Where to Stay in Yogyakarta: The Cultural Heartbeat of Java

About Yogyakarta

Welcome to Yogyakarta: Java’s Cultural Heartbeat!

The dynamic arts and cultural hub of Magelang, Yogyakarta or Jogja is the defining highlight of Java Island in Indonesia. It is famous for its rich heritage, hospitality of its people, and taste-bud-wrestling culinary diversity, which makes a traveller free to explore the city in their own way. The bustling Malioboro Street and the atmospheric Borobudur and Prambanan temples truly and relatively encapsulate the traditional and modern mix within Yogyakarta.

Must-Visit Attractions in Yogyakarta

• The Borobudur Temple is known to be the world's largest Buddhist temple. Its stupendous architectural design and the serene panoramic view during sunrise are indeed impeccable.
• Prambanan Temple, the other UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan, is a Hindu temple complex that is the largest in Indonesia. Its fine details depict stories extracted from the epic Hindu stanzas. Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, the royal palace of Yogyakarta, is a great place to go to learn and experience Javanese culture and history. 
• Taman Sari Water Castle was a park built as a royal retreat centre. It includes a moat, underground passages, and mediaeval architecture.
• At Malioboro, which is a hub for the people, you can find the busy retail area, which is a must-see place, besides the street food areas of Yogyakarta and the night market, which is filled with liveliness. 
• Keraton Yogyakarta is a magnificent royal palace that is the cultural heart of Yogyakarta, showcasing Javanese architecture, traditions and the Sultanate’s history.
• Batik Museum is a museum of Indonesia’s beautiful batik, with lots of collections, historical facts and interactive programs to teach you the trade.
• Sonobudoyo Museum has a wide range of collections, traditional puppets, masks and historical weapons to see Javanese culture and history.
• Kaliurang Volcano area is a beautiful escape with cold mountain air, scenery and hiking and exploring volcanic terrain.
• Merapi Volcano is one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, offering thrilling tours, stunning views and information about volcanic activity and local geology.
• Parangtritis Beach is a popular coastal area with a big sandy beach, stunning sunset and surfing, horseback riding and local folklore discovery.
• Indrayanti Beach is a beautiful resort with white sand beach, clear water and beachside cafe, perfect for relaxation.
• Gumuk Pasir Parangkusumo has sand dunes that form a desert-like scenery and is famous for sandboarding, photography and sunset watching.
• Watu Goyang is a beautiful rock formation that offers a panoramic view of Yogyakarta and popular for trekking, photography and nature lovers.
• Prawirotaman is a lively neighbourhood known for its boutique hotels, trendy restaurants and arts scene, a unique cultural experience in Yogyakarta.

How safe is Yogyakarta for tourists?

With a proven track record of safety, it can be counted that Yogyakarta is one of the safest places. There is the cuddly factor created by the locals who will be warm and sociable towards the visitors, the low crime rate of the area, and the fact that it is not hard to go around. Of course, just as in the other tourist spots, it is still suggested to be aware of your surroundings and be careful with your things.

What is the weather like in Yogyakarta?

Yogyakarta has a humid subtropical climate that results in hot weather year-round. There are two main seasons.

The dry season is from May to October, which is the most favourable time to visit Jogja due to lesser humidity and rainfall.

Rainy Season (November to April): Expect a bit more rain, but it is still warm as usual. Plus, most of the time the attractions are less busy.

How do I travel from Singapore Airport to The City Centre?

Bus (Trans Sarbagita) 

• Consult the office clerk
• 07.00 – 19.00 every day

Airport Train

Railink is the Airport-Yogyakarta International Airport train, the one that goes from Tugu Yogyakarta Station to Wates Station and back.

The train trip from Airport to YIA lasts 39 minutes. Ticket orders are accepted on all ticket buying methods, not just online transactions. Purchase online using the Airport Train App, Railink Website, or KAI Access. In addition to this, the vending machines and the station information desks also accept non-cash payment methods.

Taxi

At Bandara Internasional Yogyakarta, such as Grab, Gojek, and Maxim applications are available. Transactions are made via the app itself. Once your baggage is ready, you can proceed to wait around the gate “Lawang Papat” waiting area outside of it. They will pick you up right on the meeting point. They would happily help you out with anything you need if only you asked them directly while at their own pick-up point which has been designated to pick up customers.

What are the top restaurants in Yogyakarta?

• Bale Raos

Jalan Magangan Kulon No.1, Kraton

Pamper yourself with a Javanese style high-class restaurant in a place meant for the king, a.k.a. Sultan Hamengkubuwono.

• The House of Raminten

Jl. Faridan M Noto No.7, Kotabaru

Quirky decor and traditional Javanese cuisine presented in a lively, theatrical setting.

• ViaVia Jogja

Jalan Prawirotaman No.30

A paradise just for the travellers with a magical setting where Indonesian and western cuisines are served and where they focus on the long term trying to bring up the quality of the food they produce.

• Tempo Gelato

Jalan Prawirotaman No.43

Beat the heat with the town’s best handmade gelato which presents an array of flavours you won’t bring to town.

Best shopping malls in Yogyakarta

• Malioboro Mall
• Jalan Malioboro No.52-58
• Giving off an event's vibe, yet nestled in the heart of shopping heaven – here you get everything from locals and some up to the minute brands around the world.
• Plaza Ambarrukmo
• Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No.80
• Beyond that, the retail site features various buildings from high-end brands with the availability of a cinema, as well as multiple eateries.
• Jogja City Mall
• Jalan Magelang KM 6 No.18
• Refining the western of shopping with Javanese architectural style that creates a unique retail store is a high-quality experience that is offered here.

Budget Hotels in Yogyakarta

Jl. Malioboro No. 52-58 Suryatmajan, Danurejan , Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55213

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Yogyakarta Tugu Station: 528 m
• Lempuyangan Station: 1.01 km
• Malioboro Street: 43 m
• Malioboro Mall: 46 m

Jalan Sosrowijayan No.33, Malioboro, Malioboro Street, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Yogyakarta Tugu Station: 285 m
• Lempuyangan Station 1.22 km
• Pusat Dagadu & Batik Djokdja (Shop & Gifts): 93 m
• Malioboro Mall: 293 m

Jalan Gerilya, MGIII/599, Brontokusuman, Mergangsan, Yogyakarta, Prawirotaman Street, Mergangsan, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55153

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Giwangan Terminal: 2.96 km
• Alun-Alun Selatan Keraton: 1.14 km
• Keraton Pakualaman: 2.27 km

Jalan Melati Wetan No 42, Baciro, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55225

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Lempuyangan Station: 1.61 km
• Malioboro Mall: 2.57 km

Jl. Sawit Sari M1 Condongcatur Depok Sleman, Depok, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55281

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Condong Catur Terminal 777 m
• Hartono Mall Yogyakarta: 1.22 km

Top-Rated Luxury Hotels in Yogyakarta

Jl. Sawit Sari M1 Condongcatur Depok Sleman, Depok, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55281

• Check-in: From 15:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Yogyakarta Tugu Station: 1.78 km
• Lempuyangan Station 2.01 km
• Malioboro Mall 2.15 km

Jalan Laksda Adisucipto No.81, Depok, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55281

• Check-in: From 15:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Plaza Ambarrukmo: 209 m
• Condong Catur Terminal: 3.02 km

Jl. Urip Sumoharjo No.37, Klitren, Kec. Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55222

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Galeria Mall Yogyakarta: 320 m
• Lempuyangan Station 1.16 km
• Malioboro Mall 2.06 km

Jl Palagan Tentara Pelajar, Ngaglik, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55581

• Check-in: From 15:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Jombor Terminal: 1.55 km
• Condong Catur Terminal 2.97 km

Jalan Padma, Palagan, Ngaglik, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55581

• Check-in: From 15:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Jombor Terminal: 1.19 km

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Yogyakarta

The following places to stay are pet-friendly, with their own policies.

Jl. Kabupaten Km. 3,5 Trihanggo Gamping, Mlati, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55291

• Check-in: From 15:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Halte Transjogja Gamping: 2.37 km
• Toko Oleh-Oleh Bakpia Kencana Ambarketawang 2.44 km

Pet Policy

• Pets allowed
• Ganesh by Suasana Villa welcomes your pet with a specific policy.

Jl. Balong - Degolan, Donoharjo, Ngaglik, Ngaglik, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55581

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Jombor Terminal: 8.31 km
• Pusat Oleh Oleh Jogja Aqila Jaya 4.22 km

Pet Policy

• Large and small pets are allowed.

Jl. Tarudan, Bangunharjo, Sewon, Bantul Yogyakarta, Sewon, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55188

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 12:00
• Giwangan Terminal: 2.80 km

Pet Policy

• Large and small pets are allowed.
• Wabisabi Villa welcomes your pet with a specific policy.

Jl. Kabupaten Km. 3,5 Trihanggo Gamping, Mlati, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55291

• Check-in: 13:00 - 22:00 
• Check-out: 05:00 - 11:00
• Jombor Terminal 1.46 km

Pet Policy

• Small pets allowed

Jl. Pandean Sari I No 19 Candok Condongcatur Kec. Depok Sleman DIY , Depok, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, 55281

• Check-in: From 14:00 
• Check-out: Before 11:30
• Condong Catur Terminal: 262 m
• Plaza Ambarrukmo: 2.87 km

Pet Policy

• Small pets allowed

Must-Try Local Dishes in Yogyakarta

• Gudeg: A sweet jackfruit stew that people eat with rice, chicken, and eggs. Yogyakarta claims this dish as its own.
• Nasi Kucing is a street snack many enjoy. It has small amounts of rice with different toppings.
• Bakpia: Sweet buns with mung bean paste inside, perfect to take home as a gift.
• Sate Klathak: Goat meat on skewers cooked with just salt and pepper, unlike other dishes.
• Ayam Geprek means fried chicken that's crispy, served alongside spicy sambal.
• Klepon are sweet cakes made of rice. They have palm sugar inside and grated coconut outside.
• Sego Pecel: Rice paired with different vegetables and a sauce made from spicy peanuts.
• Es Dawet is a drink people find refreshing. It is made from rice flour, milk from coconuts, and syrup from palm sugar.
• Soto Lenthok is soup with chicken. It comes with cakes made of rice and lenthok, which are fried cakes made from cassava.

Family-Friendly Attractions in Yogyakarta

• Taman Pintar Science Park: Kids can try hands-on science displays and cool experiments.
• Gembira Loka Zoo: You'll see many types of animals making it great to visit with family.
• Kids Fun Park: This place has rides and games that children love.
• Jogja Bay Waterpark: It's one of Indonesia's biggest water parks, with exciting slides and swimming areas.
• Sindu Kusuma Edupark: Families can enjoy a big Ferris wheel and other fun rides here.
• Alun-Alun Kidul: This public area lets you ride tandem bikes and glowing pedal cars.
• Pinus Pengger Forest is a peaceful pine forest known for its scenery, instagrammable installation and walking path for nature lovers.
• Parangtritis Beach is a popular coastal area with a big sandy beach, stunning sunset and surfing, horseback riding and local folklore discovery.
• Indrayanti Beach is a beautiful resort with white sand beach, clear water and beachside cafe, perfect for relaxation.

Travelling Within Yogyakarta 

• TransJogja Buses: These buses don't cost much and go to main tourist spots.
• Becak (Rickshaw): This old-style ride gives you nice views and works well for short trips.
• Taxi/Online Ride-Hailing: You can book these through apps like Grab and Gojek.
• Car Rental: This gives you freedom to explore. You can get a car with or without someone to drive it.
• Motorbike Rental: If you want a fun way to get around the city, try renting a motorbike.
• Jogja Heritage Track (Tourist Shuttle Buses): Dedicated buses that take tourists to main sights in and around Yogyakarta.

How to book a hotel room in Yogyakarta Online?

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