Yogyakarta Tourist Information and Tourism

(Yogyakarta, Central Java, Indonesia)



Serving Central Java and a city of heritage, soul and tourism, Yogyakarta (pronounced as 'Jog-jah-karta') embodies everything good about the island and the local here actually speak Javanese at its most pure. Yogyakarta has managed to retain many of its local customs and traditions, amidst the strong modern influences that are beginning to creep into this conservative city, and is still actually ruled by a Indonesian sultan.

The potency and appeal of Yogyakarta has ensured that this city remains one of Java's most visited and popular, particularly since it is so close to the famous Borobudur and Prambanan temples. There are lots of hotels and homestays available around the city, many of which line the centrally located thoroughfare of the Jalan Malioboro, which conveniently is where the Yogyakarta Tourist Information Centre is to be found, although tourism counters are also based at Adisucipto International Airport and at the Tugu train Station.





Yogyakarta Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

As a major tourist city of great standing, visitors to Yogyakarta won't have far to look to come upon attractions likely to be of interest. Walking tours beginning at the Tugu railway station are a good way to familiarise yourself with the offerings of Yogyakarta. The Gembira Loka Zoo lies on the southern side of the city and has become well known for its Sumatran elephants and Asian tigers, being highly suitable for holidaying families. To experience the city's historical silver industry first hand, do consider exploring the Kota Gede suburb, which was formerly the capital of the Mataram Kingdom. More information about Yogyakarta Tourist Attractions.

Situated in the very heart of Yogyakarta's historic Old City is the palace (kraton) of the sultans, which is really more like a small walled city. The kraton complex dates from the mid-18th century and comprises its own market, shops, business, schools and even a number of Islamic mosques. Sightseers will also appreciate Yogyakarta's plentiful ancient temples (candis), a number of which are more than 1,000 years old and decorated with ornate stone carvings. For a taster of the rich local Dutch heritage, the fortress named the Benteng Vredeburg warrants a look and is a good place to come for cityscape panoramas and views of the President's Palace (Gedung Agung). More information about Yogyakarta Landmarks and Monuments.

Many monuments, memorials and museums are dedicated to the history of Yogyakarta, which includes its Dutch heritage and the part played by the city during the War of Independence. Standing next to the entrance of the sultan's palace, the Museum Kareta Kratoni is home to a collection of very ornate and ostentatious carriages and chariots. Nearby, information about Javanese history is in good supply at the Museum Sono Budoyo, where there are traditional 'wayang kulit' shadow puppets and 'batik' textiles, created by an authentic technique of dying wax-painted fabrics. For Indonesian art in Yogyakarta, the Affandi Museum is amongst the best galleries in the city. More information about Yogyakarta Museums and Yogyakarta Art Galleries.

Yogyakarta enjoys a centrally located setting on the island of Java, and therefore, day trips are not only possible, but highly recommended. Excursions to the spectacular temples of Borobudur and Prambanan are quite hard to resist and these sites are amongst the best archaeological attractions in Indonesia. Tourists often appreciate the white sandy beaches at the nearby seaside resort of Parangtritis, which have become a popular weekend haunt to local Indonesians. For alternative days out, consider the bustling Javan cities of Semarang (north) and Solo (north-east). More information about Yogyakarta Attractions Nearby.

More Yogyakarta Information / Fast Facts and Orientation