Explore Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta was my next destination after Bali. Unlike how I plan my trips today, this journey was kept quite simple. My main reason for visiting was Borobudur, one of the world’s greatest Buddhist monuments. Before travelling, I searched TripAdvisor to find a local guide who could help me explore the area.
During the trip, I spent a night at Witarka Resto Hotel Manohara Borobudur, located within the Borobudur temple complex. Staying there gave me convenient access to the temple for both sunrise and sunset without needing an early drive from Yogyakarta city. If you plan to visit Borobudur, staying within the complex is well worth considering.
Check out my photography in
Yogyakarta Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored.
Why I Enjoy Yogyakarta
Borobudur was even more magnificent than I had imagined from photographs. Walking around the monument from every side revealed different perspectives and changing light throughout the day. The temple itself consists of nine stacked platforms, 2,672 relief panels, and 504 Buddha statues, leading to the central dome surrounded by 72 Buddha statues enclosed within perforated stupas. It is a remarkable masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and one of those places that is even more impressive in person than in pictures.
Although Borobudur was the main reason for my visit, I found that the surrounding region has much more to offer. Ancient temples, traditional villages, volcanic landscapes, and local culture make Yogyakarta one of Indonesia’s most rewarding destinations for travellers interested in history and heritage.
What to Do
Beyond Borobudur, Yogyakarta offers a mix of ancient temples, volcanic landscapes, traditional villages, and local culture. From watching sunrise over Borobudur and exploring the magnificent Prambanan Temple to strolling along Malioboro Street or visiting Mount Merapi, there is plenty to see both within the city and the surrounding region. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Yogyakarta is easy to explore over several days.
Here are Yogyakarta’s
Most Instagrammable Spots:
- Borobudur Temple – Explore one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples and take time to walk around every level and every side of the monument. Sunrise and sunset each offer a different atmosphere.
- Prambanan Temple – Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple complex, famous for its towering architecture and beautifully carved stone reliefs.
- Mendut Temple – A historic Buddhist temple near Borobudur, home to an impressive seated Buddha and often visited together with Borobudur.
- Pawon Temple – A smaller Buddhist temple located between Borobudur and Mendut, believed to be connected to the Borobudur pilgrimage route.
- Mount Merapi – Explore the volcanic landscape by jeep or visit nearby villages to experience life around one of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes.
- Malioboro Street – Yogyakarta’s most popular shopping street, known for batik, local food, handicrafts, and its lively evening atmosphere.
