Yogyakarta Special Region is a provincial-level government region in Indonesia which is divided into two powers namely the State of Yogyakarta Sultanate and the State of Paku Alaman Duchy. Yogyakarta Special Region is located in the southern part of Java Island, and is bordered by Central Java Province and Indian Ocean.
The Special Region which has an area of 3,185.80 km2 consists of one municipality, and four districts, divided into 78 sub-districts, and 438 villages / kelurahan. According to the 2010 population census has a population of 3,452,390 inhabitants.
Yogyakarta (often called "Jogja") is famous for its palace or imperial palace, which often holds traditional dance performances and Javanese gamelan. Many interesting experiences can also be found in Yogyakarta. Starting from the natural beauty, the wealth of art, traditions and cultural heritage, to culinary tourism. This is why Jogja became the second most visited tourist destination in Indonesia after Bali.
There are about 70,000 handicraft industries and other facilities such as accommodation and transportation. There are about 31 cultural sights and 19 beautiful natural attractions for you to explore. Make sure you do not miss watching the splendor of Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple and see the silver handicrafts directly in Kotagede.
In addition you can also visit Selarong Cave, Pandansimo Beach, Elephant Mountain, or Vredeburg Fort. To see the history of the Sultanate then visit the Sultan Palace and Tamansari. Complete your travel experience in Yogyakarta by visiting the popular shopping mall on Malioboro Street.
Rows of shops and outlets sell a wide range of souvenirs, ranging from the cheapest price to the most expensive. Here you need to try to bargain with the seller to get the best price. In Jalan Malioboro there are also many accommodation facilities and traditional markets that sell a variety of goods and snacks.
Main Territory of Yogyakarta
South East: Wonogiri District
East: Klaten District
Northwest: Magelang District
West: Purworejo District
Thousands of years ago, Yogyakarta was the epicenter of the ancient Mataram Empire and is highly renowned and civilized. This kingdom built Borobudur Temple which is the largest temple in the world, built 300 years ago before Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Some other relics such as Prambanan Temple, Ratu Boko Temple, and dozens of other temples embedded in Yogyakarta.
Yogyakarta stretches from the slopes of Mount Merapi in the north to the shores of the Indian Ocean in the south. Here stands the Great Kingdom in Java, namely Mataram, Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat.
Yogyakarta (Jogja) began in 1755, when Mataram was divided into two powers, namely the Sultanate of Yogyakarta and Surakarta Sultanate (Solo). Prince Mangkubumi built the Yogyakarta Palace and created one of the most powerful Java states ever.
How to Go to Yogyakarta
There are several ways to go to Yogyakarta. The fastest way is by plane, but there are many tourists who visit Yogyakarta by Train. Meanwhile, another alternative is to take inter-city bus between provinces.
Go To Yogyakarta By Aircraft
Lots of transportation that can be used to go to this Jogja, because of its strategic location in the middle of Java Island. The first is the plane. For those of you who are outside Java can fly directly to Adisucipto Airport Yogyakarta or to Juanda International Airport Surabaya and continue using bus or train to Jogja.
Most cities in Indonesia have direct flights to Yogyakarta. While other cities that do not have direct flights, can be reached via transit flights. For international flights directly to Yogyakarta can be reached from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Adisucipto Airport is the fourth busiest airport in Java - Bali, after Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Juanda International Airport (SUB) in Surabaya and Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Bali. Domestic airlines operating at Adisucipto Airport are Batavia Air, Express Air, Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Sriwijaya Air and Wings Air. While international flights are served by Air Asia and Malaysia Airlines.
Go To Yogyakarta By Train
The second is to use the train. Lots of economic trains to Lempuyangan Jogja Station from various cities such as Bandung, Jakarta, Surabaya and Malang. The price of economic train to Jogja from Bandung is about Rp 100.000, from other cities the price is almost the same. But despite the economic train, the car is good and air conditioned.
Tugu Railway Station Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta Station or also known as Tugu Station is located not far from the heart of Yogyakarta City. This station is only about 100 meters away by Malioboro Street. Yogyakarta Station is under the auspices of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operation Area VI. This station serves the departure and arrival of the executive and business class trains.
The executive class trains that are served in Yogyakarta Station are Argo Dwipangga, Argo Lawu, Argo Wilis, Bima, Gajayana, Taksaka and Turangga. While the executive and business class / business executives, business, and economics class Lodaya, Sancaka and Malabar. For business class are the main fajr of Yogya, South Pearl, Senja Utama Solo, Senja Utama Yogya and also Prameks Train (Prambanan Ekspres) connecting Yogyakarta with Palur and Yogyakarta with Kutoarjo.
For more information about Tugu Yogyakarta Station please contact,
Yogyakarta Station (Tugu Railway Station)
Jl. P. Mangkubumi No. 1 Yogyakarta 55232
Tel .: + 62-274-589685
Lempuyangan Station Yogyakarta
Lempuyangan Station is a train station which is also located in Yogyakarta City, about 1 km east of Yogyakarta Station (Tugu Railway Station). Lempuyangan Station is also under the auspices of PT Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) Operation Area VI. This station serves the departure and arrival of economy class trains.
Lempuyangan Station becomes the departure point of the Progo train in Pasar Senen Jakarta and also the Sri Tanjung train in Banyuwangi. In addition Lempuyangan Station also serves the Prameks train passengers Kutoarjo-Yogyakarta-Solo-Balur-Palur.
For more information about Lempuyangan Station Yogyakarta please contact,
Lempuyangan Station Yogyakarta
Jl Lempuyangan, Yogyakarta
Tel .: + 62-274-512454
Go To Yogyakarta By Bus
The third is to use the bus. To use the bus, many buses from various cities and large to the Terminal Giwangan Yogyakarta. The bus price from Bandung to Jogja is around Rp 180,000 to Rp 250,000, depending on negotiation and bus facilities. Usually this bus includes one meal.
Giwangan terminal is the main passenger terminal in Yogyakarta, Inter-City Inter-Province (AKAP). Located about 4 km to the southeast of the city center. Regular services are available to various cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta (9 hours), Bandung (6 hours), and Surabaya (8 hours).
For more information about Teminal Giwangan please contact,
Yogyakarta Passenger Terminal (Giwangan)
Jl. Imogiri Giwangan Yogyakarta 55163
Tel .: + 62-274-378288, 7482222; fax: + 62-274-7483333
Sub Terminal Jombor. It is an auxiliary terminal located in Sleman District that is specialized for buses with a trip to the north and also destinations destinations on its way through the northern route. Terminal Jombor is located right on the northern Ringroad.
Another alternative is to use the shuttle bus, especially for the majors of Semarang and Solo. There is a shuttle bus service that operates between cities from and to Yogyakarta, for example Joglosemar, Cipaganti, IQRA and Trans Jaya.
Go To Yogyakarta By Car
The last one is a roadtrip! The advantages of this road trip we can stop anytime and can visit the attractions in the trip that we passed. Capital for road trips only need to have a private vehicle or rent a car from the rental. This can be a cost-effective option if you are traveling with three to five people in one car, and will surely ease your mobility to visit various tourist destinations.
Public Transportation in Yogyakarta
To get around the city of Yogyakarta alone is available Trans Jogja which cost only Rp 3.500 to any destination.
The motorcycle rental price in Jogja is around Rp 50.000 per day and the car price is Rp 350,000, it is the average price but depends on the negotiation between you and the rental. By renting a motorcycle or car we can go wherever more freely and in addition it is more efficient, especially if you want to go berserik.
There is also a tricycle transport known as Becak, and horse-drawn carriage or Andong.
Hotel in Yogyakarta
There are many lodging in Jogja, ranging from classes of resorts and hotels are expensive to even a lot of cheap. For backpackers, many lodging options cost less than Rp 200,000. As in Jl. Sosrowijayan.
This road is located next to Jl. Malioboro, in addition to cheap prices, a location close to the center of the crowd makes this area often used as a choice of overnight for the tourists. Even many homestays are priced under Rp 100,000, depending on the negotiations and facilities provided.
Other areas on Jl. Prawirotaman. This area may be less popular for local tourists, but more often visited by foreign tourists. Many cheap lodgings here start from Rp 100,000 per night. Location Jl. Prawirotaman is closer to Lempuyangan Station and its area is relatively quiet compared to Jl. Sosrowijayan. You can find unique bars and restaurants in the region.
Regional Language in Yogyakarta
The Javanese language of Yogyakarta is a dialect spoken by the people of Yogya. Yogyakarta people usually like to abbreviate words, or add a sentence to be steady and pleasant to hear.
Jogja also has 5 languages, namely:
Very fine language (Krama Alus)
Medium medium language (Old Krama)
Basic subtle language (Krama Lugu)
High common language (Ngoko Alus)
Basic basic language (Ngoko Lugu)
Climate in Yogyakarta
The average daily temperature ranges from 26 degrees - 28 degrees Celsius, with a minimum limit of 18 degrees and a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius. The area of Yogyakarta has a tropical climate and the weather feels a bit hot and humid. There are two seasons throughout the year, ie wet or rainy and dry seasons. Usually the rainy season begins in September and takes place around August.
Places of Interest in Yogyakarta
There are many interesting sights in Yogyakarta that you can visit during there. Starting from cultural tourism, nature tours, historical tours to shopping. Some of them are as follows:
- Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is one of the tourist attractions in Yogyakarta which must be visited because Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia. In addition, Prambanan Temple is also decorated with reliefs carved around the temple and tells the story of Ramayana and Krishnayana. Prambanan temple is located about 17 KM from downtown Yogyakarta.
If you do not bring a private vehicle, to reach Prambanan Temple you simply use the bus and get off at Prambanan stop, very easy to reach Prambanan Temple. Prambanan Temple is often held Ramayana Ballet performance at the time of Full Moon, and this show becomes the main attraction for the local and foreign tourists.
- Parangtritis Beach
Parangtritis Beach is the most famous beach in Yogyakarta, so Parangtritis Beach worth mentioning as one of the tourist attractions in Yogyakarta that must be visited. Located about 25 KM south of downtown Yogyakarta, Parangtritis Beach is a beach on the edge of the Indian Ocean so it has the characteristics of waves and currents are quite large and strong.
The uniqueness of Parangtritis Beach is the existence of dunes called gumuk around the beach. If you want a different experience, you can try playing paragliding at Bukit Parangdog, Parangtritis Beach.
- Malioboro Street
Malioboro is the name of a street in Yogyakarta. Malioboro Street is very famous and has become one of the attractions in Yogyakarta that must be visited, even to take pictures in Malioboro Street marker alone we often have to queue up first. Malioboro Street name is derived from Sanskrit and has a meaning of wreaths. What makes Malioboro Street so famous?
Malioboro Street offers an endless shopping and culinary tourism experience. During the day, along Malioboro Street you will find lots of clothing sellers, handbags, sandals, key chains, handicrafts, batik, accessories, and other unique items that can be purchased for cheap. While at night, you will find a lot of sellers typical lesehan Yogyakarta food along Malioboro Street.
You will also love the experience of watching people who look unique on Jalan Malioboro, such as dressed in soldiers, ghosts, zombies, and others. You can also take pictures with them for free.
Goa Jomblang
Goa Jomblang is a tourist cave located in Gunung Kidul, Yogyakarta. Goa Jomblang is a vertical cave that has an ancient forest in it. In addition, if you come to Goa Jomblang at 10 to 12 noon, you will be able to see the light through the cave like the light of heaven. The beauty and uniqueness of Goa Jomblang make it one of the favorite tourist destinations in Yogyakarta.
Rafting Citra Elo
Rafting Citra Elo is one of the rafting in Yogyakarta. Rafting Citra Elo is the most suitable rafting for families or beginners because its flow is not dangerous compared to other rivers around Yogyakarta. In addition, Citra Elo Rafting can also be played anytime, unlike other rivers in Yogyakarta that most can only be sailed during the rainy season only.
Yogyakarta Palace
Keraton Yogyakarta is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta Palace is a historic building of the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, which is occupied by the Sultan and his family. In addition to enjoying the architecture of the ancient sultanate, you can also visit the museum which has a collection of Yogyakarta sultanate goods which is partly a gift from the king of Europe.
If you want to come visit this sights, come somewhat early because the Sultan Palace open from 8 am until 2 noon. If you walk to the South Square of Sultan Palace, you will find two big banyan trees that are believed to be sacred.
Activities that can be done in this Square is very diverse, but the most popular activity is the practice of masangin, walking past the middle of two sacred banyan trees, with eyes closed. According to the myths believed to be hereditary, for anyone who managed to do masangin then the person is clean heart and his petition will be answered. Although there are many people who do not believe but still anyone will be curious to try it.
Gembira Loka Zoo
Gembira Loka Zoo has many collections of animals from various places in the world. In addition to viewing and interacting with various types of animals such as a zoo, you can also play on some of the game rides that are located in Gembira Loka Zoo. The game rides in this zoo are fishing pond, water bike, ATV, paddle boat, elephant riding, camel riding, and others. Entrance fee for Gembira Loka Zoo is Rp 25.000 per person.
Mount Merapi
Mount Merapi is one of the mountains around Yogyakarta. Mount Merapi is the most famous mountain in Yogyakarta, and is one of the favorite locations of nature lovers who like to hike mountains and enjoy the beauty of the rising sun at its peak. The price of admission to the tourist area of Mount Merapi is Rp 3,000 per person.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur temple located in Magelang is one of the tour primadonas in Yogyakarta. Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, renowned worldwide and a part of the wonders of the world. Located about 40 KM from Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple is still always visited by monks and nuns who make pilgrimage.
To get into the area of Borobudur Temple, you are advised to use a sarong that will be lent at the entrance of Borobudur Temple. Borobudur temple is the largest Buddhist temple and statue in the world. Although not in Jogja, Borobudur Temple is always visited by tourists who visit Jogja.
Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari Water Castle is a place of recreation and meditation for the royal family of Yogyakarta in antiquity. In addition, Taman Sari Water Castle also serves as a defensive fortress against attacking enemies. Currently Water Castle Taman Sari is one of the tourist attractions in Yogyakarta which is famous for its uniqueness. The air around the Water Castle Taman Sari cool because there are many artificial ponds accompanied by fragrant flower gardens. The Taman Sari Waterfall entrance fee is Rp 5.000.
Holiday Tips in Yogyakarta
So you can still save money when shopping to Jogja, here are tips and cheap shopping tour in Yogyakarta,
Always use the local language if you are able to master it, do not push it if you can not, it's a mistake to say a word that is not polite.
Try to always smile and greet first, people are different from Jogja urban people in general, they are famous friendly and cheap smile.
In choosing a tourist spot, try to arrive early.
When eating at a typical Jogja eating place, first ask about the price offered and ask also the mainstay of the dishboard.
When buying souvenirs, whether it be food or goods, do not ever buy items that are less necessary and buy food that is rarely found in your place. And if you want to shop for clothes or batik cloth, make sure there are no defects of goods such as torn, fade, stamp marks, and others.