Discover Yogyakarta: A Cultural and Sacred Journey in Java 🤎🖤

🤎The two most iconic and must-visit attractions in Yogyakarta are Borobudur (photos 7-13) and Prambanan (photos 1-6). 🤎Bathed in the divine sunlight, marvel at the exquisite carvings on the walls and listen to the guide unravel the enchanting stories of divinity. 🤎Borobudur is a Buddhist temple, while Prambanan is a Hindu temple.

Each site exudes a unique atmosphere and architectural style, offering a distinct experience. 🤎I booked my trip directly through the Traveloka app, which is a great tool for booking private cars in Indonesia, often cheaper than local alternatives. Before your departure, the driver will contact you via WhatsApp and pick you up at your hotel at the scheduled time.

You can request to go anywhere, but the rental must end within 10 hours. The app shows the kilometers you purchase, and any extra time or distance will incur additional charges. I booked a full day, visiting Borobudur in the morning and Prambanan in the afternoon. The cost for a day's rental was 380K Indonesian Rupiah, equivalent to 170-180 RMB, making it a very cost-effective option!

🤎To fully experience the charm of Borobudur, you must buy a summit ticket. 🤎Purchase the summit ticket in advance from the official website, ticketcandi.borobudurpark, for the 8:30, 9:30, or 10:30 sessions. Try to book an earlier slot to avoid the heat and have more time for the rest of your itinerary.

The Temple Structure Ticket, as the summit ticket is called, costs 455K per ticket. Tickets are released three months in advance, so check the website frequently and book early. There is a daily limit on the number of visitors, so if you're late, they may be sold out. 🤎Borobudur's summit is closed every Monday, so plan your visit accordingly.

Also, try to avoid Saturdays and Sundays, as locals also visit, making it very crowded. I went on a Sunday, and both Borobudur and Prambanan were packed, making it challenging to take photos without crowds. After your summit ticket is checked, proceed to a designated area to wait for the guide. Follow the guide for the tour, and once at the top, enjoy some free time for photos, but with a time limit.

You must leave by the specified time. 🤎Prambanan has fewer restrictions; you can buy tickets on the day and explore at your own pace. 🤎If you have time, don't miss the Water Palace in Yogyakarta (photos 14-15). It's small but exquisitely beautiful, and it closes at 3 PM, so make sure to arrive early.

🤎Yogyakarta restaurant recommendations: Sasanti: A restaurant frequented by many world celebrities, known for its beautiful decor, excellent food presentation and taste, and reasonable prices (photos 16-17). Malio gelato: Located on Mario Bolo Street, this ice cream shop offers delicious and creamy treats at a great value, 50K for three large scoops (photo 18).

🤎If you want to know more about other locations in Indonesia, please click on my profile to find other notes!