Yogyakarta Indonesia 6 Day Itinerary

6-Day Yogyakarta Adventure: Exploring Culture & History

This 6-day Yogyakarta itinerary focuses on the cultural and historical highlights of the city and its surroundings. It’s just a suggestion, so feel free to customize it based on your interests!

Day 1: Ancient Temples & Javanese Treats

  • Morning: Arrive in Yogyakarta and check into your hotel/guesthouse. Consider staying in a guesthouse near Malioboro Street for easy access to the city’s vibrant center.
  • Afternoon: Explore the majestic Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive Buddhist monuments. Enjoy the sunset from this historical wonder for breathtaking views.
  • Food: Dinner at Warung Lesehan on Malioboro Street, famous for its delicious traditional Javanese food like gudeg, nasi kucing, and bakpia.

Things to know:

  • Accommodation:
    • Budget: Stay in a cozy guesthouse near Malioboro Street for a more affordable and local experience.
  • Transportation:
    • Hire a driver or take a taxi/Grab from the airport to your chosen accommodation.
    • Consider visiting Borobudur Temple as a day trip from Yogyakarta city.

Things to do:

  • Visit Prambanan Temple, a stunning Hindu temple complex with towering structures and intricate carvings.

Food & Drink:

  • Warung Lesehan (near the Sultan’s Palace) offers a variety of traditional Javanese dishes in a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Gudeg Yu Djum on Jalan Wijaya Kusuma 1 is a great place to try the iconic Javanese dish “Gudeg”.

Things to know:

  • Day trips: You can easily visit both Borobudur and Prambanan Temples with a private driver or by joining a guided tour.
  • Tickets: Book your Boroboro Temple tickets in advance to avoid long queues.
  • Food stalls: For a truly local experience, try the street food around Malioboro Street, which is renowned for its delicious and affordable Javanese cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring Yogyakarta’s Heritage

  • Morning: Visit Keraton Yogyakarta (the Sultan’s Palace) for a glimpse into the past.
  • Activity: Explore the vibrant street art scene in the city, with a tour of Murals in Yogyakarta.

Things to do:

  • Learn about batik: Take a batik workshop and try your hand at this traditional Indonesian art form.

Day 3: The Magic of Kraton & Traditional Flavors

  • Visit: Taman Sari, the stunning water palace complex, and explore its history and architecture.
  • Food: Lunch at Gudeg Taman Sari, known for its unique setting and delicious Javanese cuisine.

Things to know:

  • Respectful attire: When visiting Keraton Yogyakarta, remember to dress modestly. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

  • Photography rules: Some areas of the Sultan’s Palace may have restrictions on photography. Always check for signs before taking photos.

  • Explore the unique history and architecture of the Taman Sari water palace.

  • Enjoy delicious “nasi kucing” (literally “rice in a cage”), a traditional Javanese dish, at a local “warung nasi kucing” stall.

Day 4: Yogyakarta’s Culinary Journey Continues

  • Discover: Kotagede, Yogyakarta’s historic center for silversmithing.

Things to eat:

  • Explore the culinary traditions of “Nasi Kucing” (literally “nasi rice in a dish”), which is a popular and delicious dish.

Morning:

  • Visit a traditional Javanese market like Pasar Beringharjo to experience the local culture and try a variety of traditional Indonesian dishes.
  • Enjoy a cooking class at one of Yogyakarta’s culinary schools or restaurants, focusing on the unique flavors and techniques of Javanese cuisine.

Day 5: Nature’s Beauty & Ancient Ruins

  • Experience: The serenity and natural wonders of Goa Pindul (Pindul Cave).
  • Explore: The majestic beauty of the ancient temples at Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the stunning sunset views from the temple grounds.

Things to do:

  • Visit the ancient ruins of other historical sites in Yogyakarta, such as Candi Kalasan or Plaosan Temple.
  • Take a dip in the natural pools.

Day 6: Exploring the City & Beyond

  • Visit a traditional batik workshop and learn about the process from local artisans.
  • Enjoy a traditional Javanese dance performance.

Things to do:

  • Learn basic Indonesian phrases to help you communicate with the locals.

Day 6: A final day in Yogyakarta:

  • Visit Borobudur, a magnificent Buddhist temple dating back to the 8th century, and experience the beauty of the city’s natural surroundings.
  • Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many food stalls around the city.
  • Consider purchasing some batik souvenirs from the local markets or shops.

Stay:

  • Homestays: For a homestay experience, try staying in the traditional Javanese village of “Ngemplak”.

Food:

  • Enjoy: A traditional Javanese breakfast at your homestay like nasi gurih (savory rice) or bubur ayam (chicken porridge)*.