Discover the best tourist destinations in Yogyakarta that offer unforgettable natural beauty, culture, and history, perfect for family vacations, couples, or solo adventures.
Yogyakarta, or more familiarly called Jogja, is one of the most charming cities in Indonesia. Famous for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and fascinating historical sites, Jogja is the perfect place to explore the many interesting sides of Indonesia.
With its extraordinary natural charm, from mountains, beaches, to historic temples, Yogyakarta offers many tourist options that are suitable for all ages and interests. Here are 10 of the most popular Tourist Attractions in Jogja that you must visit.
1. Borobudur Temple
One of the main tourist icons in Indonesia is Borobudur Temple which is located not far from Yogyakarta. This temple is a UNESCO world heritage site that has extraordinary architecture and is filled with reliefs depicting stories from Buddhist teachings.
Built in the 9th century, Borobudur is the largest temple in the world that is still intact and beautifully preserved. Visitors can enjoy extraordinary views from the top of the temple, which offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding nature.
Borobudur Temple is one of the must-visit places for anyone who comes to Jogja, whether for cultural or spiritual tourism purposes.
2. Prambanan Temple
Not much different from Borobudur, Prambanan Temple is also a famous UNESCO world heritage site. This temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, built in the 9th century.
Prambanan is famous for its magnificent architecture and reliefs that tell stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics.
Here, you can enjoy the view of the tall temples against the backdrop of the enchanting blue sky, as well as enjoy the Ramayana Ballet performance held in the open area around the temple at night. Prambanan is a destination that combines the beauty of history, art, and spirituality.
3. Pengger Pine Forest
Pengger Pine Forest is one of the amazing natural tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Located in the Dlingo area, this pine forest offers a very beautiful natural view, with rows of towering pine trees.
In addition to enjoying the natural beauty, you can also enjoy various unique photo spots provided by the management, such as tree houses and wooden bridges overlooking the valley.
Pengger Pine Forest is the perfect place to relax, take pictures, and enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of Yogyakarta.
4. Taman Sari
Taman Sari is a former royal garden that was once used by the Sultan of Yogyakarta as a place to rest and relax. Now, Taman Sari is one of the most interesting cultural tourism destinations. You can visit the Salt Pool which is famous for its unique and charming architectural design.
In addition, Taman Sari also offers various historical buildings that reflect the glory of the Yogyakarta Palace, as well as several underground tunnels that can be explored. For those of you who are interested in history and culture, Taman Sari is a very interesting place to visit.
5. Mount Merapi
For nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts, Mount Merapi is a very interesting place. Merapi is an active volcano and one of the most famous mountains in Indonesia.
You can hike to enjoy the view from the top, or if you don’t want to hike, you can take a Merapi jeep tour that will take you through the slopes of the mountain that were destroyed by previous major eruptions.
Around Mount Merapi, you can also visit the My Remaining Treasures Museum, which houses various items and documentation about the Merapi eruption and its impact on the surrounding community.
6. South Square
Alun-Alun Kidul is one of the places full of history and culture in Yogyakarta. Located in the southern part of the Yogyakarta Palace, this square is famous for its two large banyan trees which are symbols of the local people’s beliefs.
Many tourists come to Alun-Alun Kidul to try the challenge of “Masangin” or walking between two banyan trees with closed eyes, which is believed to bring good luck.
Alun-Alun Kidul is also a center of activity with various community activities, including various street vendors selling traditional foods and unique items. This place gives a thick nuance of local Yogyakarta life.
7. Jomblang Cave
Jomblang Cave is one of the most challenging natural tourist destinations in Yogyakarta. This cave is famous for the natural light phenomenon that enters through the gaps in the cave’s ceiling, creating a stunning view.
To reach Jomblang Cave, you have to go through a fairly challenging path and use a rope to descend a 60-meter cliff.
Once you arrive at the bottom of the cave, you will be greeted by the extraordinary beauty of nature, with stalactites and stalagmites forming a unique underground view. For those of you who like adventure and photography, Jomblang Cave is a must-visit place.
8. Big City
Kota Gede is an area in Yogyakarta that is famous for its cultural and historical heritage. As the former capital of the Islamic Mataram Kingdom, Kota Gede has various interesting historical sites to explore, including the Tombs of the Kings of Mataram located in the Kota Gede cemetery complex.
You can also visit various world-renowned silver craft workshops, where visitors can see firsthand the process of making fine and beautiful silver jewelry.
Kota Gede is a suitable place for tourists who are interested in history and culture, and want to buy typical Yogyakarta silver souvenirs.
9. Malioboro Street
Malioboro Street is one of the most famous streets in Yogyakarta. This street is the center of city activity, full of shops selling various goods, from clothes, accessories, to typical Jogja souvenirs such as batik and traditional food.
Along the street, you can also find many food stalls serving typical Yogyakarta food such as gudeg, bakpia, and sate klathak. Malioboro is not only known as a place to shop, but also as a place to enjoy the dynamic city life.
Don’t forget to enjoy the night atmosphere in Malioboro, which is increasingly alive with various entertainment and street lights.
10. Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Jogja. Located about 27 km south of the city center, this beach offers beautiful scenery with big waves that are suitable for surfers.
This beach is also famous for the legend of the Queen of the South Coast, who is believed to be the ruler of the southern sea. Along with other Beaches in Jogja, it offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, local myths, and a serene atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination.
In addition to enjoying the natural beauty, you can also enjoy various activities on the beach such as riding an ATV, enjoying the sunset, or simply relaxing on the beach while enjoying local culinary specialties. Parangtritis is the perfect place to feel peaceful while enjoying the stunning natural beauty.
Yogyakarta is a city rich in natural beauty, culture, and history, offering a variety of interesting tourist attractions to visit.
From the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples that hold a wealth of history, to the beaches and forests that offer extraordinary natural beauty, Jogja always manages to captivate the hearts of tourists.
If you are visiting Yogyakarta, be sure to visit these tourist attractions to experience the magic that this special city has to offer.
