Top Things to See
With an excellent selection of places of historic and religious significance at their disposal, sightseeing enthusiasts will enjoy Yogyakarta. Borobudur Temple is without doubt the highlight of any sightseeing tour here and invariably takes a top spot on visitors’ must-see lists. Other places of interest include historic temples and mosques, and a number of unique natural features.
 Borobudur Temple
If you have limited sightseeing time in Yogyakarta, then the one thing that you cannot miss is this magnificent Buddhist temple. Ranking as the most famous temple in the city, Borobudur is also internationally known as one of the finest religious structures of its kind. The temple, listed among the seven wonders of the world, is over 1,200 years old and offers some interesting features, both inside and outside. Notable features include a varied selection of Buddha statues of differing sizes and poses, and the bas-reliefs on the walls of the lower terraces.
 Imogiri Royal Cemetery
Rulers of the Mataram Kingdom were laid to rest at this splendid royal cemetery. The most notable of the deceased buried here is the Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo, who gained fame for his role in the 17th century struggle against the Dutch colonists. In light of his importance, the sultan has his own distinct tomb which stands out from the others. All of the tombs are located high up on a level that can only be reached by climbing a steep 345-step stairway. Entry to the cemetery is permitted only to those wearing traditional Javanese clothing, which is provided.
 Kalasan Temple
Built as a tribute to King Pancapana and his wife Dyah Pramudya Wardhani of the Sanjaya and Cailendra dynasties respectively, this splendid Buddhist temple has a number of outstanding features, among which are beautiful wall carvings and Vajralepa-treated walls. The temple is located on the road between Yogyakarta and Prambanan.
Kiskendo Cave
Located on Menoreh Mountain in Kulon Progo regency, the Kiskendo Cave is some 700 metres above sea-level and home to interesting rock formations. The views of the mountains and rice fields on the way to the cave are magnificent. From the level at which the cave is situated, there are stunning views of the Indian Ocean and vast lowland areas.
 Kraton Yogyakarta
The Sultan’s Palace, or kraton, features a whole collection of fascinating buildings, among which is this grand Javanese structure which was used as the sultan’s main residential area. There are two separate entrances: the Main Court featuring typically lavish décor and the Residence, less lavish though still befitting of royal usage.
Masjid Gede Kauman
Located within the Sultan’s Palace grounds, Masjid Gede Kauman is one of the biggest and oldest mosques in Yogyakarta. Traditionally used for worship and religious rites by the sultan and his family, the mosque is typically splendid and reflects the lavish tastes of the sultan, as do all of the buildings in the kraton.
 Mount Merapi
Standing at 2,920 metres, Mount Merapi is in fact a volcano and among those on Indonesia’s active list. Full-scale eruptions are not typical of Mount Merapi, with periodic smoke-belching and minor lava discharges more the norm. When Merapi is at rest, mountaineering on the volcano’s slopes is possible. An observation point at Plawangan hill offers good views of the volcano.
 Taman Sari
What was once a pleasure facility for the sultans is now a set of historic ruins that owe their demise to the earthquake that hit Yogyakarta in 1865. The palace’s bathing pools were often used by members of the sultan’s harem. Parts of the facility have been restored. The ruins are interesting and include an underground mosque and a series of interconnecting passageways.
Top Things to Do
Catch a cock-crowing contest. Also held in the kraton on Sunday mornings is the popular cock-crowing contest in which locals bring their prize roosters along. The roosters are set down in cages atop lofty wooden stakes and a veritable cacophony of crowing ensues, after which judges decide whose rooster hit the highest decibel.
 Get a reflexology massage. The highly revered practice of foot massage, known as reflexology, is widely available in Yogyakarta and can be a soothing way to spend an hour. It is also said to have positive health benefits.
Play a game of Masangin. Also referred to as masuk antara dua beringin, meaning ‘passing two ficus trees’, this game is conducted by locals at Sultan’s square. The idea of the game is to walk in a straight line between the square’s two ancient ficus trees while blindfolded.
Take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn cart. Horse-drawn carriages still provide a viable form of transportation around Yogyakarta. Even if you have nowhere particular in mind to travel to, a ride in a carriage can be a unique and romantic experience.
 Visit a batik factory. Take a trip to one of the many batik factories in the city and see the complicated process. Some factories give visitors a chance to have a go.
Visit the night market. A busy, vibrant market aimed primarily at visitors can be found on Jalan Marlioboro. This market is the ideal place to pick up souvenirs such as locally handcrafted goods, as well as t-shirts and tourist knick-knacks.
 Watch a dance performance at the kraton. If you get up early on a Sunday, head to the kraton and catch an ethnic dance performance. During the dance, skilled locals in traditional costume perform slow, elegant movements which have been practiced for centuries. A gamelan orchestra provides the accompanying music, further enhancing the experience.
 Watching the sunrise from Borobodur. Borobodur temple is special enough during daylight hours, but for those who get up early enough a magical spectacle awaits. As the sun comes up, it slowly bathes the magnificent structure in a wonderful orange light.
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