From active volcanos to multi-tiered waterfalls amidst paddy fields, caves to ancient temples — Yogyakarta’s got it all. If you’re planning a trip to Jogja in the near future, scroll down for more travel inspo!

You probably already know that Yogyakarta is home to two UNESCO-protected ancient temple compounds that date back to the eighth century — Borobudur,  the iconic Buddhist pyramidal marvel, and Prambanan, the massive Hindu monument dedicated to Ramayana. However, the Central Javanese town has a lot more to offer than just temple runs. Despite its strong ties to tradition (it’s still ruled by a Monarchy!), Yogyakarta also happens to be a bustling university town that plays base camp to probably the most active volcano in the world. If delicious street food and day trips to pristine beaches (or obscure caves) sound like must-haves in your dream vacation itinerary, this weekend guide to Yogyakarta is for you!

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Weekend Guide To Yogyakarta 2022: Day 1 

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing With A Batik Workshop

At Jogja Batik Workshop, you’ll be able to create your very own batik prints — which you can take home with you. A community-run project, the workshop is based in a small village just 15 minutes away from town and is helmed by locals. What’s not to love?

Note: The tour includes transport to and from Tembi village, plus refreshments. 

Price: Rp 250,000 (~S$24)

Duration: 3 hours

Spend The Afternoon At Wediombo Beach

Image credits: Tripadvisor

While Wediombo Beach is about two hours away from town, the drive is extremely rewarding — with picturesque views of the coastline sliding by as you drive to the end of Gunung Kidul road. Due to its crashing waves, this spot is extremely popular amongst surfers. Yet, the beach is also blessed with an abundance of coral reefs and turquoise blue lagoons. There are also quite a few food stalls set up along the beach if you’re feeling peckish.

Address: Nglaban Hamle, Gunung Kidul Regency, Wonosari, Indonesia

Dinner At Bakmi Mbah Mo

Image credits: Tripadvisor

The restaurant is about 45 minutes away by car from town, but we think their star dish is well worth the journey (ask the locals if you get lost!). Think comfort food at its finest featuring egg noodles cooked with charcoal — it may look unassuming at first glance but each bite packs a punch when it comes to flavour. 

Price: From Rp 15,000 (~S$1.50)

Address: Jalan Parangtritis KM. 11, Code, Trirenggo, Bantul 55715, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

Opening Hours: Daily, 5 to 11 pm

Weekend Guide To Yogyakarta 2022: Day 2

Catch The Sunrise At Mount Merapi

Image credits: Tripadvisor

Get as much sleep as you can the day before because you will need it. Your adventure begins at 10pm. The guide will pick you up from your hotel before embarking on an hour’s journey to Merapi National Park. After signing in at base camp, you will trek four to five hours to the summit — just in time for a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds. As recent as 11 March, lava has been sighted flowing down the slopes of Mount Merapi. Because this volcano is extremely active, we recommend keeping tabs on the alert status manned by local authorities before you book your guided hike!

To Note: The fees will include transportation to and from the park, entrance tickets, as well as breakfast, mineral water and a warm cup of tea.

Pro-tip: Hiking boots and a windbreaker goes a long way. Bring a headlamp along too.

Price: Rp 450,000 (~S$43.20) per pax (minimum 2 pax)

Duration: 15 hours

Air Terjun Kedung Kandang

Image credits: Tripadvisor

Picture rolling hills of lush green rice terraces amidst volcanic rock cliffs — that’s where you’ll find the Kedung Kandang Waterfall. It is a seasonal occurrence that only happens during Yogyakarta’s rainy season (January to March, and November to December, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

Address: Gunungbutak Hamlet, Nglanggeran Village, Patuk Sub-district, Gunungkidu (same place as Nglanggeran Reservoir and the Nglanggeran Purba Volcano)

Supper At Gudeg Pawon

Image credits: Tripadvisor

Craving homecooked food? Come on down to Gudeg Pawon for tasty plates of Yogyakarta’s signature dish, nasi gudeg, cooked in a traditional kitchen. Portions are huge here, so sharing might be advisable. Either way, make sure to get here as early as possible because rumour has it that they usually sell out within the hour.

Price: From Rp 15,000 (~S$1.50)

Address: Jl. Janturan UH/IV No. 36, Warungboto, Umbulharjo, Warungboto, Umbulharjo, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55164

Opening Hours: Daily, 5.30 pm to 1 am

Weekend Guide To Yogyakarta 2022: Day 3

Breakfast At Kupat Gule Bang Doel

Image credits: Restaurant Guru

Keep your eyes peeled for a tiny red and yellow cart, most probably flanked by a queue of hungry locals. If you spot it, you’ve found Kupat Gule Bang Doel. Kupat gule is simply a spicy and savoury dish (usually served during Eid) featuring rice cake, hard-boiled eggs, and shredded chicken soaked in a thick gravy. Ahh, perfecto.

Price: From Rp 10,000 (~S$1)

Address: Jalan Kaliurang KM 6, Kec. Depok, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta

Opening Hours: Daily, 7 to 11 am

End It With A Delightful Descent Down Jomblang Cave

Image credits: Tripadvisor

If you’ve seen the epic 2005 horror film, The Descent, and loved it — this trek’s for you. Imagine being lowered 60 metres into a cave where a whole new (pitch-black) world awaits. You’ll first trek through a forest before meandering through the dark cave, led only by sheer will and the light of your torch. Yet fret not, a breathtaking reward awaits you at the end of the tunnel. 

Price: Rp 800,000 (~S$76.70) per pax (minimum 2 pax, includes transport and lunch)

Duration: 5 hours

Have A Blast With YouTrip’s Weekend Guide To Yogyakarta!

Now that travel is opening up worldwide, and you’ve got all the know-how with this weekend guide to Yogyakarta, you are ready for your weekend adventures in Indonesia! Before you go, don’t forget to pack along your YouTrip card to enjoy Wholesale Exchange Rates with zero bank fees when booking your trip and travelling around.

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Stay safe, and happy travels.

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_{*All currency conversion rates are accurate to the nearest 10 cents on 12 May 2022 SGT 3.30 PM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.}