On the main street, Jalan Malioboro, you’ll find countless shops, ranging from local ones selling souvenirs and batik fabrics to Western shops stocking well-known brands.

As well as shopping, you can also grab a bite to eat here, whether at local food stalls or in the many restaurants nearby.

The best hotels near Malioboro

Malioboro is the heart of Yogyakarta, and both locals and tourists use this street as their point of reference. As one of the few places in Yogyakarta, Malioboro is primarily designed for pedestrians, with comfortable, wide pavements, arcades, benches and trees.

Right at the start of Malioboro, on the side near the Keraton, you can often see becak drivers passing the time playing chess; if you’re brave enough, they’ll be happy to let you have a go.

What is there to see on Malioboro?

There are several points of interest right on Jalan Malioboro:

• Benteng Vredeburg – a fort, now a museum dedicated to the struggle for independence
• Pasar Beringharjo – the city’s largest market
• Kraton Jogja – the Sultan’s Palace, situated at the very southern end of Malioboro
• Gedung Agung – the Presidential Palace

Tricycle drivers line the entire street, ready to take you to the city’s other sights, though at prices many times higher than a bus fare.

You can also take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage.

When is the best time to visit Malioboro?

Most shops and restaurants open around 8.00 am and close around 10.00 pm, with some staying open until after midnight.

Malioboro is definitely much livelier after dark, when locals, as well as tourists, take to the streets and stroll back and forth.

Hotels in the area

Accommodation in the city centre is definitely the most convenient option. All the city’s sights will be within easy reach, as will the transport links.

At the northern end of Malioboro is the main railway station, and at its southern end is the DAMRI minibus stop, from where you can catch a minibus to the beaches or Borobudur Temple.

Whilst you’ll find plenty of cheap local guesthouses in the side streets, there are also larger hotels right on Malioboro itself. We’d recommend the following, for example, which have good reviews:

• Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro ****
• Aveta Hotel Malioboro ***

Getting to Malioboro

Several bus routes run along the street itself.

Malioboro is a one-way street and traffic is only permitted in a north-to-south direction.

• Route 1A (circular) – towards Gembira Loka Zoo, Adisutjipto Terminal and Prambanan/ from the direction of the Tugu Monument
• Route 2A (circular) – towards Kotagede/ from the direction ofthe Tugu Monument and Jombor Terminal
• Route 3A (circular) – towards Tamansari, Giwangan Terminal / from Condogcatur Terminal
• Lines 6A + 6B (circular) – south-western outskirts of the city and Gamping P+R
• Route 8 (circular) – towards Tamansariand fromTugu Monument, Jombor Terminal
• Route 10 – Gamping Park-and-Ride
• Route 13 – western outskirts of the city (no tourist attractions)
• Route 15 –Tamansariand Palbapang Terminal

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Yogyakarta.