5 Recommended Places to Visit in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta or Jogja is one of Indonesia’s cities worth visiting. Where to go in Yogyakarta? Of course, there are lots of places to visit when you are in this city. Jogja is a paradise for tourist destinations ranging from ancient history museums to beaches.

There are many things to do in Yogyakarta which include many fun tourist destinations. Here are unique spots that can make your trip to Yogyakarta more memorable!

Yogyakarta Unique Tourist Attractions

1. Pinus Pengger Forest

Pinus Pengger is one of the most Instagrammable places in the Jogjakarta area. Located in the Bantul area or about a 45-minute drive east of Yogyakarta, the Pinus Pengger Forest is an aesthetic tourist spot indeed.

Here you can find a fantastic view from the top of the hill. The air is also so cool and fresh. This place is recommended for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the pine forest is of course the best place for a vacation.

2. Taman Sari (Water Palace)

Taman Sari, sometimes referred to as the water palace, is a former royal garden located within the Kraton area, which is also the actual royal palace. Taman Sari is one of the best places to visit in Yogyakarta.

Taman Sari is divided into four separate areas, the most interesting of which is the bathing area which consists of two large pools of water. Taman Sari is often a location for pre-wedding pictures because of its attractive landscape.

3. Alun-Alun Selatan (The South Square)

One of the unique places that can be visited in Yogyakarta is the Alun-Alun Selatan (South/Kidul Square) or known as Alkid. This large square becomes an exciting night tour because there are many odong-odong (attractions for kids) with neon lights featuring cartoon characters.

Also there are many unique cars with decorative lights that play loud karaoke music and drive around the square. In addition to riding this odong-odong, you can also hunt for some street food.

4. Kalibiru National Park

Kalibiru is a wonderful place to visit and take photos of some beautiful scenery. Just like at Pinus Pengger, there are many spots on the side of the cliff to provide an Instagram-worthy photo hunting location.

You will be charged for an individual entrance ticket 15,000 IDR or about  0.90 EUR for taking pictures at each spot. Unfortunately, it takes 1.5 hours to travel from Yogyakarta to this tour in the Kulonprogo area. The Kalibiru National Park is very popular on weekends, and you may need to wait quite a while to be able to take pictures at the favorite spots provided.

5. Pindul Cave

Located in Gunung Kidul, a few kilometers from Wonosari, Goa Pindul offers fun tours to visit with your friends. In Goa Pindul, you can walk along the river on a tube for about 45 minutes. The entrance fee for Pindul Cave is 70,000 IDR including a buoy, torch, and a guide who will take you through the cave. You can observe stalactites and stalagmites as you drift along the river and observe the rock formations.

Yogyakarta is indeed a repository of natural and historical tourism. In addition to the 5 tours above, there are temples near Yogyakarta that you shouldn’t miss, namely Prambanan Temple.