Places to Visit in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Brief Summary
Known as the cultural heart of Java, Yogyakarta (often called “Jogja”) is a city rich with heritage, history, and art. From the world-famous temples of Borobudur and Prambanan to bustling local markets and batik workshops, Yogyakarta is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Indonesia. This guide highlights top attractions, essential tips, and how to stay connected while exploring Jogja.

About Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia’s most vibrant cities, blending Javanese tradition with modern creativity. It’s a hub for art, culture, and education, with ancient temples nearby and lively street scenes in the city center. For travelers from Singapore, Yogyakarta offers a convenient yet culturally immersive getaway.

Quick Facts Table

Stay Connected While Travelling to Yogyakarta

Staying connected is essential when exploring Yogyakarta’s historic temples, bustling markets, and cultural hotspots. With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can avoid the hassle of hunting for a local SIM and enjoy seamless data coverage the moment you arrive.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for Indonesia

Last updated on: 22 September 2025

Steps to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Yogyakarta

1. Open the Circles.Life app.

2. Go to Roaming & Data Plans.

3. Choose your preferred data plan and confirm payment.

4. Activate when you land at Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA).

Top Attractions in Yogyakarta You Shouldn’t Miss

Yogyakarta is filled with cultural landmarks, historical treasures, and vibrant city life. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Borobudur Temple

The largest Buddhist monument in the world, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Indonesia’s greatest cultural treasures.

• Location: Magelang, ~40 km from Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: ~IDR 500,000 (SGD 45) for foreign visitors

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: Stunning sunrise views and intricate stone carvings make it a spiritual and visual highlight.

Prambanan Temple

A magnificent Hindu temple complex dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva).

• Location: 17 km east of Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: ~IDR 375,000 (SGD 33)

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Why Visit: Famous for its towering spires and evening Ramayana ballet performances.

Kraton Yogyakarta (Sultan’s Palace)

The cultural heart of Yogyakarta, this palace complex is still home to the Sultan and serves as a living museum of Javanese heritage.

• Location: Central Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: ~IDR 15,000 (SGD 1.30)

• Timings: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (closed on Mondays)

• Why Visit: Offers insight into royal traditions, architecture, and Javanese performing arts.

Taman Sari Water Castle

A former royal garden and bathing complex, once used by the Sultan’s family.

• Location: Near Kraton Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: ~IDR 15,000 (SGD 1.30)

• Timings: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Why Visit: A beautiful mix of history, architecture, and hidden passageways.

Malioboro Street

The city’s most famous shopping street, filled with batik shops, street food stalls, and local markets.

• Location: Central Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: Free

• Timings: Open all day, best in the evening

• Why Visit: Perfect for shopping souvenirs, trying local food, and soaking up the city’s lively atmosphere.

Mount Merapi

An active volcano offering adventure and stunning views, often explored via jeep tours.

• Location: ~30 km north of Yogyakarta

• Entry Fee: Jeep tours from IDR 400,000 (SGD 35) per group

• Timings: Tours available daily, best in the morning

• Why Visit: For its dramatic landscapes, adventurous trails, and cultural significance to locals.

Yogyakarta: What to Know Before You Go

How to Get to Yogyakarta

Most visitors fly directly into Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), which handles both domestic and international flights. The airport is about 45 km from the city center, and you can reach downtown Yogyakarta by airport shuttle, taxi, or ride-hailing apps like Grab. Alternatively, travelers already in Java can take a train, with comfortable routes connecting Yogyakarta to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bandung.

Getting Around Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta’s city center is compact and walkable, especially around Malioboro Street and Kraton. For longer distances, you can use ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Gojek, or hire becak (traditional cycle rickshaws) for short trips. Renting a motorbike is popular for exploring nearby temples and villages. For day trips to Borobudur or Mount Merapi, hiring a private driver is the most convenient option.

Best Time to Visit Yogyakarta

The best time to visit is during the dry season (May to September), when weather is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The rainy season (October to April) brings heavy showers but fewer crowds, making it a good option for budget travelers. Festivals like the annual Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan Temple or Sekaten Festival in November also offer unique cultural experiences.

Where to Stay in Yogyakarta

• Budget: Hostels and guesthouses around Malioboro Street.

• Mid-range: Boutique hotels near Kraton and Taman Sari.

• Luxury: High-end resorts and hotels in Sleman or near Borobudur for peaceful stays.

Book easily with Agoda discounts from Circles.Life to get the best rates for your Yogyakarta trip.

Tips for a Smooth Trip

Make your trip to Yogyakarta hassle-free with these practical tips:

• Stay connected with a local SIM or eSIM. Essential for booking rides, using maps, and checking train schedules.

• Carry a power bank. Exploring temples and day trips to Mount Merapi can take hours away from charging points.

• Cash vs. card usage. Most restaurants and hotels accept cards, but local markets, street food vendors, and small shops prefer cash. Always keep some Rupiah on hand.

• Download useful apps. Grab and Gojek for transport, Klook for tours, and Google Maps for navigation will make your journey smoother.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel

Traveling without a roaming plan often means overspending on data or struggling with unreliable Wi-Fi. Many tourists in Yogyakarta find themselves paying more at the airport for local SIMs or wasting time searching for hotspots.

With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you can activate an eSIM or roaming plan before departure and enjoy seamless connectivity as soon as you land. This way, you’ll have more time to focus on exploring Borobudur, Prambanan, and the cultural gems of Yogyakarta without worrying about connectivity.