Yogyakarta Indonesia 3 Day Itinerary

Here’s a 3-day itinerary for traveling in Yogyakarta, Indonesia:

Day 1: Explore the City and its Iconic Sites

  • Morning: Start your day at Kotagede, the old city of Yogyakarta. This is where Sultan Hamengku Buwono I was crowned as the first Sultan of Ngayogyakarta in 1755. Take a leisurely walk around the old city to see its traditional houses and experience local life.
  • Lunch: Try some local food at one of the many street food stalls or restaurants that serve Gudeg, Yogyakarta’s specialty dish made from young jackfruit, coconut milk, and spices.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Mangkunegaran Palace. It was once the residence of the Mangkunegara princes who ruled the surrounding areas. The palace is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
  • Evening: Watch a traditional Javanese dance performance, such as the Ramayana ballet, at one of Yogyakarta’s cultural venues like the Prabuawati Amertumun building or similar places.

Day 2: Explore Nature and Cultural Sites

  • Morning: Go to Parangtritis Beach, a black sand beach that’s a great spot for watching sunrise. It’s about an hour outside Yogyakarta by car.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant in Parangtritis or head back into Yogyakarta to try some of the city’s street food or go to a restaurant serving international cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Borobudur Temple. It’s one of Indonesia’s most famous sites and is about an hour outside Yogyakarta by car. This ancient Buddhist temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Evening: Experience the city’s nightlife. You can find many restaurants, cafes, and bars in the Malioboro area that are open late into the night.

Day 3: Explore More of Yogyakarta

  • Morning: Visit Prambanan Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 40 minutes outside Yogyakarta by car. This temple is known for its beautiful Hindu architecture.
  • Lunch: Try some more local food in the area or have lunch at one of the restaurants near Prambanan.
  • Afternoon: Explore Kotabaru, a shopping district that’s home to many markets selling traditional goods and souvenirs. It’s also a great place for trying street food.
  • Evening: Spend your last evening in Yogyakarta by taking a leisurely walk along the Kali Opak River or exploring some of the smaller streets around Kotabaru.

Transportation

Yogyakarta is connected to other major cities in Indonesia through regular buses and trains. For getting around, you can use taxis or rent cars with drivers for convenience. You can also hire bicycles if you prefer a more leisurely pace.

Where to Stay

There are many hotels in Yogyakarta ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta - A luxury hotel located near the airport.
  • Dafam Hotel Dafam - A more affordable option with good service and clean rooms.
  • Yogyakarta Plaza Inn - Offers a mix of local culture and modern amenities.

Things to Know

  • Language: Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language, but many locals also speak Javanese. English is widely spoken among those in the tourism industry.
  • Currency: Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
  • Weather: Yogyakarta has a tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 32°C throughout the year.

Tips

  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.
  • Try some of the local cuisine and drinks like Gudeg and Kopi Joss (black coffee).
  • Don’t drink tap water. Stick to bottled or filtered water for safety.
  • Always bargain when shopping at markets or from street vendors.

This itinerary provides a good balance of culture, history, nature, and fun activities to enjoy in Yogyakarta over 3 days. Enjoy your trip!