Some of you might be wondering – What is this “Jogja” that I speak of? Receiving far less attention that its well-known neighbours such as Bali and Bandung, the town of YOGYAKARTA (aka Jogja) boasts many sights that will keep you wanting more! What are you waiting for? Head on to the road less travelled and begin your 5D4N adventure in Jogja!
Credit: giphy
DAY 1
First look at Jogja (1 – 2 hours)
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- Make a pit stop at one of the popular cultural heritage sites in Jogja (Prambanan Temple) and climb on top of ruins surrounding the complex!
- While you’re there, don’t forget to catch Ramayana ballet performances in the evenings!
Address: Raya Jogja, Solo Km 16, Prambanan, Sleman, Yogyakarta 55571
Operating hours: 06.00 am – 05.00 pm daily, Ramayana: 07.30 pm – 09.30pm (Tue, Thurs, Sat)
Admission fee: IDR 234,000, Ramayana ticket: IDR 125,000 – 375,000
#HHWT Tip: If you are intending to visit both Prambanan and Borobudur temple on consecutive days, do purchase a combined ticket for a cheaper price. Tickets can be bought at either venues.
Karaoke on wheels (1 hour)
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- After a long day of airport transfers and light trekking around Prambanan, relax & unwind with a trip down to Alun Alun.
- Feast your eyes on the series of illuminated vehicles lined up by the pavement with oh-too-adorable designs [Hello Kitty fans, rejoice!!]. Be sure to crank up the volume and sing your heart out as you peddle your way around.
- After exercising your leg power, chill by the roadside with your loved one(s) in a dim-lit dinner while you watch the vehicles go past.
Address: Alun-alun Utara, Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa, Yogyakarta 55122
#HHWT Tip: It is highly recommended to survey the prices before settling on one vehicle. A single vehicle (4-pax) can range from IDR 30,000 – 80,000 (approx. SGD$3-8).
DAY 2
Experience the life of a Sultan (4 hours)
Credit: Seika on Flickr
- Step into Kraton or the Sultan Palace – the official residence of the Sultan of Jogja and also a living museum for the Javanese culture.
- Watch classical dances/wayang kulit at the inner pavilion or simply snap a pic with the staff spotted in traditional clothing!
Address: Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Operating hours: 09.00 am – 02.00 pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 15,000
#HHWT Tip: The venue may be closed to host international diplomats at the residence. Do check with your tour guide / driver before making your way there!
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- Drop by Taman Sari Water Castle or what used to be of the Sultan’s royal garden. While it has since been left alone and abandoned, the venue still retains the grandeur of its past glory – waiting to be captured in photographs!
Address: Nogosari No.6, Patehan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55132
Operating hours: 09.00 am – 02.00 pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 15,000
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- Make your way to the Underground Mosque – a short 10-minute walk from the compound. Explore into the catacombs and hidden chambers once used by the Sultan!
- Directions to the entrance (aka Sumur Gumuling):
Be one with nature (3 – 4 hours)
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- If you are looking for a less-touristy place, Wisata Hutan Pinus is the place to be! It’s also great for photo shoots with the abundance of wooden benches and swings!
- While there are no admission fees, you may choose to rent a hammock and cradle to the sounds of the forest.
Address: Imogiri-Patuk KM.13, Dusun Gunungcilik, Desa Muntuk, Dlingo, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Operating hours: 05.00 am – 07.00 pm daily
Credit: Rukhshotul Izalah on Flickr
- Pantai Parangtritis is a popular destination when the night comes!
- Truly a beach packed with many amenities, one can ride an ATV, saddle in with the horses or simply catch the sunset while eating by the seaside!
Address: 28 Jln. Parangtritis, Parangtritis 55188
DAY 3
Go to greater heights (5 – 6 hours)
Credit: Badroe Zaman on Flickr
- Head out as early as 4am to catch the sunrise at Punthuk Setumbu! Dress lightly for a 15 – 20 minutes hike up to the peak.
- Get your breakfast fix at the small stores located near the viewing area!
- In its best conditions, you may catch glimpse of Borobudur emerging from the shadows! Even in times of cloud cover, the view at Punthuk Setumbu is still a sight to behold!
- Note: Magelang is an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta.
Address: Borobudur Ngadiharjo KM3 Kurahan, Karangrejo, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Magelang 56553
Operating hours: 3.00 am – 11.00 pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 30,000 (cheaper alternative than sunrise tour at Borobudur)
#HHWT Tip: Musollah is conveniently located near the entrance of the hill.
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- Cited as the number one tourist destination in Jogja, the Borobudur temple is not to be missed. Don’t forget to stretch it out before climbing the endless steep stairs in your quest to the top!
- Appropriate clothing to be advised (covering knees and shoulders) – sarong will be provided prior to entrance to the temple.
Address: Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Magelang 56553
Operating hours: 06.00 am – 05.00 pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 260,000
#HHWT Tip: Avoid weekends – the place can get a little too crowded!
Tour around Mount Merapi (2 – 3 hours)
Credit: Johan Osman on Flickr
- Not ready for a grueling 4-hour hike up Mount Merapi? Hitch a ride for an up-close encounter with Merapi from the comforts of a jeep.
- The jeep tour brings you through museums, ruins of houses, ‘Alien Stone’ and the Merapi Bunker. As there are plenty of shops along the hill offering similar jeep tours, advance reservation will not be required!
- Once you’re all set, hang on tight for a bumpy ride ahead! Not encouraged for those with motion sickness.
Address: Yogyakarta 55133
Tour fee: IDR 350,000 – 550,000 (for 1 vehicle, 4-pax)
DAY 4
Be an explorer at Gunungkidul (7 – 8 hours)
Credit: M Reza Faisal on Flickr
- A trip to Jogja is not complete without a visit to Jomblang cave for the thrill of a lifetime!
- Enjoy the breathtaking views as you are lowered down into a vertical abyss. Not to worry, safety harnesses and helmets are provided!
- The main highlight is the journey to Grubug cave, where rays of sunlight peaks in through the roof and into the tunnel. The view is drop-dead gorgeous (and definitely Instagram-worthy)!
Address: Desa Pacarejo, Kec. Semanu, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55893
Operating hours: 10.00 am – 02.00 pm daily (only one tour per day, max: 75-pax)
Admission fee: IDR 450,000 incl. of lunch provided
#HHWT Tip: Advanced reservations can be made through the owner of Jomblang Resort, Cahyo Alkantana (+62 811 117 010). Do bring along a torchlight to navigate through the dark!
Credit: @jhanuaro on Instagram
- After the muddy cave adventure, take a breather at Sri Gethuk Waterfall.
- Walk through rice fields or pay for a boat ride to reach the foot of the waterfall. This place is good for body-rafting or just playing under the waterfall! Be careful of your steps as it can get slippery.
- The best time to visit is during dry season when the river is clearer. Body-rafting is not offered in wet season.
Address: Jalan Air Terjun Sri Gethuk, Bleberan, Playen, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55861
Operating hours: 07.00 am – 05.00 pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 10,000, Boat ride (two-way): IDR 10,000
#HHWT Tip: The admission ticket gives you access to the Rancang Kencono Cave (5-min drive away). A volunteer will guide you through the cave and provide background stories on the historic cave.
Dine under the night skies (1 hour)
Credit: @henricosabastian on Instagram
- Bukit Bintang is the best place to end your day at Gunungkidul. Bask in the sunset while enjoying your dinner at the local restaurants available along the hillside.
Address: Patuk, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55792
Shopping @ Malioboro Street (1 – 2 hours)
Credit: killerturnip on Flickr
- Spend the night shopping away @ Malioboro Street! The 1km long street comes alive at night, offering a variety of souvenirs (batik!!) at negotiable prices
Address: Jl. Malioboro, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Operating hours: 10.00 am – 09.00 pm daily
DAY 5
Reel in your artistic side (1 – 2 hours)
Credit: @dimas_radit on Instagram
- Step into the whimsical world of Indonesian art ‘maestro’, Affandi.
- The extravagant architecture filled with lush greenery makes for great photo opportunities like no other!
Address: Jl. Laksda Adisucipto 167, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Operating hours: 09.00 am – 04.00pm daily
Admission fee: IDR 50,000
So there you go – a 5D4N itinerary to experience the best of Jogja! With the vast number of attractions available, we definitely think it’s time for you to consider the city as your next holiday destination!