Jogjakarta is not only full of students from various cities throughout Indonesia and many other world countries, also not only famous as a city of art and culture in Indonesia. But also full of various locations and attractions that are historic, unique and interesting to visit. So in this article, I have listed 10 must visited places when you are traveling in Jogjakarta.
1. Malioboro
Malioboro is the name of the road in the center of Yogyakarta City, especially in the central business district located in the north of the Kraton of Yogyakarta (the palace). In addition to shopping as a variety of public purposes, it also become one of tourist destination. You can enjoy a typical culinary of Jogja in here, hang out and improve your street photography skills, or simply wants to get around using wagon with fairly cheap tariff.
If you have never been to Malioboro, you really have never been to Jogjakarta.
2. Beringharjo Market
Beringharjo market is actually located in Malioboro area. But I deliberately united with the first point above since it has a special activity that is quite different from the shopping district and other malls. The name of this market itself was given by the king (Sultan) which is Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono VIII on March 24, 1925.
Apart from being a historic building, many of the tourists are also shopping here, especially the Batik clothes with a fairly cheap price to take home as a souvenir for friends and family. Interestingly, you can also bargain on the goods you want to buy. So, the price you will pay will certainly be cheaper than before. You really have to go to this market.
3. Kraton of Yogyakarta (The Palace)
Nearly at the same area with the two destinations above, Yogyakarta’s Palace is close to the northern square on the south of Malioboro street. This is where the King of Jogja manages his kingdom and also becomes the main residence for his family. Thankfully, some buildings on the front of the palace are open to the public until the afternoon. You only need to pay a few thousand Rupiahs to get inside. Very cheap and you can directly explore the forefront of the Palace.
4. Kaliurang
If you want to take a moment to avoid the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the cold mountain atmosphere and also the view of Mount Merapi itself, please head northwards from Jogja and find a big area called as Kaliurang. You can reserve and stay at hostel or simply just take a walk and drink coffee of Merapi at Cangkringan’s area.
5. Taman Sari
Taman Sari is one of the other popular tourist destinations in Jogja. The distance is quite close to downtown of Jogja. Driving a motorbike for approximately 10 minutes, you will arrive at Taman Sari which is located close to the Palace. This historical site was previously a park or palace gardens and also adjacent to the surrounding residential area. You can enjoy the beauty of the architecture in here. Many also have used this site as a place to take their pre-wedding photography.
There is also underground tunnel roads you can explore in here.
6. Prambanan Temple
There are many temples in Jogjakarta, but the most famous is the Prambanan Temple which is also the Hindu’s temple with the highest building. Its location close to the Airport of Adi Sucipto and if you want, you could directly visit the temple after landing since the distance is only needed about 30 minutes by taxi.
7. Parangtritis Beach
With soft, gray and black sands, Parangtritis beach is also a must visited destination by many people or travelers. One of the main reason is because the story of Nyi Roro Kidul which is the Queen of the South Coast. However, in fact this is also one of the closest beaches from the center of Jogja.
8. Kotagede
Kotagede mostly popular for the silver crafts. Whether for jewelry, accessories, and various other needs. In addition, Kotagede is also the location of the tombs of the kingdom kingdom mataram which is the forerunner of the sultanate of Yogyakarta to the present.
9. Kasongan
Kasongan is a special village developed as an area for center of craftsmen in Yogyakarta. When you are here, you will find many shops and also workshops to see various craft making process. Various handicrafts produced have been sold to all over Indonesia and also been exported to many countries. In fact, it seems that many sellers of handicrafts in Beringharjo Market are buying handicrafts from here then sell them.
10. Tugu Jogja
Tugu Jogja is a monument and also has been known as the landmark of Jogjakarta. It also called as De Witt Paal (White Pole Monument). Many have said that if you are touching the monument, then you will have a big chance to get back to Jogja someday. That’s why many people until today always taking a photograph and try to touch the monument at night.
Of many places or destinations existed in Jogja, those are my top 10 recommendation to be a must visited places if someday you will be there. So, do not forget to include them all in your lists in the next vacation.
