Yogyakarta Travel Guide: Essential Travel Tips and Information

Explore our comprehensive Yogyakarta travel guide filled with essential tips for transportation, budget-friendly hotels, dining spots, and nightlife. Discover travel tips, flight and hotel information, and exciting activities to plan your unforgettable journey to Yogyakarta.

Essential Travel Information for a Trip to Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, Indonesia is a beautiful and culturally rich city that offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors to explore. A visit to Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta offers a lively experience that embodies the spirit of Javanese culture. This vibrant avenue is filled with numerous shops and stalls that showcase traditional crafts, batik apparel, and enticing street food that delights the senses. The energetic ambiance is heightened by local musicians and street entertainers, making it an ideal spot to fully engage with the local culture. No trip to Yogyakarta would be complete without a visit to Taman Sari, the Water Castle that once served as a royal garden during the Sultanate period. This enchanting location features a network of pools, fountains, and lush greenery, designed for relaxation and leisure. The architecture beautifully blends Islamic influences. Visit also the impressive Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest Buddhist monuments globally. Built during the 8th and 9th centuries, this architectural wonder features elaborate carvings and more than 500 Buddha statues. Equally mesmerizing is the Prambanan Temple complex, another UNESCO World Heritage site that exemplifies the magnificence of Hindu architecture. Erected in the 9th century, Prambanan is famous for its towering, pointed temples dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Getting Around

Walking offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenery and interact with locals, although temperatures can rise significantly by midday. Explore the vibrant center of the city and discover the numerous attractions situated near the Malioboro area. Yogyakarta also provides public bus services, referred to as Trans Jogja, which features 12 routes throughout the city. These routes connect you to some of the most sought-after destinations, including Malioboro Street and Prambanan Temple. Taxis present a cost-effective travel option, while traditional modes of transport like Becak and Andong are readily available in tourist hotspots. Be sure to negotiate fares before embarking on your journey. Taxis can also be booked through your hotel for convenience.

Hotels and Nightly Rates

Opting for a centrally located hotel can significantly reduce both travel time and expenses, allowing you to navigate the city with greater ease and convenience. For instance, if you choose to stay at Grand Inna Malioboro and Khas Malioboro, you will find yourself less than 1 kilometer from the lively Malioboro street, with Grand Inna Malioboro being the closest at just 290 meters away. This prime location not only places you in the heart of the action but also provides easy access to various shops, restaurants, and cultural experiences. Moreover, Grand Inna Malioboro is strategically positioned closer to Kraton Yogyakarta compared to Khas Malioboro and also Ibis Styles Yogyakarta, with a distance of approximately 1.7 kilometers. In contrast, the latter two hotels are about 2 kilometers away from the palace, which may require a bit more travel time. Other hotels, such as Gaia Cosmo Hotel, Grand Serela Yogyakarta, and Prima In Hotel Malioboro, are also conveniently located within a 4-kilometer radius of Kraton Yogyakarta, making them viable options for travelers who wish to explore the city's rich heritage.

Budget is, of course, a significant consideration when planning your stay. Yogyakarta offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. Establishing a clear budget will help you narrow down your choices and find a hotel that fits your financial plan while still providing the comfort and convenience you desire. The hotels highlighted above represent some of the highest-rated accommodations in Yogyakarta, offering a range of budget-friendly options with nightly rates typically falling between $35 and $75. For example, the Grand Serela Yogyakarta offers rooms starting at $35 per night, while the Gaia Cosmo Hotel is available for $75 per night. Additional hotels in a similar price range, around $45, include ibis Styles Yogyakarta and LYNN Hotel by Horison. It is important to note that prices may fluctuate considerably based on the season, making it advisable to secure reservations in advance, particularly during peak travel periods. Find more Super Rated and Excellent Hotels in Yogyakarta, starting at $ 10.

Super Rated 5 Star Accommodations in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta boasts an array of five-star hotels ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious getaway, with nightly rates ranging from $50 to $150 and consistently high guest ratings. For instance, ARTOTEL Suites Bianti Yogyakarta features rooms beginning at $50 per night, whereas Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta is priced at $150 per night. These six upscale establishments are designed to provide outstanding services and amenities, appealing to those who desire a more opulent stay. Check out the following hotels.

Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

Situated among various shops and eateries, Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta guarantees that all your needs are not just fulfilled but surpassed. Experience a realm where luxury is limitless, and every stay becomes a new chapter in the tale of your remarkable journey. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 3.1  km away from the city center. Places nearby within 5 km are Malioboro, Taman Sari, Fort Vredeburg Museum, and Kraton Yogyakarta. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Yogyakarta.

ARTOTEL Suites Bianti

Nestled among the shops in the heart of the city and providing stunning views of Mount Merapi, ARTOTEL Suites Bianti Yogyakarta is just an 18-minute stroll from Lempuyangan train station. It promises a stay experience unlike any other. Discover its newly revitalized art-inspired rooms, a selection of curated food and beverage outlets available from day to night, and its luxurious hotel amenities. This super rated 5-star hotel is located 2.5 km from the city center. Places nearby within 5 km are Malioboro, Taman Sari, Fort Vredeburg Museum, and Kraton Yogyakarta. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Yogyakarta.

Melia Purosani Yogyakarta

At Meliá Purosani Yogyakarta, you are awaken to breathtaking views of Merapi mountain right from your room's terrace. Indulge in exquisite dishes from Canton and Sichuan at the Ching San Chinese Restaurant. Enjoy the tailored service at The Level, unwind in a magnificent lagoon-style pool, or treat yourself to a variety of treatments at the YHI Wellness Spa. This highly-rated 5-star hotel is 699 meters from the city center. Places nearby within 5 km are Malioboro, Taman Sari, Fort Vredeburg Museum, and Kraton Yogyakarta. Find more other super rated 5-star hotels in Yogyakarta.

Highly Rated Hotels Close to Airport

Several well-reviewed hotels are situated near Adisutjipto International Airport. Following a few days of exploration that can often be tiring and lengthy, choosing to stay overnight in the vicinity is a more sensible option than facing a prolonged taxi journey to the airport. This decision provides a valuable chance to relax and recharge before proceeding with your journey. BezzieTravel wishes you a wonderful holiday in Yogyakarta. Check out some of the top-rated hotels close to the airport with prices ranging from $30 to $100.

Cheapest FLIGHT

Yogyakarta is primarily served by two major airports: Adisucipto International Airport (JOG) and Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA). Both airports facilitate domestic and international travel. At JOG, travelers can opt for taxis, ride-sharing services, or arrange private transfers to get to Yogyakarta. YIA provides comparable transportation alternatives. The optimal period for flying to Yogyakarta is during the dry season, which spans from April to October. Check out cheapest flight to Yogyakarta before late.