Overview
Yogyakarta is truly a unique city. Ruled by a king (sultan) whose
lineage can be traced to centuries, this city offers plenty cultural and
historical heritage. Here you can eat lesehan style without chairs. The
rather sweet cuisine of Yogyakarta might surprise you first, but many
people have been longing for good Javanese food after trying it once, so
you might have the same experience.
This city offers many luscious delicacies. From bakpia cookies,
wingko babat, to enting-enting kacang, visitors will be delighted to
find there are so many delicious choices here in this town.
Get Around
Jogjakarta is a small city. To illustrate this, for some Jogjakartans, 2
kilometers is considered very far. In the city, you can give your legs
some exercise, ride andong/delman (cart carried by a/two horse/s), use
the bus and public transportation, ride a taxi, or, try how it feels
like to ride becak/pedicab. If you want to visit interesting sites
within the city, it is best to move around on foot. If, however, you
want to marvel at the grandiose of Borobudur Temple, for instance, it is
best if you rent a car.
To Eat
Gudeg is one of Jogjakarta's specialties. This dish
is made of young jackfruit with traditional herbs, sometimes with eggs
and chicken. Cow's inner skin, cooked until tender, usually accompanies
gudeg with steamed rice. Most traditional restaurants in Jogjakarta sell
this specialty.
Don't let the sweet taste of gudeg fool you, however, the chili sauce
of Javanese food can be really, really spicy because it is made mainly
from cabe rawit the spiciest chili in Indonesia.
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| Gudeg mercon seller |
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| various menu at roadside stalls |
satay seller
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| some cheap meals |
| kid eat chicken feet |
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coffee with charcoal in it, this it called "Kopi Joss"
|
To Do
- Take a walk on Malioboro street, it's packed with people selling interesting souvenirs, with stores offering more exclusive products. Bering Harjo market on Malioboro street offers cheaper products. Don't forget to use your bargaining skill!
- Visit Kota Gede, the center of silverwares and silver jewelries. You can even see silversmith at work here. The items sold here are usually more pricey because they're more exclusive. For regular yet still beautiful silver jewelries, visit Malioboro instead.
- Visit Kasongan if you're into potteries.
- Explore the city from Kraton (Palace) to Taman Sari, where old kings and their families spent their happy days, swimming and enjoying themselves.
- Take a trip to Borobudur and Loro Jonggrang (Prambanan) Temples.
Tips
- Because there are so many things to see, if you don't have much time, it is best if you go to a travel agency. It will save you time.
- On traditional markets and Malioboro, most of the items sold there are bargainable. When in doubt, ask if the wares are bargainable or not. Bargain at least half the price the seller offers first. If you're not certain, take a look around and ask for the similar item's prices, for comparison.
- If you have a travel guide from a travel agency, ask her/him to bargain things for you. The same goes if you're lucky enough to have locals as your friends or relatives.
- Never hire an unlicensed travel guide.
- Bring lightweight clothings, also hats and shades, if necessary. Jogjakarta can be quite hot.
- If you're being offered things that do not interest you, be firm and say no.
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