Yogyakarta is a paradise for adventurous travellers. It offers a vast range of extreme activities and its highlights are hiking to the active Merapi volcano and rafting along the fast-flowing Borobudur River. Both activities are tailored to the level of adventure required by participants.
Masangin
Masangin or 'Passing two ficus trees' is a simple game but it is fun. You are blindfolded and as you may have guessed, you must walk between two ancient ficus trees. This challenge might sound easy but most participants fail. After the game, try local food at the stalls and small cafes around the corner to the north. Wedang Ronde (ginger drink) is highly recommended.
Purawisata Amusement Park
This children's playground is located only one block from the Sri Sultan’s Palace. It features kid's fun rides, funfair games, a banquet hall, delicious seafood restaurants, a caf?, art shops, and a live music stage.
All are tastefully presented and offer garden views in a modern village-style setting. Purawisata’s main stage also features the famous Ramayana dance every evening at 20:00.
All are tastefully presented and offer garden views in a modern village-style setting. Purawisata’s main stage also features the famous Ramayana dance every evening at 20:00.
Location: Jalan Brigjen Katamso, city centre.
Parangtritis Beach
Located on the south coast, Parangtritis Beach is surrounded by rocky hills. It offers spectacular views of the India Ocean with high waves and steep mountainsides.
The beach is an ideal spot for those who wish to soak up a little sun while on holiday. Horse-carts and horses are available for rent at negotiable prices. Besides being popular for its beauty, Parangtritis Beach is also an important sacred place.
Mountain Hiking (Merapi Volcano)
The beach is an ideal spot for those who wish to soak up a little sun while on holiday. Horse-carts and horses are available for rent at negotiable prices. Besides being popular for its beauty, Parangtritis Beach is also an important sacred place.
Location: Parangtritis Beach, 35km to the south of city centre.
Although Merapi ('the mountain of fire') is an active volcano, trekking around it is a very popular activity among tourists. There are two starting points: The one from Selo village leads up the north face and takes three hours to reach the top. This trail is considered safe and suitable for all levels of hikers. Another starting point is from Kaliurang and this takes up to six hours for hikers to reach the peak. The route is more dangerous due to volcanic material coming down the mountain slopes. All mountaineers should contact the area information centre before heading off. Guides are also available.
Location: Selo Village and Kaliurang, both are around 30km north of the city centre.
Location: Selo Village and Kaliurang, both are around 30km north of the city centre.
Golf
Yogyakarta has several golf courses, although Merapi Golf is the most popular. The 18-hole course is a true masterpiece and was designed by Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett. Each hole is carefully positioned and distinctly different. The golf course is set in a quiet and calm atmosphere and also offers a spectacular view of the Merapi.
Location: Merapi Golf & Mountain Resort
Rafting
A big adrenalin rush! Spending a day down the river, surrounded by mountains and breathtaking views is for some the ultimate challenge.
For beginners, go to Elo River in Borobudur and the Progo River is recommended for more adventurous rafters. The splashy ride gets even more exciting during the rainy season between November – April.
Yogyakarta Information
For beginners, go to Elo River in Borobudur and the Progo River is recommended for more adventurous rafters. The splashy ride gets even more exciting during the rainy season between November – April.
Location: Borobudur
Spa and Reflexology
Whether it is for beauty, peace of mind, or health benefits, Yogyakarta offers countless spas and treatments.
Mostly of them are located in the city centre within hotels or resorts. Pamper yourself with Javanese spa and body treatment therapies.
The Indonesia spa experience is famous for its dry massage and foot reflexology. This is a perfect way to soothe your tired muscles after a long day of visiting the local sights.
Mostly of them are located in the city centre within hotels or resorts. Pamper yourself with Javanese spa and body treatment therapies.
The Indonesia spa experience is famous for its dry massage and foot reflexology. This is a perfect way to soothe your tired muscles after a long day of visiting the local sights.
Yogyakarta Information
Yogyakarta is quite small, so getting around the city is easy and inexpensive. Thanks to its sophisticated and expansive public transportation system, Yogyakarta has 19 city bus lines and all taxis are equipped with meters. At each bus stop, there is a list of connecting bus lines so you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
For short distances, if traveling on foot is not your thing then try the traditional rickshaw or a horse-cart as an alternative.
They are very popular with travellers, especially among shoppers on Milioboro Street. Prices are cheap though it is best to fix the cost of service before hopping on.
Bus
Buses are the main form of transportation in Yogyakarta. There are two kinds of buses, regular and patas. Regular buses usually operate from 05:00 – 17:00 though on some local routes the service hours are extended to 21:00.
Patas buses or TransJogjas are air conditioned and generally safer than regular buses. They operate from 06:00 – 22:00 and only stop at designated shelters. Passengers may purchase both single trip tickets and regular trip cards directly at the shelters.
Taxi
Nowadays, all taxis are equipped with a meter and most taxi drivers in Yogyakarta are trustworthy. The meter records fare increments by the kilometre. The initial flag fall is Rp 5,000 and a single trip around the city centre should not cost more than Rp 15,000. An additional surcharge is introduced for a ride after dark and the minimum fare is Rp, 10,000. Most of the drivers do not speak English, so it is best to have your map ready or to write down the name of your destination in Indonesian.
Rickshaw or Pedicabs
Rickshaws or pedicabs are typical transportation choices at many destinations in Asia. Here, in Yogyakarta, Rickshaws are known as becaks and can be found in most parts of the city. Becaks can accommodate up to three adult passengers. Prices are negotiable and it is best to agree on the price before you get on board.
Horse Cart
Colourful horse carts or andong usually gather around tourist hotspots like Milioboro Street, the Kraton Palace, and Tugu Train Station. A popular route usually sets off from Milioboro Street to Keraton, passing many shops, markets, and lively lanes. It’s certainly an enjoyable way to observe Yogyakarta. Horse carts are a little more expensive than rickshaws or taxis, though they become more reasonable if you hire them at an hourly rate.
Yogyakarta is located in the centre of the island of Java, bordered on the north by a chain of volcanoes and to the south by the Indian Ocean. Yogyakarta's climate tends to be relatively moderate, though the high level of humidity can make summer in the city quite sticky.
The mean variation of the temperature in Yogyakarta is between 65?F/18?C and 95?F/35?C and its annual average temperature is around 80?F/27?C. The average humidity is 75%.
Yogyakarta has only two seasons through out the year, the rainy season and dry monsoon. The rainy season usually lasts from September to April. The average rainfall throughout the year is around 1,900mm while the heaviest rainfall often occurs in February.
Summer is the best time to visit Yogyakarta, starting from May until August. The level of humidity and temperature during the day in the summer may seem relatively higher than average. However, temperatures remain low during the night. This is the only period that Java Island is free from rainfall, making a visit more enjoyable.
While Yogyakarta is safer than Jakarta, travellers should beware of pickpockets, especially in local city buses and along Milioboro sidewalks. A suggestion is to bring standard precautions to protect your belongings. Below is a list of useful information.
For short distances, if traveling on foot is not your thing then try the traditional rickshaw or a horse-cart as an alternative.
They are very popular with travellers, especially among shoppers on Milioboro Street. Prices are cheap though it is best to fix the cost of service before hopping on.
Getting Around Yogyakarta
Bus
Buses are the main form of transportation in Yogyakarta. There are two kinds of buses, regular and patas. Regular buses usually operate from 05:00 – 17:00 though on some local routes the service hours are extended to 21:00.
Patas buses or TransJogjas are air conditioned and generally safer than regular buses. They operate from 06:00 – 22:00 and only stop at designated shelters. Passengers may purchase both single trip tickets and regular trip cards directly at the shelters.
Taxi
Nowadays, all taxis are equipped with a meter and most taxi drivers in Yogyakarta are trustworthy. The meter records fare increments by the kilometre. The initial flag fall is Rp 5,000 and a single trip around the city centre should not cost more than Rp 15,000. An additional surcharge is introduced for a ride after dark and the minimum fare is Rp, 10,000. Most of the drivers do not speak English, so it is best to have your map ready or to write down the name of your destination in Indonesian.
Rickshaw or Pedicabs
Rickshaws or pedicabs are typical transportation choices at many destinations in Asia. Here, in Yogyakarta, Rickshaws are known as becaks and can be found in most parts of the city. Becaks can accommodate up to three adult passengers. Prices are negotiable and it is best to agree on the price before you get on board.
Horse Cart
Colourful horse carts or andong usually gather around tourist hotspots like Milioboro Street, the Kraton Palace, and Tugu Train Station. A popular route usually sets off from Milioboro Street to Keraton, passing many shops, markets, and lively lanes. It’s certainly an enjoyable way to observe Yogyakarta. Horse carts are a little more expensive than rickshaws or taxis, though they become more reasonable if you hire them at an hourly rate.
Weather
Yogyakarta is located in the centre of the island of Java, bordered on the north by a chain of volcanoes and to the south by the Indian Ocean. Yogyakarta's climate tends to be relatively moderate, though the high level of humidity can make summer in the city quite sticky.
The mean variation of the temperature in Yogyakarta is between 65?F/18?C and 95?F/35?C and its annual average temperature is around 80?F/27?C. The average humidity is 75%.
Yogyakarta has only two seasons through out the year, the rainy season and dry monsoon. The rainy season usually lasts from September to April. The average rainfall throughout the year is around 1,900mm while the heaviest rainfall often occurs in February.
Summer is the best time to visit Yogyakarta, starting from May until August. The level of humidity and temperature during the day in the summer may seem relatively higher than average. However, temperatures remain low during the night. This is the only period that Java Island is free from rainfall, making a visit more enjoyable.
Good to Know
While Yogyakarta is safer than Jakarta, travellers should beware of pickpockets, especially in local city buses and along Milioboro sidewalks. A suggestion is to bring standard precautions to protect your belongings. Below is a list of useful information.
