Yogyakarta is a treasure trove of culture, history, and delicious bites, making it a perfect destination for a three-day adventure. You can dive into the rich heritage, hike up a volcano, or stuff your face with some of the best street food you’ve ever tasted. Ready to explore? Let’s break it down day by day, so you won’t miss a beat or a bite.
Day one: Temples and local flavors
Your first day kicks off with a visit to Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and soak in the majestic view. You’ll want to grab your camera because this is a spot that screams Instagram! Plan about 2-3 hours here, wandering through the intricate stone carvings and learning about the Ramayana epic.
- Morning: 7 AM – Leave your hotel early and head to Prambanan (about 30 minutes by taxi).
- 10 AM – Grab a quick breakfast at Roti Bakar 88 nearby. Their toasted bread with chocolate and cheese is a must-try.
After breakfast, make your way back to the city for a taste of local life. Head to the Beringharjo Market, where you can shop for batik, handicrafts, and experience the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta’s daily life. Spend about 1-2 hours exploring the stalls and maybe even practice your bargaining skills. Remember, if you don’t haggle, you’re doing it wrong!
- Afternoon: 1 PM – Have lunch at Warung Bu Ageng, where you can feast on traditional Javanese dishes like Nasi Gudeg.
- 3 PM – Visit Sultan’s Palace (Kraton) (15 minutes from the market). Spend an hour or two exploring the grounds.
As the sun sets, make your way to Alun-Alun Kidul, where you can rent a bicycle and try your hand at the infamous “magic” banyan trees. Legend has it, if you can ride between them with your eyes closed, you’ll have good luck. (Spoiler alert: most people fail miserably.)
- Evening: 7 PM – Grab dinner at Angkringan Lik Man, where you can enjoy street food like sate and nasi kucing.
- 9 PM – Wind down with a stroll through the bustling streets, maybe indulge in some sweet martabak (trust me, you’ll thank me later).
Day two: Volcano adventures and more
Day two is all about getting your adrenaline pumping. Start your morning with a trip to Mount Merapi for some epic views and an optional jeep tour. Make sure to book this in advance, as it’s a popular spot. You’ll need to set off early to catch the sunrise. About 4 AM should do the trick.
- Morning: 4 AM – Depart for Mount Merapi (1-hour drive).
- 6 AM – Enjoy the sunrise from a viewpoint. Don’t forget to take a million pictures.
After your volcanic adventure, it’s time to fuel up. Head back to Yogyakarta and enjoy breakfast at Gudeg Yu Djum. Their gudeg is legendary, and you’ll understand why when you take your first bite.
- Mid-Morning: 9 AM – Return to Yogyakarta (1 hour drive).
- 10 AM – Breakfast at Gudeg Yu Djum.
Post-breakfast, visit the Ullen Sentalu Museum, which is about a 30-minute drive. This museum offers a deep dive into Javanese culture and art, and it’s less crowded than other spots. Spend around 2 hours here.
- Afternoon: 1 PM – Lunch at Bakmi Jowo Mbah Gito for some authentic Javanese noodles.
- 3 PM – Head to Jomblang Cave for a unique cave experience. Prepare for a thrilling descent!
After a day full of adventure, treat yourself to a relaxed evening at the Taman Sari Water Castle. It’s a beautiful spot to unwind and reflect on your day.
- Evening: 7 PM – Dinner at House of Raminten for a quirky dining experience.
- 9 PM – Enjoy some live music at a local café.
Day three: Culture and street food extravaganza
On your final day, it’s time to soak in the last bits of culture. Start with a visit to the Affandi Museum, which showcases the works of Indonesia's famous painter. It’s a small but inspiring place and perfect for art lovers. Spend about 1-2 hours here.
- Morning: 8 AM – Breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
- 9 AM – Visit the Affandi Museum.
Next, head to the Batik Museum to learn about this traditional art form. You can even try your hand at making your own batik. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent for fabric art.
- 11 AM – Batik Museum (1-2 hours).
- 1 PM – Lunch at Ayam Penyet Ria, a popular spot for smashed chicken and sambal.
In the afternoon, explore the hidden gem of Kaliurang for a scenic view of Mount Merapi. Take in the fresh air and maybe snap a selfie with the volcano in the background.
- Afternoon: 3 PM – Head to Kaliurang (about 30 minutes).
- 5 PM – Return to the city.
Wrap up your journey with a food tour in the evening. Join a street food tour or just wander around the streets, sampling whatever catches your eye. Don’t skip the nasi goreng or pisang goreng (fried bananas)!
- Evening: 7 PM – Street food adventure (go wild).
- 9 PM – Conclude your trip with a visit to a local bar for some drinks.
Three days in Yogyakarta will fly by, but with this itinerary, you'll leave with a heart full of memories and a stomach full of delicious food. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to bring back some stories (and maybe a batik shirt or two) to share with your friends!
