Yogyakarta, also known as Yogya or Jogja, is the capital and economic center of the Special Region of Yogyakarta in Indonesia. The city is renowned for its preservation of traditional Javanese culture and concepts. It is often referred to as the heartland of Yogyakarta.
One of the notable districts in Yogyakarta is Kotagede, which served as the center of the Mataram Sultanate from 1575 to 1640. Today, Yogyakarta is home to the successors of the Mataram Sultanate, namely Sultan Hamengkubuwana and Adipati Paku Alam, who reside in the Ngayogyakarta Palace and Pura Pakualaman respectively. These historical landmarks are significant reminders of the city's rich heritage and royal legacy.
Yogyakarta City is crossed by three rivers, namely Winongo River, Gajahwong River, and Code River. Winongo River is located in the western part of Yogyakarta City, while Gajahwong River is located in the eastern part. Meanwhile, Code River is located in the middle of Yogyakarta City. The presence of Code River divides Yogyakarta City into two parts. This city is located at a distance of 600 KM from Jakarta, 116 KM from Semarang, and 65 KM from Surakarta, on the Bandung-Semarang-Surabaya-Pacitan intersection route. This city has an elevation of approximately 112 meters above sea level.
Although located in a valley, this city rarely experiences floods due to a well-organized drainage system built by the colonial government, coupled with the active addition of water channels carried out by the Yogyakarta City Government.
Yogyakarta City has the same climate as other regions in Indonesia, which is a tropical climate, with a tropical monsoon climate type (Am). The dry and cool east-southeast monsoon wind causes the dry season in the Yogyakarta City area, which occurs from May to October. Meanwhile, the moist and humid west-southwest monsoon wind brings a rainy season to the Yogyakarta City area, which blows from November to April. The average rainfall in the Yogyakarta City area is approximately 2012 millimeters per year, with the number of rainy days ranging from 100-150 days per year. The average humidity level per year in this area is approximately 77%.
Air transportation in and out of the DI Yogyakarta region is primarily served by the Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), located in the Temon village of Kulon Progo regency. This airport serves as the main gateway for air travel to and from the Special Region of Yogyakarta, catering to both domestic and international flights heading to Yogyakarta city.
On the other hand, the Adisucipto Airport, located in the Maguwoharjo village of Depok regency, Sleman, is still used for short-haul flights to Halim Perdana Kusuma in Jakarta, Husein Sastranegara in Bandung, and Juanda in Surabaya.
Yogyakarta offers a range of accommodation options to cater to the diverse needs of travelers. From luxurious hotels to comfortable apartments and budget-friendly hostels, there is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a lavish stay or a more affordable option, Yogyakarta has it all.
Ibis Budget Hotel
When it comes to hotels, Yogyakarta boasts a variety of choices that cater to different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer a boutique hotel with personalized service or a well-known chain hotel with all the modern amenities, you can find the perfect accommodation to suit your needs. With their convenient locations and comfortable rooms, hotels in Yogyakarta ensure a pleasant stay for all guests.
Yogyakarta Apartement
For those who prefer a more independent and homely experience, apartments in Yogyakarta provide a great alternative. These self-contained units offer the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living areas, and often come with additional amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers. Apartments are a popular choice for families or travelers who prefer a longer stay and want the
flexibility to cook their own meals.
Homestay
Travelers on a budget can also find a range of hostels in Yogyakarta that offer affordable accommodation without compromising on comfort. These budget-friendly options provide dormitory-style rooms or private rooms at a fraction of the cost of hotels or apartments. Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travelers and exchange travel tips while exploring the vibrant city of Yogyakarta.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN YOGYAKARTA
1. Bus Kota
Public transportation in Yogyakarta is quite efficient and offers various options for commuters. One of the most popular modes of transport is the city bus, which provides a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city. These buses, commonly known as "Bus Kota," operate on designated routes and are easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
2. Trans Jogja
Another reliable option for getting around Yogyakarta is the Trans Jogya system. This bus service is specifically designed for tourists and connects major attractions and landmarks in the city. With comfortable seating and air-conditioning, Trans Jogya offers a pleasant and hassle-free travel experience for visitors who want to explore the city's cultural and historical sites.
3. Taxi
For those who prefer a more personalized mode of transportation, taxis are readily available in Yogyakarta. Taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service and are a popular choice for travelers who value comfort and convenience. With a fleet of well-maintained vehicles and professional drivers, taxis offer a reliable and efficient way to navigate the city, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the local public transportation system.
4. Becak
Yogyakarta offers a range of public transportation options for its residents and visitors. One popular mode of transportation is the Becak, a traditional three-wheeled cycle rickshaw. Becaks are commonly used for short distances and provide a unique and leisurely way to explore the city's streets.
5. Andong
Another traditional form of transportation in Yogyakarta is the Andong, a horse-drawn carriage. Andongs are often seen in the city's historic areas and are a charming way to experience the local culture while traveling at a relaxed pace. They are particularly popular for sightseeing tours and provide a nostalgic touch to the transportation scene.
6. Bus AKAP
For longer journeys, the Bus Antar Kota Antar Provinsi (Bus AKAP) is a convenient option. These intercity and interprovincial buses connect Yogyakarta with other major cities in Indonesia. With comfortable seating and air-conditioning, these buses offer a reliable and affordable means of travel for those looking to explore beyond the city limits. Whether it's a short ride on a becak, a leisurely trip in an andong, or a longer journey on a Bus AKAP, Yogyakarta's public transportation options cater to the diverse needs of its residents and visitors.
1. Yogyakarta, a city in Indonesia, is known for its unique culinary traditions. One of these traditions is called "pawon anget," which translates to "warm kitchen." The philosophy behind this tradition is to prioritize togetherness at home and enjoy what is available. In this tradition, wives and mothers are expected to cook more than one dish to bring the whole family together at the dining table. This subtle resistance against the Dutch East India Company (VOC) by Sultan Hamengkubuwana I after the Giyanti Agreement gave rise to several distinctive Yogyakarta cuisines that are still popular today.
2. One of the well-known dishes in Yogyakarta is Gudeg, made from young jackfruit cooked with coconut milk. Gudeg is usually eaten with rice and served with thick coconut milk gravy (areh), free-range chicken, eggs, tempeh, tofu, and sambal goreng krecek. In Yogyakarta, Gudeg can be found in every corner of the city. One of the culinary centers for Gudeg is Jalan Wijilan, located within the complex of Keraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat. Other notable dishes include Brongkos, a black soup made with keluak nuts, beef, rice beans (tolo), tofu, and tempeh, as well as Bakpia, a pastry made from baked flour rolls with various fillings. The Bakpia culinary center in Yogyakarta is located in the Pathuk market area and Jalan KS Tubun, Kemantren Ngampilan.
3. Apart from these dishes, Yogyakarta also offers other local specialties such as Nasi Kucing (small portions of rice with sambal, fish, and tempeh wrapped in banana leaves), Sate Kere (satay made from beef offal), and more. When it comes to beverages, Yogyakarta is known for Kopi Joss (black coffee mixed with charcoal) and Wedang Ronde (a drink served with glutinous rice flour balls). These culinary delights reflect the rich cultural heritage and diverse flavors of Yogyakarta, making it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
Yogyakarta, the capital of the Yogyakarta Sultanate, is renowned for its historical, educational, and cultural attractions. The city boasts numerous historical sites that serve as popular tourist destinations, including'
The Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat Palace,
Taman Sari,
Malioboro Street,
Alun-alun Selatan Square,
Warungboto Site,
Pakualaman Temple,
Vredeburg Fortress,
Kotabaru Area,
and Kotagede Palace,
among others. These sites offer visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the city.
In addition to its historical landmarks, Yogyakarta also offers various educational attractions. The city is home to;
Taman Pintar,
Sonobudoyo Museum,
Biology Museum,
Sasmitaloka Museum of Great General Sudirman,
Museum of Struggle,
and more. These educational sites provide visitors with valuable insights into different fields of knowledge, ranging from science to history.
Furthermore, Yogyakarta is proud to have;
The Gembira Loka Zoo,
a center for biodiversity education and tourism. This zoo houses a diverse range of animal and plant species from around the world, making it an ideal destination for those interested in learning about the wonders of nature. Visitors can explore the zoo and gain a deeper understanding of the importance of preserving and protecting our planet's biodiversity.
Village of Tourism
The City Government of Yogyakarta, through the Tourism Office, also empowers several tourist villages in each sub-district in the Yogyakarta City area. In fact, each tourist village has its own unique identity. For example,;
The tourist village in Tahunan Sub-district focuses on creative industry tourism,
while the tourist village in Dipowinatan Sub-district focuses on cultural tourism.
On the other hand, the tourist village in Kauman Sub-district is dedicated to religious and historical tourism.
Festival
Yogyakarta, as a city of tourism and culture, hosts numerous festivals to attract tourists and become a regular agenda every year. Some of the regular festivals held in Yogyakarta are:
1. Pasar Kangen: Pasar Kangen Yogyakarta is an annual event organized by the Yogyakarta City Government in collaboration with the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government. This festival has been held since 2007 and is presented with a classic nostalgic atmosphere.
2. Jogja Night Carnival: Jogja Night Carnival is an annual event held to commemorate the anniversary of Yogyakarta City on October 7th. This event usually showcases a street carnival featuring wayang characters combined with wayang performances wrapped in choreography, costumes, and contemporary music.
3. The Tuesday Wagen event takes place every Tuesday wage in the Javanese calendar in the Malioboro area. This area is transformed into a motor vehicle-free zone from 06.00 in the morning until 21.00 in the evening. During this time, various cultural performances of Yogyakarta are organized. In Javanese mythology, Tuesday wage is considered a day of rest for humans. It is also the birth day of Sultan Hamengkubuwana X, the current king of the Yogyakarta Sultanate and the governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta.
4. The Festival Kesenian Yogyakarta (FKY) is organized by the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government every year in June or July. This festival has been held since 1989 and involves all districts and cities in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, including Yogyakarta city. In Yogyakarta city, the main events take place at Benteng Vredeburg, Malioboro Street, Taman Budaya Yogyakarta, Monumen Serangan Umum 1 Maret, and the Zero Kilometer Point of Yogyakarta.
5. The Kotagede Festival has been regularly held since 1999 and is organized for the development of arts and culture, the improvement of the local economy, and the enhancement of tourism in the Kotagede area. This festival is organized by the Special Region of Yogyakarta Government and involves two regions within the Kotagede cultural heritage area, namely Yogyakarta city and Bantul Regency.
These festivals not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta but also provide entertainment and attractions for tourists. They have become a part of the city's identity and contribute to its reputation as a vibrant and culturally diverse destination.
THINGS TO DO IN YOGYAKARTA