Yogyakarta

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Yogyakarta

Since 1756, Yogyakarta has served as the capital city of the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Sultanate. Even to this day, this city remains the intellectual and cultural heart of Java. A place where Javanese traditions, a laid back atmosphere, and friendly locals seamlessly intertwine, the city has its own charm that makes travelers always yearn to return. Trace Yogyakarta's history by visiting the Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, a palace complex where the sultan and his family reside. Visit Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple that is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Another site to see is the Prambanan Temple, a majestic Hindu temple complex that regularly hosts a Ramayana ballet live performance. The city also makes a wonderful place for culinary adventures and shopping. Head to Malioboro Street to indulge in selections of local food and shop for some traditional crafts to bring home, such as batik fabrics, silverware, and shadow puppets.

Travel Tips for Yogyakarta

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Yogyakarta

A guide to Yogyakarta's local transportation

Taxi

Motorcycle taxi

Rickshaws

Bus

Andong (horse-pulled carriage)

On Foot

Car Rental

Yogyakarta's taxis are metered and most drivers are trustworthy. All taxis have a flagfall of Rp7,000 for the first kilometre and then Rp4,250 for every subsequent kilometre. Most trips around the centre should not cost more than Rp20,000.

Motorcycle taxis or ojek are widespread. They usually gather at designated spots (pangkalan), where you will haggle your way to a ride. Not comfortable or convenient for carrying luggage, but quicker if the traffic jammed.

Nowadays, organized ojek are strong competitors to taxis and ojek pangkalan. Pickup is free and you pay according to the printout from the meter. No haggling. Try:

1. O'jack motorbike taxi, Jl Dr Sardjito 11, Jogja; Rumah Makan Ny Suharti, Jl Solo 208 (Janti flyover), ☏ +62 811 307-0707, +62 0852 1007-0707, +62 274 700-0707, +62 274 970-7707. Rp2 per meter or Rp2,000 per kilometer.

Disability ojek are also available in Yogyakarta. The system is run by disabled persons, including the drivers. Using motorcycles with sidecars, the can carry a person with a wheelchair. Spacious enough, so two slim non-disabled people can also use it. Try:

1. Difa City Tour and Transport, ☏ +62 823 2801-6326. Instagram: @difacitytour Twitter: @difact Facebook: difa ct Rp20,000 for the first 5 km and Rp2,500 for each subsequent kilometer.""

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Are there any new attractions to check out?

From north to south, new tourist destinations keep springing up in Yogyakarta. At Obelix Hills, you can watch the sunset while lounging on the top of a hill. Meanwhile, agrotourism destinations such as Bhumi Merapi offer a variety of family-friendly activities. At The Lost World Castle, you can find replicas of famous landmarks and feel as if transported to other countries. Don't forget to visit Jomblang Cave and get ready to be astonished by its hidden magnificence!

What should I eat in Jogja?

Yogyakarta offers a variety of culinary delights such as gudeg, bakpia, sate klathak, and kopi klotok. If you're looking for cheap places to eat, check out Jalan Malioboro, Alun-alun Selatan, and the eateries along Jalan Kaliurang (Jakal) Bawah leading up to Jalan Persatuan next to the Grha Sabha Pramana Building, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

What are some local etiquettes that I can adopt as a tourist?

Like Javanese people in general, Yogyakartans are known to be friendly to newcomers and visitors. They frequently smile and nod when they pass other people. Locals have a calm demeanor and dislike speaking harshly or in a high tone. The most noticeable character is respecting the elders. There is a Javanese phrase, "unggah-ungguh" or manners, which refers to a method of speaking and behaving based on age. When in Yogyakarta, you can show respect to others by paying attention to unggah-ungguh.

How much is parking fee in Jogja?

Parking rates in Jogja range from Rp3.000 to Rp5.000 for cars and around Rp2.000 for motorbikes, depending on the parking location. In some areas, the more crowded the place, the more you have to pay for parking.

How many palaces does Jogja have?

There is one palace in Yogyakarta, namely the Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace. This palace was established during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono I in 1755. Once the residence of the sultan and his family, the palace has now become the most popular cultural tourism attraction in Yogyakarta.