Yogyakarta has a lot of unusual things to do and plenty of hidden gems to explore.

Many people stay in Yogyakarta to visit the famous Borobudur temple. However, Yogyakarta has so much more to offer than just Borobudur. It is a city famous for its unique culture, fascinating nature and delicious street food. In addition to that, it is still mostly untouched by the tourist crowds.

While you will without a doubt be surrounded by hoards of tourists when you visit Borobudur, they rarely venture much further. Even in the heart of Yogyakarta, you’ll meet only a hand full of other travellers every day.

While Yogyakarta continuously attracts Indonesian or Malaysian families on vacation there is a distinct lack of the backpacker overflow that has occurred in the popular South East Asian sightseeing hotspots.

Considering all the unusual things to do Yogyakarta has to offer, it is safe to say it will not stay like this for long. Make visiting Yogyakarta a priority before mainstream tourism discovers it.

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Why you can trust this article about unusual things to do in Yogyakarta

Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.

I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.

Yogyakarta is located just a quick flight from Bali, and it’s one of my favorite places to go for a quick weekend trip. I’ve been coming here regularly since 2018 now, and I can tell you exactly how the city has changed and how to best see it as a tourist.

Every time I visit Yogyakarta I try to go to at least one new hidden gem or place I haven’t been to so far, so you can be sure that I’ve got all the unusual things to do and unique activities.

How long should you stay in Yogyakarta?

To see all the sights in Yogyakarta you should plan to stay at least three or four days. If you’re not a fan of tightly packed itineraries then go for five. Sightseeing is exhausting and it’s nice to have some down-time in between activities.

Ourr complete three-day itinerary for Yogyakarta has everything you might want to see in the city and beyond.

Where to stay in Yogyakarta?

You should stay on or close to Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta. This is where most of the street food is available as well as a good amount of activities in walking distance. In the evenings, Malioboro Street gets busy with people eating in little restaurants and listening to street performers.

There is a great selection of low-cost hotels and hostels in this area. You’ll enjoy your time in Yogyakarta a lot more if you’re staying within walking distance of Malioboro Street.

If you’re staying close to Malioboro Street you’re bound to come across the batik scam, so make sure you learn how to spot and avoid them before you go.

How to get around Yogyakarta

Most of the attractions in Yogyakarta are located within walking distance of Malioboro Street. If you don’t feel like walking in the heat then you can take a Grab. They’re reasonably priced and reliable.

You can also go for a bicycle rickshaw or tuk-tuk. Their prices tend to be slightly higher than a Grab but it can be a fun experience.

Horse carts

Do not take the horse carts that are available in and around Malioboro Street. Animal welfare is a difficult subject in South East Asia and Yogyakarta is no exception. The horses are not treated well and tourist attractions like this should not be supported.

In addition to that, they are highly overpriced and scams are frequent.

Bus

Yogyakarta has a decent bus system. The Trans Jogja bus is very affordable at IDR 3,500 (~ €0.20) and is especially helpful when trying to go to and from the airport.

How to get around outside of Yogyakarta

If you’re really trying to get to know Yogyakarta and its surroundings you’ll have to venture outside the city limits. You should take at least two separate day trips to really see all the hotspots.

The cheapest way to do this is to rent a scooter and drive yourself. The majority of the roads are very good although you should not try this if you’re not confident about driving in Indonesian traffic. Distances between attractions can be large and you should expect to spend up to two hours on the scooter, depending on where you’re going.

The most comfortable and safest option is to hire a driver for the day to take you around. You can ask in your hotel or hostel to find a driver or do some research online in Facebook groups or forums. Tripadvisor also has a good amount of contact numbers and sometimes there are little adverts posted around Malioboro Street.

Text different drivers and negotiate to find the best price. You should be paying approximately IDR 500,000 (~ €30) for an entire day (10 to 12 hours) including petrol and parking. It is customary to buy your driver lunch while you are out.

You can design your own itinerary or ask the driver for advice on where to go. You’ll be able to enjoy your trip a lot more from the comfort of an air-conditioned van. It’s definitely the best way to see Yogyakarta and can be very cheap if you’re travelling in a larger group.

The easiest way to find a driver in Yogyakarta

If you don’t feel like rifling through Facebook groups or asking around to find the cheapest driver, I would highly recommend booking with this company.

Their prices are slightly more expensive, leaving you at approximately €50 per day for up to four people, which is still a great rate.

The service is fantastic and very reliable and can be booked in one click, instead of having to message different drivers on Whatsapp to find the right one.

Borobudur and why it’s not on this list

Borobudur Temple is, without a doubt, Yogyakarta’s most famous attraction, and it’s not exactly an unusual place to see or a hidden gem. If you’re wondering how to see this beautiful place at sunrise for a discounted price, our complete Borobudur guide will help.

Unusual things to do in Yogyakarta

The unusual attractions on this part of the list are all either within walking distance of Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta or a short taxi ride away, if you’re not up for walking.

The area that is of interest for tourists in Yogyakarta is relatively small which makes sightseeing convenient and easy.

1. Fort Vredeburg – a Dutch colonial fort in the heart of Yogyakarta

Indonesia has a complicated colonial history in which Yogyakarta played a unique role. In 1760, the Dutch governor of North Java ordered the construction of a fort opposite the Sultan’s palace.

Since then, Fort Vredeburg was destroyed by earthquakes, rebuilt, expanded and served as the army headquarters for the Japanese during their occupation of Indonesia. It was also a war prison for suspected members of the communist party.

Since 1992, it has acted as a museum focusing on the Indonesian struggle for independence. It is a great unusual attraction or hidden gem to visit on your trip to Yogyakarta. The entrance fee is only IDR 10,000 (~ €0.65) and the museum is empty on most days.

You can also access the rooftop of the Fort, which is a perfect spot for a little picnic or a photoshoot.

The museum consists of elaborate dioramas explaining Indonesia’s (and more specifically Yogyakarta’s) history. You can also see memorabilia, old war uniforms and a small walk-through exhibit with life-size soldiers in a replica war scene.

Most (although not all) exhibition labels are available in English and the museum is nicely airconditioned.

The museum staff are very friendly and eager to hear foreigner’s opinions on the museum. Fort Vredeburg seems to be overlooked by many tourists but it really is a hidden gem in Yogyakarta.

Don’t skip this one! You’ll look at Yogyakarta in a completely different light afterwards.

• Address: Jl. Margo Mulyo No.6, Ngupasan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55122, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 10,000 (~ €0.65) per person
• Duration: around 1 hour
• When to go: the museum rarely gets crowded, most people go in the afternoon
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM every day, closed on Mondays

2. Pasar Beringharjo – a busy market on Malioboro Street

Pasar Beringharjo is a must-visit when you go to Yogyakarta, and a fantastic unusual activity for those in search of hidden gems. It’s hard to miss if you’re walking around Malioboro Street and the market is quite large, both indoor and outdoor.

Inside, you’ll find mostly clothing items and batik spread over two floors. Many locals come here to shop, and you won’t run into too many tourists.

The outside parts of the market are especially interesting in my opinion. Vendors sell little trinkets, scrap metal and used items. There’s also an influx of gold merchants with little scales who will buy most precious metals.

Beringharjo Market is a great spot for street food snacks and fresh fruit, so don’t forget to get something to eat while you explore.

• Address: Jl. Margo Mulyo No.16, Ngupasan, Kec. Gondomanan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55122, Indonesia
• Price: free (depending on what you buy)
• Duration: around 45 minutes
• When to go: any time during the day
• Opening Hours: the market opens at around 9:00 AM and closes at around 8:00 PM. There are no official opening times so vendors may come later or leave earlier

3. Taman Sari – Yogyakarta’s stunning water palace

Taman Sari is an 18th-century bathing complex in the centre of Yogyakarta and there is far more to it than meets the eye. There are four parts of Taman Sari from which only one (the bathing complex) has been conserved.

The Underground Mosque, which is point number four on this list is also a part of Taman Sari, although it is not part of the bathing complex.

Taman Sari was a set of gardens, artificial lakes, bathing houses and meditation areas all connected by an underground river and even underwater tunnels. It was built for the royal family in the mid-1700s.

The architecture is somehow puzzling as there appear to be European (specifically Dutch) influences. Some say the architect was a Portuguese castaway who was discovered by villagers and made a servant to the king. However, some recent research shows that this might be an urban legend.

Today, unfortunately, much of Taman Sari has been lost to modern construction, earthquakes and simply a lack of upkeep. The artificial lakes no longer exist, although you can still see remains of some bridges and canals in places around Yogyakarta.

You can visit the bathing complex which is stunningly beautiful. It sits very close to Pasar Ngasem, a traditional bird market. Although this market is mentioned on many what-to-do-in-Yogyakarta lists I have purposely not included it.

Animal treatment at this market is disastrous and I would not recommend visiting.

Note that drones are not allowed here.

• Address: Wisata Taman Sari Jalan Tamanan, Patehan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 15,000 (~ €1) for foreigners
• Duration: around 30 minutes
• When to go: Early morning to avoid the heat and crowds
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM officially, although it usually seems to close later

4. The Underground Mosque – a unique place of worship

Technically, the Underground Mosque or Sumur Gumuling is a part of Taman Sari. However, it is separate from the bathing complex and you need to walk for around 10 minutes to reach it. A ticket to Taman Sari also gives you access to the mosque.

The area around the mosque and the bathing house is very interesting and it’s worth to walk around here for a bit. Parts of the ancient buildings are still visible in between the densely populated area.

The alleyways are narrow and there is (almost) no motorised traffic. This neighbourhood is known for its artwork, especially batik. Combined with the ancient remnants of historic architecture, this is a unique and unusual place to visit in Yogyakarta.

Some of the underground tunnels that used to connect all of Taman Sari’s parts as well as the Underground Mosque apparently still exist, although they are difficult to find.

The mosque itself is very small but impressive. It is a masterpiece of construction and eerily peaceful. Make sure to dress appropriately when you visit as this is a place of worship.

The mosque may be slightly tricky to find as Google Maps is unreliable in this area. Many of the small passages and alleys are dead ends or loop around making it hard to navigate. Be patient and ask for directions if you get lost.

• Address: Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 15,000 (~ €1) (included in Taman Sari ticket)
• Duration: 20 minutes (more if you explore the surrounding area)
• When to go: early morning to avoid the heat and crowds
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM officially, although these times are very unreliable

5. Mbah Satinem and Mbah Lindu – traditional dishes made by world-famous women

If you haven’t watched the Yogyakarta episode of Netflix’s “Streetfood” then now is the time to do so. You’ll suddenly be craving dishes you’d never heard of before.

The show specifically mentions two elderly street food cooks called Mbah Satinem and Mbah Lindu. Mbah is a polite word for addressing a grandmother or grandfather figure in the Indonesian language.

Mbah Satinem and Mbah Lindu both have very specific spots in the heart of Yogyakarta where they sell their traditional dishes. Both have acquired a substantial amount of fame amongst both locals and tourists. They only sell in the early mornings and will sell out by as early as 9:00 AM. The earlier you go the better.

Mbah Satinem specialises in Jajan Pasar, a sweet snack that originates from the 8th century. Mbah Lindu sells Gudeg, a dish made of braised jackfruit and served with rice. This is a speciality that you can find all over Yogyakarta, however, Mbah Lindu makes the most famous Gudeg in town. Gudeg is vegetarian (although side-dishes may contain meat).

Why these women are special

Both women are operating a business that has been in the family for generations. Mbah Satinem gets up every night at midnight to start preparing her Jajan Pasar which she starts selling at 5:30 AM. Mbah Lindu claims to be over 100 years old. Both their stories are heartwarming and I can only recommend watching the documentary on Netflix.

• Address Mbah Satinem: Jl. Bumijo No.52-40, Bumijo, Kec. Jetis, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55231, Indonesia
• Address Mbah Lindu: Sosrowijayan St No.30, Sosromenduran, Gedong Tengen, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55271, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 30,000 (~ €2) for a plate of Gudeg, sides, rice and a drink, IDR 15,000 (~ €1) for traditional Jajan Pasar sweets
• Duration: calculate around 15 minutes to stand in line during busy times
• When to go: before 9:00 AM (8:00 AM to be safe). These specialities sell out fast
• Opening Hours: 5:30 AM until they sell out

6. Explore Yogyakarta’s bars – find the hidden nightlife

Yogyakarta is predominantly Muslim, which means alcohol is hard to come by. You’ll struggle to find anything but beer and even that is served only in a handful of places across the city. Usually, you will have to go to an actual bar to find alcohol as most restaurants don’t serve any.

Since a recent increase in taxes and restrictions on the sale of alcohol, the prices have risen considerably. Because of this, most supermarkets have stopped selling alcohol entirely. Currently, the last one that remains close to Malioboro Street is the Hero Supermarket in the basement of Malioboro Mall.

Since the alcohol prices in the supermarket and a bar are not drastically different there is no real point in buying alcohol here unless you want something other than beer (they do have some spirits and wine).

The best bars in Yogyakarta

If you venture towards the top of Malioboro Street and towards Sosrowijayan Street you will find a small collection of little bars as well as amazing street food. Some of our favourites are Lucifer (your best chance at some nightlife), Sakapatat Brew House & Resto and Taphouse Beer Garden (amazing beer selection, incredible venue).

Unfortunately, bars in Yogyakarta seem to have a lack of customers. Since the number of backpackers staying here for an extended time is so small you won’t find the incredible nightlife you might know from the Indonesian islands or other South East Asian hotspots.

The locals here don’t drink much, which is why the bars have a high turnover rate. There are many recommendations online about cheap drinks in Yogyakarta but most of the bars simply don’t exist anymore.

Still, the ones that do are worth visiting even if you won’t be dancing on the tables by the end of the night.

• Price: IDR 40,000 to IDR 60,000 (~ €2.60 to €3.90) for a large beer (Ankor, Bintang, Kuda Putih, Bali Hai etc)
• Duration: most bars will close at 1:00 AM at the latest
• When to go: in the evening sometime after 7:00 PM
• Opening Hours: no official opening hours usually

7. The Royal Palace – experience the culture

Yogyakarta’s Royal Palace was constructed in the mid-eighteenth century almost simultaneously with Taman Sari. Another name for the palace is Kraton while the word Keraton refers to the living quarters of the royal family. The Keraton is located within the palace and the Sultan, as well as his extended relatives still live here today.

This is one reason why the palace is only open to visitors until the early afternoon. Important political functions and ceremonies are also held here.

The palace is not very large. It consists of different halls, open courtyards and small exhibitions. Unfortunately, most of the exhibition labels are not translated into English, but you can hire a guide at the entrance to explain the history of the palace.

The palace does not only have a historical and political significance, its history is also deeply religious and every element has a symbolic meaning. The buildings are even placed in a way that they perfectly face the Ocean and Mount Merapi.

It sits on a perfect line with both Alun Alun Kidul and Alun Alun Utara Square and the Tugu Monument.

There is no dress code enforced for people visiting the palace.

• Address: Jl. Rotowijayan Blok No. 1, Panembahan, Kecamatan Kraton, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 7,000 (~ €0.45) for foreigners
• Duration: 45 minutes
• When to go: early in the morning to avoid the crowds
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM every day except Mondays when the palace is closed

8. Malioboro Street – Yogyakarta’s heart

Malioboro Street will be where you spend most of your time in Yogyakarta. This is street connects most of the attractions in the heart of the city and is the best place to get street food and go shopping.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in the city, you should stick close to Malioboro Street. Although nightlife is not prevalent in Yogyakarta, Malioboro Street never sleeps. Many street vendors stay open way past 2:00 AM, especially on the weekends. You will find the best food here and plenty of things to do.

It is more than 1.5 kilometres long and a great place to explore both during the day and in the evening.

• Address: Jl. Malioboro No.52-58, Suryatmajan, Kec. Danurejan, Kota Yogyakarta, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55213, Indonesia (Address for Malioboro Shopping Mall on Malioboro Street)
• Price: free
• Duration: at least 1.5 hours
• When to go: any time of the day although many restaurants and street food vendors only appear in the evening
• Opening Hours: as late as 3:00 AM sometimes

9. Alun Alun Kidul Square (Selatan) – night market and neon cars

Confusingly, Yogyakarta has two Alun Alun Squares. You’ll find one (Alun Alun Utara) right in front of the main entrance to the royal palace, while the other is further south (around 15 minutes by foot). The squares look very similar with large banyan trees in the centre.

During the day, Alun Alun Kidul Square transforms into a bustling night market with all sorts of food items.

The square is famous for its neon pedal cars which you can rent for IDR 40,000 (~ €2.60). Each car is individually decorated with popular cartoon characters or crazy light-up gimmicks. They each have their own music sounds system usually controlled by an old portable DVD player which lets you choose from popular songs.

For IDR 40,000 (~ €2.60) you can go around the square once and try not to crash into the many other cars doing the same. It’s very difficult to bargain here. This attraction is very popular amongst locals and Indonesian tourists. You’ll most likely only see a handful of other backpackers if even.

• Address: Alun-Alun Kidul St, Patehan, Kraton, Yogyakarta City, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55133, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 40,000 (~ €2.60) to go around the square in a neon car
• Duration: at least 1 hour depending on whether you sit down and eat
• When to go: go in the late evening to get the best experience with the neon cars
• Opening Hours: the night market opens at around 6:00 PM and stays open late. There are no official opening hours but I would recommend going between 8:00 PM and 10:00 pm

10. Try all the snacks – high-quality street food at low prices

Yogyakarta’s street food is one of a kind. Prices are extremely low especially if you compare them to the likes of Bali and other tourist hotspots.

Most of the common street food items are smaller snacks such as fried tofu, egg skewers, satay or spring rolls. You cannot leave Yogyakarta without having tried the spring rolls.

Most street food is available for around IDR 3,000 to 10,000 (~ €0.20 to €0.60) for snacks or IDR 15,000 to IDR 25,000 (~ €1 to €1.60) for a meal.

Your best chance of finding street food is close to Malioboro Street and Sosrowijayan Street. Especially around Pasar Beringharjo you’ll find many vendors during the day. The best selection is, however, in the evening. At around 7:00 PM more hawker stalls start to pop up on Malioboro Street. Venturing into the side streets is a must to find hidden kitchens and local restaurants.

• Address: You cannot give street food an address, you’ll have to find it
• Price: IDR 3,000 to 25,000 (~ €0.20 to €1.60) depending on what you order
• When to go: you can find street food during most times of the day even past midnight
• Opening Hours: no official opening hours

Unusual things to do outside of Yogyakarta

Tourists often visit Yogyakarta because of its strategic location in Java. It’s a perfect access point for both the southern beaches as well as the surrounding volcanos.

When you visit Yogyakarta, you should definitely take at least two day trips to explore the surrounding attractions. It’s a nice change to get out of the city and see what else rural Indonesia has to offer.

If you’re looking for the perfect day trip without having to do any of the planning, this tour is the best choice.

11. Mount Merapi – jeep tours on an active volcano

Mount Merapi sits 25 kilometres north of Yogyakarta’s city centre. It takes just under an hour to drive there.

The volcano has been erupting regularly for the last 250 years and is still active today. More than 350 people died in a severe eruption in 2010 and the museum that sits at the foot of the volcano aims to educate visitors on this disaster and exhibits many relics from the eruption.

The best way to see Mount Merapi is by taking a jeep tour around the mountain. These so-called Lava Tours will take you to see various spots of interest including an abandoned bunker, the museum and abandoned villages. The jeeps are open and the ride is quite bumpy and dusty. However, this is the perfect way to get close to an active volcano and see the aftermath of its eruptions.

There are plenty of tour companies available at the foot of the mountain. Their prices do not differ drastically, but you might want to pre-book a tour to make sure you don’t have to wait on arrival.

You can choose from different routes starting at IDR 350,000 (~ €22.60) for 90 minutes up to IDR 600,000 (~ €38.75) for 180 minutes. These prices are per jeep (including the driver) which can seat up to four people. There are also sunrise tours available, which also include Borobudur sometimes.

• Address: Ngrangkah, Pangukrejo, Umbulharjo, Palemsari, Umbulharjo, Sleman, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55583, Indonesia (You do not have to choose this particular company, they are all good)
• Price: starting at IDR 350,000 (~ €22.60) per jeep
• Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
• When to go: any time of the day, although the view is usually better in the morning
• Opening Hours: it’s difficult to specify opening hours (roughly 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)

12. Wediombo Beach – relax and take a break

You can find Wediombo Beach about 75 kilometres (2.5 hours driving) south-east of Yogyakarta. It’s best to visit this beach in combination with other attractions close by such as Jungwok Beach, Greweng Beach and Kalong Island.

Beaches in Yogyakarta are still relatively undiscovered by tourists. Many don’t want to drive so far out of the city or don’t even know how beautiful Yogyakarta’s coast is.

For this reason, you will have the beach largely to yourself especially if you go on a weekday. Tourism is only just reaching these areas, who knows how they will look in five years’ time.

Wediombo Beach is easy to reach and only a 5-minute walk from the upper carpark. There are some small warungs, but not much else. During high-tide, you can swim in the shallow water, although having water shoes would be necessary. During low-tide, the seabed is exposed and little pools form. This beach is great for relaxing, exploring and taking pictures and the water is clean and clear.

• Address: Pendowo, Jepitu, Girisubo, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Price: free, IDR 5,000 (~ €0.30) for parking
• Duration: 1 hour or more
• When to go: any time of day, weekdays are quieter. The beach is great for sunset
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

13. Bukit Rhema – a church shaped like a chicken

Bukit Rhema or Gereja Ayam (Chicken Church) as many call it, is an all-faith prayer house located close to Borobudur Temple. For IDR 30,000 (~ €2), you can visit this impressive construction. The ticket includes a voucher for the church’s cafe where you can get a small snack.

The architect, Daniel Alamsjah, had the vision for this extraordinary building in a dream. He started construction in the 1990s and although he is of the Christian faith he wanted the church to include all religions. Despite the common misconception the building is meant to represent a dove, not the chicken it is often mistaken for.

The inside of the church is large and divided into multiple prayer rooms and different halls. You can go to the very top of the “crown”, although the steps are far from sturdy. On clear days you can even see Borobudur from here or you can come early and see the sunrise.

Bukit Rhema is a fascinating attraction and slightly off-the-beaten-path. Don’t miss out on it if you’re visiting Borobudur anyway, it is the perfect combination of weird and wonderful.

Our complete guide to visiting Bukit Rhema has everything yu need to know about Yogyakarta’s Chicken Church.

• Address: Karangrejo Gombong, Kurahan, Kembanglimus, Kec. Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56553, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 30,000 per person (~ €2) (including a free snack)
• Duration: 1 hour
• When to go: the mornings are quieter but you will not have to deal with large crowds here
• Opening Hours: 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM

14. Goa Pindul – cave and river tubing

Goa Pindul is a cave located about on hour east outside of Yogyakarta. This cave is unique because an underwater river flows through it. Visitors can book a “cave tubing” tour where they float through the cave on large inflatable rings. After the cave tour, you can choose to visit a nearby river for an open-air tubing experience.

I highly recommend both, however, as reviews online attest, it is important to go early in the morning on a weekday to make sure you can enjoy the cave and river in peace. Goa Pindul is a popular weekend activity for many local families and tourists, which can make the cave very crowded.

Try to arrive before 10:00 AM and you’ll be on the safe side.

The cave is not very large and pitch-black in most places. A local guide will be with you during the whole journey which takes about 30 minutes. The river tubing takes slightly longer.

Getting to experience a cave while floating on an underground river is unique and eerily peaceful. Visiting Goa Pindul is one of my favourite unusual things to do in the area and a great way to start a day-trip outside of Yogyakarta.

Many people choose to combine a visit to Goa Pindul with Goa Jomblang, another, much larger nearby cave that is even more impressive to see.

• Address: Dusun Gelaran II, RT.3/16, Gunungbang, Bejiharjo, Kec. Karangmojo, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55891, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 160,000 (~ €10.30) per person for both cave and river tubing (can be done separately)
• Duration: allow 1.5 hours for both activities combined
• When to go: go on a weekday before 10:00 AM
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (approximately)

15. Jungwok Beach – incredible scenery

To get to Jungwok Beach, you need to drive 75 kilometres outside of Yogyakarta. It sounds far, but it’s easy to combine visiting this beach with Greweng Beach and Kalong Island, which are accessible from the same parking lot.

Jungwok Beach is very similar to Wediombo Beach in that it is very quiet with only a few small warungs. Jungwok has a more impressive landscape though, with a large rock right in front of its sandy shore.

The beach is perfect for relaxing and exploring the seabed. The waves break on a coral reef further out at sea, so the water at the beach is shallow and calm.

• Address: Pendowo, Jepitu, Girisubo, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 5,000 per person (~ €0.30) (excluding the driver) to enter (also applies for nearby Greweng Beach and general surrounding area)
• Duration: 1 hour
• When to go: any time of the day, the beach looks more appealing during high-tide when the sea bed isn’t exposed
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

16. Greweng Beach – a hidden beach

Greweng Beach is right next to Jungwok Beach but is slightly more tricky to reach. Follow the signs from the large parking lot which will lead you on a 20-minute hike through farming lands and beautiful scenery. The walk is manageable but can be exhausting in the heat.

Greweng Beach is very narrow with a shallow seabed at the shore and crashing waves further out. Be careful of the tides and use your common sense when exploring. The current is very strong.

The beach is usually deserted. You’ll only run into a few locals who live here. You’ll find plenty of spots in the shade to relax. You can also explore the cliffs and surrounding area.

• Address: Jl. Pendowo, Pendowo, Jepitu, Girisubo, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55883, Indonesia
• Price: IDR 5,000 per person (~ €0.30) (excluding the driver) to enter (also applies for nearby Jungwok Beach and general surrounding area)
• Duration: 1.5 hours, maybe more
• When to go: any time of the day, ideally when the sun is not too hot
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

17. Kalong Island – a narrow rope bridge leading to an uninhabited island

If you’re visiting Greweng Beach you have to make sure to climb up to Kalong Island. Go behind the small houses at the beach and you’ll find a makeshift path leading up the hill. From here you’ll be able to see Kalong Island and its spectacular suspension bridge.

It’s possible to cross the bridge onto the island, although this is not for the faint of heart. Unfortunately, the bridge was closed for safety reasons during our visit but it is usually open for visitors.

Definitely don’t miss out on these fantastic views though even if you’re not brave enough to cross the bridge.

• Address: RP29+5FG, Pendowo, Jepitu, Kec. Girisubo, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55883
• Price: IDR 25,000 (~ €1.60) to cross the bridge
• Duration: 45 minutes, maybe more
• When to go: any time of the day, ideally when the sun is not too hot
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

18. Watu Giring – an old mining site with unique stone formations

An hour outside of Yogyakarta, you’ll find one of the strangest attractions in this area. Watu Giring looks like it was built by the Mayan civilisation thousands of years ago. In fact, the story of its geometric design lies with local miners who extracted limestone here until the site was abandoned for unknown reasons.

Rather than simply mining the stone in a traditional way, they chose to form patterns and create a mystical and fascinating tourist attraction. However, few people know about Watu Giring, which is why visitor numbers are low.

This is a great spot to take photos. If you’re not interested in that then you won’t spend a lot of time here since Watu Giring is not very large.

• Address: Jelok Pacarejo, Sambirejo, Kec. Semanu, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55893, Indonesia
• Price: free
• Duration: 30 minutes
• When to go: any time of the day, ideally when the sun is not too hot
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

19. Jomblang Cave – a spectacular cave you can only enter by abseiling

Jomblang Cave is one of the most impressive and unusual attractions close to Yogyakarta, and if you love adventure and unique places, you should add this to the top of your list of things to do in the area.

The caves becomes especially spectacular when the sun hits the large opening in the ceiling just right. The only way to enter the cave is by abseiling, or rapelling down about 60 metres, which is not for the faint of heart.

There is a limited number of people allowed in the cave every day, so make sure to pre-book your tour in advance.

• Address: Jetis, Pacarejo, Semanu, Gunung Kidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta 55893
• Price: approximately IDR 450,000 for the entrance ticket, more with transport included from Yogyakarta
• Duration: 2 hours
• When to go: morning or before noon
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

20. Timang Beach – cable car leading over the crashing waves to a small island

Timang Beach and its cable car is a fantastic unusual place to visit close to Yogyakarta. This small rocky island is connected to the mainland via a gondola that is suspended over the crashing waves. Tourists can get to the other side via either the gondola or a rope bridge.

One thing to note is that this attraction is notoriously overcharged, especially for foreigners. You need to pay a fee per car to even drive down the road that leads to the beach. They usually ask anywhere between IDR 200,000 and IDR 500,000 and you may be able to haggle, but sometimes you won’t have any luck.

Since the road to the beach is so bad, you’ll have to take a jeep there, which is included in the price.

Then, the gondola or rope bridge cost a further IDR 200,000, which is pretty expensive.

The gondola is definitely not the most trustworthy and cross to the island at your own risk. It’s definitely an adrenaline rush, even with the safety net that was installed under the gondola.

All in all, this attraction is pretty impressive, but also way too expensive unfortunately.

• Address: Jl. Pantai Sel. Jawa, Pantai, Purwodadi, Kec. Tepus, Kabupaten Gunung Kidul, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55881
• Price: approximately IDR 200,000 to IDR 500,000 per car and IDR 200,000 to cross to the island
• Duration: 2 hours
• When to go: morning or before noon
• Opening Hours: no official opening times

21. Prambanan Temple

Prambanan Temple is almost as famous as Borobudur, and the perfect place to see if you’re interested in Indonesian history and cukture. Many people come here for sunset or sunrise, and it’s often combined with Borobudur.

Prambanan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was built in the 10th century and the complex is quite large, so you’ve got plenty to explore.

Tickets cost around IDR 250,000 per person, although we highly recommend booking a combined ticket for Borobudur and Prambanan to get the best deal.

Last time I visited Yogyakarta, I joined a guided tour of Prambanan, and it really improved the experience considerably. Knowing the background and significance of this temple made our visit so much more special, so definitely get a guide if you can!

• Address: Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55571
• Price: approximately IDR 205,000 per person
• Duration: 3 hours
• When to go: sunrise or sunset
• Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Unusual things to do in Yogyakarta FAQ

Before you go…

If you’re exploring more of Indonesia, you might enjoy our guide for Lombok, Komodo, or Tentena in Sulawesi.

Trying to travel on a budget? Here are 21 tips on how to save money in Indonesia.

Next stop Jakarta? Read this complete guide to find out how to take the train from Yogyakarta to the capital.

Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.