Yogyakarta, Indonesia 3 Day Itinerary

Yogyakarta Travel Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1: Explore Yogyakarta City

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a traditional Javanese breakfast at Gudeg Yu Djum, a local eatery serving delicious gudeg (young jackfruit stew) and bakpia (mung bean pastry).
  • 10:00 am: Visit the magnificent Keraton Yogyakarta (Yogyakarta Palace), the former palace of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Explore its grand halls, museums, and gardens.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Head to Taman Sari Water Castle, a beautiful 18th-century water castle built for the Sultan’s relaxation.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Beringharjo Market, a bustling marketplace selling everything from souvenirs to traditional snacks.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy a romantic sunset dinner at The Roso Restaurant, located in a historic building with stunning views of Yogyakarta.
  • 8:00 pm: Watch a mesmerizing Ramayana ballet performance at the Purawisata theater.

Accommodation

Consider staying at Hotel Puri Asri, a cozy boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.

Day 2: Borobudur and Surroundings

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Depart for Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive Buddhist monuments. Watch the sunrise over this majestic temple.
  • 10:00 am: Explore the nearby Pawon Luwak Coffee Plantation and learn about coffee production.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Visit Mendut Temple, a beautiful 9th-century Buddhist temple with intricate carvings.
  • 3:00 pm: Stop by Kaliurang, a scenic village offering stunning views of the surrounding hills.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Pondok Gejayan, serving delicious traditional Javanese cuisine.
  • 8:00 pm: Return to Yogyakarta city and explore the lively streets around Malioboro, where you can find street food, souvenirs, and local performances.

Day 3: Nature and Culture

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Visit Ratu Boko, an archaeological site featuring ancient Hindu temples and stunning views of Yogyakarta.
  • 10:00 am: Explore the Imogiri Pine Forest, a peaceful forest with scenic hiking trails.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Head to Kotagede, a historic silverwork village where you can see artisans at work.
  • 3:00 pm: Visit the Museum Ullen Sentalu, showcasing Javanese art, culture, and history.

Evening

  • 6:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Bale Raos, serving modern Indonesian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 8:00 pm: Depart for the airport or your next destination.

Things to Know

  • Yogyakarta is a city with rich cultural heritage, so dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • Be prepared for crowds and heat at popular tourist spots.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.

Transportation

  • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Grab or Go-Van.
  • Rent a car or motorbike for more flexibility, but be aware of local traffic rules and conditions.

Tips

  • Learn some basic Indonesian phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
  • Try local fruits and snacks from street vendors or markets.

Other Interests

  • For adventure seekers: Go rafting or tubing in the nearby Elo River.
  • For culture enthusiasts: Attend a traditional Javanese wedding ceremony or a wayang kulit (shadow puppet) show.
  • For foodies: Take a cooking class to learn about Javanese cuisine and ingredients.