Visit Yogyakarta, Borobudur & Prambanan, Bali & Indonesia

Yogyakarta, or Jogja, is Java’s cultural capital: a city with a working sultan’s palace, batik workshops and street food, and the gateway to two of Southeast Asia’s greatest temples. Borobudur and Prambanan, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, are an easy day out from the city, and many travelers come for them alone. Stay a little longer and the city itself rewards you.

What to see

Borobudur. The world’s largest Buddhist monument, built in the 8th and 9th centuries, rises in terraces of carved stone panels to a crown of bell-shaped stupas. It’s about an hour or more north of the city. Climbing onto the monument itself is limited to a daily quota, with special sandals provided to protect the stone, and climbing can close on some days for maintenance, so book ahead and check the current rules. Sunrise from the nearby hills, with Borobudur in the mist below, is a classic start to the day.

Prambanan. East of the city, Prambanan is a complex of tall, pointed Hindu temples built in the 9th century and dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. It’s beautiful in late-afternoon light, and the Ramayana ballet is performed nearby on some evenings.

The city. The Kraton, the sultan’s palace, still has a royal household and hosts gamelan and dance performances. Nearby are the ruins of Taman Sari, the old royal water garden, and the busy shopping street of Malioboro.

Mount Merapi. One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes looms north of the city. Jeep tours run on its lower slopes when conditions allow.

How long to stay

Two nights covers Borobudur and Prambanan; three lets you see the city and Merapi. Yogyakarta International Airport is west of the city, about an hour’s drive, with flights from Jakarta and Bali, so it fits easily into a Bali trip.

Planning it with My Way Travel

We plan private Java trips with a guide for the temples, timed for the light and the crowds, and can combine Yogyakarta with Bali or Komodo. Have a look at our Indonesia tours or tell us your dates. See also our page on Borobudur.

Sources: UNESCO on Borobudur and Prambanan; Indonesian reporting on Borobudur visitor rules (2025). Last checked October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Can you climb Borobudur?

Yes, but access to the monument is limited to a daily quota, visitors wear special sandals provided on site, and climbing can close on some days. Book ahead and check the current rules.

How many days do you need in Yogyakarta?

Two nights for Borobudur and Prambanan, three to add the city and Mount Merapi.

Is Yogyakarta easy to add to a Bali trip?

Yes. There are direct flights between Bali and Yogyakarta International Airport.

Photo: Christopher Michel, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.