Explore the beauty of Yogyakarta through various best tourist destinations that offer history, nature, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Yogyakarta, or often called Jogja, is known as a city rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. As one of the main tourist destinations in Indonesia, Yogyakarta offers various tourist attractions that not only offer stunning views but also enriching experiences.
Here are the 10 best tourist destinations in Yogyakarta that you must visit to enjoy a meaningful and adventurous holiday.
1. Malioboro Street
Malioboro Street is one of Yogyakarta’s icons that should not be missed. Located in the city center, Malioboro is the perfect place to buy typical Jogja souvenirs, ranging from batik, handicrafts, to snacks such as gudeg and bakpia.
If you visit at night, you will be greeted by a lively atmosphere with various tent stalls offering typical culinary delights.
This location is also very strategic, just a few steps from Tugu Yogyakarta Station, making it easily accessible to tourists who have just arrived. Malioboro is the right place to feel the atmosphere of Jogja which is full of enthusiasm and warmth.
2. Mount Merapi Museum
At the foot of Mount Merapi, the Mount Merapi Museum presents an interesting story about the massive eruption that occurred in 2006.
The museum exhibits various items left over from the disaster, including vehicles buried in volcanic ash and everyday equipment from the affected communities. There are also various historical photos of Mount Merapi that show the changes in nature over time.
The entrance ticket is very affordable, only IDR 5,000 per person, and you can also watch a documentary about the history of the eruption of Mount Merapi, which is very in-depth and educational.
Things to do Sleman include exploring this attraction to learn more about the region’s fascinating geological and cultural history.
3. Yogyakarta Palace
As the center of the Yogyakarta Kingdom, Kraton Yogyakarta is a historical tourist destination full of meaning. This palace is the residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, which until now still functions as a center of government and culture.
You can visit the Main Complex of the Yogyakarta Palace which is open to the public from 08.30 to 13.00 WIB, except on Fridays which are only open until 11.00 WIB.
Here, you can admire the beauty of the thick Javanese architecture, as well as learn about the history of the Yogyakarta Sultanate through a guide who is ready to explain everything about the Palace.
4. Kembang Soka Waterfall
For nature lovers who want to enjoy the natural freshness, Kembang Soka Waterfall is the right choice. Located in Kulonprogo, this waterfall offers a very calming view with white and bluish water flow.
The surrounding atmosphere surrounded by the Menoreh mountain forest makes this place suitable as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place also has several instagrammable photo spots for you to capture in beautiful holiday moments.
5. Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yogyakarta, located about 30 km from the city center. Known for its black volcanic sand, this beach provides exotic and attractive views.
In addition to enjoying the crashing waves of the Indian Ocean, visitors can also enjoy the beauty of the stunning sunset. This beach is perfect for those of you who want to feel peace and tranquility while enjoying the outdoors.
6. Mangunan Pine Forest
If you are looking for a tourist destination that offers fresh air and beautiful natural scenery, Hutan Pinus Mangunan is the right choice. Located in the Dlingo area, Bantul, this pine forest offers green scenery that is pleasing to the eye.
Many tourists come here to take a leisurely stroll, take pictures with the tall pine trees in the background, or simply enjoy the cool mountain air. This place is perfect for those of you who want to enjoy a calm and peaceful natural atmosphere.
7. Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and is a UNESCO world heritage site. Known for its beautiful architecture and detailed reliefs, the temple was built in the 9th century and is believed to have been built by King Balitung of the Sanjaya Dynasty.
You can admire the grandeur of the main temples dedicated to the Trimurti, namely Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, as well as see other sites located around the Prambanan area.
This temple is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Hinduism in Indonesia.
8. Taman Sari
Taman Sari is a former palace garden of the Yogyakarta Palace built during the reign of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I. This park used to be a place of recreation and entertainment for the Palace family, and is now an interesting tourist site to visit.
Inside the Taman Sari complex, there are beautiful pools, historical buildings, and alleys that can be explored. Tourists can take a tour to learn about the history of Taman Sari or walk around on their own to enjoy the beauty of its unique Javanese architecture.
9. Ullen Sentalu Museum
Ullen Sentalu Museum is located at the foot of Mount Merapi and is known as a place to learn about the culture and history of Yogyakarta. The name of this museum comes from Javanese philosophy which means that light is the guide to the path of life.
In this museum, you can see collections of arts, crafts, and history of the Mataram kingdom. This museum is perfect for those who want to learn more about Javanese culture, especially the history of the Yogyakarta Sultanate.
10. South Square
Alun-Alun Kidul is a town square located behind the Yogyakarta Palace. This place has a long history as a training ground for soldiers in ancient times. Currently, Alun-Alun Kidul is a very popular tourist destination, especially at night.
Around the square, you can find various street foods, hangouts, and even folk entertainment. One of the most famous activities in Alun-Alun Kidul is playing “Masangin” or walking straight between two banyan trees in the middle of the square, which is believed to be a test to test calmness and concentration.
Yogyakarta never runs out of attractions for tourists. From historical sites like Kraton Yogyakarta and Prambanan Temple, to stunning natural attractions like Parangtritis Beach and Hutan Pinus Mangunan, Tourist Attractions in Kaliurang further enrich the experience with their scenic beauty and serene ambiance, making Yogyakarta an unforgettable destination.
Every corner of this city has a story and beauty waiting to be discovered, making it the perfect destination for any type of vacation. Don’t forget to include these destinations in your itinerary when visiting Yogyakarta.
