About Yogyakarta

The city of Yogyakarta (well known as, and simply called Jogja) is the capital of Yogyakarta Special Region. Located on the heartland of island of Java, Yogyakarta is the only province in Indonesia that is governed by a monarch.

The king is known as the Sultan (current reign of Hamengku Buwono X) serves as the appointed governor of the province while the other political offices on the city levels and below are contested through a fair and competitive elections.

“Jogja: Never Ending Asia ” is the slogan of Yogyakarta as the main tourist destination in Indonesia, arguably second only to Bali. Apart from being a popular tourism spot, Jogja is also well known as the center of Javanese culture, rich with traditional and historical values. Being historically wealthy, Jogja is also heaven for archeologists yearning to study ancient temples, such as world-famous Hindu temples, i.e. Prambanan, Boko, Plaosan, and Kalasan, located in Yogyakarta. Besides its ancient buildings, Jogja is also a proud host of natural beauty; the province’s loyal visitors are often found enjoying the beaches in the southern part of Jogja and the wondrous scenery in the area of one of the world’s most active volcanoes, Mount Merapi, up north.

Approximately a thousand years ago, the area we now refer to as “Yogyakarta” or “Jogja” was the center of Ancient Mataram, a prosperous kingdom high in civilization. Six centuries later, the ancient kingdom was reestablished into a Muslim kingdom and became the ruler of Java and its surrounding islands. The Islamic Mataram was then divided by Giyanti Agreement in 1755 into two different kingdoms, which were Kasunanan Surakarta in Solo and Kesultanan Yogyakarta in Jogja. Each Kraton (palace) of the new kingdoms still stands to this day and function as the home of the Sultan and his family, complete with hundreds of Abdi Dalem (royal servants) willingly serving the royal family as well as maintaining the traditions in the constantly changing era.

Jogja is considered as the safest among other major cities in Indonesia. In its harmonious neighborhood you will meet both genuine Javanese tradition far from the strokes of modernity and a perfect combination between the beauties of the modern and the classics. It is fair to say that the unique combination of ancient temples, history, traditions, culture, and natural forces make Jogja not only worth visit, but also worth living for. People even say that you have not seen Java unless you see Yogyakarta.

With statistics showing citizens of every Indonesian province found in Yogyakarta, the city is truly a mini Indonesia. Students, teachers and artists alike come to Jogja to study, as the city is famed in Indonesia as the center of education.

As a significant added value, people in Jogja are inarguably friendly. Their warm welcome is another trademark of the city. Jogja is truly your home away from home.

All Indonesian commercial airlines use Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (SHIA / “CGK”) in Cengkareng, Jakarta, as their hub.There are many daily flights flown from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. Flight from Jakarta toYogyakarta approximately takes 45-55 minutes. These following airlines fly from Jakarta to Yogyakarta daily: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Indonesia Air Asia, Sriwijaya Air, Batik Air, and Citilink.

As per Januari 10, 2014 formely specialized military airport in Jakarta, Halim Perdana Kusuma airport (HLP) was openned for commercial flights, you can reach Yogyakarta (JOG) from this airport through Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, and indonesia Air Asia airlines.

The cost varies from US$ 40-90 per passenger (one way) for all airlines except for Garuda Indonesia, which would be considerably more expensive for they provide full service on board. Garuda Indonesia will charge you around US$ 50-140 per passenger for one way. However, of course ticket price depends on where and when you buy the ticket. The easiest way to buy Indonesian airline tickets is by online booking or by contacting your nearest travel agents.

Adi Sucipto International Airport (JOG) is the name of the airport in Yogyakarta. After you reach Yogyakarta by air, you can either take taxi or bus to your specific destination. The Airport, though small, is of immense help to the tourists. It has undergone a massive refurbishment in 2005. It may take 20 minutes by taxi from Adi Sucipto to Universitas Gadjah Mada and cost around IDR 60,000 (US$ 5-6).

By Rail

Trains to Yogyakarta from Jakarta depart from Gambir Train Station in Central Jakarta. Getting to Yogyakarta by train is much cheaper but it will take approximately 8 to 12 hours on the road. The train is usually divided into two classes, executive and business. The first one has facilities like air conditioning and more comfortable seats. The trains Taksaka, Gajayana, Bima, and Argo Dwipangga go to Yogyakarta twice daily, once in the morning and later in the evening. The cost for the executive class ranges from IDR 250,000 to IDR 350,000 for one way (for further information please visit http://kereta-api.com). Get off in Tugu Station and you’ll find taxis which will be ready to bring you to your accommodation or to Universitas Gadjah Mada.

By Road

The cheapest way to travel from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is by bus, and it can be a viable alternative as you can buy tickets without booking beforehand. Intercity buses usually depart from four main bus stations in Jakarta; Pulogadung Bus Station (East Jakarta), Kampung Rambutan Bus Station (East Jakarta) and Kalideres (West Jakarta). For safety reasons, it is not recommended that you catch a bus outside these stations.

There are three types of class services for Inter-City bus ; Executive, Business and Economy. The services and fare provided by these three classes are similar to the ones in trains. Ticket price may vary, but usually it costs around Rp 180,000 and could be more expensive in the peak season.

From Bali, Indonesia

If you plan to visit Bali before Yogyakarta, you may fly to Yogyakarta directly from Ngurah Rai Airport. The cost varies from US$ 40 up to US$ 120 for one way flight. Many local airlines offer flights to Yogyakarta from Bali such as Lion Air, Indonesia Air Asia, and Garuda Indonesia one flight daily. Bali is 543 km away from Yogyakarta. Beside plane, you also may choose traveling overland by bus.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is well known as one of Asia’s most important hub for low fare airlines if you arrive from Australia, Europe or other parts of Asia such as China and India. There are also many flights to the Indonesian Archipelago from Kuala Lumpur. You may choose between full service airline or low cost carrier.

1. Malaysia Airlines

There are three to four round-trip weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta. Malaysia Airlines would be a good preference if you wish for a full service airline. For information on seat availability and ticket prices please visit http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/

2. Air Asia

Air Asia would be a cheaper alternative depending on the time of booking. Being a member of Air Asia’s Red Alert would give an advantage for information on discounts. Registration for membership is free. There are daily round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur to Yogyakarta. For further information please check on http://www.airasia.com/

If you arrive at Changi International Airport in Singapore, Air Asia offers one daily flight departing to Yogyakarta in the evening. Other airlines do not offer direct flights to Yogyakarta and therefore must transit in Jakarta. For further information, please visit the official websites of Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia and Air Asia.