Yogyakarta Tours

Yogyakarta tours don't come much quirkier than this. These fun adventures take place after dark, so you can soak up the vibrant evening atmosphere. Both small group and private excursions are available with participant numbers usually capped at around 10 people.  

You'll head into the heart of Yogyakarta with your guide, stopping at cultural hotspots and meeting the locals. Many of these night walking excursions often incorporate food tours, pausing at night markets to give a real flavor of Yogyakarta. 

First up on the agenda is Ketandan Village in Chinatown. Here, you'll tuck into traditional noodle dishes with your new friends. Further along the road, Javanese street food stalls give a delicious insight into local culture. Next, you'll head to Malioboro Road to try some of the legendary Yogyakarta coffee. 

For something a bit different, some trips take place in an illuminated peddle car. You'll trundle around the old city streets in style, following your guide in a convoy. Heads are sure to turn wherever you go. 

Tamansari Water Castle is one of the highlights of a sightseeing trip in Yogyakarta. This elegant complex and its gardens were built in the 18th century as a retreat for the Sultan and his family. You'll find the castle in the grounds of the Kraton Palace, so it makes sense to visit both on the same day.

Designed as a place of peace and tranquility, this is where the royal family came to relax. The main features of the Water Castle are the pools, which were used by the princesses and concubines for bathing in privacy. 

Many of the original buildings are no longer standing, but you can check out the mosque and the resting and bathing areas during your tour. Also open to the public are the secretive underground tunnels – these were once used as a place to hide.  

You can explore Tamansari Water Castle with a guide or stroll around by yourself and enjoy the quiet. It's a great spot to escape from the bustle of city life. 

Head out on two wheels and discover the rural part of the region. These Yogyakarta tours are a fun way to explore the surrounding countryside and visit traditional villages where life has changed little over the centuries. 

Delve deep into the authentic side of Java as you pedal through the rice paddy fields of Nanggulan. You'll stop in some of the villages, which are dotted along the river in scenic spots. The friendly residents will be waiting to welcome you – they'll explain more about their culture and invite you in for tasty treats.

You'll get to try typical Javanese delicacies like spiced herbal drinks and "tempe benguk", a fermented bean dish that is popular in this area. Enjoy a garden tour with your hosts before heading back out into the fields. 

It's then time to get your hands dirty by joining the local farmers as they labor in the paddies. You can have a go at planting or harvesting rice and corn, depending on the time of year. 

To discover more about Javanese culture, book a guided heritage visit to Kotagede. This historic district of Yogyakarta was once the capital of the ancient Mataram Kingdom, and much of it still stands today. This is the oldest part of the city and is famed for its narrow streets and mosaic-tiled residences. 

The neighborhood used to be home to merchants and aristocrats, and you'll get to explore some of the traditional houses during your walk. The architecture here is influenced by Buddhist and Hindu styles, making for great photos. 

During your tour, you can visit the Mataram Royal Cemetery where you'll see the King's Tomb and the oldest mosque in the city. Traditional Javanese dress must be worn to enter – this will be provided for you.

As you wander around, you'll see small silversmith stores lining the alleyways. Meet some of the artisans and learn more about their craft. Finish the experience on a high with a stop at the Pasar Kotagede market where you can try some southern Javanese snacks. 

Some of the most popular Yogyakarta tours take in the famous temple of Borobudur, which is the biggest Buddhist monument in the world. Located just 40 kilometers from Yogyakarta, it's easy to reach on a day trip from the city. 

The vast Borobudur pyramid has multiple levels, each adorned with Buddha statues and stone carvings. Take your time climbing up and enjoy the far-reaching views across the plains. At the top, you'll find the iconic stupas – if you look closely, you'll spot the hidden Buddha statues inside.

The Borobudur Temple is an incredible sight at any time of day. Yet if you get your timings right and arrive for sunrise, the complex reaches a whole new level of enchantment. Seeing the bell-shaped stupas standing dramatically against the blazing golden backdrop of dawn is one of life's moments. 

Borobudur sunrise tours can be combined with visits to Mount Merapi and Prambanan. If you're keen to bag as many monuments as possible, then the Mendut Temple is just 3 kilometers from Borobudur. 

Watching over the northern plains of Yogyakarta is Mount Merapi. This imposing peak is Indonesia's most active volcano, with regular eruptions that frequently make the international news. If you've ever wanted to see a volcano up close, this is your chance. 

The best way to visit Mount Merapi is on a jeep tour from Yogyakarta. Excursions run daily, and often include visits to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan too. Choose from small group excursions and private jaunts – the latter offers a more flexible itinerary. 

During your Merapi trip, you'll drive through the rugged landscape, stopping at key viewpoints for pictures. You'll see the devastating lava flows that wiped out villages here on the slopes during recent eruptions. It's a moving experience, and you may meet some of the determined residents who continue to live in this precarious area. 

Some excursions leave early from Yogyakarta, getting you to Mount Merapi for sunrise. It's a magical moment, seeing the landscape flooded with color and watching as nature springs to life all around. 

Temple culture in Yogyakarta isn't all about the famous Borobudur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Prambanan is equally worthy of your attention and can easily be reached on a day trip from the city. Constructed in the 9th century and dedicated to Shiva, Prambanan is one of Indonesia's most photographed religious sites. 

Prambanan's roots are a bit of a mystery, and little is known about its origins. Despite being devastated by earthquakes and looted by treasure hunters over the centuries, this temple complex still stands proud. 

There are around 240 temples in the Prambanan complex, but you'll want to focus on the main three. Built in honor of the Hindu divinities Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma, these temples are adorned with intricate relief carvings. Follow the panels around to learn about the story of Prince Rama – your guide will help you decipher the illustrations. 

Don't miss the animal motifs on the enormous Candi Shiva Mahadeva temple. There's everything from monkey gods to lions depicted here – see how many you can spot!

Escape the crowds and head into rural Java on these immersive Yogyakarta tours. You'll be hiking through the countryside, traversing scenic rice paddies and visiting a remote Hindu temple. A reasonable fitness level is required, but the walk will be relaxed with lots of stops at picturesque spots.

First up on your walking excursion are the Selogriyo Rice Terraces. You'll trek through the fields, learning about the annual cycle of rice production and cultivation. It's peaceful here and feels a million miles from the bustling hub of Yogyakarta. 

Hidden away in lush gardens, the ancient Selogriyo Temple is a masterpiece of Hindu design. It's small but perfectly formed, and the volcanic backdrop is stunning. The tour finishes at the Kedung Kayang waterfall near the base of Mount Merapi. 

During the trip, you'll meet friendly villagers and have a chance to hear their stories. It's a great way to gain an insight into local culture. You might even be invited into a house for a pottery lesson – take your handiwork home as a souvenir. 

See a different side of the Yogyakarta region on a thrilling mission into one of Java's most spectacular caverns. The Jomblang Cave sits just south of the city so is easy to access from town. 

Feel your heart pumping as you rappel into the cave – the drop is 59 meters so you'll need a head for heights. Once you reach the bottom, take a moment to admire your surroundings.

Next up is a scramble through a rocky tunnel to a small chamber which is where the magic happens. Here, an enchanting ray of light cascades down from above, casting an ethereal glow about the underworld. This only happens in the morning, so book an early tour if you want to see this miracle of nature. 

These epic adventures are often combined with a visit to Mount Merapi and a gondola ride at Timang Beach. Some trips include a river rafting or tubing session to the nearby Pindul Cave. Here, you can see giant stalactites and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Mount Bromo is one of Indonesia's most iconic volcanoes. Standing tall over in eastern Java, this mighty peak can be visited on multi-day Yogyakarta tours. This is a great trip to take if you plan on traveling onward to Bali after your stay in Java. 

Your experience begins with a scenic road transfer to the Bromo region and an overnight stay in local guest accommodation. Then it's up early to catch the sunrise over Mount Bromo – you'll head up the slopes on a jeep safari. 

Pull on your hiking boots for a 2-kilometer walk to the foot of the volcano, before tackling the stairway up to the viewpoint. The setting is jaw-dropping so don't forget your camera! 

The second day is all about the Ijen Crater, which is 6-7 hours away from Mount Bromo. Prepare for another early start with a trek to the crater lake and summit. Your efforts will be rewarded with show-stopping views – the blues and greens of the water make this landscape pop with color.