Ultimate Jogja Travel Guide: 14 Fantastic Things to Do in Jogja

Yogyakarta, or better known as Jogja, is a city full of history. It’s no wonder, since the people of Jogja still stick to tradition and hold so much value in culture. You can see evidence of it everywhere you go.

Be sure to experience Yogyakarta’s culture to the fullest with this ultimate Jogja travel guide. Find out the best things to do in Jogja, the best tourist destinations, and the mouth-watering culinary gems!

14 Fantastic Things to Do in Jogja

1. Making Your Own Batik

Batik is a method of producing colored designs on textiles by dyeing them with wax-resist dye. 

Its origin dates back to the 1800s and it’s now considered as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

In Jogja, you can learn how to make your own batik and give it a personal touch. You can do so by attending Kota Gede and participating in its Batik workshop.

Here, you will learn about the basic technique of Batik-making. Participants will be given a cloth with a drawing traced on it and a tool filled with melted wax.

After the workshop, you can bring home the Batik you’ve made. A nice souvenir to help you remember your Jogja trip!

2. Taking Pottery Class

Another fun activity in Jogja is taking a pottery class. Karanganyar pottery village offers a class that you can sign up for.

The pottery products in this village have a distinct traditional design, and you’ll get to sculp it according to that design.

3. Joining a Silver Jewelry Workshop

Visiting Jogja is all about immersing yourself in its rich culture, including the traditional silver jewelry-making technique.

It’s not an easy feat. Also located at Kota Gede, the technique requires a lot of patience—you’ll need to be very precise to master the filigree technique.

However, the process will certainly be worth it. You’ll have a piece of beautiful jewelry to immortalize your fun memories in Jogja.

Read Also: 5 Indonesian Cultural Activities that Make You Feel Like a Local Citizen

4. Taking Puppet-Making Class

Do you want to participate in a fun class while learning more about the history of Indonesia? Run by two Indonesian visual artists, Papermoon Puppet theater thrives in historically accurate storytelling in an easily digestible way. 

That is also how the medium was chosen. Puppets that are loved by children can be a great disarming tool in telling a painful story, particularly that of the 1965 mass killings.

The show uses varying puppet sizes, and you can learn how to make one just like them. You can make it however you like, so be sure to save a puppet reference before going.

5. Witnessing Majestic Sunrise or Sunset

Aside from all the fun classes you can partake in, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of sunrise or sunset at various spots in Jogja.

For sunrise, you can visit the grand Borobudur temple and watch as the sun rises, creating the perfect silhouette of the Buddhist temple.

Alternately, you can watch the sunset at Prambanan temple and enjoy the serene view of the Hindu temple under the orange sky.

6. Watching a Wayang Show

Another puppet show you should never miss is a wayang show.

Wayang is a theatrical performance using traditional puppet. It’s usually accompanied by traditional instruments, telling local stories relatable to the local people.

7. Sight-seeing in a Neon Car

Last on things to do in Jogja list: as night approaches, you can see people starting to rent out these Neon Pedicabs all around the city center of Jogja.

Some of these pedicabs have been modified to look like a beetle car or van. But don’t be fooled, there’s no engine powering these “cars”—you’ll have to pedal it through!

It’s a fun activity to do with your friends or family. You can go around the city center to witness many landmarks there. Not only that, you can also see the locals’ way of life firsthand.

Read Also: Before You Visit: Do’s and Don’ts of Basic Indonesian Etiquette

8. Shopping Spree

If you’re looking for things to do in Yogyakarta, staying in the city and exploring Malioboro is one of the best experiences. Positioned at the heart of the city, Malioboro offers a diverse range of goods at fantastic prices, making it a must-visit destination for shopping. Renowned for its selection of souvenirs and gift items, it’s the perfect place to grab a memento of your time in the city. To fully immerse yourself in the lively shopping atmosphere, taking a leisurely stroll along Malioboro’s bustling streets is a must-do activity.

9. Historical Walk

Yogyakarta boasts an array of historic museums that are a must-visit on any Indonesia vacation. Among these, the Sono Bodoyo Museum stands out as a renowned destination, showcasing an extensive collection of Javanese art. This museum proudly displays Indonesian puppets, masks, weaponry, textiles, and more, offering a diverse range of discoveries. Additionally, the museum features a courtyard exhibiting stunning Hindu architecture, adding another layer of cultural richness to the experience.

10. River Rafting

Amidst the city’s architectural wonders, there’s excitement waiting for adventure enthusiasts too. Venture to the Progo River, where renting a kayak offers a thrilling river rafting experience amidst stunning surroundings. This offbeat gem in Yogyakarta provides a break from the city’s hustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich flora and fauna along the riverbanks.

11. Chilling Under The Sun

The name Wediombo aptly describes the expansive sandy landscape of this Indonesian beach. Stretching across a vast area, it features soft, white sands where visitors often stroll along the coastline engaging in activities like fishing. This area is rich in diverse species, with the Panjo fish being one of its notable highlights. Lying at the edge of rolling hills, this pristine beach offers travelers the opportunity to climb up and relish a panoramic view of the entire region.

Read more: Where Exactly is Mount Rinjani Located? Facts & Trekking Information

12. Explore Javanese Culture

Experience the essence of Javanese culture at its finest by visiting the Ullen Setun Museum, hailed as one of Yogyakarta’s premier museums. Here, visitors can explore the evolution of this Indonesian city while admiring remnants of ancient Batik, antique manuscripts, and period paintings, gaining insights into its rich cultural heritage.

13. Explore The Bird Market

Another captivating destination in Yogyakarta, particularly appealing to bird enthusiasts, is Pasar Pasty the local bird market. In Indonesia, birds are a thriving business, sought after as pets and for participation in singing competitions. The market boasts a diverse array of birds, including owls, ravens, pigeons, and various other species, all meticulously cared for by their sellers.

14. Experience Royalty

Discover the regal heritage of Yogyakarta with a visit to the Kraton Kasultanan Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, a renowned attraction in this Indonesian city. This palace still serves as the residence of the Sultan and his family, welcoming visitors to explore its museum. Inside, guests can delve into the history of the royal family while also glimpsing the richness of Javanese art and culture on display.

Best Tourist Destinations in Jogja

1. The Palace of Yogyakarta

Referred to as Keraton by the locals, the palace of Yogyakarta is a grand complex where the court of Yogyakarta lies.

It’s still standing today as living proof of history and tradition, so be sure to pay it a visit to learn more about Jogja.

2. Taman Sari Water Castle

Another historical place you should visit is Taman Sari Water Castle, the former royal garden of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta. There are various areas with different functions here: resting areas, workshops, meditation areas, defense areas, and a hiding place.

3. Malioboro

Maliobor is your go-to place for souvenir shopping. There are various local products you can find here, including a wide range of local delicacies.

4. Borobudur Temple

This Buddhist temple is one of the most famous historical destinations in Yogyakarta.

Borobudur is also the largest Buddhist temple in the world, home to approximately 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. It’s now marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

5. Prambanan Temple

Another temple you wouldn’t want to miss is the Prambanan Temple.

Considered as the largest Hindu temple in the world, it originally consists of 240 temple structures. It’s also been marked as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Read Also: 7 Amazingly Gorgeous Temples of Indonesia

Best Local Restaurants

1. The House of Raminten

Location: Jl. Faridan M Noto No.7, Kotabaru, Kec. Gondokusuman, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55224

If you want to enjoy food with a unique Javanese feel to it, The House of Raminten is the place. This traditional Javanese restaurant offers a great selection of Javanese traditional dishes and cutleries.

2. Omah Dhuwur

Location: Jl. Mondorakan No.252, Bodon, Jagalan, Kec. Kotagede, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55192

Located in a 150-year-old European building, Omah Dhuwur offers a quiet and vintage atmosphere for you and your loved ones. The menu also varies from Western food to local dishes.

3. Gubug Makan Mang Engking

Location: Jl. Soragan Jalan Kembang No.13, Kembang, Ngestiharjo, Kec. Kasihan, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55182

This restaurant offers a great selection of Sundanese dishes, another one of the many ethnic groups in Indonesia. You can enjoy your meal in a gazebo hovering just above a man-made pond.

4. Sate Klathak Pak Pong

Location: Jl. Sultan Agung No.18, Jejeran II, Wonokromo, Kec. Pleret, Kabupaten Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55791

If you love lamb skewers, then this is the place to go. This legendary restaurant offers well-seasoned juicy lamb meat guaranteed to make your mouth water.

5. Gudeg Yu Djum

Location: Jl. Kaliurang Km. 4,5 CT III/22 Gang Cokrowolo Karangasem, Mbarek, Jl. Agro, Kocoran, Caturtunggal, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55281

This restaurant has been around since 1950 with its signature Gudeg, a type of traditional Javanese dish. So don’t miss out on this iconic culinary destination!

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta? Bobobox is Your Key to Cheap Accommodation in Jogja!

Bobobox s your solution for convenient accommodation in Jogja. Located at Malioboro a.k.a the heart of tourism in Jogja, it’s just a short walking distance away from various iconic destinations, culinary gems, and souvenir centers.

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