Yogyakarta is an easy city to enjoy, but a few small things can make your trip run considerably smoother.
Best time to visit
The dry season runs roughly May to September and is the most comfortable for outdoor activities. The rainy season is no obstacle, it simply calls for a more flexible schedule.
Carry some cash
Cards work at hotels and larger restaurants, but food stalls, markets, and small services still run on cash. ATMs are easy to find in the city centre.
Etiquette worth knowing
When visiting a local home, shoes usually come off at the door. Giving and receiving things with your right hand is the polite default. None of it is complicated, but it is noticed and appreciated.
Dressing for the slopes
Yogyakarta is hot, but Merapi's slopes get cold, especially at night. If your plans include camping or a cooking class up there, bring a warmer jacket than you think you need.
Travel times get underestimated
Distances look short on a map, but traffic builds up. Leave wider gaps between activities, particularly in the morning.