Major city · Indonesia
Yogyakarta
Give Yogyakarta 2–3 nights as the base for Borobudur and Prambanan plus the Sultan's palace and batik quarter, and book Borobudur sunrise tickets ahead since numbers are limited.
Yogyakarta is a special region of Java and the seat of a sultanate. It is the usual base for the Buddhist temple of Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan. The city has a strong arts and crafts scene, a lively student population and low prices.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Best months
- May–Sep (dry season, clearer views of the volcanoes)
- avoid Dec–Feb (heaviest rain)
- Airport
- YIA
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 6Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Indonesia ↗Buy the visa on arrival or e-visa only on the official Immigration portal; lookalike sites charge extra.
- Indonesia ↗Complete the All Indonesia digital arrival and customs form before landing; it is free.
- Indonesia ↗Foreign visitors to Bali pay a one-off tourist levy; keep the payment proof on your phone.
- Indonesia ↗Riding a motorbike needs a valid licence that covers motorbikes (an international permit alongside your own) and a helmet; check your insurance covers it.
What is in this basic guide5 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
- Forecast and monthly weather
- Where to sleep3 areas
- Getting around
- What to watch out for4 notes
- Airports1 airport
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yogyakarta, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Rupiah (Rp) in small notes for warungs, parking, offerings and drivers; large cards are common in tourist restaurants but not everywhere.Indonesia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckTelkomsel, XL and Indosat sell tourist SIMs at airports; foreign phones must be IMEI-registered if staying over 90 days — check.Indonesia-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations common in Bali.Indonesia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: Often 10% service + tax on the bill; nothing more needed.Indonesia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Indonesia-wide
- RestroomsWestern in hotels and cafés; squat toilets with a water scoop elsewhere; paper in the bin.Indonesia-wide
Show all 11 answers
- Emergency numbers112 General emergency · 110 police · 118 or 119 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)Indonesia-wide
- Sundays & holidaysBali shuts completely for Nyepi; government offices close Friday midday for prayer; Lebaran slows the country for two weeks.Indonesia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportYIA Yogyakarta International (New airport southwest of the city; train link (KA Bandara) to Yogyakarta station.).
- Getting aroundRide-hailing apps and becak (cycle rickshaws) cover the city centre; rail links connect to Solo and Jakarta.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- YIA Yogyakarta International (New airport southwest of the city; train link (KA Bandara) to Yogyakarta station.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
Feb
Avoid
Mar
not flagged
Apr
not flagged
May
Best
Jun
Best
Jul
Best
Aug
Best
Sep
Best
Oct
not flagged
Nov
not flagged
Dec
Avoid
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Weather and climate
Yogyakarta: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Ride-hailing apps and becak (cycle rickshaws) cover the city centre; rail links connect to Solo and Jakarta. Temple visits to Borobudur and Prambanan need a tour, driver or rental car since neither is walkable from town.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Prawirotaman
Quieter guesthouse and cafe district.
Malioboro area
Central and busy; close to the train station.
Kotagede
Old silver-working quarter, quieter and more residential.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Watch out
- Borobudur access rules (visitor numbers, tickets, stair entry) change; check the official site before you go.
- Volcano Merapi activity can affect nearby areas; follow local advice and official alerts.
- Agree taxi and becak prices before setting off.
- Malioboro Street gets very crowded in the evening; watch belongings in the crush.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yogyakarta. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep (dry season, clearer views of the volcanoes) · avoid Dec–Feb (heaviest rain)
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- 4 things to watch out for
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialWonderful Indonesia
- secondaryWikivoyage — Yogyakarta