Once Indonesia’s capital city, Yogyakarta has transformed itself into a welcoming destination where its artistry and long-standing heritage are still celebrated.
Like many cities in Indonesia, Yogyakarta is a fascinating destination. Home to Yogyakarta’s royal family, the city is regarded as an important centre for classical Javanese fine arts and culture, such as batik textiles, drama, literature, music, poetry and wayang puppetry.
Situated in Central Java, Yogyakarta served as the Indonesia’s capital city from 1946 to 1948. Taking its name from the Indian city of Ayodhya, which means a city fit to prosper, the city is also renowned as a centre of Indonesian education, with many prestigious schools located here.
Many cultural wonders are still preserved here and travellers can learn about the city’s history through its many museums, as well as the Keraton, or Sultan’s Palace. The city is also a great base to visit famous temples like Prambanan and Borobudur in the neighbouring town of Magelang. Aside from offering beautiful natural wonders, Yogyakarta is also famous for its local delicacies, such as gudeg, jamu and bakpia. For the adrenaline junkie, guided treks around the active volcano of Mount Merapi are on offer from the city.
Where to Stay
In recent times, Yogyakarta has been transforming into a destination for city dwellers to enjoy a quick getaway or weekend break. With this goal in mind, there are many new accommodations to fit every budget, from luxury hotels to pocket-friendly hostels.
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences against the backdrop of the magnificent Borobudur Temple and the picturesque hills. Owned by an Indonesian hospitality group, the resort consists of traditional Javanese villas that provide the utmost peace and privacy with a spacious private pool.
Another option is Hotel Tentrem, located only minutes away from the city centre. Named for peacefulness and tranquillity, the hotel welcomes every type of traveller and offers bespoke service and hospitality with spacious rooms and suites. The staff are passionate hoteliers who will make sure your stay is enjoyable.
How to Get There
Easily reachable by plane, there are many direct flights from neighbouring countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, along with flights from many of the bigger Indonesian cities.
