How to Plan Your Yogyakarta: Borobudur and Prambanan Temples Tour
If you want to get a taste of Indonesian culture, a Yogyakarta tour exploring the Borobudur and Prambanan temples is an excellent starting point. These magnificent structures demonstrate the long-standing history and influence of the Hindu and Buddhist religions in the country. In this guide, we will show you how to plan your own Yogyakarta tour to see these temples and more.Experience
Exploring Borobudur and Prambanan temples is a memorable experience that lets you dive into traditional Indonesian culture. The temples date back to the 9th century and are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The intricacy and sophistication of the architecture, the stories depicted in the carvings, and the religiosity of the temples make these sites an unforgettable cultural experience.Highlights
The highlights of the tour are:- Explore Borobudur as the biggest Buddhist temple in the world.
- Explore Prambanan as the highest Hindu temple in Indonesia.
- Explore Prambanan as the most beautiful temple in the world.
Full description
The tour starts with your morning pick up from your hotel in Yogyakarta by your driver. You will be transferred to Borobudur Temple, located about 40 kilometres northwest of the city. The trip will take around an hour to reach the location. You will then get to explore Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist temple globally and an architectural masterpiece. The temple’s construction consists of nine platforms, a central dome, and 72 stupas. Marvel at the intricate carvings and learn about the stories behind them from your local guide. After exploring Borobudur, your next stop is Prambanan Temple. Located about an hour’s drive from Borobudur Temple, Prambanan is another example of stunning temple architecture from the 9th century. Here, you can admire the tall towers and intricate carvings, learning about the representations of the Hindu gods. As the tour ends, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Yogyakarta after an amazing day exploring the cultural heritage of Indonesia.Inclusions
The tour includes:- Car
- Driver
- Gasoline
- Parking Fees
- Mineral Water
- Guide Services
- Hotel Pick up and Drop off
Exclusions
The tour’s exclusions are:- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
This tour may not be suitable for people with mobility impairments as you need to walk around the temples and climb stairs.Booking
To book this tour, click on this link book the tour here and follow the booking process. GetYourGuide is a third-party company that offers reliable booking services for tours around the world. Once you have confirmed your booking, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details of your tour.Book Your Tour Now
A Yogyakarta tour exploring the Borobudur and Prambanan temples is an excellent way to experience Indonesian culture and history. The temples are an exceptional example of ancient Hindu and Buddhist architecture and the intricate carvings tell a story of the religions’ influence on the country. With this guide, you can confidently plan your Yogyakarta tour to see these iconic sites for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a city on the island of Java, Indonesia, well known for its cultural and historical significance, natural beauty, and tourist attractions. Here, we provide some insights and answers to frequently asked questions about Yogyakarta.1. What is Yogyakarta known for?
Yogyakarta is known for its Javanese culture, ancient temples, palaces, batik fabrics, and traditional arts. It is also famous for its traditional music such as gamelan, wayang puppetry, and dance. Some of the must-visit cultural sites in Yogyakarta are the Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple, Kraton Yogyakarta palace, and Taman Sari Water Castle.2. What are some of the top tourist attractions in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta has a wide range of tourist attractions such as cultural and historical sites, natural attractions, shopping centers, and culinary experiences. Some of the top tourist attractions in Yogyakarta are:- Borobudur temple
- Prambanan temple
- Kraton Yogyakarta palace
- Taman Sari Water Castle
- Malioboro street
- Merapi volcano
- Jomblang cave
- Ijo Temple
3. How do I get to Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta is well-connected by air, road, and rail transport. Adisucipto International Airport serves as the main airport, and there are frequent flights from major Indonesian cities such as Jakarta, Denpasar, and Surabaya. Yogyakarta is also accessible by train from Jakarta, Bandung, and Surabaya. There are several bus routes from major cities in Java that connect to Yogyakarta.4. What is the best time to visit Yogyakarta?
The best time to visit Yogyakarta is between April to October when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season lasts from November to March, and the weather can be unpredictable, causing landslides and flooding in some areas. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.5. What are the best accommodations in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts. Some of the best options include:- Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
- Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta
- Melia Purosani Hotel Yogyakarta
- Jambuluwuk Malioboro Hotel Yogyakarta
- Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel Yogyakarta
- POP! Hotel Sangaji Yogyakarta
6. Is it safe to travel to Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta is generally considered a safe place to travel for tourists. However, it is advisable to take precautions such as avoiding unlit and deserted areas, not carrying too much money or valuable items, and being aware of your surroundings.7. What are the must-try dishes in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta is known for its diverse range of traditional cuisines. Some of the must-try dishes in Yogyakarta are:- Gudeg
- Nasi Gudeg
- Bakmi Jawa
- Ayam Goreng Kalasan
- Sate Klathak
- Bakpia Pathuk
8. What souvenirs can I buy in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta is famous for its various handicrafts and souvenirs, including:- Batik fabrics and clothing
- Wayang puppets
- Handmade crafts made from bamboo or coconut shell
- Traditional Javanese musical instruments such as gamelan orchestra
- Bakpia Pathuk (sweet pastry)
- Herbal products and Jamu (traditional herbal medicine)
9. Are there any interesting festivals or events in Yogyakarta?
Yogyakarta hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as:- Sekaten Festival – an Islamic event held every year to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad
- Yogyakarta Arts Festival – an annual event showcasing traditional and contemporary arts from Yogyakarta and other Indonesian regions
- Java Jazz Festival – one of the largest jazz festivals in the world
- Borobudur International Festival – a cultural event held annually in Borobudur temple complex featuring music, dance, and art performances
10. What are some lesser-known places to visit in Yogyakarta?
Apart from the popular tourist attractions, Yogyakarta also has some hidden gems that are lesser-known yet worth visiting, such as:- Sindu Kusuma Edupark – a recreational park with a wide range of bird species, reptiles, and orchid gardens.
- Sate Klathak Pak Pong – a traditional restaurant that serves grilled meat skewers called Sate Klathak
- Ullen Sentalu Museum – a private museum exhibiting the Javanese culture and art in a beautiful setting in the hills near Yogyakarta
- Mandala Krida Stadium – a stadium that is worth visiting to experience the passionate chants and cheers of the Persebaya soccer fanatics
How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a city located on the island of Java in Indonesia, widely famous for its vibrant, cultural heritage and historic landmarks. The city offers a lot of fun and adventurous activities for tourists, which makes it a perfect tourist destination. To make your trip unforgettable, here is a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip to Yogyakarta.1. Visit the Borobudur Temple
One of the top tourist destinations in Yogyakarta is the Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. The temple is an intricate and stunning display of architecture from the 9th century. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and features over 500 Buddha statues, with each carrying a different meaning. When visiting the temple, it’s best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and witness the sunrise. Another option is going in the afternoon when the temple is less busy. In either case, consider hiring a guide to explain the history and significance of each part of the temple.2. Visit the Prambanan Temple
Another temple worth visiting in Yogyakarta is the Prambanan Temple. Built-in the 10th century, this temple is renowned for its beautiful Hindu architecture and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple features three large temples dedicated to Hindu gods, with smaller ones surrounding them in the complex. Make sure to take your time and explore them all. Like the Borobudur temple, it’s best to arrive early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.3. Ride a Bike through The Countryside
Renting a bike and exploring the beautiful countryside in Yogyakarta is a great way to spend your day. Many tour companies offer bike tours, where you can explore the beautiful rice fields, visit local villages, and immerse yourself in the local culture. The best time to take a bike tour is in the morning or late afternoon when it is less hot. Wear comfortable clothes and make sure to pack sunscreen and plenty of water for the ride.4. Visit the Sultan Palace (Kraton)
The Sultan Palace, also known as the Kraton, is the official residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Located in the city center, it’s worth visiting to learn about the ancient Javanese royal family and their culture. Inside the palace, you can see the traditional Javanese architecture in the Sultan’s living quarters and various artifacts like old weapons and traditional clothing. A guide can help explain this palace’s history and give you a better understanding of the royal family.5. Explore The Traditional Markets
If you love shopping, then you should visit the traditional markets in Yogyakarta. The Beringharjo Market (Pasar Beringharjo) is the most popular market in Yogyakarta and is known for selling cheap souvenirs, traditional clothes, and batik products. Another market worth visiting is the Malioboro Street, which offers a more modern shopping experience with branded products and street food.6. Visit The Taman Sari Water Castle
The Taman Sari Water Castle is an intriguing historic site located in the city center of Yogyakarta. The castle used to be a royal garden and a place of leisure for the sultan and his family. The castle’s main attraction is the underground mosque, which was once used by the royal family. The mosque’s underground architecture is unique in its design and increases the acoustic sound for prayers.7. Have Fun with Ramayana Ballet
For an entertaining cultural experience, consider watching the Ramayana ballet. It is a traditional dance drama that tells the story of the Ramayana, an ancient Indian Hindu epic. The performance is accompanied by live music and dance performances by professional artists. The Ramayana Ballet performs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at the Purawisata theater in Yogyakarta. Tickets can be purchased before the show, or you can book them online for convenience.Book Your Tour Now
Yogyakarta is full of history, culture, and adventure activities that make it a perfect destination for tourists. By following this guide, you can visit the top tourist destinations in Yogyakarta and explore the local culture. Whether it’s visiting temples or traditional markets, there is something for everyone in Yogyakarta. So, pack your bags and experience the beauty of Yogyakarta yourself!Table of Contents
