Welcome to Yogyakarta, the Most Visited City in Indonesia.

Well, I can tell you many reasons why.

1. It's very rich in arts and culture.

You can enjoy traditional performances such the Ramayana Ballet or the enchanting gamelan orchestra. Or you may want to do a batik painting course.

It's all here.

2. It is historical.

The history of this charming city dates back to the 9th century when King Sanjaya founded the Hindu Mataram Kingdom.

The current sultanate was founded in 1755. It boasts ancient temples as its historical legacy.

Want to travel back in time? Why not. Just go to Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in existence, or Prambanan, one of the most beautiful structures ever built.

These ancient temples are listed in the UNESCO world heritage.

The large number of museums and their collections reflect the city's old and rich history.

And so does the Sultan Palace in the city centre.

Do you love exotic handicraft? This charming city has a lot to offer, from sophisticated batik painting, wooden carving to silver-work. Go to the many arts galleries and batik shops and indulge yourself...

One of the most active volcanoes, Mount Merapi, is only 25 kms away. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see the lava gliding down it like a red snake. Yes, from the city.

Several beaches are only 25 kms to the south. 5. It is a learning centre.

It is home to many prestigious universities and the largest and oldest university in Indonesia, Gadjah Mada University (UGM).

Every year students from all over Indonesia and abroad flock to this historic city to pursue knowledge.

6. It is mystical and mythical.

You can travel back in time and relive the story of how Prambanan Temple was erected. Or just enjoy the puppeteer story telling the Mahabharata Epic. And be mesmerized by it!

7. Another reason is its food and exotic fruit.

Do you love trying different types of cuisine and exotic fruit?

Then Yogyakarta is definitely a must in your travel wish list.

8. Indonesia boasts some of the best spas in the world.

International Travel Bourse in Berlin recently (March 2009) has chosen Indonesia as the best spa destination in the world.

If you want to indulge and pamper yourself, come to this Javanese cultural centre ...and try the spas ...

9. The variety of accommodation to choose.

Traveling on a budget? Worry not. This tranquil city offers a lot of budget hotels.

But if you want to stay in a four or five star hotel, it also has them all. And if you really want to experience VIP service and hospitality, you can stay at one of the best hotels in the world, Amanjiwo, at Borobudur.

10. It is the only province in Indonesia that is still formally governed by a sultan, Sultan HB X.

11. Its strategic location.

This Javanese cultural hub is located in the central part of Java Island.

This makes it easy for you to travel to and from other parts of Indonesia. On top of that, it has its own international airport (direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur).

12. Its relatively small size.

Yogyakarta is quite small in area and population (around 500,000), making it easy and inexpensive to travel around. Above all, the warm and friendly nature of its people will charm you ...

'Yogyakarta, Never Ending Asia' is just a smile away...

It is just a click away.

Find all the up-to-date information on hotels, attractions, travel advice, basic Indonesian and more here.

Just click any of the links to find out more ...

Do you have your own reasons? And do you want to share your Yogyakarta experience with others?

Please feel free to use the Contact Us form and, with your permission, I will be more than happy to publish it on Yogyakarta Travel Guide.com.

Do you want to know about the history of this fascinating city? Here is an article from Wikipedia if you’re interested in the city's history. History of Yogyakarta

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