Things to do in Kraton

Activities, attractions and tours

Water Castle featuring heritage architecture and a pool as well as a small group of people
Kraton Complex which includes heritage elements
Kraton
Water Castle which includes heritage elements as well as a couple
Water Castle featuring a fountain
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Top places to visit

1. Malioboro Street

Visit the innumerable shops, markets, cafés and restaurants of Malioboro Street (Jalan Malioboro), an enthralling and entertaining district. Malioboro Street dissects the heart of Yogyakarta’s city center while its adjoining side streets offer further retail and dining options. During the colonial years, the street was the center for the Dutch government. It was later used as a ceremonial boulevard for the Yogyakarta Sultanate. The name is said to come from the Duke of Marlborough, a prominent figure during the British rule of Indonesia.
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Malioboro Street

2. Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is an otherworldly Mahayana Buddhist temple compound. The UNESCO site comprises nine layered platforms and myriad shapes that come together to form this astounding complex. Marvel at the sheer invention and variation in the décor and architecture in one of Buddhism’s most prominent and iconic monuments.
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The Borodubur Buddhist temple was built in the 9th century in Java, Indonesia. It is the World's largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO heritage site. The temple was abandoned for unknown reasons and rediscovered in the 19th century. The temple has been restored several times to honor it's former glory. The temple has over 500 Buddha statues, many of which have lost their heads as time passed.

3. Prambanan Temple

With its otherworldly appearance and elaborate décor, the Prambanan Temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. The 8th-century spiritual compound consists of many temple buildings that seem to rise from the ground with jagged gray spikes. Admire the spectacular architecture and profound meaning of this exceptional UNESCO heritage site.
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Prambanan Silhouette at the dawn. December 2014.

4. Taman Sari

With its pools, waterways and ornate features, the Water Castle of Tamansari is a majestic former palace complex for the sultans of Yogyakarta. It had many purposes, serving as a resting area, a meditation complex, a defensive fortification and a hiding place. Delve into the dark tunnels to find the mosque. Capture photos of the intricate details throughout the site.
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Water Castle featuring heritage architecture and a pool as well as a small group of people

5. Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

The Kraton Complex comprises the majestic grounds of the palace for the sultan of Yogyakarta. A museum, gardens and a mosque are among the intriguing and scenic facets of the vast grounds. Take a guided tour of this walled compound for a deeper understanding of the city’s royal history.
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Kraton Complex showing heritage elements and interior views

What to do in Kraton

Popular places to visit

Malioboro Street showing night scenes

Malioboro Street

Spend a day exploring Yogyakarta’s liveliest commercial district, which is famous for its batik stores, street food and historic landmarks.

Malioboro Street
Tugu Monument which includes modern architecture

Tugu Yogyakarta

Capture spectacular night photos of the popular and luminous White Monument that holds geographical and spiritual value for the locals.

Tugu Yogyakarta
Gembira Loka Zoo showing zoo animals and dangerous animals

Gembira Loka Zoo

Cross the bridges on the Gajahwong River to see the Komodo dragons, orangutans and hippos that inhabit this eclectic zoo.

Gembira Loka Zoo
Water Castle featuring heritage architecture and a pool as well as a small group of people

Taman Sari

The majestic water pools and fountains in this luxury palace were built to hide and pamper the sultan and his concubines.

Taman Sari
Kraton Complex showing heritage elements and interior views

Royal Palace of Yogyakarta

Watch a puppet performance and listen to traditional music in the cultural and political heart of the city of Yogyakarta.

Royal Palace of Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta Presidential Palace featuring a statue or sculpture, a park and a castle

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace

Browse the art galleries in the president’s home and learn about the decisions made here relating to the struggle against Dutch settlers.

Yogyakarta Presidential Palace

Malioboro Mall

During your trip to Yogyakarta, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Malioboro Mall. Experience the museums and entertainment venues in this culturally rich area.

Malioboro Mall

Alun Alun Kidul

Explore the great outdoors at Alun Alun Kidul, a lovely green space in Kraton. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Alun Alun Kidul

Pasar Beringharjo

During your trip to Ngupasan, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Pasar Beringharjo. Experience the museums and entertainment venues in this culturally rich area.

Pasar Beringharjo
Prambanan which includes heritage architecture and a ruin

Yogyakarta

Frequently asked questions

Is Kraton worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Kraton is visit Gembira Loka Zoo. Tick this major attraction off your to-do list, then discover more of the area's history and culture.
How do I spend a day in Kraton?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta, spend the rest of your day discovering Kraton's shopping and food scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kraton?
Gembira Loka Zoo is one of the top tourist attractions in Kraton and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Kraton?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Gembira Loka Zoo, Palace of Yogyakarta and Affandi Museum with a three-day getaway in Kraton. On average, most travelers book three days here. There's plenty to discover nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Yogyakarta.
Is Kraton a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Kraton is a great destination to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Gembira Loka Zoo and Palace of Yogyakarta. Then take a stroll around Central Yogyakarta, located 2 kilometers from the center, and Malioboro, which is roughly 2 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Kraton with kids?
If you are after tours and attractions for all ages, here are some great ideas for what to do in Kraton with kids.

What to do in Kraton for adults?
There's no shortage of things to do in Kraton, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Malioboro Street or Masjid Jogokariyan.
Are there free things to do in Kraton?
In Kraton, Museum Sasmitaloka Panglima Besar Jenderal Sudirman is a popular spot for anyone planning to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for tips from a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Kraton.