The UNESCO World Heritage Borobudur Temple is a must-see for all tourists visiting Yogyakarta. The temple, which is over 1,200 years old, is one of the world's most impressive Buddhist monuments, with intricate stone carvings and over 500 Buddha statues. Take a guided tour to learn about its history, and take in the beautiful views of Mount Merapi and the surrounding rice paddies.
Taman Sari Water Castle, also known as the "Garden of the Sultan's Delight," is a magnificent water palace built in the 18th century as a royal pleasure park. Explore the sprawling complex and admire the aqueducts and water features, swim in one of the castle's secret underground pools, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Kraton Palace is a Javanese cultural palace built in the 18th century and is home to the current Sultan of Yogyakarta. Take a guided tour of the palace museum to learn about Javanese culture and history, including traditional art forms, musical instruments, and clothing. Don't miss the opportunity to watch a traditional Javanese dance performance performed by palace dancers.
A visit to Yogyakarta would not be complete without seeing Mount Merapi, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes. Take an early morning hike to the summit for a breathtaking sunrise view over the surrounding landscape. Get a chance to peek into the Indonesians who live on the Merapi slopes, who even have their own village there, called Kaliadem.
If you have more time, take a day trip to Jomblang Cave, known for its incredible light beams and underground rivers. Bringing comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and a hat, since Yogyakarta is quite hot and humid.
For families with young children, consider visiting Kids Fun World or Jogja Bay Waterpark for a fun day out.
Lastly, it is recommended to hire a local guide for tours and transportation, especially for those who've never been to Yogyakarta, to avoid getting lost or being scammed.