Sunset at Prambanan Temple
Ngerumput beach
Yogyakarta (Jogja or Jogjakarta) is named after the Indian City of Ayodhya which means fit and prosperous. It is considered as a developed city due to its very high human development index (HDI) ranking.
This modern city is also rich in history and cultural heritage which makes it one of the major tourist hubs in Indonesia. From sightseeing destinations, exciting activities and other tourist attractions, there are so many things to do and to see in this beautiful city.
Here are our top 10 of the exciting and memorable things to do to add up to your itinerary.
Paragliding At Parangtritis Beach
Pantai Parangtritis
With beautiful rock formations and black sands, Parangtritis is one if not the most popular beach in Yogyakarta. It is also considered as a haven for paragliding enthusiasts. For adventure seekers, a trip to this beautiful beach to join paragliding activities is a must.
While floating in the air, you can have a full view of the breathtaking beauty below, and the landing area ensures safety to all paragliders.
Tubing At Kalisuci Caves
Kalisuci Caves. Credit
Another exciting thing to do in Yogyakarta is to visit and experience tubing at Kalisuci Cave. About more than an hour of travel from the city center, Kalasuci is among the most-visited destinations for tourists due to its beauty and exciting water activities such as body rafting and tubing. With helpful staff, complete tubing equipment, and clear waters, tubing in Kalasuci cave is definitely worth of your time.
Underwater Photoshoot At Umbul Ponggok
Underwater Photoshoot. Credit
If you are looking for fun, I mean a crazy fun activity, a trip to Umbul Ponggok is the one for you. Before heading out to this location, make sure that you bring your underwater camera and some props with you. When you reach the site, you might think that it is just a regular pool, but wait until you dive underwater.
This very unique pool has super clear waters and a great location for fun underwater photo sessions. You can pretend to perform various daily activities using different props such as motorcycles, laptops, chairs and tents and get someone to take your picture. The place is really worth a visit whether you are traveling with kids or families.
Witness The Magnificent Borobudur Sunrise
Sunrise at Borobudur
If Cambodia has Angkor Wat and Myanmar has Bagan, Indonesia is very proud to have Borobudur. Constructed in the 9th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered the largest and greatest Buddhist temple in the world. A huge number of tourists are flocking the temple each year that’s why it has received various tourism awards locally and internationally.
One of the highlights in visiting Borobudur is to witness the beautiful sunrise highlighting the volcanoes, rice fields and stone reliefs of the temple. To experience this illuminating sight, you have to rise up early to visit the temple at dawn.
Enjoy The Sri Gethuk Waterfall Stairway
Sri Gethuk Waterfall Stairway
Among the most famous waterfalls in Yogyakarta, Sri Gethuk Waterfall is also considered as a worth-to-visit spot in the city by locals and tourists. It is also known as the Grand Canyon of Yogyakarta. The waterfall’s naturally formed cliffs, sloping mountainsides, terrace-formed beautiful stones and flowing crystal-clear waters make every visitor feel delighted with the beauty of nature.
You can enjoy various types of activities within the area such as camping, fishing, and swimming. If you still have the pleasure of time, you can also do caving at the historic Rancang Kencono Cave nearby.
Lava Tour By Jeep
Inside a house of a ruined village near Merapi Volcano
Visiting the ruined village at Merapi Volcano is also one of the must-dos if you are looking for exciting and fun things to do in Yogyakarta. It is the closest village to the volcano that was crashed by molten lavas and is now developed as a tourist destination. Maneuvered by a professional driver, the Jeep ride to Merapi Volcano will bring you to the ruined village, mass tomb, bunker, and other attractions in the area. Feel the adrenaline rush as you cross the rivers and rough and dusty roads.
Relax With The Beauty of Laut Bekah
Laut Bekah. Credit
Are you searching for a tranquil and relaxing place in Yogyakarta? Consider visiting Laut Bekah. This unspoiled beauty of nature with the vast Indian Ocean at the front requires effort as it is located 70-meters above sea level. The limestone cliffs and the amazing ocean helps release stress and relax. If you are fortunate enough, you can sight whales around the area as well. If you still have the time, you can also enjoy rock fishing.
Gondola Ride At Timang Beach
A man riding gendola across the ocean to a small rocky island called Timang
If you are willing to take the risk and get an extreme adrenaline rush, crossing the sea with huge waves below at Timang Beach might become one of the most memorable adventures of your whole existence. You need to ride a vehicle for more than an hour from the city center and hop in a 4 kilometers bumpy off-road motorcycle ride to reach the beach where you can see the fascinating beauty of Timang and hear the relaxing sound of the waves and blowing wind.
If you really are brave enough, you can ride a wooden gondola with no seatbelt to reach the small island at the front.
A visit to this side of Yogyakarta is a must for those who love to challenge themselves.
Take Instagrammable Photos At Kalibiru National Park
Kalibiru National Park. Credit
With beautiful views and peaceful environment, Kalibaru National Park is among the favorite tourist spots in the city especially to those who love photography. The picturesque view will make you want to take many pictures to post on your social media accounts. There are also various activities you can enjoy including rappelling, hanging bridge walking, and more.
Coffee Shop Hopping
After visiting numerous attractions and doing different exciting activities, take your time to chill out in one of the famous coffee shops in the city. Among these trendy coffee shops in the city is Roaster & Bear. This unique coffee shop has life-size teddy bears, portraits, furniture, pillows and even on the coffees they serve that you would surely love taking photos. Aside from their unique concept, the drinks and food they serve are also the reasons why locals and tourists love this cafe.
Tagged as the soul of Indonesia, Yogyakarta houses many of the countries most famous sites and offers an enormous amount of exciting activities for all visitors. Travel in this city is a memory to last a lifetime.