Yogyakarta in central Java makes for a handy base to explore the surrounding region. The city is nearby to the world heritage sites of Borobudur and Prambanan temples, as well as the smoking Gunung Merapi volcano.
It's also a great place to just hang out for a few days. There are plenty of interesting sites, and the city is well set up for travellers.
Here are some highlights of Yogyakarta.
KratonThe Kraton is a walled royal enclave in the heart of Yogyakarta. It is a city in itself with residences within the walls as well as palaces, museums, temples and the home of the Sultan.
Kraton Entrance
JL Malioboro is the main *thouroughfare* of Yogyakarta. Here you'll find street stalls and cheap souvenir shops sitting beside air conditioned shopping malls. A great place to find Indonesian products such as batik art, topeng masks and wayang golek puppets.
Jalan Malioboro
Taman Sari (Water Castle) is a complex that can be found within the Kraton. The area was a system of palaces, pools and canals, which is mostly ruins today.
Water Castle Area
Walk around the lanes of Pasar Ngasem (Bird Market) to see thusands of birds as well as exotic and domestic animals for sale.
Bird Market
Pasar Beringharjo is the main market of Yogyakarta. Wander through the food and spice markets, check out the antiques and curios, or shop for batik or other souvenir items.
Pasah Beringharjo
There are still building that remain from the era of Dutch colonial rule in Yogya. The most notable are public buildings, such as the post office, and bank offices.
Post Office
Old Amsterdam
Yogyakarta Resources
Tourism Indonesia: Visit Indonesia.
Grand Quality Hotel Yogyakarta: Hotel in Yogyakarta.
