5 days in Yogyakarta

Day by day

1. Day 1: Borobudur and Prambanan

   Borobudur, Prambanan and Kraton (Sultan's Palace), then Malioboro Street in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Borobudur

      Arrive as early as possible to see the temple in soft morning light, and combine it with the smaller Mendut and Pawon temples on the same road. (Half a day including travel, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Prambanan

      Visit in the late afternoon for warm light on the towers, then stay for the Ramayana Ballet next door. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Gudeg

      The gudeg stalls of Jalan Wijilan near the Kraton, and early-morning gudeg sellers across the city.

   4. Afternoon

      Kraton (Sultan's Palace)

      Go in the morning to catch a performance and hire one of the official guides at the entrance to explain the symbolism. (1.5–2 hours, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Malioboro Street

      Walk it in the evening, when it is cooler and the street-food stalls set up, and politely ignore anyone offering to take you to a 'batik exhibition'.

2. Day 2: Taman Sari Water Castle and Sonobudoyo Museum

   Taman Sari Water Castle, Sonobudoyo Museum and Alun-Alun Kidul, then Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Taman Sari Water Castle

      Find your own way through the lanes to Sumur Gumuling rather than following touts, and go early before groups arrive. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   2. Late morning

      Sonobudoyo Museum

      Check whether the evening wayang kulit performance is on; a short version is staged for visitors. (1–2 hours, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Bakpia

      Bakeries in the Pathuk area west of Malioboro, where many family brands are named after their house numbers.

   4. Afternoon

      Alun-Alun Kidul

      Try masangin yourself; blindfolds are rented at the edge of the square for a small fee. (1 hour, free).

   5. Evening

      Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan

      Book open-air seats on the side facing the temples, and bring a light layer and insect repellent.

3. Day 3: Ratu Boko and Plaosan Temple

   Ratu Boko, Plaosan Temple and Kotagede, then Prawirotaman in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Ratu Boko

      Time your visit for late afternoon and watch the sunset from the gateway before heading to the Ramayana Ballet. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Plaosan Temple

      Visit at sunrise for mist over the fields and the temples to yourself. (45 minutes, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Kopi joss

      Angkringan stalls north of Tugu station, especially on Jalan Wongsodirjan.

   4. Afternoon

      Kotagede

      Visit the silver workshops on a weekday morning, when artisans are at work. (2–3 hours, free).

   5. Evening

      Prawirotaman

      Bars, cafés with live acoustic music and rooftop terraces popular with travellers.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Solo (Surakarta)

   About 1 hour by commuter train each way. Getting there: KRL commuter line from Tugu or Lempuyangan to Solo Balapan.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Solo (Surakarta)

      About 1 hour by commuter train (KRL commuter line from Tugu or Lempuyangan to Solo Balapan); about 60 km.

   2. Day

      Solo (Surakarta)

      Yogyakarta's rival royal city has two palaces, the Kasunanan and the Mangkunegaran, the Danar Hadi batik museum and the Klewer textile market, plus its own dishes such as tengkleng and selat Solo. Best for culture, shopping and food lovers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Yogyakarta

      Dinner: try Nasi kucing.

5. Day 5: Mount Merapi jeep tour and Ullen Sentalu Museum

   Mount Merapi jeep tour, Ullen Sentalu Museum and Fort Vredeburg Museum, then Malioboro and Tugu in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Mount Merapi jeep tour

      Go at sunrise for the best chance of a clear summit; access depends on the volcano's alert level, so follow official guidance. (2–3 hours, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Ullen Sentalu Museum

      Combine it with a Merapi jeep tour in Kaliurang; photography is not allowed inside the galleries. (1.5 hours, mid-priced).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Nasi kucing

      Angkringan carts lit by oil lamps around Tugu station and across the city after dark.

   4. Afternoon

      Fort Vredeburg Museum

      Combine it with Beringharjo Market across the road and the Kraton a short walk south. (1 hour, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Malioboro and Tugu

      Street musicians, lesehan food stalls and angkringan around Tugu station late into the night.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Borobudur and Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 nights, Malioboro keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Kraton and Taman Sari ($$) suits culture, couples and quiet stays. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 21–28 hours of visiting over 5 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 11.7 hours in June to 12.6 hours in December.

More or fewer days

• One day in Yogyakarta
• 2 days in Yogyakarta
• 3 days in Yogyakarta

Questions travellers ask