Traditional arts such as batik making, puppet shows, and gamelan music, which features a variety of instruments including xylophones, drums, gongs and bamboo flutes, are celebrated here, as is contemporary art. Yogyakarta has a thriving art scene, and it is home to independent film communities, musicians, as well as performance and visual artists. As a result of these efforts, as well as its proximity to the magnificent Borobudur, Yogyakarta has become the premier tourist destination in Java.
Must-see sights and activities include the Buddhist monument of Borobudur; the sumptuous, well-rehearsed Ramayana ballet, held amidst the ruins of the imposing Prambanan temple complex; and the huge, beautifully built palace of Kraton Ngayogyakarta.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Explore the magnificent 9th-century temples of Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. Borobudur was nearly reclaimed by the jungle after the people of Java abandoned Buddhism in favor of Islam in the 15th century. In the 19th century, it was uncovered by British and Dutch colonial leaders, and restored to its former glory through a series of excavations and renovations that lasted until 1973. It is the country’s most famous site and a UNESCO World Heritage-protected monument.
Depending on the time of year, go rafting and kayaking on the Elo River; the ideal time to go is before or immediately after the end of the rainy season - when the river's waters are high, but not in danger of flooding.
A Dutch fort dating from the 1760s, Fort Vrederburg was used by both the first sultan of Yogyakarta, as well as Dutch colonial leaders. Located inside the kraton (Sultan's palace), the fort contains dioramas focusing on Indonesia’s struggle for independence over the centuries. Various collections of photographs, paintings, historical objects and other items on the same genre are also to be found.
Visit the kraton, or palace, of Yogyakarta. Built in 1755, this huge palace located at the center of a small walled city became the most powerful Javanese state under the leadership of Prince Mangkubumi, who pronounced himself sultan. The current sultan still resides in the palace, a fine example of Javanese palace architecture, and over 25,000 people live within the walls of the kraton compound.
The Prambanan is an ancient complex of Hindu temples dating to the 9th century, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. While reconstruction is ongoing, visitors can still visit much of this complex, which boasts a series of towering, ornate stone temples.
For four nights a week from May to October, a theater outside the park hosts performances of the Ramayana, the Hindu epic centering around the god Rama, his lover Seeta, and the faithful monkey-deity Hanuman. This performance is particularly noteworthy as it is performed by Javanese dancers, who interpret the source material in a unique, refreshing way.
Visit the Water Castle, also known as Taman Sari. This 18th century complex of palaces surrounded by pools and waterways was built as a retreat for the sultan and his entourage. Hidden pleasure rooms built into the design were so cherished by the sultan, that he supposedly had Taman Sari’s Portuguese architect executed so as to keep these rooms secret.
Visit the Kota Gede, which is the capital of the old Islamic Mataram Kingdom. It features excellent architectural examples of that age. Imogiri is the graveyard of royal families in the area.
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Embark on an around-the-world 20-night adventure of dramatic contrast, from the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto to the souks and medina of imperial Marrakech.
Embark on an around-the-world 20-night adventure of dramatic contrast, from the palaces and temples of imperial Kyoto to the souks and medina of imperial Marrakech.
Discover authentic Javanese culture on this 6-day tour of Indonesia’s Java island. You’ll step into history at the Sultan’s Palace in Yogyakarta, capture an incredible view of Indonesia’s most active volcano, and raft down Elo river, while staying at luxury Indonesia hotels like the Amanjiwo.
Explore the wilds of Indonesian Borneo on this exciting 10-day adventure. You’ll traipse through lush mangroves and rainforests, spotting remarkable animals, including the elusive orangutan, along the way. You’ll also have a chance to dive and relax at the luxury beachside Kura Kura Resort and visit a turtle sanctuary.
Island-hop from the bustling island nation of Singapore to the many islands of Indonesia, on this exciting 13-day luxury tour. You’ll capture the Singapore cityscape from atop Marina Bay Sands, raft down the Telaga Waja river in Bali, hunt for dragons on Komodo island, and explore the ancient ruins of Yogyakarta.
Travel 14 days in sheer luxury aboard your private jet to some of the most hidden corners of Indonesia. You’ll explore the ancient Borobudur in Yogyakarta, spot orangutans in Borneo, marvel at traditional burial grounds in Tana Toraja, enter the secret lairs of the Komodo dragon, and stay in luxury Indonesia hotels.
Travel in five-star luxury aboard your private jet and yacht, through Indonesia’s exciting, exotic and stunning archipelago. You’ll explore ancient ruins on Java, meet tribespeople in the stunning Baliem Valley, and sail deep into the exquisite Raja Ampat archipelago aboard a private cruise ship.
Let a private jet whisk you away on a thrilling 11-day journey through Indonesia’s remarkable history. You’ll fly in style to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Yogyakarta, orangutan rehabilitation grounds in Borneo, the traditional village of Kete Kesu in Tana Toraja, and to your luxury hotel in the cultural center of Ubud.
All fine things in life deserve time. Indonesia is no exception, and after a whole month of this epic journey, you'll want even more. Fly, ride, drive and boat your way around, stopping off to say hi to the inquisitive orangutans of Borneo, hiking past the dragons of Komodo Island and navigating the majestic volcanoes of Java.
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta takes its inspiration from a Javanese word that, in their culture, refers to a peaceful, tranquil, and calm state of being. This independent hotel prides itself on providing a quality experience to its guests by focusing on every detail. The property is situated just 5 minutes from downtown Yogyakarta and 20 minutes from the airport. Dining options include Kayumanis Coffee Shop for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Eboni Bar and Lounge for light fare and drinks; and The Grand Duck King for lunch and dinner.
The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta is situated in the heart of Yogyakarta just minutes from the popular Malioboro shopping district and 15 minutes from Yogyakarta International Airport. The hotel was originally commissioned in 1918 to be built as the private residence for a wealthy Chinese merchant. Later, the building served as the Chinese consulate. Asian and European influence can be seen in each of the hotel’s 144 rooms and suites, each with its own private balcony. Amenities include a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. Dining options include Paprika, which offers Indonesian, Chinese, and Western cuisine and the 1918’s Terrace Lounge. Vino Bar offers a wine and cocktail selection.
The Plataran Borobudur is a comfortable eco-friendly resort and spa located in Borobudur, an area situated in between two volcanoes in Central Java. The villas offer views of the Borobudur Temple, Mount Merapi, and the surrounding teak forests. The Plataran Borobudur is located approximately 1 ½ hours from the international airport that services Yogyakarta. Facilities include the Padma Spa Borobudur, a salon, fitness center, playground for children, and organic garden. Dining options at the resort include the Patio Lounge and Restaurant, the Stupa Lounge, and the Kastil Royal Dining Room.
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This was our second trip with Remote Lands... On Java, our guide was excellent and we loved being the only people at Borobudur after the monument closed to the public.
Overall, the trip was fun and interesting and it was comforting to know that Remote Lands was behind the scenes.
What can we say other than wow! Today's visit with the Prince of Bali was like stepping onto the set of a movie or going back in time to a bygone era.
