A selection of activities suitable for young visitors can be found in Yogyakarta. The beaches are among the best places to entertain kids of varied ages, while the Kids Fun Park with its varied selection of rides and games is also popular. Aside from amusement parks and beaches, children can spend time learning how to fly a kite, a popular pastime in Indonesia.

Beaches
Yogyakarta has a large collection of beaches, providing ideal destinations for enjoying lazy days in the sun while the little one paddle in the sea, build sandcastles and bury themselves in sand. Beach activities such as Frisbee and kite-flying can also be pursued. Popular beaches include Parangtritis, Glagah, Baron, Krakal and Parangkusumo.

Gembira Loka Zoo
Although conditions at this zoo could be improved upon, a trip here can be a suitable daytrip for families with kids. A playground and a boating pond are on-site to add to the entertainment value, while live music can be enjoyed in the zoo grounds during school holidays.

Kids Fun Park
Located at Jalan Wonosari, this two-hectare facility is relatively new, having been a feature of the city’s entertainment scene since 1998. Among the activities on offer here are go-karting and mini golf, while attractions like Gnome Land also pull in the crowds.

Kite-flying
Layang-layang, or kite-flying, is a popular pastime among Indonesia’s younger generation and each province features its own kite designs. Regular kites can be used for stunts, while modified designs are commonly pitted against others in kite ‘dogfights’. Kites can be purchased easily and there are plenty of open spaces to take the kids for a flying session. The beaches are ideal places to pursue this well-loved activity.

Purawisata Amusement Park
A children’s playground and a small fair with traditional games can be enjoyed by young visitors to this lively amusement park. While the kids are having fun, parents can check out the art market or enjoy the food at the on-site restaurant or any of the food stalls. Phone: +62.274.417.620; website: www.purawisatajogja.com/ve2/eng/index.php

Yogyakarta has an impressive collection of destinations of cultural worth. Visitors with interests in the history and heritage of the city will be overwhelmed with opportunities to gain a deeper insight into the events that have shaped the city. Borobudur Temple is perhaps the most famous of the city’s ancient religious buildings, while the Sultan’s Palace, or kraton, is perhaps the most historically fascinating.

Borobudur Temple
Among the world’s most famous Buddhist temples and certainly Yogyakarta’s best-known religious site, Borobudur Temple is a must-see for anyone visiting Yogyakarta. Dating back some 1,200 years, this ancient house of prayer offers some interesting architectural features on its outside and some equally fascinating artistic characteristics on its inside. Listed among the seven wonders of the world, the temple was built during the Syailendra dynasty and features some magnificent icons of the Buddha as well as some interesting bas-reliefs on its lower terraces.

Cerme Cave Walisongo
Situated in the Bantul regency just 22kms outside of Yogyakarta, this 1,200 metre-long cave is interesting in that it was once used as a place for Islamic studies. The main cave features a fascinating collection of stalactites and stalagmites, while smaller caves leading off from the central cavern are also home to interesting rock formations.

Dewantara Kirti Griya
This interesting old building was once the residence of Ki Hajar Dewantoro, the founder of Taman Siswa, the oldest educational institute in the country. The house was completed in 1932 and illustrates traditional Indonesian architecture and artwork with its wall carvings and stone statues, among other notable features.

Dirgantara Mandala Museum
Aircraft comprise the main theme of this museum, located in the Lanuma Adisucipto complex. Aeroplanes on display include Japanese aircraft that were abandoned in Indonesia after WWII, as well as examples of Indonesian cargo and military planes. Among the planes on display, visitors can view WWII aircraft such as F-86 Sabre, MIG-15, MIG-21, P-51 Mustang, Auster MkII, Catalina flying boat, A6M5 Zero, T-33 Bird and Lavochkin LA-11.

Imogiri Royal Cemetery
The most notable human remains housed at this royal resting place are those of the Mataram Kingdom’s third king, Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo. The sultan is famous for his bravery against the invading Dutch colonists in 1628 and hence his body is housed in an impressive tomb, which was constructed in 1645. In fact, the bodies of all the Mataram Kingdom’s monarchs are housed at the cemetery. Able-bodied visitors can climb the 345 stairs to where the royal tombs are situated. Visitors are obliged to wear Javanese clothing as a mark of respect before entering the cemetery.

Kalasan Temple
This Buddhist temple, situated on the south side of the road which connects Yogyakarta with Prambanan, was constructed to commemorate the marriage of King Pancapana of the Sanjaya dynasty with Dyah Pramudya Wardhani, a Cailendra princess. Notable features include beautiful wall carvings and the appearance of the wood, which has been treated with Vajralepa, a tree-derived substance which acts as a protector against environmental damage.

Kraton Yogyakarta
Part of the larger Sri Sultan's Palace, or kraton, this elegant Javanese building features two entrances. The Main Court entranceway is resplendent, illustrating the importance of the sultanate. The Residence entranceway is a little more down to earth, though it still features some lavish designs that illustrate the wealth and luxury that was enjoyed by the royal family.

Masjid Gede Kauman
Among the city’s largest and oldest mosques, Masjid Gede Kauman is situated within the kraton and was traditionally used by the sultan for prayer and religious ceremonies. Its magnificent structure is complete with beautiful inner décor. The mosque can be found to the west of Alun-alun Utara.

Museum Wayang Kekayon
Wayang kekayon, or puppetry, is the focus of this museum’s unique and fascinating collection. The facility is split into 10 differently themed sections, each holding puppets collected from various parts of the country. Phone: +62 274 379058, +62 274 513218.

Museum Sonobudoyo
A must for anyone with an interest in Javanese history, this museum is home to an interesting collection of artefacts including Javanese gamelan instruments, weapons, clothing, statues, masks and puppets. Phone: +62 274 418330.

Taman Sari
Now in a semi-ruined state, this complex within the kraton was created in 1765 and was intended to serve as a pleasure garden for the sultan of that time. Also referred to as waterkasteel, from the Dutch for ‘water castle’, the site originally featured a bathing pool for members of the sultan’s harem and a tower from which he could look down and choose a woman to spend the day with.

Cuisine in Yogyakarta is typically Indonesian and therefore suitable for palates that favour spicy food. Traditional ingredients used in cooking include coconut milk, chilli, garlic and coriander, while rice is an essential accompaniment to all meals. Javanese cooking is also typified by the inclusion of lots of fresh vegetables, red meat and poultry.

Among popular local dishes, gudeg is perhaps the most famous and worthy of a try. This tasty curry contains jackfruit, eggs and chicken, which are cooked in a coconut milk sauce. Gudeg can be found at most eateries, from street vendors to upmarket restaurants.

Cuisine in Yogyakarta is distinctive for being sweet, catering to the sweet-tooth tendencies of the locals. Popular sweets, snacks and desserts include bakpia dan yangko, kipo, bakpia and jadah tempe. Even savoury dishes have a fair share of sugar added to them to cut the effect of the chilli, which is generally added in generous volumes.

Dining establishments are plentiful in Yogyakarta, with everything from roadside food vendors to high class international restaurants and plenty of mid-range venues in between. Upmarket restaurants can be found in many of the city’s top hotels, with both Indonesian and continental cuisine typically on the menu.

Shopaholics will find Yogyakarta a haven on account of its myriad possibilities for lightening the wallet. Traditional handicrafts are the biggest appeal on account of the sheer volume of traditional arts and crafts available. Yogyakarta is proud of the city’s ancient Javanese art of batik, which features on everything from wall hangings to sarongs, cushion covers and hammocks.

Among the objet d’art on offer are wooden sculptures, paintings and leather items. An essential leather craft souvenir is a wayang kulit, a traditional puppet that is the chief prop in Javanese shadow puppet shows.

Handicrafts can be found at markets across the city such as Pasar Beringharjo, while visitors looking for branded goods including clothing and electronics will find the shops at Malioboro Mall, Galleria Mall and Plaza Ambarrukmo catering to these items.

Of these three malls, Plaza Ambarrukmo is perhaps the most impressive featuring five floors of shops along with a Carrefour hypermarket, Starbucks coffee shop and a multi-screen cinema complex. Other areas worth checking out include the vibrant Jalan Malioboro, Kota Gede with its silverware and Kasongan Village with its ceramics.

Yogyakarta offers a reasonable selection of outdoor activities, thanks to its coastal location and the mountain ranges that surround it. Visitors who like to get out into the great outdoors can enjoy trekking, while those who feel at home in the water can take advantage of myriad water sports. Whatever your inclinations, you should be able to find something to satisfy your need for outdoor activity, whether it be fast-paced or leisurely.

Airsoft Gun War Games
Make the 40km trip to Menoreh Grand Land in Paingan, Kulonprogo and you can take part in this exciting military style pursuit in which participants battle it out against one another with soft-pellet guns. There are three courses to choose from, each offering its own unique obstacles from forests, to hills and swampland.

Boulevard UGM
If you’re the energetic type, then consider joining the locals at Boulevard UGM on a Sunday morning for everything from jogging to more specialised pursuits such as tai chi, taekwondo and capoeira. Individuals pursuing similar activities tend to find one another and informal groups quickly appear. If you have a basic knowledge of the activity, then join in as there’s no charge and the locals will welcome you.

Golf
Yogyakarta has a choice of golf courses. The Merapi course, situated close to Mount Merapi, is one of the more popular facilities and is open to members and non-members alike. Additionally, the Hyatt Hotel Yogyakarta has a golf course within the resort grounds. Phone: +62 274 896176; website: www.yogyes.com/merapi-golf.

Rafting
White-water rafting can be enjoyed at a variety of places including along the Elo and Serang rivers. Local tour companies can provide all the equipment and know-how. There are various levels of rapids on local rivers, so it’s important to choose a route that suits you.

Trekking
Yogyakarta has ideal terrain for trekking, with some genuinely challenging trails available. Visitors can pursue this activity alone if they are well equipped and confident, or they can use the services of a local tour company.

Water Sports
Sitting in close proximity to the ocean, Yogyakarta has a full selection of water sports on offer. Beaches such as Parangtritis, Glagah and Baron offer pursuits such as windsurfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, with equipment provided by local companies.