What’s So Exciting About Yogyakarta?

When people think about Indonesia, they often imagine Bali, with its beaches and sunsets. But more and more tourists are starting to ask: “What about Yogyakarta? What’s exciting over there?” That’s a great question — and many foreign travelers are surprised (in a good way!) when they actually visit this special city.

As a beginner writer and someone who has spent some time in Yogyakarta, I’d like to share what makes this place exciting. This article is not too fancy, just simple thoughts, some small discoveries, and honest feelings about a city that many now call the cultural heart of Java.

1. Why Does Yogyakarta Feel So Warm and Welcoming?

This is something you’ll probably hear again and again from foreign tourists: the people in Yogyakarta are so friendly. When I arrived, I didn’t expect strangers to smile at me just for walking down the street — but they did. And not in a forced or fake way, but in a genuine, warm kind of way.

Locals love to chat, help you find your way, or explain something you don’t understand. Even if their English is not perfect, they still try to make you feel welcome. It makes your whole trip more comfortable. You never feel like just “a tourist” — you feel like a guest.

Many travelers I met said this is what made them fall in love with Jogja (short name for Yogyakarta). It’s not about luxury or big city vibes — it’s about the soul of the city and its people.

2. What’s So Special About the Culture in Yogyakarta?

If you’re the kind of traveler who loves art, history, or culture, Yogyakarta will blow your mind. This city is full of traditions — and the best part is, they are still alive today.

You can visit batik workshops where artists paint fabric by hand using hot wax. You can watch wayang kulit (shadow puppet) shows at night. Or you can learn how gamelan music is played — that soft, metallic sound that feels both strange and calming to the ears.

Foreigners are often amazed at how proud people are of their culture here. There’s a royal palace in the center of the city — the Kraton — and the sultan (king) still lives there! This gives Yogyakarta a different vibe compared to other cities. It feels like modern life and tradition walk side by side, holding hands.

3. Are There Cool Places to Visit in Yogyakarta?

Yes — lots of them! Many foreign tourists say they didn’t expect Yogyakarta to be so diverse in attractions. From historical temples to nature adventures, this city has something for every kind of traveler.

• First, of course, there’s Borobudur, the giant Buddhist temple just outside Jogja. It’s one of the most famous temples in the world, and watching the sunrise from the top is a bucket list moment for many travelers.
• Then there’s Prambanan, a Hindu temple complex with tall towers and detailed carvings. You can even watch the Ramayana Ballet performed at night in front of the temple!
• If you’re into adventure, you can explore Mount Merapi in a jeep tour. It’s an active volcano, and the ride is like a real-life action movie with lava tracks and wild landscapes.
• Nature lovers can also visit beaches in Gunung Kidul, or go cave tubing in Goa Pindul — floating on a tube through a dark cave with only a helmet light. Spooky but fun!

So yes, foreign visitors find Yogyakarta very exciting because it’s not boring at all. There’s always something different to do each day.

4. Is the Food in Yogyakarta Tourist-Friendly?

This was one of my personal worries before coming. I thought maybe the food would be too spicy or hard to understand. But guess what? The food in Jogja is delicious and affordable, and there’s something for every taste.

Many tourists fall in love with gudeg, the sweet jackfruit dish that is Yogyakarta’s signature. At first, I didn’t expect to like it (sweet food with rice?!) — but it’s really unique and tasty. There’s also nasi kucing, sate ayam, bakpia, and so many snacks sold on the streets.

If you’re not ready for street food yet, don’t worry. Jogja also has cozy cafes and modern restaurants with Western menus. You can eat pasta in the city center one night and have traditional rice dishes the next. Eating here is an adventure in itself, and the best part is: it won’t burn your wallet!

5. What Do Foreign Tourists Feel After Visiting Yogyakarta?

This is the most important part. After all the sightseeing and food tasting, what stays in the heart of foreign visitors?

Most of them say: “Yogyakarta has a vibe I can’t describe.”

It’s peaceful but not boring. It’s traditional but also creative. It feels like time slows down a little, and you can enjoy the small things again — like walking in Malioboro Street at night, drinking hot tea while listening to street music, or just chatting with a becak driver.

Some tourists I met said they planned to stay only 3 days, but ended up staying 2 weeks. One guy from Italy even said, “Yogyakarta feels like home, even though it’s far from mine.”

Want to Explore Yogyakarta Without Stress?

If reading all this makes you want to pack your bags, I totally get it! But as a foreign visitor, sometimes it’s hard to figure everything out alone — especially transportation, local guides, and timing.

That’s why I recommend checking out Yogyakartatour.com — a local tour agency based in Yogyakarta. They helped me during my second trip, and I really appreciated how easy and flexible their service was. Not pushy, not expensive, just helpful.

They can help you plan trips to Borobudur, Prambanan, Merapi, beaches, or even organize batik or cooking classes. It’s nice to have someone local take care of the details so you can just enjoy the experience.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or coming with a group, having a local yogyakarta tour partner can make your adventure smoother and more memorable.