Yogyakarta Indonesia 2 Day Itinerary

2-Day Yogyakarta Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on the cultural highlights of Yogyakarta, but feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Ancient Temples & Javanese Culture

  • Morning:

    • Borobudur Temple (8am - 12pm): Start with a sunrise visit to Borobudur Temple for breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience. Explore the intricate carvings and learn about the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch at Soto Ayam Pak Sako (12pm - 2pm): Enjoy a delicious and authentic Indonesian lunch at this popular eatery known for its savory chicken soup (Soto Ayam).
    • Prambanan Temple (2pm - 6pm): Witness the majestic Hindu temple complex of Prambanan.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at Gudeg Yu Djum (6pm - 8pm): Indulge in Yogyakarta’s signature dish, “Gudeg” (young jackfruit stew) at this iconic restaurant.
    • Ramayana Ballet Performance (8pm - 10pm): Experience the magic of traditional Javanese dance and storytelling with the Ramayana Ballet performance at Prambanan Temple. Witness the epic tale of the Ramayana brought to life under the stars.

Things to know:

  • Temple hours: Borobudur is open daily from 6am to 5pm, with the Ramayana ballet performance usually starting at 8pm.
  • Borobudur ticket purchase: Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket booth on arrival.
  • Ticket prices: Varies depending on nationality and availability. Check official websites for pricing information.

Day 2: Nature, Culture & Crafts

  • Morning:

    • Borobudur to Prambanan: Visit the breathtaking Borobudur Temple (if you didn’t already the night before) and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the local warung (small food stall) near the ticket booth.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Merapi Volcano Trail: Hike along the designated trails for stunning views of the volcano and its surroundings. Be sure to check the weather conditions and safety guidelines before embarking on the hike.

  • Things to know about the temple:

    • Dress code: Dress modestly when visiting temples. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
    • Footwear: Remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner at a local restaurant (6pm - 8pm): Enjoy the delicious and diverse cuisine of Yogyakarta, such as “nasi gurih” (savory rice) or “bakpia” (traditional pastry).
    • Relax and enjoy the sunset (optional activity): Visit the majestic Prambanan temple for a breathtaking view.

  • Evening:

    • Explore the Jalan Malioboro Night Market (7pm - 10pm): Stroll through the vibrant streets of Jalan Malioboro, experiencing the traditional Javanese night market atmosphere and browsing the diverse range of crafts, batik, souvenirs, and local delicacies.

Things to know:

  • The weather in Yogyakarta is tropical with a rainy season and a dry season.
  • Rainy Season (October - April): Expect occasional heavy rain, especially in the afternoon and evenings. Be prepared with an umbrella or raincoat.
  • The “Ramayana” story is best experienced at night as the temple comes alive with light and music.

Transportation:

  • Within Yogyakarta: For local travel, use the Gojek or Grab apps for ride-hailing services (motorcycle taxis are common).

  • From Borobudur to Jogja:

    • Bus: The cheapest option. Transjogja bus routes run from Yogyakarta to nearby towns and villages.**
    • Train: A comfortable and scenic way to travel further distances.

Things to consider:

  • Accommodation:

For a budget-friendly stay, consider these options: * Homestays: Experience local culture and hospitality by staying with a family in a traditional Javanese house. * Budget hotels: Many comfortable and clean budget hotels are located along Jalan Malioboro offer affordable prices and are conveniently situated.

Tips for enjoying your trip:

  • Eat like a local: Yogyakarta is known for its delicious street food. Be sure to try some while you’re there!

  • Shop around:

    • Jalan Malioboro: This street is famous for its batik shops and stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional snacks.
    • Local Markets: For a more authentic experience, explore the bustling “Pasar Beringharjo” or “Pasar Seni”:

Things to try:

  • Indonesian food: Yogyakarta is a foodie’s paradise!

  • Traditional Javanese dances:

    • Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppetry): Enjoy the intricate art of wayang kulit, a traditional Javanese shadow puppet show.

  • Learn about the history and culture: Visit historical sites like the Taman Sari Water Palace or the Kraton Yogyakarta (Royal Palace) to understand the rich heritage of the region.

  • Enjoy the vibrant “Jalan Maliobian” atmosphere: Explore the bustling markets and stalls, experience the art and culture of the region.

  • Learn about the history and crafts:

    • Kraton (The Royal Palace): Experience traditional Javanese craftsmanship at its finest by visiting the nearby workshops or exploring the local “Keraton Yogyakarta” museum for a deep dive into the traditions.

  • Indulge in the local culture:

    • Visit the Kraton: The “Kraton Yogyakarta” is a must-see for anyone interested in Javanese history, art and architecture.
      • Explore the “Keraton Yogyakarta” museum: This museum showcases traditional Javanese artifacts, art, and history.

  • Experience the magic of the Ramayana story: Explore the majestic “Prambanan Temple” complex and enjoy a performance of the “Ramayana” dance drama.

Accommodation:

  • Budget:

    • Hostels: If you’re traveling on a budget, there are numerous hostels along Maliboro street offering affordable dorm beds and private rooms in a social setting.

  • Guesthouses:

For those seeking a more traditional and intimate stay, guesthouses offer charming accommodations with a local touch, often including breakfast.

Tips for the journey:

  • Respecting local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples (cover shoulders and knees), remove your shoes before entering, and be mindful of noise levels and public displays of affection.

  • Haggling:

    • At markets like “Borobudur” you can try haggling, especially for souvenirs.

  • Transportation:

    • Public transportation is affordable but can be crowded.
    • Consider using “Gojek” or “Grab” (ride-hailing apps) for short trips and local buses for longer distances.

  • Food:

    • Yogyakarta is known for its delicious food.

Things to remember:

  • Currency: Use Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).

  • Language:

While Indonesian is the official language, you can get by with English in most tourist areas.

  • Culture: Indonesia has a rich and diverse culture.

Learn about local customs before you go.

Food to try:

  • Gula Jogja:

These are delicious sweets made from coconut sugar, palm sugar and molasses.

  • “Gudeg”: A traditional sweet stew of jackfruit, chicken, or eggs, this is a must-try dish.

  • “Bakpia” (various flavors): These small pastries are filled with sweet fillings like red bean paste, mung bean paste, or even chocolate.

  • Food stalls: Be sure to visit the “gudeg” stalls near Jalan Maliobuk

Accommodation:

  • Weather:

Remember that Yogyakarta is in Indonesia, a tropical country. Pack light clothing and sunscreen for the day.

  • Safety tips:

    • Use common sense safety precautions, like being aware of your surroundings.
    • Don’t carry valuable items with you.

Transportation to nearby places:

  • “Wayang Kulit” (puppet) performances: These are a great way to experience traditional Javanese culture.

You can find them in the “Malioboro” area.

Accommodation:

  • Batik and souvenirs: Check out the “Keraton” shops along “Jalan Malo” for unique handmade goods.

Be sure to check the weather conditions before you go to Yogyakarta, as the rain may impact your ability to enjoy these cultural experiences.