The Top 10 Best Things To Do In Yogyakarta : Temples, Cultures, And Adventure

Yogyakarta, often called “Jogja” by locals, is one of the most exciting cities in Indonesia. It’s a place where you can see ancient temples, explore royal palaces, enjoy stunning nature, and taste delicious traditional food. Known as the cultural heart of Java, Yogyakarta offers a perfect mix of history, adventure, and creativity.

READ ALSO: Borobudur Prambanan Temple and Yogyakarta City Tour

If you’re planning a trip here, there are plenty of things to do in Yogyakarta that will make your holiday unforgettable. From watching the sunrise over a world-famous temple to shopping on a lively street filled with colors, sounds, and smells, Jogja has something for everyone.

Here are the 10 best things to do in Yogyakarta for an amazing experience.

1. Watch Sunrise at Borobudur Temple

No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without visiting Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. 

If you’re making a list of must-try things to do in Yogyakarta, this should be at the top. Built in the 9th century during the Sailendra Dynasty, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site made from millions of volcanic and river stone blocks.

The temple is shaped like a giant mandala, with nine levels decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. 

The magic of Borobudur comes alive at sunrise. Imagine standing in the cool morning air, hearing the soft sounds of nature, and watching as the mist slowly lifts to reveal the temple’s detailed carvings. 

READ ALSO: Sunrise Borobudur Temple and Village Cycling Tour

Behind it, Mount Merapi stands tall, and the golden sunlight makes the stone glow.

Travel Tip: Wear comfortable shoes for walking, bring a light jacket for the cool morning air, and don’t forget your camera.

2. Explore Prambanan Temple

Prambanan is another highlight of Yogyakarta, and visiting it is one of the most famous things to do in Yogyakarta. 

This stunning Hindu temple complex, built in the 9th century, is dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. The main temple for Shiva is 47 meters high and decorated with intricate stone carvings that tell stories from the Ramayana epic.

Prambanan is beautiful at any time of the day, but sunset here is truly magical. The golden light touches the tall spires, creating a breathtaking view.

If you visit in the evening, you can also watch the Ramayana Ballet, performed in an open-air theater with the temple as the backdrop.

READ ALSO: Prambanan Temple and Ramayana Ballet Show Tour

Travel Tip: Wear light clothing, visit in the late afternoon for cooler weather, and enjoy both sunset and the ballet.

3. Visit the Keraton – Yogyakarta’s Royal Palace

The Keraton, or Sultan’s Palace, is the living heart of Yogyakarta’s culture. Still the home of the Sultan and his family, it’s one of the most educational things to do in Yogyakarta if you want to learn about Javanese traditions.

Inside, you’ll find elegant courtyards, traditional architecture, and collections of royal items like costumes, carriages, and foreign gifts. Some mornings feature live performances such as gamelan music or wayang kulit (shadow puppetry).

Travel Tip: Arrive in the morning for a better chance to catch a performance. Guided tours provide rich historical context.

4. Take a Jeep Tour to Mount Merapi

For adventure lovers, a jeep tour to Mount Merapi is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling things to do in Yogyakarta. Mount Merapi, which means “Mountain of Fire” in Javanese, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. 

Its frequent eruptions over the centuries have shaped the surrounding landscape, leaving behind dramatic rocky terrain, deep lava gullies, and fertile farmland. 

The most recent significant eruption in 2010 drastically changed the area, destroying villages and altering the mountain’s slopes, yet also creating new, fascinating landscapes to explore.

A 4×4 jeep ride takes you on an adventurous journey across rugged lava fields, through riverbeds, and past remnants of villages buried under volcanic ash and rock. 

Along the way, you will find fascinating stops such as the Sisa Hartaku Museum, which showcases everyday objects, household items, and vehicles left behind after the eruption. 

Some tours also take you to underground bunkers, which were once built as shelters but tragically tell stories of the volcano’s destructive power.

For nature photographers, the tour offers plenty of scenic viewpoints where you can capture breathtaking views of Mount Merapi’s peak, often shrouded in mist or crowned with a plume of smoke. 

The higher you go, the more spectacular the panoramas become, especially during clear weather.

Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring a mask in case of dust, and prepare for a bumpy ride.

5. Go Cave Tubing at Goa Pindul

Cave tubing in Goa Pindul is one of the most unique and unforgettable things to do in Yogyakarta, offering both adventure and relaxation in a stunning natural setting. 

This activity takes you floating in an inner tube along a gentle underground river that flows through a massive limestone cave, stretching about 350 meters in length. 

As you drift along the calm, clear water, you’ll be surrounded by fascinating rock formations, with stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stalagmites rising from the cave floor—some of which are believed to be hundreds of thousands of years old. 

Sunlight streams through natural openings in the cave roof, creating a magical glow that dances on the water’s surface. Your guide will share interesting stories and legends about the cave, adding cultural depth to the experience. 

Travel Tip: Wear clothes that can get wet and bring a waterproof bag for your phone.

6. Stroll Through Taman Sari Water Castle

Taman Sari Water Castle, nestled just southwest of the Keraton Yogyakarta, is one of the must-see historical gems when exploring the many things to do in Yogyakarta. 

Once the royal garden and private bathing retreat of the Sultan of Yogyakarta, this 18th-century sanctuary offered a tranquil escape marked by lush greenery, reflective pools, and hidden passageways for rest and meditation. 

Today, despite the absence of flowing water in some areas, the site retains its majestic allure—inviting travelers to wander through the iconic Umbul Pasiraman bathing complex, marvel at the circular staircases of the underground mosque, and navigate the labyrinth of tunnels that once served as secret royal routes. 

Travel Tip: Visit early or late for better light and fewer crowds.

7. Shop and Snack Along Malioboro Street and Beringharjo Market

Malioboro Street is the bustling and most famous shopping destination in Yogyakarta, a vibrant thoroughfare that serves as the city’s commercial heartbeat. 

However, for a truly immersive experience, one must delve into the details of the nearby Pasar Beringharjo, the city’s oldest and most significant traditional market, which acts as a historical and cultural anchor to the modern street. 

Stepping inside, the market is a sensory feast, particularly in the section dedicated to spices and herbs, where the air is thick with the potent scents of turmeric, ginger, and various traditional roots used for jamu, Javanese herbal medicine. 

Beyond the aromatic spices, the market is a treasure trove of textiles, boasting a far greater and more authentic selection of batik than Malioboro, from affordable printed cottons to exquisite hand-drawn silk creations. 

READ ALSO: Unforgettable Cultural Travel Experiences In Malioboro Yogyakarta

Travel Tip: Bargain politely, and visit in the evening for street music and food stalls.

8. Experience the Ramayana Ballet

One of the most amazing things to do in Yogyakarta is watching the Ramayana Ballet performed beside the beautiful Prambanan Temple under the open night sky. 

This outdoor show tells the story of Prince Rama and Princess Sita through traditional Javanese dance, live gamelan music, and colorful costumes. More than a hundred dancers and musicians take part in the performance, creating a lively and magical atmosphere. 

The glowing temple in the background makes the experience even more special. The story includes exciting moments like the rescue of Sita from the demon king Ravana, as well as scenes that show love, courage, and loyalty. 

Travel Tip: Check the schedule and book tickets in advance.

9. Enjoy the View at Kalibiru National Park

If you are searching for things to do in Yogyakarta, you should not miss a visit to Kalibiru. This beautiful place is hidden in the peaceful Menoreh Hills, far away from the noise and busy streets of the city. 

It is a quiet nature escape where you can relax and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Kalibiru became famous because of its special wooden platforms built high up in the trees. From these spots, you can stand above the forest and enjoy amazing, wide views of green hills, thick forests, and a calm, sparkling reservoir in the distance. 

Travel Tip: Rent a motorbike or hire a car, as public transport is limited.

10. Catch the Sunset at Parangtritis Beach

Parangtritis Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Yogyakarta, well-known for its soft black volcanic sand and breathtaking sunsets. The beach is wide and long, giving you plenty of space to walk, relax, and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. 

There are also many fun activities you can try. You can ride a horse-drawn cart called andong along the shoreline, feeling the wind on your face as the horse trots on the sand. 

If you like a bit of adventure, you can climb the nearby cliffs for a higher view of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. From the top, you can see the waves rolling in and the endless blue sea.

As the day ends, the real magic begins. The sky changes colors from bright blue to shades of orange, pink, and purple. The peaceful sound of the waves and the stunning view make this one of the most relaxing things to do in Yogyakarta. 

Whether you come with friends, family, or just by yourself, Parangtritis Beach offers a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature.

Travel Tip: Don’t swim due to strong currents, but walking is safe.

Closing

Yogyakarta is full of charm, history, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring temples, enjoying local food, or taking in nature’s beauty, there are countless things to do in Yogyakarta that will make your trip special.

Pack your bags, bring your curiosity, and discover why Jogja is one of Indonesia’s most beloved destinations.