It is highly recommended you visit Yogyakarta during the months of October to early December. The air is cool and dry and there are not yet many tourists (compared to the peak season of late December to early January). The period after Tet holiday from March to April is also a great time to visit as there are many festivals in and around Yogyakarta.

Yogyakarta is widely regarded as a safe city, featuring well-lit streets and bustling activity, particularly in areas with shops and restaurants. The city center is known for its welcoming atmosphere, with friendly locals creating a warm environment.

Here and there there can be petty crimes such as pick pocketing, so beware of your belongings. Single woman travelers have consistently rated Yogyakarta as one of the safest cities to travel in, with very low crime rate against tourists.

Wooden Batik Masterpieces are some must-have signature souvenirs you have to bring home from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The people in Krebet Village are specialised in producing wooden batik and batik fabrics, where they turn various carved wood items into lovely batik masterpieces with intricate carvings that are both unique and classy. Unlock the art of Batik-making by visiting the Batik Village, where an experienced traditional Batik Expert will guide you through the intricate process. Explore more about this enriching experience here.

  Kotagede in Yogyakarta is a haven for renowned silver artisans. Discover a dazzling array of sterling silver trinkets, from earrings and necklaces to rings and bracelets. Kotagede’s artisans even offer custom-made metal helmets crafted from aluminum and brass. Wander through the studios, witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship behind these exquisite pieces.

Temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year. Yogyakarta features a tropical monsoon climate and the city has high temperatures all year round ranging between 29°C (85°F) and 31°C (88°F). 

However, temperatures can drop to 23°C to 25°C .

During the dry season from April to October with the hottest month being May, dress light and have cool, breathable clothings on hand. It is more comfortable and easier to visit tourist attraction and immerse yourself in the local culture during this time period. However, do bring along a hat as it can be pretty hot and there may not be much shade.

Where you will stay will 99% of the time be air conditioned or with a fan, but outside it is hot and humid. Flip flops or comfortable walking sandals are a must with light clothing like t-shirts and shorts to keep you cool are recommended and a light pullover in the evenings if you are riding a motorbike. When entering temples you must be respectful and have your shoulders covered and wear a sarong (for men and women) – usually sarongs are provided for you when you visit a temple. You may want to always keep a waterproof jacket nearby if you are in Yogyakarta between January – March as quick and heavy showers can occur and you may get caught!

Visa On Arrival (VOA) is granted to foreigners who intend to visit Indonesia for tourism, social and culture, business or government duties. The Visa On Arrival is issued by the Immigration Officials at the Immigration checkpoints in Ngurah Rai Airport. Similarly, foreigners can apply for a limited stay visa or a visit visa (B211).

Indonesia has a free 30-Day visa-on-arrival system (tourist visa). If you would like to stay more than 30 days, then you will need to pay $35 at the airport when you arrive at the airport for the option to extend with an Indonesian agent for up to 60-days.

Read more about VISAs available in Indonesia

Important note: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months or else Indonesia will NOT allow you into the country and your airline will NOT let you on the plane. Make sure your passport is renewed before you travel to Indonesia.

Most small shops, warungs/restaurants and tour companies run on cash only. ATM machines are rampant on the island, most having the Cirrus and Plus connection. You often get a very good exchange rate via ATM and it is convenient. Money Changers are all over the island, although not all of them are trustworthy. Try and stay away from the small storefront Yogyakarta money changers (the guys with hand written signs and made up rates). The larger establishments, or those that say ‘authorized money changer’, will be a safer bet.

In a dire situation, you can always do a cash advance at a local bank, but it will cost you 18-20% from your bank PLUS another % from the Yogyakarta Bank. As far as exchange rates go, if you have travelers checks, their rates are different than CASH and the smaller the bill, the less the rate. $5 is worth less to a money changer than $100, and the rate they will give you will reflect that. For US citizens, do not bring USD$100 notes from the year 1996 (as in 1996 Loads of counterfeits entered Indonesia and the stigma still stands). Visa and MasterCard are the cards of choice in Indonesia. Remember to inform your credit card’s issuing bank about your intended trip or else you will risk getting your credit card accounts frozen from ‘un-expected activity’.