Keraton

This elegant palace is the home of the 10th Sultan of Java Hamengku Buwana X, a popular and respected Member of Parliament and nobleman. The sultan still lives in the palace with his family, but the palace is considered a public space (much like the White House) and its grounds are beautiful and well preserved.

Water Castle

These ruins, filled with pools, arches and underground passages, are the remains of the sultan’s pleasure gardens. First built in 1758 by Sultan Hamengkubuwono I, there were at one time considered the most spectacular gardens in Asia and today, the restored central courtyard with the nymph baths gives some idea of the elegance of the original site.

Batik

Indonesia’s most famous export and textile is on display throughout the city, worn as normal attire by the locals and sold to the visitor in innumerable shops. There are various designs and the prices are often ridiculously low, so there’s plenty to choose from.

The Struggle for Independence Museum

The country’s determined fight for independence is chronicled in this museum in central Yogyakarta. There are reliefs depicting the major episodes of the struggle and historical artefacts from that turbulent time period.

Museum Sonobudoyo

To appreciate traditional Javanese life, this is the museum to go to. The building itself was designed according the traditional Javanese architecture and on display are weapons, masks, statues and other paraphernalia of the local lifestyle.

Kotagede

This small town just five kilometres outside Yogyakarta was once the capital of the mighty Mataram Empire and is now famed for its silver working. Visitors are welcome to watch the silversmiths going about their tasks.

Dieng Plateau

100 km away from the city and about 2000 m above sea level is a cool plateau, often covered in mists. Here, there are wide paddy fields, many temples, serene lakes and even a few steaming volcanic lakes. The area is very picturesque and a nice break from the city.

Parangtritis Beach

This beautiful beach 35 km away from the city is known for the legend of the Queen of the South Sea, who was supposed to be married to one of the local monarchs, and her beautiful water-nymphs. On certain days of the year, the locals will make offerings to the Queen. Swimming isn’t encouraged as the waves are strong. Local belief holds that calamity befalls anyone wearing green along the beach, and deference to this custom is encouraged.

Surakarta

Affectionately known as Solo to the locals, this town was once a rival to Yogyakarta but is now considered its partner in developing regional tourism. It is the little sister to Yogyakarta, with less urbanization but more charm, and makes for an interesting and relaxing day trip.

Prambanan

17 kilometres east of the city is one of Asia’s greatest Hindu temples, the beautifully preserved Prambanan. Taking its name from the village in which it is located, the temple is adorned with intricately carve bas-reliefs and has eight shrines to the major Hindu gods.
 

Borobudur

One of the most famous Buddhist sites in Asia, this beautiful stupa-influenced building has become one of the icons of Indonesia and is 42 km west of Yogyakarta. The entire architecture and ornamental design of the shrine is considered to be a remarkable depiction Buddhist philosophy. The shrine is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Krakatau

When this island volcano erupted in 1883, it was one of the most catastrophic natural events in recorded history, destroying hundreds of thousands of lives and altering global weather patterns for years. The eruption destroyed two-thirds of the island itself and left a number of small islands in its place, one of which is called Anak Krakatau or Krakatau's Child. This is an extremely active young volcano. It is possible for boats to land on the Eastern Shore of this young volcano, and depending on recent activity, you can climb to the rim of the caldera.
 

Komodo

For the more adventurous traveller, a boat ride to this scorching hot island will bring them into frighteningly close contact with the closest natural equivalent of the mythical dragon. Visitors can watch the komodo lizards being fed, but are required to stay with the forester-guide at all times, as the lizards are considered extremely dangerous.