Yogyakarta Travel Checklist. Before You Go, Packing List, Preparation

Essential Preparations

Organized planning supports a smooth transition.

Chronological Planning Timeline

Steps to take at various intervals before your trip.

Months Before

Passport & Visa

Check passport validity (6+ months). Research visa requirements.

Flights & Health

Book international flights. Consult doctor for vaccinations.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance.

Month Before

Bookings & Health

Book accommodations & internal transport. Arrange major tours. Obtain prescription refills & a Basic first aid kit.

Financial & Driving

Notify bank of travel plans. Obtain International Driving Permit.

Itinerary Confirmation

Confirm all detailed itinerary elements.

Week Before

Document & Pack

Confirm bookings. Make copies of documents. Pack essentials. For efficient packing, explore products from Eagle Creek.

Digital Readiness

Download essential apps and offline maps. Learn basic Indonesian phrases.

Home Ready

Inform family of itinerary. Arrange for mail, pet, or plant care. Secure home.

Required Advance Bookings

Securing these items in advance simplifies your journey.

Reservations

International and domestic flights.
Train tickets, specifically for Executive class.
Your main accommodations.
Popular tours, like Borobudur sunrise excursions.

Pre-Trip Research & Home Prep

Research & Home Readiness

Read up on Javanese culture and history for enhanced appreciation.
Familiarize yourself with common local considerations and safety tips.
Research local cuisine and identify memorable dishes.
Inform family or friends of your itinerary and emergency contacts. Arrange for mail collection, pet care, or plant watering. Secure your home before leaving.

Arrival Checklist

The first few hours in Yogyakarta guide a smooth transition.

First Steps Upon Arrival

Proceed through immigration and customs.
Purchase your Visa on Arrival if applicable.
Exchange some currency or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Purchase a local SIM card for connectivity.

Orientation Strategies

Locate the nearest ATM and convenience store to your accommodation.
Familiarize yourself with your immediate neighborhood.
Discover local transport options available from your area.
Note emergency exits and assembly points at your lodging.

Currency & Transport

Exchange a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate needs.
Acquire bottled water immediately upon arrival.
Arrange transport to your accommodation.
Utilize pre-booked transport, airport train, official airport taxis, or ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab for ease.

Essential Tip

Having a local SIM card supports communication and navigation from the moment you land. This simplicity minimizes initial stress.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs & Shipping

1
Early Purchases:
Purchase souvenirs well before your departure date.
2
Shipping Logistics:
If you plan to ship items, confirm customs regulations and shipping costs with a reliable provider.
3
Pack Smart:
Consider baggage allowances for souvenirs.

VAT Refund & Timing

VAT Refund:
Indonesia features a VAT refund scheme for tourists on certain goods, but it maintains limited implementation or ease of claim for typical tourist purchases.
Check Eligibility:
Check official guidelines for eligibility and process.
Departure Timing:
Allow ample time for check-out, travel to the airport or station, and check-in/security processes. Factor in traffic conditions.

Return Trip Readiness

Flight Confirmation

Confirm your return flight or train details well in advance.

Avoid last-minute surprises.

Document Access

Ensure all necessary documents are accessible and organized.

Keep passports and tickets ready.

Local Currency

Have sufficient local currency for any departure expenses or last-minute purchases.

Cover airport taxes or snacks.

Smooth Departure

Anticipate possible delays and allow extra time, notably during peak travel seasons, for a stress-free departure.

Conclusion & Inspiration

Reflect on your journey and consider future adventures.

Reflecting on Experiences

Witnessing sunrise over Borobudur or the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan creates moving experiences.
You gain appreciation for Javanese philosophy, the value of harmony, and tradition in modern society.
Interactions with locals, learning about batik, or experiencing gamelan music open windows into a different way of life.
Engaging with a culture that values politeness, community, and spiritual heritage fosters patience and broadens your worldview.

Responsible Travel

Support local communities by choosing homestays or tours that directly benefit residents.
Minimize your environmental footprint by reducing waste. Utilize a Reusable water bottle and decline single-use plastics.
Respect local culture and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites; dress modestly and observe customs.
Engage with locals respectfully, learn a few phrases of Bahasa Indonesia, and show interest in their way of life.

Future Destinations

Indonesia offers a diverse array of experiences beyond Java.

Beyond Yogyakarta

BaliBeaches, Culture, Yoga
Komodo National ParkDragons, Diving
SumatraRainforests, Lake Toba
LombokVolcanic Landscapes, Quiet Beaches

Expanding Your Travel Horizons

Enhance your travel photography with courses on Skillshare.
Continue learning Bahasa Indonesia with online resources.
Delve further into Javanese arts, history, and philosophy.
Consider returning to Yogyakarta for different seasons or experiences.

Final Thoughts

Yogyakarta leaves a lasting impression. Its culture, history, and people offer a memorable journey.

Carry these experiences and the spirit of responsible travel into your next adventures.

Yogyakarta Travel Checklist