21 Acitivities You Must Do in Yogyakarta! Recommended spots and experiences from locals

What is Yogyakarta, Indonesia?

Yogyakarta (Special Region of Yogyakarta) is the former capital of Indonesia, located on the island of Java.

While Jakarta is the economic and political center, Yogyakarta is the cultural and historical center.

There are three major features in particular.

Introducing 8 recommended sightseeing spots in Yogyakarta!

1. Borobudur Temple: Experience the mysteries of ancient Java at the world’s largest Buddhist monument

Borobudur Temple is a world-famous Buddhist temple located in Central Java, Indonesia, and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 1991. The temple was built between the 9th and 10th centuries under the rule of the Sailendra Dynasty (Wangsa Sailendra).

In fact, Borobudur Temple was buried in the jungle for about 1,000 years and was discovered in 1814 by Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles, a British colonial administrator.

Borobudur is a massive stone pyramid-shaped structure whose grandeur overwhelms anyone who sees it. The temple complex measures 120 meters on each side at the base and stands 33.5 meters tall, consisting of nine tiers of platforms topped by a series of large dome-shaped stupas (Buddhist shrines). These stupas are adorned with relief carvings depicting the figure of the Buddha and Buddhist teachings, and thousands of Buddha statues and relief carvings are preserved within.

Borobudur is known not only for expressing Buddhist religious symbols and teachings, but also as an architectural representation of Buddhist cosmology and philosophy. The design of the ruins shows influences from both Hinduism and Buddhism, expressing a fusion of the two religions.

Borobudur is also a masterpiece of skilled craftsmanship. The intricate carvings and reliefs on the stone, as well as the detailed sculptures, demonstrate the superb technical skills and aesthetic sensibilities of the skilled craftsmen of that era. These works of art beautifully express the connection between Buddhist faith and art.

Recommended experience: Participate in the Borobudur Lantern Festival

Once a year, a lantern festival is held at the world heritage site of Borobudur.

With the World Heritage Site as a backdrop, the sparkling lanterns will undoubtedly provide a unique experience.

It is held every year during the Waisak holiday in May or June.

Recommended experience: Watching the sunrise at Borobudur

One of the most famous activities in Yogyakarta tourism is the tour to watch the sunrise from the top of Borobudur.

Since the coronavirus pandemic, ticket sales for Sunrise have not resumed as of July 2025.

Instead, we recommend watching the sunrise from a nearby hill overlooking Borobudur.