Yogya, as the Indonesians call it, is one of the last places where Javanese culture is left untouched. You can visit some amazing temple complexes in the vicinity of Yogya. There's the Borobudur, the worlds largest buddhist temple, and the Prambanan temples, a complex of very old Hindu structures. Go in the afternoon though, for these places tend to be very hot during noon. You can visit the Sultan's palace in the city center, an splendid example of Javanese architecture and court culture. And don't forget to go shopping at Malioboro street, amazing batik can be found there.

Take a bicycle to Prambanan!

Yogyakarta is not only famous for its historical relic. Most Indonesians considered the living cost there is the cheapest among other cities in Indonesia.

Yogyakatra is in central Java. Markets good. Not too touristy. Many places will show you the process of batik making, hoping you will buy. Near by is the world famous Borobudur temple complex which is the main tourist attraction. The temple complex lies in a big park surrounded by the volcanic mountains and is pretty speccy, especially at sunset.

in borubudur you can buy great handicrafts by volcanic stone and very cheap!

Calm down in this chill city, if you cant take the stress of java anymore

Locals will approach you all the time. They will ask loads of personal questions, don't be offended, it's just their way of saying hello. If they ask 'apa kabar?' (how are you) answer 'baik baik' (ok) or 'bagus' (good) (or 'tidak bagus' not good). If becak drivers (rickshaws) are annoying you then tell them 'm'bOtan mat'ur'nuwan' (no thanks in Javanese).

There are two main tourist areas Prawirotaman (Bantul) and Malioboro (Jogja). Prawirotaman is the busier at night and Maliboro during the day. A popular backpacker place on Malioboro is Bedhot Cafe and on Prawirotaman backpackers focus on ViaVia Café. ViaVia arranges loads of trips from the conventional tourist routes through to 'on the back of a bike' routes. If you want to experience how the rich locals live or just want a dose of Western life take a taksi to Ambarrukmo Plaza (most taksis will recognise Am-Plaz). There's a lot to do in Jogja and what makes it the most special is the friendliness of the locals. Keep on guard for people promoting batik exhibitions that are 'closing today' but don't worry about pressure selling, almost everyone accepts a blunt 'no, thanks' (or 'tidak, terima kasih'). After Bali, Jakarta or Surabaya you should find Jogja both cheap and relaxing, enjoy!

If you have to choose between Borobudur and Peramberan (cant spell either of them!), go for Borobodur. Perambaran is seriously neglected and not really that impressive. Also, do a batik class! But be warned, they take FOREVER to make. Our class was from 9-7pm! Then the guy will want to take you to a shop where you can buy 'authentic' batik. You wont be able to leave without buying one. Which isnt necessarily a baad thing... they are much cheaper and better than the ones in Jakarta.

The cultural heart of Indonesia, but much neglected due to recent events and scare of extremist muslim activity. Not a touritstic place, even its backpacker haven consists of two parralel streets. However, a golden tip there: Bedhot's place, the Setia Kawan, a MUST SEE and MUST STAY AT! :) The artist is a young guy, but the way he decorated the place and the rooms, is amazingly creative. His inspiration is from Gili Tralala... ;)
Yogyakarta offers excellent excursion possibilities to Borobudur and Prambanan especially and is a great way to meet some backpackers that are not there for the booze for a change: the culturally open minded can be found in places like the Setia Kawan.