Top Yogyakarta Day Trips & Excursions

Yogyakarta is unanimously hailed as the cultural heart of Indonesia. This 10-hour tour, ideal for travellers with limited time in Java, gives you the chance to tick off three Yogyakarta highlights in only one day. Visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world; drive to the smoking summit of Mt Merapi in a 4x4; and witness a beautiful sunset at Prambanan, home to a collection of spectacular Hindu temples. On this small-group tour, limited to 5 people, round-trip transport from your Yogyakarta hotel is included.    

Hike the slopes of 9,551-foot (2,911-meter) Mt Merapi on a privately led trek during this day trip from nearby Yogyakarta. Translated as ‘Mountain of Fire,’ Merapi is Indonesia’s most active volcano. Enjoy a leisurely but adventurous hike as you learn about native flora and fauna from your guide. Afterward, you will be served the signature local cuisine at Kaliadem Village for lunch.

Experience the iconic temples, traditional cuisine and village life of the Javanese people on this full-day private tour from Yogyakarta. Get a preview of Prambanan Temple and return to explore the UNESCO World Heritage–listed complex at sunset. Your personal guide also introduces you to authentic Indonesian dishes and local people. You’ll learn how to play traditional musical instruments and explore the rice fields and villages around Candi Plaosan.

Seeing the sun rise over the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur is one of Indonesia’s signature experiences. Combine this majestic sight with a bike ride to Yogyakarta’s other UNESCO World Heritage temple complex, Prambanan, and you have a textbook perfect combo of nature, culture, and fresh air. Besides guided tours of the sacred sites, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and a simple breakfast.

Discover the historic monuments and rich cultural heritage of Yogyakarta on this private tour and benefit from the undivided attention of your guide. In the morning, visit sights including the Sultan's Palace, Taman Sari water castle, and Sambisari Temple; learn about Indonesian history at the Sonobudoyo museum; and discover traditional handicrafts such as batik and silver work as you browse the artisan workshops. After lunch (own expense), visit the magnificent Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Today you will learn all about the wonders of Batik. The excursion will illuminate the history of the different patterns, fabrics, tools and motifs, whilst also revealing the many intricate stages in the process of making a finished cloth. You will also have a chance to make your batik, from designing your own pattern, to drawing it onto fabric with traditional spouted tool called canting. You can take your own batik creation home after class - the perfect souvenir from a fascinating day.Highlights:UNESCO - Intangible World HeritageDedicated guide with good knowledge in art, history and cultureBatik class

Indonesia is one of the world’s largest exporters of tea and this tour gives you the chance to go behind-the-scenes at a local tea plantation. Stroll around the plantation, have a go at harvesting the tea leaves, then visit the tea processing house to learn how the leaves are made into tea. Finally, make your very own cup of ‘Sangit’ tea and enjoy it alongside a traditional lunch.

Fit in some of Indonesia’s top highlights and attractions in just five days during this guided tour from Yogyakarta, including round-trip transport and four nights of accommodations. A guide knows the area well, and takes you safely to see Banyuwangi Regency, Borobudur temple, Jomblang Cave, and an Indonesian coffee plantation.

Enjoy the spectacular view of BorobudurDay trip from your hotel in YogyakartaNo need to spend 1 night accommodation in BorobudurSingle Traveller Possible. 

The “becak” pedal-powered rickshaw is a Yogyakarta icon, but their drivers are some of Indonesia’s toughest negotiators. Let your guide arrange everything—hotel transfers, itinerary, and prices—on this half-day tour of Kota Gede, once capital of the kingdom of Mataram. See an ancient mosque, traditional bakers, a local market, silver stores, royal tombs, and a traditional Javanese “joglo” home, all with your guide on hand.

Yogyakarta is well known as the heart of classical Javanese fine arts and culture, such as batik (traditional fabric), ballet, drama, gamelan orchestras and traditional shadow puppet shows. This tour will take you deep into Java to explore its diversity, starting with a visit to the Ullen Sentalu museum to discover the history of batik traditions related to two ancient Javanese sultanates; Yogyakarta and Surakarta.HighlightsUNESCO- Intangible World HeritageDedicated guide with extensive knowledge in art, history and cultureRamayana ballet performanceJewelry workshop with the expertsGet in touch with local people

Yogyakarta - is renowned throughout Indonesia as the centre of classical Javanese fine art, culture and courtly traditions. Many performances can be seen in the Sultan Palace of Yogyakarta, including gamelan orchestra, classical dance, Wayang Golek (puppetry), and Javanese poetry readings. Sultan Palace (or ‘Kraton’), structurally is one of the finest example of Javanese palace architecture, featuring some luxurious halls and spacious courtyards and pavilions where we can meet with elder servants in traditional Javanese dress. This excursion gives you an insight into the lifestyles of Javanese aristocracy, through a unique royal history and exquisite cultural traditions that survive to the present day.HighlightsUNESCO- World Heritage SiteDedicated guide with good knowledge of history and cultureRoyal Hi-Tea ceremony processionArt performance in Sultan Palace based on schedule

The world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur was built in the 9th century. The temple consists of nine stacked platforms - six square and three circular - topped by a central dome and numerous bell-shaped stupas. A heavenly view awaits you at the summit of Borobudur. Getting there before the dawn, you will witnesses a magical panorama emerging from the jungles and misty plains of Java, with the sun rising over jagged volcanoes on the horizon. There are fewer visitors at this early hour, so the atmosphere is peaceful and serene, the air fresh and cool, filling slowly with the sound of early morning birdsong. Afterwards, a light breakfast is waiting for you in the garden of the temple before driving back to the hotel.Highlights:UNESCO - Intangible World HeritageDedicated guide with good knowledge in art, history and cultureSunrise moment at the temple

An introduction to a practical understanding of what is known as the “Kejawen” worldview and philosophy. Kejawen is not strictly a religious affiliation, but more a set of ethical and spiritual values coming from Javanese tradition, based on an understanding of what it means to be a human being and how to interact with nature and the wider universe in a wise manner. We will take you travelling from one site to another, with different activities prepared at each site, such as meditation, purification in a natural hot spring, and pilgrimage. In addition to an expert in Javanese wisdom, you will be accompanied by a local Shaman who will guide you through the authentic rituals, giving you an immersive experience of these ancient cultural practices, unique to the island of Java.Highlights:Get in touch with local peopleLearn from an expert on Javanese cultureVisit some unusual destinations, off the beaten track

Central Java has been the epicentre of power in Indonesia ever since ancient mystic Hinduism and Buddhism arrived along with the traders and explorers from South Asia. Many Hindu monuments were built to honour the king, such as the Prambanan complex and other small temples that still can be found around Central Java. One of those small temples is the hidden temple known as “Selogriyo”, located about 30km from Borobudur temple by car. Start the trekking from the small village, where locals living nearby will come to greet you and enjoy some chats about their daily activities. Then, after a 2km walk framed by mountains and rice paddies, you will get to the main gate of the temple.Highlights:• A great spot, off the beaten track• Dedicated guide with good knowledge in history and culture• Combinable with Borobudur or village activity in Candirejo in the afternoon• Get in touch with local people

Peddling through traditional villages and around serene ancient temples; this is today’s cultural immersion adventure on bikes. Rendez-vous with your local guide near Prambanan temple, then set off on bikes, passing through small paths in the village where you can meet local people going about their daily activities. Stop in the rice fields, market and home industry to interact with local people, get to know more about their lives through some light conversation. Plaosan temple is a Buddhist monument located about 1 kilometre northwest of the Hindu Prambanan temple. It features hundreds of small buildings, including numerous stupas and shrines.Highlights:UNESCO - Intangible World HeritageDedicated guide with good knowledge in art, history and cultureGet in touch with local peopleSporting activity whilst sightseeing

Experience the enchantment of Borobudur at sunrise on a full-day tour of the world’s largest Buddhist monument from Yogyakarta. Emerge early and head to the UNESCO-listed landmark to see the sun rise over the ancient bells and Buddhist statues of Borobudur. From your guide, you’ll learn about the history of the landmark before cycling through local villages, and past verdant rice paddies and impressive temples on a bike tour. Lunch and round-trip transport from your Yogyakarta hotel is included in the price.

Brave a visit to Java’s most active volcano on this full-day small-group tour from Yogyakarta, including hotel pick-up. Admire the startling topography of Java island as you pass lush rice paddies, rugged plains and dense jungle, then visit the Buddhist temples of Pawon and Mendut. Finally, enjoy a prime view of Merapi Volcano, Indonesia’s most active volcano, nicknamed the ‘Mountain of Fire’.