Friday, 11 Agustus 2023: Discovering the Sultan's Palace (Kraton)
Start your trip in Yogyakarta by visiting the magnificent Sultan's Palace, also known as Kraton. In the morning, immerse yourself in the rich Javanese culture as you explore the palace complex, filled with traditional Javanese architecture and artifacts. Learn about the history of the sultanate and witness traditional performances such as gamelan music and wayang kulit puppetry. In the afternoon, head to the nearby Taman Sari Water Castle, a beautiful former royal garden. Take a stroll through its maze-like underground tunnels and relax by the serene bathing pools. As the evening approaches, sample delicious local cuisine at the food stalls surrounding the palace.
Taman Sari Water Castle: Estimated cost: IDR 15,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Local Food Stalls: Estimated cost: IDR 50,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Warung Makan Suryo. This local eatery offers a variety of traditional Javanese dishes such as nasi gudeg and nasi pecel. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 25,000 per person.
For lunch, head to Gudeg Pawon, a popular restaurant known for its delicious gudeg, a traditional Javanese jackfruit dish. The restaurant also serves other Javanese specialties such as ayam goreng and sambal krecek. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 40,000 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Bale Raos. This fine-dining restaurant offers a royal Javanese dining experience with a menu inspired by the flavors of Yogyakarta's sultanate era. Enjoy authentic Javanese dishes in a luxurious setting. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 150,000 per person.
Saturday, 12 Agustus 2023: Sunrise at Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple
Start your day early and witness the breathtaking sunrise at Borobudur Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the world. Marvel at the intricate stone carvings and enjoy the serene surroundings. Afterward, head to Prambanan Temple, a magnificent Hindu temple complex dedicated to the Trimurti gods. Explore the temples, each telling a different story from ancient Javanese mythology. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Ratu Boko Palace, an ancient archaeological site with stunning panoramic views of the region. End your day with a traditional Ramayana ballet performance at the Prambanan Temple complex.
Sunday, 13 Agustus 2023: Exploring the Underground Caves and Parangtritis Beach
Embark on an adventure to the mystical Jomblang and Grubug Cave in the morning. Descend into the vast underground caves and witness the mesmerizing "Light of Heaven" phenomenon as sunlight pierces through the cave entrance. Take a guided tour and marvel at the stunning rock formations. In the afternoon, relax and soak up the sun at Parangtritis Beach. Enjoy the beautiful sandy shorelines and take a thrilling ride on a traditional horse-drawn carriage known as a "delman." As the evening sets in, savor a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants overlooking the beach.
Jomblang Cave: Estimated cost: IDR 450,000 (including guide and safety equipment), Time spent: 3-4 hours
Parangtritis Beach: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Delman Ride: Estimated cost: IDR 50,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Seafood Dinner: Estimated cost: IDR 150,000, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Warung Omah Bu Ageng: Start your day with a delicious traditional Javanese breakfast at Warung Omah Bu Ageng. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of local dishes, such as nasi lemak and gudeg. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 25,000 per person.
Warung Handayani: For a satisfying lunch, head to Warung Handayani and taste their famous "ayam goreng kremes" (crispy fried chicken) served with rice and sambal. Their authentic flavors and generous portions make it a favorite among locals. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 35,000 per person.
Kedai Bambu Mungil: Enjoy a memorable dining experience at Kedai Bambu Mungil, a restaurant known for its cozy bamboo huts and stunning beach view. Indulge in delicious seafood dishes, including grilled prawns and squid fried rice. Average cost for a meal is about IDR 100,000 per person.
Monday, 14 Agustus 2023: Traditional Arts and Crafts
Immerse yourself in Yogyakarta's vibrant arts and crafts scene in the morning. Visit the Kota Gede area, known for its silver jewelry production. Explore the narrow streets lined with silver workshops and witness the skilled artisans crafting intricate designs. Next, head to the Kasongan Village, where you can observe pottery-making techniques and shop for unique ceramic souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit the traditional batik centers in the Bantul district. Learn about the batik-making process and create your own batik masterpiece. End your trip with a visit to Malioboro Street, a bustling shopping district, and indulge in local street food.
Kota Gede: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Kasongan Village: Estimated cost: Free, Time spent: 1-2 hours
Batik Centers: Estimated cost: IDR 100,000 (including batik-making workshop), Time spent: 2-3 hours
Malioboro Street: Estimated cost: Varies, Time spent: 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Warung Makan Liman. This local eatery offers traditional Javanese breakfast dishes such as Nasi Gudeg and Soto Ayam. The average cost for a meal is about 20,000 IDR per person.
For lunch, head to D'Java Restaurant, located near the Malioboro Street. This restaurant serves authentic Javanese cuisine with a modern twist. Try their signature dish, Ayam Penyet, and enjoy a refreshing Es Cendol for dessert. The average cost for a meal is about 50,000 IDR per person.
Indulge in a delightful dinner at Gadjah Wong Restaurant. This fine dining establishment offers a fusion of Indonesian and Western cuisines. Feast on their famous Gado-gado salad and savor their mouthwatering Rendang. The average cost for a meal is about 150,000 IDR per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Yogyakarta, be sure to check out the off the beaten path attractions and places loved by locals. One such gem is the underground river cave, Goa Pindul, where you can embark on a thrilling river tubing adventure. Another hidden gem is Kalibiru National Park, offering stunning views of the surrounding forests and the opportunity to test your adrenaline on a zipline. Lastly, make time to visit the traditional village of Nglanggeran, where you can hike to the peak of Nglanggeran volcano and witness panoramic views of Yogyakarta.
For more information on hotel and flight prices in Yogyakarta, click here.