Ultimate Yogyakarta Itinerary: Your Guide for 2-3 Days

Date
Jan, 20, 2025
busy road in yogyakarta with bikes and tuktuk

After having the chaotic streets of Jakarta as our introduction to Indonesia, we were in much need of a quieter few days. Thankfully, Yogyakarta was next on our itinerary. We had very little expectations for Yogyakarta and had done very little research before we arrived, but we instantly fell in love.

Known as Jogja by locals, its warm atmosphere was incredibly welcoming, and art seemed to be at its centre. Whilst the street art lining the pathways adds a modern element to the city, you’ll quickly see that it runs deep in its heritage with traditional puppet making and Batik painting. There’s plenty to keep you occupied in Yogyakarta, not just within the city but with the many surrounding natural wonders that Java has in abundance.

This guide offers a flexible itinerary, starting with a basic 2-day plan and with an optional extra day to do some really cool stuff. This was actually one of my favourite days in Indonesia so I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary! Whether you have just a couple of days or more time to explore, you can adjust the plan to match your interests and pace.

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kizzi walking in the sulatan bathhouse in yogyakarta
cafe in yogyakarta showing the bright and hip atmosphere of the city

Yogyakarta Itinerary

Yogyakarta is a mixture of culture, natural wonders, and vibrant (but not overwhelming) city life. With these itineraries, you’ll get to see the very best it has to offer, whilst also having some time to get to know the lesser-known parts of the city.

Day 1 in Yogyakarta: Explore The Town

Begin your journey by diving into the heart of Yogyakarta. Discover its rich history, unique traditions, and creative energy as you explore the city’s top attractions, including historical landmarks and bustling streets filled with local flavour.

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woman putting wax on fabric in the traditional javanese baltik art form
baltik art hanging in a dorway to show how the light makes the art show

Learn about Yogyakarta’s Baltic Art

Batik is a centuries-old art form that involves using wax and dye to create intricate designs on cloth. This technique, which dates back to the 16th century, is deeply woven into Javanese culture and has even been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

As you wander through Yogyakarta, you’ll notice Batik everywhere – from market stalls to quaint galleries. It’s not uncommon for locals to invite you into their galleries to see their creations. While some may feel pushy, many offer genuine insights into this ancient craft and showcase stunning works of art.

There are plenty of galleries to explore in the city centre, but if you have more time, take a Grab to Leksa Ganesha Batik. This centre for Indonesian culture is found in a small village surrounded by fields, with Batik classes, cooking classes and more. It’s a lovely place to learn more about the art without feeling pressured.

If diving deeper into this beautiful craft appeals to you, why not book a Batik painting class? It’s the perfect way to learn the art from skilled artisans while creating your own unique piece to take home.

One great option is the Yogyakarta Batik Painting Class, which offers an immersive experience in a relaxed setting. The class walks you through the entire Batik-making process, from designing your pattern to applying wax and layering dyes.

You can easily book the class in advance here, making it a hassle-free addition to your Yogyakarta itinerary.

Visit Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat and Kraton Jogja – The Sultan’s Palace

The Sultan’s Palace, or Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, is the heart and soul of Yogyakarta’s cultural heritage. This living palace is still home to the Sultan and his family and serves as a key centre for Javanese arts, music, and traditions.

As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by elegant pavilions, intricately carved wooden details, and displays of royal artefacts. The museum exhibits showcase items like royal costumes, gifts from dignitaries, and historical photographs that offer insight into Yogyakarta’s royal lineage.

If you visit in the morning (try to get here at 9 am or earlier to get a seat), you might catch cultural performances, such as traditional Javanese dance or shadow puppet shows. These performances are a highlight, offering a deeper connection to the palace’s role in preserving local traditions. But more on that later…

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Taman Sari: 18th-century Royal Bathhouse
entrac eto Taman Sari: 18th-century Royal Bathhouse

Wander the Taman Sari, an 18th-century Royal Bathhouse

Just a short walk from the city centre, you’ll find Taman Sari, often called the “Water Castle.” This 18th-century royal bathhouse was once a retreat for the Sultan and his family. Despite its popularity with tourists, it remains a serene and picturesque spot, with beautiful water features and unique architecture.

The main pools are particularly photogenic, with their teal-blue waters framed by weathered pink walls and intricate carvings. While you can explore the site independently, hiring a local guide can enhance your visit. They’ll lead you to hidden corners of the complex that are easy to miss on your own.

Plan to spend about 30 minutes to an hour here. It’s a quick but worthwhile stop to soak in some history and snap a few great photos.

local craftsman hand painting leather puppets in the traditional javanese style
a traditional hand crafted javanese puppet

Learn About Javanese Puppet Making: Wayang Kulit

First of all, I just want to say that we were brought to this puppet marking workshop by a driver—normally a red flag for an impending scam and not something I’d usually recommend. But in this case, the puppet makers seemed genuinely passionate about sharing their craft and didn’t pressure us to buy anything.

Upon entering, we were warmly greeted by a craftsman who had been making puppets since he was a boy, learning the art from his father. He explained the intricate process of hand-carving, preparing, and painting these shadow puppets, which are used to depict the Hindu epics of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

If you time your visit right, you can catch one of these captivating performances at the palace, held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. While the performance is free, palace entry requires a ticket, so plan your visit to include both experiences.

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palm trees in the background of lush green rice fields in countryside surrounding yogyakarta
Punthuk Setumbu viewing platform at the sunrise point with Borobudur temple in the background with lush green countryside

Day 2 in Yogyakarta: Exploring the Temples

For your second day in Yogyakarta, you’ll be stepping outside the city centre. It does consist of quite a long time driving but you’ll get to see some of the most impressive temples and views in Indonesia. Plus, the rice fields make for a pretty gorgeous backdrop.

Wake up early to watch the Sunrise over Borobudur Temple

Start your day by catching the sunrise over Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest Buddhist temple. I’ll be honest, we didn’t make it for sunrise which is such a shame but a few previous early days were catching up to us.

However, the view was still stunning even in the bright sunlight, so I can only image how beautiful it is to watch as the first light transforms the landscape into a dreamy scene of misty hills, Merapi Volcano, and silhouettes of ancient stupas.

You can book a guided sunrise tour here, which handles all the logistics and ensures you get the best experience. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, hire a motorbike and head to popular viewpoints like Punthuk Setumbu or Bukit Barede.

These spots offer breathtaking views of the temple against a backdrop of sunrise colours, perfect for photos. Just be aware that it’s about an hour and a half drive to the sunset points from the centre of Yogyakarta.

Explore Borobudur Temple, one of the greatest Buddhist monuments in the world

After enjoying the sunrise, head to Borobudur Temple itself. This iconic structure is a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture, featuring nine stacked platforms adorned with intricate carvings and over 500 Buddha statues.

Take your time to walk around the temple, admiring the detailed panels that tell stories from Buddhist teachings. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the views of the surrounding countryside. Aim to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the temple grounds.

destroyed plates from the 2010 Mt Merapi volcano and the museum
a blue jeep leaving to go on the mount merapi off roading tour

Take a Detour Over to Mt Merapi

As you drive from one temple to another, consider taking a detour to visit Mt Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. Jeep tours are incredibly popular here, and they take you off-road through rugged terrain, passing lava fields and volcanic craters.

A small but powerful spot to visit is the Museum Mini Sisa Hartaku, located near the base of the volcano. This unique museum is a tribute to the 2010 eruption, displaying remnants of homes, furniture, and other personal items that were left behind in the eruption’s aftermath. It’s a humbling and eye-opening stop that gives you a deeper understanding of the danger and resilience of the people living near Merapi.

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Visit Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia

In the afternoon, make your way to Prambanan Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. It’s another long drive, taking about an hour and a half. However, its towering spires and detailed stonework make it a must-see destination.

Explore the main temples dedicated to Hindu deities Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, and don’t miss the smaller surrounding shrines. If you visit in the late afternoon, the golden hour light creates a magical atmosphere.

If you don’t have access to your own transport, a great option is to book a sunset tour or combined temple tour which will take you to both Borobudur temple and Prambanan Temple.

view of green shrubs in the sunlight leading to jomblong cave, yogyakarta
kizzi standing in the bottom of a Jomblong cave, a vericle cave with sun beams coming down

Optional Day 3 in Yogyakarta: Exploring Stunning Etheral Caves

With an extra day in Yogyakarta, we weren’t sure what to do at first. But after stumbling upon some breathtaking photos online, we knew exactly what to do. While this day is optional, I’d highly recommend carving out some time to visit one of the most stunning caves I’ve ever seen.

Explore Jomblang Cave

Jomblang Cave is a truly awe-inspiring natural wonder. I have a complete guide on how to visit Jomblang Cave here, but here’s a quick overview:

You’ll start your adventure by descending a 60-meter drop into the cave, followed by a 200-meter walk through an underground tunnel.

What awaits you at the end is nothing short of magical – a second vertical cave bathed in beams of sunlight pouring through the opening above. It’s an incredibly ethereal sight that feels almost otherworldly.

To witness the beams of sunlight, you’ll need to visit at the designated time slot, which is only available in the morning. Be sure to arrive by 9 am for the best experience. Since the cave is about an hour and a half drive from Yogyakarta, it means an early start and the entire experience lasts around three hours, but it’s completely worth every minute.

If you’re up for an adventure, you can drive yourself to the cave. We hired a motorbike through out hostel and booked the experience directly through Jomblang Cave. Simply message them on WhatsApp a few days before (their contact is listed on their website here). You simply pay upon arrival, and overall it was a smooth process. The price is 550,000 IDR per person, which includes a tour of the cave and lunch afterwards.

If you’d rather skip the drive (the roads are rocky and the motorways can get busy), there are plenty of transport options available. Jomblang offers a hotel pick-up and drop-off service for an additional 550,000 IDR per car.

Alternatively, you can opt for a tour that includes both transport and additional activities. For example, the Jomblang Cave and Timang Beach day tour or a Pindul Cave tubing tour are both great options. Just note that these tours usually don’t include the cave entrance fee, so you’ll need to pay that separately on arrival.

Optional stops: Pindul Cave Tour or Timang Beach

If you have time and energy to spare, you can also visit Pindul Cave for a tubing adventure or head to Timang Beach for a scenic coastal escape. Both activities offer something different, depending on whether you’re looking for more thrills or relaxation.

Whether it’s floating through the underground river at Pindul or taking a dramatic gondola ride across the sea to Timang Beach, these options are perfect if you’re eager for more adventures.

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

Best Luxury Stay: Melia Purosani Yogyakarta

Melia Purosani offers a perfect blend of modern comforts and Javanese elegance, making it one of the city’s top luxury stays. The hotel is set in lush tropical gardens and features a stunning lagoon-style pool that feels like a private retreat. Its central location means you’re just steps away from Malioboro Street and other key attractions. The on-site restaurants serve diverse cuisine, ensuring you’ll dine in style without even having to leave.

Amenities | Breakfast, outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, 3 restaurants, bar, room service

Price | £60-100 per night

Best Mid-Range Stay: The Alana Hotel

The Alana Hotel is a fantastic choice for travellers seeking comfort and convenience at a reasonable price. Located near Ambarukmo Plaza, it’s great for those who want to explore shopping and dining options nearby.

The rooms are spacious and modern, with large windows offering city or mountain views. Guests rave about the warm service and the rooftop pool, which is perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.

Amenities | Outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, spa and wellness centre, room service, breakfast

Price | £40-60 per night

Best Budget Stay: Kutus Kutus Omah Siliran Heritage Hotel

Staying at Kutus Kutus Omah Siliran is like stepping into a piece of history. This charming heritage hotel is set in a beautifully restored Javanese house with antique furniture and traditional decor.

The peaceful ambience and lush courtyard make it feel worlds away from the bustling city. It’s an affordable way to experience authentic Javanese culture and hospitality without sacrificing comfort.

Amenities | Outdoor swimming pool, room service, breakfast

Price | £20-40 per night

Best Budget Backpacker Stay: OkeBaik Hostel

We stayed in a few hostels in Yogyakarta and this was by far my favourite. The staff were so welcoming despite arriving very late at night = and offered recommendations on the city.

The dorms and private rooms are clean with your own bed light and privacy curtain, and the hostel’s common areas are perfect for swapping travel tips. Its location is ideal for budget-conscious adventurers, within walking distance of Malioboro Street and Yogyakarta’s top sights.

Amenities | dorm and private room options, shared living area, free drinking water, shared bathroom

Price | £4 per night (dorm room), £10 per night (private double room)

lush greenery at jomblong cave
street art on the streets of yogyakarta

How to Get to Yogyakarta

Getting to Yogyakarta is relatively straightforward, with several options depending on your starting point and preferred travel style.

By Air

The easiest way to reach Yogyakarta is by flying into Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG), which is located around 8 kilometres from the city centre. There are direct flights from major cities across Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.

International flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur also connect to Yogyakarta, making it a convenient entry point for travellers coming from abroad. From the airport, you can easily grab a taxi, use a ride-hailing app like Grab, or arrange for a hotel pick-up.

By Train

If you’re travelling from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bandung, taking a train to Yogyakarta is a comfortable and scenic option. Trains depart regularly from various cities and the journey offers beautiful views of Java’s countryside.

The main train station in Yogyakarta, Tugu Station, is centrally located and well-connected to the city’s main attractions via public transport, taxis or Grab. The train ride from Jakarta takes around 8-10 hours, while from Surabaya, it’s about 5-6 hours.

Personally, I think this is the best option and how I chose to get around Java. Plus, I booked all my public transport through 12Go for quick, easy transactions.

By Bus

Buses are a budget-friendly way to travel to Yogyakarta from nearby cities. You can take a bus from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Bali, although the journey can be long and slow with many stops along the way (I believe can be up to 12 hours from Jakarta). The main bus terminals in Yogyakarta are Giwangan Bus Station and Jombor Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi or local transport to your accommodation.

By Car
If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is an option, especially if you’re coming from nearby cities like Solo or Semarang. The roads in Java are generally well-maintained, and driving in the region offers the freedom to stop and explore along the way. Keep in mind that traffic in and around Yogyakarta can be busy, so driving during off-peak hours is ideal.

a small woden food stall in a quiet street of yogyakarta
a sign with chalk saying "santa isn't coming to town but joy and happiness are always here"

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Yogyakarta

How many days do you need for Yogyakarta?

2-3 days is perfect for exploring Yogyakarta’s main attractions, like Borobudur, Prambanan, and the Sultan’s Palace. If you’re short on time, you can see the highlights in two packed days. However, adding an extra day or two lets you experience more unique spots like Jomblang Cave or Mount Merapi.

Is it worth visiting Yogyakarta?

Absolutely! Yogyakarta is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and natural beauty. From ancient temples to traditional art forms like Batik and shadow puppetry, it’s a cultural hub that offers something for everyone. The warm hospitality of the locals and the surrounding landscapes just makes it even more memorable.

How do you get around in Yogyakarta?

Getting around Yogyakarta is simple with plenty of options. We spent a lot of time in the city centre walking but Grab’s are pretty cheap and convenient for longer trips within the city.

Renting a motorbike gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace or, if you have the budget, hiring a private driver is ideal for longer journeys to places like Borobudur or Jomblang Cave.

The Wrap-Up: Guide to Ultimate Yogyakarta Itinerary

Yogyakarta is a destination that truly lives up to its reputation as the cultural heart of Java. From the awe-inspiring temples of Borobudur and Prambanan to the enchanting beauty of Jomblang Cave, it’s a place that offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveller.

During my visit, I was struck by how deeply the city’s heritage is woven into its everyday life—from the intricate Batik art to the grand Sultan’s Palace. But what really stood out to me most was the warmth of the people and their passion for sharing their culture.

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, I can’t recommend Yogyakarta enough. It’s a city that has something magical to offer, whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or someone seeking unique cultural experiences.

Kizzi

Kizzi is a travel blogger and photographer who loves sharing her passion for exploring the world. is the creator of Off to Get Lost. Her love for travel began in 2017 when she went on her first solo adventure to Sri Lanka. Recently, Kizzi has been exploring the hidden depths of Europe and sharing her findings on Off To Get Lost. Through Off to Get Lost, Kizzi aims to empower fellow adventurers, teaching how to maximize their time, budget, and grow confidence while uncovering Europe's finest treasures.

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