Best things to do in Yogyakarta

Admire the ornate design and appreciate the atmosphere of reverence at The Palace of Yogyakarta, a royal palace and the main seat of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. Completed in 1790 and arranged to represent the Javanese belief systems through its spatial and ornamental design, the palace has become a cultural center and museum of the Sultanate alongside its formal ceremonial use by the contemporary Sultan. Discover local history in a range of exhibits and an extensive collection of artifacts, and experience a guided tour of the extensive palace grounds.

Centrally located and family-oriented, Taman Pintar Science Park brings together education and entertainment. Established in 2004, this park aims to encourage young visitors to explore the world of modern science and technology. Exhibit highlights include whispering parabolic dishes and singing walls, designed to teach kids about waves and sounds. The venue also includes a large aquarium, 4-D theater, souvenir center, and a play area for young science enthusiasts ages two to seven years old.

Head to Taman Sari to view royal buildings and pleasure gardens designed for regal relaxation. Built under the command of Sultan Hamengkubuwono I as a house of rest and entertainment for the royal family, the ample grounds and buildings today function as a cultural center and museum of local history. The bathing areas that give the complex its name provide a fascinating perspective on the life of Sultans. Today the site offers walking routes and a good introduction to local history, with information panels and guided tours available.

A World Heritage Site and one of the world's finest examples of Hindu art and architecture, Prambanan Temples include eight main and eight minor shrines, along with the remains of some 240 sacred structures. The 9th-century Hindu compound remains one of the largest of its kind in the world. The massive temple dedicated to Shiva features an eye-catching 47 m (154 ft) spire, soaring over lavishly decorated galleries known for their lively scenes from the epic poem "Ramayana," a masterpiece of Indian literature. Note that big crowds begin to assemble here well before noon.

Trek up Puncak Merapi, an active volcano of grand proportions. Not for the faint-hearted or inexperienced, the walk up represents a challenge for even the most seasoned of hikers but, once at the top, the extensive views of the surrounding volcanic landscape make up for the energy expenditure. Book a guide to learn about the myths and history surrounding the volcano (and a well-timed pep talk when the hiking gets tough).

Take a walk down Malioboro Road for a lively and entertaining shopping trip on Yogyakarta's main thoroughfare. With a mix of traditional and international shops to browse, the street represents a place to pick up souvenirs and gifts for those back home. As the town's commercial and touristic epicenter, the long bustling road benefits from a good range of eateries, including popular open-air restaurants serving local cuisine. Experience performances by wandering street musicians and admire artworks created by local craftspeople, painters, and sculptors.

A World Heritage Site and the largest Buddhist shrine in the world, Borobudur Temple features nine stacked, six square, and three circular platforms, crowned by an impressive central dome. Erected in the 9th century from over two million stone blocks, this temple features over 2,600 relief panels and more than 500 Buddha statues. The central dome alone contains 72 Buddha figures arranged around a stupa, a mound-like structure designed as a place of prayer and meditation. Begin your tour at the eastern entrance and proceed clockwise, a traditional way to move inside Buddhist monuments. Admission into the shrine also allows you to enter the nearby archeological museum, displaying thousands of photographs and carvings.

Head for the hills and discover the ruins of an ancient settlement at Ratu Boko. Built around the 9th century, the remains of the town offer an intriguing glimpse into life at the time based on the layout and organization of the buildings. Interesting questions have been raised as to the overall function of the settlement, so take a guided tour to delve deeper into the ongoing debate. Set against the impressive backdrop of Mount Merapi, the expansive site offers plenty of walking routes amid the natural scenery.

Jogja National Museum (JNM) is a contemporary art museum in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. JNM has established under Yayasan Yogyakarta Seni Nusantara (YYSN) management, JNM building complex was first a Former First Indonesia Visual Art School (ASRI-1950) and Faculty of Visual Art and Design (FSRD-1984) which later became Indonesian Institute of the Arts, Yogyakarta.