Yogyakarta, Indonesia 4 Day Itinerary

Yogyakarta 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Yogyakarta

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty Indonesian breakfast at Nginden Warung, famous for its Nasi Gudeg.
  • Visit Borobudur Temple: Head to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It’s best to visit early in the morning for a stunning sunrise experience. (Entrance fee: IDR 375.000)
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Gudeg Yu Djum**, another great spot for traditional Gudeg.
  • Afternoon: Explore Kota Gede, Yogyakarta’s silver crafting village. Visit Taman Sari Water Castle and the nearby Fort Vredeburg Museum to learn about Yogyakarta’s history.
  • Dinner: Dine at SariWangi Resto for a taste of Sate Klaten, another local specialty.
  • Evening: Experience traditional Javanese dance and gamelan music at the Prambanan Temple Complex during their evening Ramayana Ballet performance. (Ticket: IDR 150.000)
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Tebing Agung for its central location and comfortable rooms.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Breakfast at your hotel or try Djimbaran Resto for a variety of Indonesian dishes.
  • Visit Keraton Yogyakarta: Explore the Sultan’s Palace (Keraton) and its beautiful gardens. (Entrance fee: IDR 15.000)
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Nyoman Restaurant, offering a unique fusion of Indonesian and international cuisines.
  • Afternoon: Visit Tamansiswa Batik Factory to learn about the batik-making process and shop for souvenirs. Then, head to Alun-Alun Kidul for a relaxing stroll in the city’s main square.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Bale Raos for a romantic Javanese ambiance and delicious food.
  • Evening: Experience Yogyakarta’s vibrant nightlife in the Malioboro area, where you can shop, eat street food, and enjoy local performances.

Day 3: Adventure Day

  • Morning: Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Kafe Batik, located in the heart of Yogyakarta.
  • Visit Mount Merapi: Join a guided tour to explore this active volcano and learn about its history and significance to the local culture. (Tour: IDR 500.000 - 1,000.000)
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Mbok Gendeng in Selo village, offering a variety of Merapi-inspired dishes.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Safari Park Bejasari for close encounters with exotic animals like elephants, tigers, and crocodiles. (Ticket: IDR 100.000)
  • Dinner: Dine at Bebek Taliwang Yogyakarta for a taste of famous Bebek Taliwang (grilled duck).
  • Evening: Relax at Jimbaran Beach for a peaceful sunset and seafood dinner.

Day 4: Art & Shopping

  • Morning: Enjoy your final breakfast in Yogyakarta at Sinjai Restaurant, known for its delicious Javanese cuisine.
  • Visit Kasongan Village: Head to Kasongan to see pottery and woodcarving workshops, and shop for unique souvenirs.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Warung Ikan Bakar Sawung in Jimbaran for grilled fish dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museum Sonobudoyo to learn about Yogyakarta’s art and culture. Then, explore the nearby Birot Art Space for contemporary Indonesian art.
  • Dinner: Have a farewell dinner at Kafe Bebek before heading to the airport or your next destination.

Things to Know:

  • The local currency is Indonesian Rupiah (IDR).
  • Haggling is common in markets and souvenir shops.
  • The best time to visit Yogyakarta is from May to September, during the dry season.
  • Taxis and Grab are widely available for transportation within the city.
  • Always respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples and palaces.
  • Carry cash as some places may not accept credit or debit cards.

Tips:

  • Try local foods like Gudeg, Sate Klaten, Bebek Taliwang, and Nasi Campur.
  • Book tours in advance to ensure availability, especially for Borobudur sunrise visits.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring temples and walking around the city.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill at restaurants and hotels to reduce plastic waste.
  • Learn basic Indonesian phrases to make interactions with locals easier and more enjoyable.