Discover the best tourist destinations in Yogyakarta that offer natural beauty, culture, and history, perfect for a vacation with family or friends.
Yogyakarta, or Jogja, is a city that is not only rich in tradition and culture, but also offers a variety of fascinating tourist destinations. With its stunning natural beauty and valuable historical riches, Jogja is a suitable place for anyone to visit.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a history buff, or a family looking for a vacation, Jogja always has something to offer. Here are the 10 best tourist destinations that you must visit when you are in Yogyakarta.
1. Malioboro
Malioboro is the center of life in Yogyakarta and is a very well-known icon throughout Indonesia. As one of the main tourist destinations in Jogja, Malioboro has a 2.5 kilometer stretch filled with shops selling various local products, such as batik, handicrafts, to typical Jogja souvenirs such as bakpia and gudeg.
There are also many traditional foods sold here, and various angkringan traders who offer warm food such as nasi kucing and sate.
Interestingly, the atmosphere of Malioboro becomes more lively at night, with the presence of buskers and the crowds becoming more pronounced. Not only that, for those of you who like to take a leisurely stroll, this road is equipped with a wide and comfortable pedestrian path.
2. Wediombo Beach
If you are looking for a beach with beautiful white sand and instagrammable, Wediombo Beach is the right choice. Located in the Gunung Kidul area, this beach has a unique bay shape with a lava dome from an ancient volcano that is now submerged under the sea.
The natural beauty and calming sea views make this beach a perfect place for taking pictures. Wediombo Beach is also a turtle conservation area, where you can learn more about turtles and marine ecosystems. In addition, for water sports enthusiasts, the waves on this beach are quite challenging for surfing.
3. Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, located about 17 kilometers from the center of Yogyakarta City. This temple has magnificent architecture and displays reliefs that tell the story of the Ramayana.
Built in the 9th century, Prambanan Temple is also included in the list of UNESCO world heritage sites. This temple is a perfect destination for history and culture lovers.
The best time to visit Prambanan Temple is in the morning or dusk, because the softer sunlight will make the atmosphere more dramatic and also more comfortable for walking.
4. Yogyakarta Palace
Keraton Yogyakarta, or better known as the Sultan’s Palace, is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about Javanese culture. As a center for preserving Javanese culture, the palace also serves as a place for traditional ceremonies that are still held today.
Inside the palace complex, visitors can see various collections of royal heirlooms, ancient gamelan, and historical objects that tell of the glory of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.
The uniqueness of the palace’s architecture, which combines Javanese, Dutch and Portuguese elements, is also a special attraction for visitors who are interested in history and culture.
5. Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yogyakarta. Located about 27 kilometers from the city center, this beach has an extraordinary sunset view and unique sand dunes. Here there is also a legend of Ratu Kidul which is believed by some people.
Although the waves at Parangtritis Beach are quite big, this beach is still a must-visit destination. You can enjoy various activities, such as riding a bendi along the beach, playing paragliding, or just relaxing in a gazebo while enjoying young coconut and fresh seafood.
The atmosphere around the beach is calm and the fresh sea breeze makes Parangtritis the perfect choice for relaxing.
6. Taman Sari Palace of Yogyakarta
Taman Sari is a former royal garden built during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. The complex used to be very large, with various beautiful buildings such as bathing pools, artificial islands, and water canals.
Although most of the buildings have disappeared, some structures still remain and offer very beautiful and historical views.
One of the favorite places in Taman Sari is the Underground Mosque, which is very popular among tourists for taking pictures. Taman Sari offers a unique historical tourism experience, combining natural beauty and enchanting architecture.
7. Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum is an art and culture museum that houses various collections depicting Javanese history and culture, especially related to batik.
The museum was established in 1997 and houses various collections of traditional royal clothing, batik cloth, Hindu and Buddhist statues, and ancient gamelan. With architecture that combines gothic and tropical styles, this museum is very interesting to visit.
Visitors are not allowed to take pictures inside the museum, but experienced tour guides will provide very detailed explanations about each collection. This museum is the perfect place to learn more about Javanese culture.
8. Yogyakarta Monument
Tugu Yogyakarta is a symbol of pride for this city. Built in 1755, Tugu Yogyakarta has a deep philosophy that symbolizes the struggle and spirit of resistance against colonialism.
This monument is always crowded with tourists who want to take pictures as souvenirs after visiting this Gudeg city.
In addition, Jogja residents also have a unique tradition of kissing or hugging Tugu after graduating from college, as a symbol of achievement and a prayer for blessings.
Tugu Yogyakarta is a landmark that radiates the spirit of the city and is suitable as an iconic photo spot.
9. Sadranan Beach
Sadranan Beach is a beach located in Gunung Kidul and has stunning white sand and calmer waves compared to other beaches in Jogja. This beach is the perfect choice for those of you who want to swim or play in the water.
In addition, Sadranan Beach is also famous for its beautiful coral reefs, which you can enjoy by snorkeling. Around the beach, there are facilities such as gazebos, lodging, and food stalls that offer fresh seafood, making Sadranan Beach a comfortable place to spend your vacation.
10. Slopes of Mount Merapi
The slopes of Mount Merapi are a natural tourist destination that offers an extraordinary experience. Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, and the area around its slopes has extraordinary charm.
One of the best ways to enjoy the slopes of Merapi is to take a lava tour using a jeep or trekking to see firsthand the remains of the powerful eruption. One of the interesting places here is the Kaliadem Bunker, which was a silent witness to the eruption of Merapi in 2010.
In addition, this area also has the Mount Merapi Museum which provides insight into volcanic activity and conservation carried out to protect the surrounding community.
In this area there is also Tlogo Putri Waterfall, which can be reached on foot while enjoying the beautiful forest scenery.
Yogyakarta is a city rich in history, culture, and incredible natural beauty. From the iconic Malioboro to the challenging slopes of Mount Merapi, Jogja has a variety of tourist destinations that can satisfy all types of travelers.
With its stunning scenery, deep historical sites, and vibrant culture, Yogyakarta is a truly worthwhile place to visit. Don’t forget to include these 10 best tourist destinations in your Yogyakarta vacation itinerary!