Top 14 man-made attractions in Yogyakarta

What strikes you when you first think of Yogyakarta? Is there any other places of interests in Yogyakarta other than the famed UNESCO World Heritage Borobudur and Prambanan Temple? This lists presents you with the top 14 places to visit in Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta boasts amazing architectures built over centuries ago. Its beautiful landscapes further contributes to the rustic charm of many of these man-made attractions. What’s even better is Yogyakarta’s potential for experiential learning of the history of several religions all in one state!

Besides these cultural spots, Yogyakarta’s man-made beauty has also become a great location to create memorabilia – be it in the form of photographs or experiences.

 

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1. Catch the golden hour at Borobudur Temple

You have not been to Yogyakarta if you have not visited Borobudur. Located an hour and a half drive away from Yogyakarta city, Borobudur Temple requires a climb of 35 metres to reach its highest point.

Indonesia’s tropical climate would also mean that the sweltering heat can make the climb torturous for some. As such, it is recommended that you wake up early to start your ascend. Time your hike well, and you may even be able to catch the sunrise from the main dome!

For night owls, consider the sunset hike. At this time of the day, you can avoid the crowds and admire the magical serenity of the sun setting behind Mount Merapi. (Do note that admission prices vary depending on the time of the day you visit.)

If you’re looking for an even more breath-taking sunset and sunrise views from a Buddhist temple, consider going to Tibet’s Rongbuk Buddhist Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. The sunrise and sunset at Rongbuk Monastery (5000m elevation) around Tibet’s Everest Base Camp is accompanied by the majestic Mount Everest in the background!

 

Borobudur Temple

Jl. Badrawati, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia

Foreigner tickets: 25 USD

 

 

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2. Get lost within Prambanan Temple

Similarly, Prambanan is the quintessential site for Hindus. On the opposite side of Yogyakarta city, the Prambanan Temple compound originally houses a some 240 temples. The last of these temples are adorned with reliefs depicting the epic of Prince Rama saving his wife from the demon king.

The grandeur of this complex is also best seen during sunrise or sunset as the soft rays of sunlight cast upon the temples adds to its majesty.

 

Prambanan Temple

Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Foreigner Tickets: 25 USD

 

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3. Get a panoramic view of Prambanan Temple at Ratu Boko

Ratu Boko is an archaeological site that has a mix of Buddhist and Hindu structures and temples. It is an ancient stone palace ruin that is situated about 200 metres above sea-level. Catch a glimpse of both the Prambanan Temple and Mount Merapi on a cloudless day!

Credits: Nolkmjogja.blogspot.sg

Ratu Boko

Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Foreigner tickets: 25 USD

 

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4. Twinning at Plaosan Temple

If you are still intrigue by the architectures of the temples, visit the Plaosan Temple Complex. Like the other temples mentioned, the Plaosan temples has many interesting reliefs on its walls. Look out also for the giant temple guardians (dwarapalas) that sits in front of the Plaosan Temple.

Even better, come dress twinning as you photograph yourselves with the two main towers of the complex!

Plaosan Temple Complex

Jl. Candi Plaosan, Bugisan, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Klaten, Jawa Tengah 57454, Indonesia

 

 

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5. Discover the mysteries of Gereja Ayam

Also known as the chicken church, Daniel Alamsjah started the construction of Gereja Ayam in 1990 as a prayer house. The reality of his vision was perhaps a cock-up, as he initially wanted it to mimic a dove. As the construction costs were too high, the efforts to complete the prayer room were exhausted in 2000.

Thanks to the movie: Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?, this site sees more local visitors, as well as foreigners who are intrigued by the odd seven-storey structure.

 

Gereja Ayam

Kembanglimus, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java 56553, Indonesia

Foreigner tickets: IDR 30,000 / person

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday – 6.00 am to 4.30 pm,

Saturday and Sunday – 5.00 am to 4.30pm

 

 

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6. Get your cameras ready at Jurang Tembelan

An open-air museum of sorts, Jurang Tembelan is fast becoming a hot-spot for selfie-lovers. Here, indulge in the various displays at the edge of the cliff where you can snap instagram-worthy pictures or play out the Titanic scene while overlooking the vast greenery.

Jurang Tembelan

Mangunan, Dlingo, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55783, Indonesia

No entrance fees

Open 24 hours

 

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7. Dare your travel partners to ride the Pantai Timang Gondola

The Pantai Timang gondola was initially built for local fishermen to head to the island of Timang in search for lobsters. Ever since it has been made popular by the korean variety show, Running Man, the Timang Beach gondola ride is fast becoming a unique and thrilling attraction for tourists. This is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the ferocious waves crashing up at you while you ride on the gondola. Get your GoPros ready!

After the surge in tourist numbers, there is now a suspension bridge where you can choose to walk across to Timang Island. At Timang Island, don’t be too quick to cross back to mainland. Take some time to appreciate the beauty of being on an almost remote island, and grab a few photos on the way.

Pantai Timang

55881, Jl. Pantai Sel. Jawa, Purwodadi, Tepus, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55881, Indonesia

Timang Beach entrance fee: Rp. 50.000

Gondola ride: Rp. 150,000

Suspension bridge: Rp. 100,000

 

 

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8. Admire the surviving Plungyon Bridge

After the 2006 and 2010 eruption of Mount Merapi, the Plungyon Bridge is one of the few surviving structures. No reconstruction is done, and it is left as it is after the ordeal. The bridge is still functional and you can still get on it, and cross it. That is perhaps the charm of this bridge as it is a popular place for wedding photography.

Plunyon Kalikuning
Kedungsriti, Umbulharjo, Cangkringan, Hargobinangun, Pakem, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55582, Indonesia
Open 24 hours

 

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9. Get a pop of colour at Selopamioro Bridge

If you’re tired of the ash grey temple stones, and the greenery, consider visiting the Selopamioro bridge. Choose to cycle across, or take a jumpshot on this iconic yellow bridge.

Jembatan Gantung Selopamior
Jl. Imogiri Tim., Selopamioro, Jetis, Bantul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55782, Indonesia

 

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10. Search for Po at the Teletubbies Village

Remember the Purple Tinky Winky, Green Dipsy, Yellow La la, and Red Po in teletubbies, the children television show? They lived in grassy houses shaped like a dome. This is what you can experience at Nglepen Village.

Nglepen suffered extensive damage from the recurring earthquakes over the past decades. As a result, in 2006, the non-profit Domes for the World organisation worked together with the World Association of Non-Governmental organisation and Emaar properties to construct 80 domes in this village.

The domes constructed made up of a mix of residential domes, and public facilities such as schools, mosques, medical centres, and toilets. Each dome has two levels, with two doors, and unlike most houses that are built with bricks, they are constructed with concrete and rebar. The walls are thick to withstand the trembles, and have been left unscathed after multiple earthquakes.

After visiting Prambanan temple, make this your next place to visit in Yogyakarta. Admire these aesthetically unique and practical dome shaped houses while counting your blessings!

 

Village Tourism New Nglepen
Sumberharjo, Prambanan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55572, Indonesia

Entrance fee: Rp. 3,000

 

 

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11. Immerse yourselves in the grandeur of the Keraton

 Besides being the home to the King and his family, the Keraton is the representation of the preservation of Javanese culture. The construction of the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta displays much thought too, as in one direction it faces Mount Merapi, and the Indian Ocean in the other.

The Keraton is open to the public in the day, and has various activities planned out for you to learn more about its culture. You can look forward to admiring the palace collections, or enjoy performances held: from the shadow puppet show to traditional dances.

Keraton Yogyakarta

Jalan Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia

 

 

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12. Discover the secrets to Taman Sari

Located within the grounds of the Royal Palace, Taman Sari is a water castle built for princesses to bathe in. Who needs ancient roman baths when you can have your own private one! There are three pools in this complex, with different areas for the Sultan’s daughters, and his prospective wives.

But what is to be discovered are the underground tunnels and secret chambers lying below the water castle. Used as a hideout in the past, it is now partially used for local residents. Discover also, the most instagrammable location within the water castle!

Taman Sari

Komplek Wisata Taman Sari, Taman, Patehan, Kraton, Patehan, Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia

 

 

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13. Swing away your troubles at Ayunan Langit Watu Jaran

The ultimate attraction for thrill-seekers – swing up high at an altitude of 800 metres above sea-level! The sky swing is not your regular swing that you find in the playground. You do not have to panic for they will also attach a harness with a safety rope before you ride the swing.

What if I do not have the guts for this extreme ride? The Watu Jaran Swing area also provides beautiful sceneries for you to enjoy, and is great for more selfies! So even if your travel partner freaks out, bring him or her along and everyone will still enjoy their time there!

Ayunan Langit Watu Jaran

Sabrangkidul, RT.10/RW.05, Purwosari, Girimulyo, Purwosari, Girimulyo, Kabupaten Kulon Progo, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55674, Indonesia

Swing ride (includes photographs): Rp. 20,000

 

 

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14. Remember the disappearance of Kepuharjo village at The Lost World Castle

The Lost World Castle is an attraction for locals to remember how the eruption of Mt. Merapi completely swept up Kepuharjo village. This castle just opened its doors to the public this year and is built from erupted rocks. The lost world castle has a rustic European flavour with replicas of famous landmarks from all over the world.

The Lost World Castle Kaliurang

Kepuharjo, Cangkringan, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55583, Indonesia

Entrance fee: Rp. 25,000

 

So, the next time you visit Yogyakarta, aside from the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, do check out these other man-made attractions to make your trip that much better.

 

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