4 Days in Java: Explore Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Borobudur & Prambanan Temples
Java Island: Indonesia’s Cultural Treasure Beyond Bali
When you think of Indonesia, Bali Island comes to mind immediately. However, the heart of this large archipelagic country with more than ten thousand islands actually beats in Java.
The capital city, Jakarta, is also the country’s economic capital. In recent years, it was decided to move the capital to Kalimantan, the southern territory of Borneo Island. Unfortunately, the preparations to become the capital in the city of “Nusantara,” located in the eastern part of this island, home to the world’s oldest forests, continue, causing environmental destruction.
The city of Yogyakarta (pronounced JOJAKARTA), situated in the center of Java Island, is one of the cultural capitals of the country. The culture here differs greatly from Bali’s famous Hindu culture, and this city is an autonomous region governed by a royal family. Yogyakarta has had a beloved and respected royal family that has ruled since 1756 and opposed Dutch colonial rule, forming a significant part of the nation’s history. Due to the influence of this royal family, when Indonesia gained its independence, Yogyakarta was temporarily declared as the capital.
Java’s lush vegetation and natural beauty are just as rich and stunning as Bali, thanks to the volcanic formations and rivers that surround it.
In Yogyakarta, you can also visit the Borobudur, known as the world’s largest Buddhist temple, as well as the magnificent Prambanan temples.
Planning tip: If your trip to Indonesia is longer than 15 days, after witnessing the sunrise on an active volcano in western Java, you can continue your Indonesian journey by boarding a boat to Bali from a pier located 1.5 hours away. Java Island is truly vast, so plan your transportation and time wisely to ensure you have enough time to enjoy Bali!
Table of Contents
Day 1: Jakarta Sightseeing and Evening Arrival in Yogyakarta
Jakarta Transit Experience: Making the Most of Indonesia’s Capital
After arriving at Jakarta Airport in Indonesia, take a short tour in the capital city of Jakarta before your domestic flight to Yogyakarta.
During my last visit, due to the traffic issue in Jakarta, I was only able to visit only Istiqlal Mosque. I didn’t particularly enjoy it as the mosque’s architecture was quite different from what I’m accustomed to. It was built by the first president, Sukarno, as a symbol of religious tolerance in the country, right across from the historic cathedral.
During my previous visit, I stayed one night in Jakarta and visited Kuta Tua, the Old Town of Jakarta, and the Sunda Kelapa Harbor. I also went up to the top floor of the National Monument, Monas.
Those who say Jakarta is ugly surely haven’t seen Kuta Tua. It is a historic neighborhood from the time when the Dutch controlled the spice trade, and Sunda Kelapa, which witnessed Indonesia’s brightest era, is filled with traditional Phinisi wooden boats.
If you’re returning via Jakarta Airport and have extra time (and space in your luggage), you can hop on the TransJakarta bus or grab a Gojek ride to one of the city’s modern shopping malls like Central Park—great for last-minute shopping in air-conditioned comfort.
The Controversy of Kopi Luwak: The World’s Most Expensive Coffee
The Dark Side of Kopi Luwak: Origins, High Demand, and Ethical Concerns
Kopi Luwak coffee originated during the Dutch colonial rule when Indonesian farmers were forbidden from cultivating coffee beans for personal use. Due to the ban, farmers started searching for leftover fruits and beans on the ground to satisfy their coffee cravings. This search even included the droppings of civet cats, as they discovered that the best quality coffee beans were found in their excrement.
Nowadays, Kopi Luwak can be found on the shelves of luxury shops, top-notch cafes, and its production has spread to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines due to high demand. Particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam, it is sold at exorbitant prices to tourists.
Unfortunately, the experience of tasting the world’s most expensive coffee, ranging from 300-1300 EUR per kilogram, inflicts great suffering on civet cats. These cute and innocent animals are held in captivity as they have become a significant source of income in Southeast Asia. Being confined to cages most of the time, these animals are unable to freely select high-quality coffee beans, which consequently affects the coffee’s overall quality. Therefore, think twice before consuming this coffee.
Tips for Seeing Jakarta During Your Transit:
- Affordable Transport: The cheapest way to visit Jakarta in half day during your transit time is to get a train to the city center (45 minutes) and then use GRAB APP for major attractions
- Key Attractions:
- Batavia (Ancient Capital of Dutch East Indies)
- Sunda Kelapa Harbor
- Istiqlal Mosque
- National Monument (Monas)
- Jakarta Cathedral
- Chinatown
- Jakarta History Museum
- Walking Areas: Jakarta is one of the least walkable cities in the world. You can only walk from/to Batavia – Sunda Kepala and from/to Istiqlal Mosque – Monas National Monument
- Traffic Warning: Traffic can be terrible in Jakarta, so visit first the places you would like to see the most—you won’t be able to make it all in one day
- Organized Tours: Many organized daily tours are available online or at the airport. The bus tours can be annoying due to traffic but at least you can guarantee the timing and not risk to miss your flight!
Evening in Yogyakarta: First Taste of Javanese Culture
After a long day in Jakarta, take your affordable domestic flight of about one hour to Yogyakarta. On arrival you will probably be very hungry. Keep in mind that Indonesians typically have dinner early, so many restaurants might be closed. It is best to head straight to Malioboro Mall at the Malioboro Street which will be open until 22.
On the famous Malioboro Street, you’ll find plenty of street food stalls, although in my opinion, they don’t look as appetizing as those in Taiwan or Thailand. If you’re not hungry or have already eaten, you can unwind with a reflexology massage at one of the small local spas (similar to those in Thailand), or simply take a relaxing evening stroll along this vibrant and colorful street.
Day 2: Borobudur Temple Complex and Indonesian Coffee Experience
Borobudur Temple: Exploring Java’s UNESCO World Heritage Masterpiece
Fascinating Borobudur Facts
Borobudur, built in the 9th century, was hidden under volcanic ash until it was rediscovered by British explorer Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814. Before 1986, many of the Buddha statues inside the temple were damaged because there wasn’t enough protection.
Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, but due to its design it is somehow hard to grasp it. Forget to take pictures of your dreams on top of Borobodur, now there are climbing restrictions.
If you are a Westerner, you will probably get many attention from the local tourists.
At the entrance and exit of Borobudur, you will find numerous stalls selling souvenirs. Do your shopping at the end of your visit to avoid carrying bags in the heat.
How to Get to Borobudur from Yogyakarta
The most economical but slower, way to reach Borobudur from Yogyakarta is by taking public buses. You can board the Trans Jogja 2B bus for approximately 3 Euros, which will take you to Jombor Terminal. From there, you can transfer to the Candi Borobudur buses.
Alternatively, you can use the GRAB APP (approximately 25 Euros) or negotiate with a guide to rent a private vehicle (around 35-40 Euros). Joining one of the online group tours organized from Yogyakarta to Borobudur is also an option.
Yogyakarta is approximately 40km away from Borobudur, but due to heavy traffic, it may take around 2 hours to reach this Temple Complex if it is a weekday. If you start your journey early or travel on weekends, you can manage to be there in just 1 hour, by car.
The entrance fee for Borobudur is approximately 25 Euros. If you prefer, you can purchase a ticket that includes the entrance fee for Prambanan, which you will visit the next day, saving a total of 5 Euros per person. This ticket is valid for 48 hours.
Travel tip: Borobudur and Prambanan are the most significant and awe-inspiring temples in the Java region. If you have enough time, it is recommended not to visit both Borobudur and Prambanan on the same day, to fully appreciate the distance between them and the impact each temple will have on you.
A Visit to Mendut and Pawon Temples
After the Borobudur Temple visit, continue along the ancient pilgrimage route that connects three important Buddhist temples positioned in a perfect straight line.
Mendut and Candi Pawon Temples are just 3 kilometers from Borobudur and all positioned on a perfect staight line.
The Mendut Temple, though smaller than Borobudur, has impressive Buddha statues and relief carvings from the 9th century. Like me, you will probably take more pictures of the enourmous Banyan Tree outside the temple.
Just before a coffee break, visit the Candi Pawon Temple positioned exactly between Mendut and Borobudur. This is a very small temple served as a purification place before Borobudur.
There is a charming coffee shop across the road from Pawon Temple.
The Controversy of Kopi Luwak: The World’s Most Expensive Coffee
The Dark Side of Kopi Luwak: Origins, High Demand, and Ethical Concerns
Kopi Luwak coffee originated during the Dutch colonial rule when Indonesian farmers were forbidden from cultivating coffee beans for personal use. Due to the ban, farmers started searching for leftover fruits and beans on the ground to satisfy their coffee cravings. This search even included the droppings of civet cats, as they discovered that the best quality coffee beans were found in their excrement.
Nowadays, Kopi Luwak can be found on the shelves of luxury shops, top-notch cafes, and its production has spread to China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines due to high demand. Particularly in Indonesia and Vietnam, it is sold at exorbitant prices to tourists.
Unfortunately, the experience of tasting the world’s most expensive coffee, ranging from 300-1300 EUR per kilogram, inflicts great suffering on civet cats. These cute and innocent animals are held in captivity as they have become a significant source of income in Southeast Asia. Being confined to cages most of the time, these animals are unable to freely select high-quality coffee beans, which consequently affects the coffee’s overall quality. Therefore, think twice before consuming this coffee.
Day 3: Royal Palace Tour and Hindu Temple Exploration in Yogyakarta
The Kraton – Yogyakarta Palace and Royal Heritage
Indonesia is not a monarchy but a republic. But uniquely, Yogyakarta still has its own Sultan, and it is exceptionally recognized by the Republic. That is why I believe Yogyakarta is a magical place. The Kraton Palace is the residence of the actual Sultan of Yogyakarta and his family. Hopefully, it is open to visits. Though it is not as imposing as other palaces found in Asia, Kraton has an intimate heritage vibe rather than a tourist attraction. You can witness people preparing for royal ceremonies, and you can watch rehearsals of traditional dances or music.
Inside the palace, there is an interesting museum with the paintings of past kings. You may notice the enormous earrings worn by the kings in these portraits, which symbolize a sign of enlightenment.
If you wander around the streets near Yogyakarta Palace, you might come across small workshops where shadow puppets are made. These puppets, crafted from traditional materials like animal skins, represent different characters with special qualities. For example, long arms symbolize generosity, short legs represent a connection to nature, and a long nose signifies curiosity.
After visiting the palace, on the way to Prambanan, you can stop by Kali Opak Resto, a touristy yet clean, charming restaurant. Due to the traffic in Yogyakarta, even the shortest distances take a long time. It takes about 1 hour by private vehicle from the center of Yogyakarta to Prambanan.
Prambanan Temple: Java’s Ancient Hindu Masterpiece
The entrance fee for Prambanan Temple is 387,000 IDR – around 25 USD (Opening hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM). While Borobudur was the largest Buddhist temple, Prambanan Temple is the second-largest Hindu temple in the world after Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Strangely, one terrace of this temple has been completely destroyed and turned into an amusement park!?
If you visit the temple on weekends, you will see Indonesian youths gathering in the park. These youngsters will most probably want to take photos with you wherever they catch you, and escape is impossible.
Evening Cultural Experience: Traditional Ramayana Ballet
In the evening, join a Ramayana Ballet dance performance at Purawisata. The show takes place in a modern amphitheater and has impressive scenes of war and fire, where they use real fire. If you are not interested in this type of cultural activity, it may seem lengthy. Then, I suggest you watch a Balinese dance performance as they perform in more impressive venues in Bali at a more affordable price.
Day 4: Hidden Gems of Yogyakarta and Authentic Shopping Experience
Tamansari – The Historic Water Castle of Yogyakarta
Tamansari is a beautiful garden and entertainment venue that was once used by the Sultans of Yogyakarta. There are two picturesque pools which were for exclusive use of Sultan’s harem. According to the legend, the Sultan used to throw a rose from the tower window, and the lady that catches become his companion for that night. Another curiosity you will see is the fragrant flowers and incense were placed under the Sultan’s bed.
Sumur Gumuling – The Secret Underground Mosque
When you leave Tamansari Water Castle through the back gate, you will follow the road taking you to the Sumur Gumuling (entrance is included in Water Palace Ticket).
This secret mosque was built by the Yogyakarta Sultanate during Dutch Colonism Period. As Dutch Government didn’t allow people to practise their religion, they built this underground tunnel shape interesting mosque.
Walk within the graffitis – the Oldest Neighbourhood of Yogyakarta
The road around Sumur Gumuling and Tamansari is excellent to observe daily life scenes in Yogyakarta. The leftover food trays for street animals and birds, graffities, clean clothes drying in the sun. It is a lively area and the oldest neighborhood in Yogyakarta.
Safety in Yogyakarta: A Traveler’s Paradise
Yogyakarta is considered a safe city, even at night. The city has mostly local residents and a small number of migrants. The locals are known for their quiet and respectful nature. They don’t speak loudly, even in heavy traffic, and rarely honk their horns. Yogyakarta residents are friendly and often eager to take photos with visitors, making you feel special.
Yogyakarta attracts tourists from all over Indonesia. To manage traffic, the government has decided to close museums and palaces on Mondays.
What to Purchase in Yogyakarta: Authentic Indonesian Crafts
From Yogyakarta you may find unique and quality handcrafts as traditional batiks, masks, marionettes, wooden carved statues or silver jewellery in the shops situated on the streets behind the Yogyakarta Palace.
If you opt for cheap souvenirs, then the Malioboro Street is the heart of the city has modern shopping malls as well as traditional bazaars. Pasar Beringharjo is full of affordable batik clothing.
Bye Bye Java!
