Holiday in Yogyakarta

What makes Yogyakarta special as a destination?

Yogyakarta, affectionately called Jogja by locals, is the cultural heart of Java and the guardian of traditional Javanese arts, language, and court culture. The city is one of the few Indonesian regions still ruled by a Sultan — the Kraton, the royal palace from the 18th century, remains the residence of the Sultan and is also a living museum of Javanese architecture and tradition. The absolute highlight of the region is the Borobudur Temple, located about 40 kilometers northwest: The largest Buddhist temple complex in the world, built in the 9th century, rises with its nine levels and 72 stupas from the tropical jungle — at sunrise, when mist swirls around the Merapi and Merbabu volcanoes, it is a truly mystical experience. Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia, impresses with its slender towers and detailed reliefs from the Ramayana epic. Jalan Malioboro, Jogja's legendary main street, is an endless bazaar with batik fabrics, silver jewelry, and wayang puppets, while in the evenings street musicians and lesehan players enliven the atmosphere. The village of Kasongan south of the city is famous for its pottery, while in Kotagede, silversmiths have been crafting intricate works for centuries. The local cuisine is characterized by Gudeg, the sweet jackfruit dish that is considered the city's landmark. The nearby Merapi volcano offers jeep tours through the lava fields of the last eruption.