Jogjakarta is located in the Jogjakarta Special Region of Indonesia. Also known as Jogja, Yogya, and Yogyakarta, it is famous for its fine art and culture, which includes batik, ballet, drama, puppet shows, poetry and music. The city is also one of Indonesia's centres of higher education. During the Indonesian National Revolution that lasted from 1945 to 1949, Jogjakarta was the capital city. Located at the foot of the active Merapi volcano, the city exudes a charm that captivates visitors from all parts of the world that come to stay here in fine Jogjakarta hotels.
Jogjakarta's diary of cultural events is packed day and night and has traditional art forms standing alongside modern exhibitions, contemporary theatre, pantomime, music and dance.
Jogjakarta symbolises the city of art and culture to both the young and the old, which prevails in every shape and form. Ceremonies like Sekaten, Gunungan, Labuhan and Malioboro Fair are a way to honour age-old traditions in the modern age. Malioboro is the centre of the city and perhaps the most concentrated showcase of various types of artistry in this region. There are many things to see and do in Jogjakarta and you are not just restricted to needing a Jogjakarta tour. Just walking around, street musicians will entertain you and lesehan or food stalls will beckon you with their wafting aroma. No wonder visitors talk about the overwhelming pull the city of Jogjakarta exudes. You will definitely feel this once you are here in your hotel in Jogjakarta.
The southern part of Jogjakarta is washed by the Indian Ocean. The coastal line stretching from west to east is about 100 km long. It starts from the Congot Beach in Kulon Progo Regency and goes up to Sadeng Beach in Gunung Kidul Regency. Its prime location is ideal not only for economic activity but also for tourists to come and visit the city. Take a look at our interactive map of Jogjakarta to find an ideally situated Jogjakarta hotel.
Because of its geographical location, Jogjakarta is also referred to as the main gateway to Central Java. It stretches from Mount Merapi to the Indian Ocean. It is also the cultural hub of the region. Culturally, Solo may emerge as a close runner up, but when it comes to traditional dance, wayang (traditional puppetry) and music, no other city can beat Jogjakarta. It is a very upbeat city with great avenues for shopping. Malioboro Street is the main road here and is bustling with people, street vendors and food. Its nightly street food culture is especially well known. You will find hordes of low budget Jogjakarta hotels and shops catering to tourists in Malioboro Street and the adjoining Sosrowijayan Street as well.
Take a tour in Jogjakarta to its fascinating ancient city surrounded by lush paddy fields, dense forests and picturesque mountains. You can visit the magnificent Sultan's Palace (the Kraton), which is watched over by hundreds of palace guards in their traditional livery. They keep a close but friendly eye over visitors. For a more relaxed atmosphere, you can walk down the markets and avenues milling with people and pick up art and craft lovingly created by Javanese craftsmen and painters.
If you have had enough of urban life, check out Jogjakarta tours available and head towards the countryside and visit fascinating sites of ancient eighth to tenth century Hindu and Buddhist temples. Some prominent ones are Prambanan and Borobudur along with their multiple shrines and smaller temples (candis) that dot the area. Jogjakarta is clearly a place to experience rich culture and savour a traditional way of life.
Architecturally, this city is resplendent with beautiful temples, ruins of palaces and monasteries. Traditional folk art, performing arts, and culture seem to be embedded in the very fabric of the city. Culture resonates in the day-to-day life of the local inhabitants and the Javanese community preserves the traditional lifestyle by observing age-old customs and rites.
Jogjakarta Special Region is the most populated province in the country. It is clear that culturally too there is plenty to soak in here. Whether you enjoy classical and contemporary dances, gamelan, wayang kulit, which are leather puppets, or various other expressions of traditional art, Jogjakarta will enthral you. Silverware, leather craftsmanship and batik paintings are infused in the cultural tapestry of this city.
