Located in the center of the island of Java in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is a city rich in history, culture and spirituality. You will surely be seduced by its royal palaces, majestic temples and traditional arts. But Yogyakarta is also an ideal gateway to explore some of the most emblematic sites of Indonesia. In particular the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as the historic city of Solo. A must-see also to understand part of the history of Indonesia

Yogyakarta: The City of Culture

Sultan’s Palace and Traditional Arts

The Sultan’s Palace, or Kraton, is the historical and cultural heart of Yogyakarta. This royal complex, still inhabited by the current Sultan, is a living testimony to Javanese culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional dances, gamelan music, and displays of royal art and treasures.

I also recommend a visit to Taman Sari, or “Flower Garden.” This palace is located about 200 meters west of the Kraton. Built in the mid-18th century, Taman Sari served several purposes: a resting place, a workshop, a place of meditation, and a military fort. It is a haven of serenity in the middle of the city.

Malioboro: The Bustling Center

Malioboro Street is the commercial epicenter of Yogyakarta. Lined with shops, markets, and food stalls, it offers an immersive experience of local life. It is a great place to buy handicraft souvenirs and batik clothing. But also to taste local specialties like gudeg (jackfruit stew).

Borobudur: The Breathtaking Buddhist Temple

An Architectural Marvel

Located about 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple is one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world. Built in the 9th century, this pyramid-shaped complex is decorated with thousands of reliefs and Buddha statues. Each level of Borobudur represents a step on the path to enlightenment, culminating at the top with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountain.

Mendut

The Mendut Temple or Candi Mendut is a 9th-century Buddhist temple. You will find it 3 kilometers east of Borobudur Temple. It is worth making a short stop on the way back, especially to admire a magnificent banyan tree.

What time to visit Borobudur?

One of the most memorable experiences in Borobudur is apparently watching the sunrise from the top of the temple. The first rays of light illuminate the stupas, creating a mystical and unforgettable atmosphere. When I first went to Borobudur, in January 2021, it was unfortunately forbidden to climb to the top of the temple because of Covid. Even more so for the sunrise. The second time I came by car from Jakarta and I could only arrive around 10am. It was a very pleasant time. Finally, I was lucky enough to recently attend a very spectacular anniversary, with fireworks, at night, at the foot of the Borobudur temple. It was obviously a magical experience!

Should You Book Your Ticket for Borobudur in Advance?

If you only plan to visit the Borobudur temple grounds, it is not really necessary to book your ticket in advance. However, in my opinion, it would be a shame not to purchase the ticket that allows you to climb to Nirvana, at the top of Borobudur’s pyramid. The entrance fee is only slightly higher. However, to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site, the number of visitors allowed to access the upper terraces is limited to 1,200 per day.

In practice, there are eight time slots per day, from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, each limited to 150 visitors—except on Mondays. These slots fill up quickly, so it is highly recommended to book at least a few days in advance.

Entrance Ticket Prices for Borobudur Temple

Here are the ticket prices for tourists visiting Borobudur:

Temple Grounds Ticket:

• Adults (10 years and older): IDR 400,000
• Children (3-10 years): IDR 225,000

Temple Structure Ticket:

• Adults (10 years and older): IDR 455,000 (including the temple grounds ticket)
• Children (3-10 years): IDR 305,000 (including the temple grounds ticket)

Ticket prices for Indonesian citizens and KITAS-holding residents are significantly lower. There is no combined ticket for both Borobudur and Prambanan temples, but you can purchase tickets for both sites on the same official website.

Prambanan: The Hindu Jewel

A Majestic Temple Complex

Just 17 kilometers east of Yogyakarta lies the Prambanan temple complex. It is a major Hindu site dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. Built in the 9th century, Prambanan is famous for its tall, soaring towers and detailed bas-reliefs depicting the epics of the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Ramayana Show

On full moon nights, the Prambanan Open Air Theatre hosts performances of the Ramayana Ballet. The show combines traditional dance, gamelan music, and the temple’s dramatic lighting, providing an immersive cultural experience.

Solo: The Royal City

Palaces and Markets

Solo, also known as Surakarta, is a royal city located about 60 kilometers east of Yogyakarta. Like Yogyakarta, Solo is home to a royal palace, the Kraton Kasunanan, where visitors can explore collections of historical and artistic artifacts

Crafts and Textiles

You will find many handicrafts in Solo, especially batik. Solo’s markets, such as Pasar Klewer, are great places to buy traditional batik fabrics and other handicrafts.

How to get to Yogyakarta

Getting to Yogyakarta is relatively easy, as it is well-connected by all the indonesian transportation options. For international travelers, the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) serves as the primary gateway, offering direct flights from several regional hubs, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Domestic flights from major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Makassar are also frequent and convenient.

If you’re traveling from Jakarta or Surabaya, taking the train is a popular option. It offers a scenic and comfortable journey with multiple classes to suit different budgets. Long-distance buses are another alternative, with routes connecting Yogyakarta to cities across Java, though they can be slower. For those on a road trip, driving to Yogyakarta is straightforward, as the city is well-served by Java’s network of highways and toll roads.

Conclusion

Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas offer a rich mosaic of cultural and historical sites. Whether exploring the bustling streets of Yogyakarta, admiring the majestic temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, or discovering the royal city of Solo, you will have an unforgettable experience.