogyakarta. The province's coastline is dotted with beautiful stretches of sand, including Parangtritis, Indrayanti, Pok Tunggal, Siung, and Krakal.

When to Visit Yogyakarta?

The Yogyakarta region enjoys a hot and humid tropical climate. The rainy season extends from October to April, with brief showers occurring early in the morning and late afternoon. The dry season, meanwhile, begins in May and ends in late September. This is the best time for tourism.

From Jakarta

Yogyakarta's international airport is connected to Jakarta's. The city is also accessible by train from the Indonesian capital. The journey takes between 6 and 8 hours. Travelers can choose between economy class and luxury class.

From Bali

Of course, Yogyakarta is also connected by air to Bali. From the Island of the Gods, it is also possible to reach the city by alternating maritime and land transport. However, be prepared for a long journey!

From Paris

If you are not yet in Indonesian territory and plan to begin exploring this beautiful country via Java, know that there are connecting flights linking Yogyakarta to the capital of France.

In Yogyakarta, public transport is provided by buses, minibuses, cycle rickshaws called "becak," and horse-drawn carriages called "andong." Taxis equipped with meters are also available. If you wish to use cycle rickshaws or horse-drawn carriages, negotiate the price first. It is possible to rent a car in Yogyakarta, and the best option is to choose a car with a local driver. You can also rent motorcycles or bicycles.