Yogyakarta is easily accessible by train. You can book tickets online via the traveloka app of 12go.com. In Java you still have to print your tickets at the station, they will help you printing on arrival. You can choose different classes on the train. If you take a more luxurious class, you have a lot of space, a phone charger, air conditioning and a toilet. You can also buy food in the train, but it is a bit more expensive.
We traveled from Malang to Yogyakarta and it took 6 hours. When you arrive you can book a taxi by the Grab app (see our tips page) You have free wifi at the train station in Yogyakarta. Other option is to take a taxi, but please book one with a meter.
We stayed in Duta Guest House and it was very nice! We also thought this was the nicest street in Yogyakarta. On the other side of the street is a super nice pub named Warung Heru. This is the place to go on Monday evenings for live music, beer and dancing with the locals.
2 temples you should definitely see
We have booked a tour through the hotel where you will visit the 2 beautiful Temples. One Buddhism and one Hinduism Temple. Interesting to see the differences. This tour only includes the taxi/bus and you pay the entrance fee at the temples.
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. In a fairytale landscape amidst rice fields and vast forests is one of the most famous structures in Indonesia: the Borobudur. If you are traveling through Indonesia and Java, be sure to visit Borobudur and be enchanted by this beautiful temple.
It is best to visit Borobudur as early as possible to experience the sunrise. It is then quieter and the first sunlight on the temple is breathtakingly beautiful. If you don't have the opportunity to see the sunrise, stay until sunset.
Entree:
Adult (10 years old & above): €25 per person (390,000 IDR)
Child (below 10 years old): €15 per person(185, 000 IDR)
Prambanan Temple
The Prambanan Temple is one of the most famous temple complexes in Indonesia. It is a spectacular, and also well-preserved temple from ancient Hindu culture. It is also the largest Hindu-Javanese temple in Indonesia. The temple is located in the same area as Borobudur, about 18 kilometers east of the city of Yogyakarta
Entree:
Adult (10 years old & above): €25 per person (390,000 IDR)
Child (below 10 years old): €15 per person(185, 000 IDR)
Should we visit both?
If we are honest we found Prambanan more beautiful than Borobudur. That is of course a more personal matter and not everyone thinks the same about this, but Borobudur is hugely busy and touristy. That was a lot less at the Prambanan, which made the whole atmosphere a bit more relaxed. But if you can combine both, we recommend that. Anyway, they both have a lot of beauty in their own way.
What to bring:
Photo Camera
Sarong or scarf for the legs en shoulders
Money for the entrance
Wet wipes for toilet use
Be on guard in Malioboro street
Malioboro is the most famous street in Yogyakarta. Located in the heart of Yogya, this is the city’s main street. At night, the street comes alive with merchants opening up tents serving all kinds of local cuisine. It is nice to walk here but also very busy! Because we are Dutch, people see directly that we are tourists and want to take pictures with you. That fine, but we also noticed that some were a bit suspicious and felt like they wanted to rip us off. So be on guard here.