Situated on the Indonesian island of Java, Yogyakarta is both the name of a province and the capital city within the province. Yogyakarta is commonly called the ‘cultural heart’ and ‘soul city’ of Java, thanks to its rich history, heritage and commitment to preserving Javanese tradition.Visitors flock to the city in their thousands to see its plethora of cultural attractions, among which are royal buildings, religious structures and fascinating museums. The Borobudur Temple is a highlight, often mentioned alongside Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and Egypt’s Karnak Temple for its historical importance and architectural significance. The Sultan’s Palace, or kraton, is also high up on the city’s list of culturally significant sites.
Yogyakarta’s commitment to preserving traditional Javanese arts such as batik, gamelan music, puppet shows, drama and poetry has give the city its reputation as a centre for culture. There are plenty of opportunities to appreciate these art forms in Yogyakarta, with regular displays and a number of annual festivals dedicated to showcasing the performing arts.
Eating out in the city can be an enjoyable experience, with local eateries in Yogyakarta offering popular Indonesian dishes as well as local specialties. If trying the traditional food is an integral part of the holiday for you, then Yogyakarta won’t disappoint with its varied selection of street vendors, authentic eateries and upmarket restaurants to choose from.
The city is reached easiest via its own airport (Adisucipto International Airport), which services a number of domestic connections as well as limited international flights. For most people, the easiest way to reach Yogyakarta is via an international flight to Jakarta and then a domestic transfer to Yogyakarta. Alternatively, there are direct flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
Yogyakarta enjoys a tropical climate, with warm sunshine and correspondingly high temperatures for the best part of the year. The average daily temperature is between 26ºC and 28ºC, with highs not exceeding 35ºC and lows rarely dipping below 18ºC. Humidity is relatively high, which can give the city a sticky feeling, especially in the rainy season when humidity can be as high as 75 per cent.
Yogyakarta experiences two seasons: the dry season running from May to October and the wet season occupying the remainder of the year. While the wet season occupies a lengthy period, rainfall is not constant, with the heaviest rains experienced between January and April.
The lowest temperatures are experienced between October and January, with evenings and early mornings offering pleasant cool spells. This is a popular time for visitors to visit, as are the months of May, June and July.
If you decide to visit in the rainy season, be sure to pack a waterproof jacket. Daytime attire for any season needs to be modest on account of local etiquette and religious views. Lightweight and loose-fitting cotton clothing that covers your body is suitable.
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