One of the most popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, known as the cultural center of Java, is Yogyakarta, often referred to as Jogja. Located on the island of Java, Yogyakarta is a perfect blend of ancient heritage, natural beauty, and modern tourist experiences. From world-famous temples to royal palaces and vibrant life, it attracts travelers from all over the world.
Among the cities in Indonesia that are still under the rule of the royal sultanate, Yogyakarta forms a special administrative region. Javanese traditions and customs make the city attractive for travel. Unlike other cities in Indonesia, Yogyakarta maintains a relaxed atmosphere, which makes it ideal for cultural and tourist attractions.
The largest temple in Yogyakarta
One of the largest temple complexes in Yogyakarta, Prambanan is worth a visit. You can do it on a day trip with the Borobudur temple, visiting one at sunrise and the other at sunset. The Prambanan temple is a Hindu temple built in the 9th century and is spread over 39.8 hectares, with around 240 temples, the largest of which is dedicated to Shiva and is 47 meters high.
You can buy tickets from their site or buy tickets with other temples or you can book a tour that takes all the hassle out of it and takes you there and around! This tour is a great option to combine both major temples.
The most comfortable way to explore this area is to stay at Parangaratis Beach, which is about an hour from Yogyakarta and a little further away from the main attractions.
There you will find hotels like the “Queen of the South Resort” right on the beach, with a swimming pool overlooking the sandy beach and beautiful sunsets over the Indian Ocean. It is perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Borobudur Temple: UNESCO
The top tourist attraction is the Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Yogyakarta. Built in the 9th century, Borobudur contains thousands of relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues arranged in different tiers. The temple represents Buddhist cosmology and spiritual wisdom. Watching the sunrise at Borobudur is a popular experience, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.
I have already visited Angkor and Bagan, and I really liked both, but I have to admit that Borobudur absolutely captivated me – whereas the first two are temple complexes, which consist of several buildings, Borobudur is a single temple and it is absolutely huge. In fact, it is considered the largest Buddhist monument in the world, a massive pyramid with 9 levels, 2672 carved panels and 504 Buddha statues.
Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. Dedicated to the gods Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, Prambanan features towering minarets and massive stone carvings depicting scenes from the epic Ramayana. In the evening, visitors can enjoy the Ramayana Ballet, a traditional dance performance staged against the dramatic backdrop of the illuminated temple complex.
Borobudur is famous for its massive size, while the Prambanan temples are best known for their height and intricate decoration, the tallest of the three temples being the largest.
Malioboro Street
Shopping and street life
At the base of the tower is the Dubai Fountain, which is simply the world’s largest choreographed fountain system. Located on Burj Lake, this fountain performs daily shows synchronized with music and lights that will help travelers enjoy the magical atmosphere.
No trip to Yogyakarta would be complete without a visit to Malioboro Street, the city’s most picturesque and famous shopping market and entertainment area. This lively street is filled with souvenir shops, batik stores, street food vendors, and local art.
The natural beauty of Yogyakarta
In addition to its cultural attractions, Yogyakarta is also known for its natural beauty. Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, is located north of the city. Visitors can explore lava fields and enjoy beautiful mountain views.
Other natural attractions include Timang Beach, famous for its dramatic mountain gondola, and Jomblang Cave, whose underground forest is known as the Light of Heaven.
