Yogyakarta
Central Java, Indonesia
Daily Budget
~US$20
per day
Best Months
Climate
Dry Season / Winter
Vibe
Cultural gem
Overview
Yogyakarta (Jogja) is Indonesia's cultural capital, a city of sultans, batik, street art, and two of the most important ancient temple complexes in Southeast Asia — Borobudur and Prambanan. It is one of the cheapest cities on the backpacker trail in all of Asia, with dorm beds under $5 and full meals for $1. The city is compact, friendly, and endlessly interesting.
Editor's Pick
Yogyakarta stands out for: Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) — two UNESCO World Heritage temples within easy reach; Absurdly cheap: dorm beds from $3, street food meals for $1, and warung meals for $1–2; Rich Javanese culture with batik workshops, traditional puppet shows (wayang), and royal palace (Kraton).
Things to Do
View all 9 activitiesTop Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
9 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in Yogyakarta?
- Budget around US$20 per day in Yogyakarta, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit Yogyakarta?
- The best months for backpackers to visit Yogyakarta are Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in Yogyakarta?
- Top-rated hostels in Yogyakarta include Sleepy Raccoon Hostel, Lauras Backpacker 523, The Patio Yogya. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from US$20 per night.
- What are the top things to do in Yogyakarta?
- Must-do activities in Yogyakarta include Explore Jomblang Cave, Explore Jomblang Cave — rappel into a sinkhole with a heavenly light beam, Explore Prambanan temple complex at sunset. There are 9 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.
