MileHacker Logo
Day Trips from Yogyakarta

Day Trips from Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Accessible Locations

Borobudur and Prambanan: These famous sites also work as day trips from the city. Often combined for a full day.

Mount Merapi: Jeep tours or trekking, typically a half-day or full-day activity.

Transportation Options

  • Borobudur/Prambanan/Merapi: Private car with driver. Shared tours or minivans.
  • Solo: Direct train from Yogyakarta Tugu Station (1 hour).
  • Explore and book day trips with GetYourGuide.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Choose a travel style fitting your journey.

Organized Tours

Transport, guides, and entry often included. Good for meeting others.

Considerations

  • Pre-arranged transport.
  • Group excursions.
  • Less flexible timings.

Independent Travel

Flexible agenda, with room to explore. Public transport is cheaper.

Considerations

  • Adaptable schedule.
  • Lower expense with public transit.
  • Greater planning needed.

Time and Itinerary Tips

Borobudur & Prambanan Full Day

  • Start early for Borobudur sunrise (around 04:00 AM).
  • Proceed to Prambanan by late morning.
  • Full day trip.
  • Return to Yogyakarta in the late afternoon.

Merapi Jeep Tour Half Day

  • Early morning (05:00-06:00 AM) or late afternoon.
  • Tour duration: about 4-5 hours.
  • Return after activity.
  • Consider weather conditions.

Budgetary Considerations

  • Organized Tour:Higher per person
  • Independent Travel:Potentially lower
  • Local Transport:Economical
  • Private Car:More expense
  • Hostels:Budget-friendly lodging
  • Hotels:Mid to luxury choices
  • Street Food:Low dining expense
  • Restaurants:Moderate dining expense

Booking Day Trips

Explore and book various day trips and excursions with GetYourGuide.

Natural Escapes

Yogyakarta's surroundings hold stunning natural scenery.

Kalibiru National Park

Scenic platforms overlook Sermo Reservoir for photos.

Mangunan Fruit Garden

A viewpoint, especially striking for sunrise.

South Coast Beaches

Driving the coast features dramatic cliffs.

Dieng Plateau

A volcanic plateau with unique landscapes.

Highlights

  • Crater lakes.
  • Hot springs.
  • Ancient Hindu temples.

Adventure Beaches

Discover coastal thrills.

Beach Choices

  • Parangtritis Beach: Spiritual, sand dunes.
  • Timang Beach: Hand-pulled gondola.
  • Mount Merbabu: Multi-day treks.

Seasonal Phenomena

Sunrise over Borobudur from Punthuk Setumbu:Best in dry season.
Mist in Mangunan Fruit Garden valleys:Early mornings.
Lush landscapes:Wet season.
Fewer crowds:Wet season.
Clear skies:Dry season.
Outdoor activities:Dry season.

Sustainable Exploration

  • Choose eco-friendly accommodation.
  • Support conservation initiatives.
  • Minimize waste.
  • Consider carbon offsets for travel with Terrapass.

Cultural Excursions

Extend your cultural journey beyond the city.

Historical Sites

Remnants of ancient palace structures.

Locations

  • Ratu Boko Temple: Sunset views.
  • Dieng Plateau Temple Complex: Ancient Hindu temples.
  • Glimpse into early Javanese civilization.

Rural & Agricultural

Insight into rural Javanese life.

Experiences

  • Cycling tours.
  • Village walks through rice paddies.
  • Agricultural practices.

Pilgrimage Sites

Active places of worship and pilgrimage.

Sacred Spots

  • Borobudur.
  • Prambanan.
  • Draw tourists and devotees.

Beyond Temples

Dive into cultural traditions.

Local Crafts

  • Batik workshops.
  • Silver crafting in Kota Gede.
  • Traditional performances.

Art and Architecture

Explore Java's artistic and structural legacy.

Borobudur Carvings

Intricate details and stories.

Kraton Javanese Style

Royal designs and traditional motifs.

Affandi Museum

Modern Indonesian art displays.

Cultural Immersion

Consider G Adventures for ethical tours that respect local cultures.

Multi-Day Extensions

For longer trips, consider exploring further afield on Java and beyond.

Additional Days

1

Bromo & Ijen Volcanos

A classic 2-3 day adventure for sunrise treks.

2

Dieng Plateau

Overnight stays permit exploration of unique sites.

3

Solo Surakarta

An overnight visit for relaxed exploration of palaces and markets.

Future Journeys

  • Bali: Beaches, surfing, different culture.
  • Jakarta: Urban experience, international hub.
  • Bandung: Shopping, culinary, cooler climate.
  • Malang/Surabaya: Gateways to volcanoes.

Transportation Links

  • Bromo/Ijen: Trains to Surabaya/Malang, then tours.
  • Bali: Direct flights.
  • Jakarta/Bandung/Malang/Surabaya: Direct trains or flights.

Java Overland Route

Start Point

Jakarta

Journey Through

Bandung, Yogyakarta, Solo, Surabaya, Malang, Bromo/Ijen.

Optional End

Connecting to Bali.

Planning Exploration

For seamless booking of various experiences, consider GetYourGuide.
← Previous
Things to Do in Yogyakarta
← Back to Yogyakarta
Next →
Yogyakarta Travel Tips

Next Up: Yogyakarta Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Continue to Yogyakarta Travel Tips