Hidden Gems in Yogyakarta

Not really. Sambisari, Candi Ijo and Kotagede sit within easy reach of the city by car, scooter or ride-hailing apps like Gojek and Grab. Hiring a driver for a half-day is the simplest way to chain several together, since public transport to the temples is limited.

The Between Two Gates lane in Kotagede is free, as it's a public path through a residential heritage area. The temples, museum, cave and Merapi viewpoint all charge modest entry fees, typically a small amount, with separate fees sometimes added for cameras or parking.

It sits about six metres below the surrounding ground level. Volcanic material from Mount Merapi covered it long ago, and it was only rediscovered in 1966 by a farmer. You walk down a grassy slope to reach the temple platform, which gives it a uniquely sunken, secluded feel.

Candi Ijo is the standout. As the highest temple complex in the area at around 410 metres, its terraces face west over the plains, and the worn stone turns golden at dusk. Arrive at least an hour before sunset to settle in before the light peaks.

You can comfortably cover three or four in a half day if you focus on one area, such as the eastern temples plus Kotagede. Covering all six, including the Merapi slope and Bantul's Selarong Cave, is better spread across two relaxed days.

Trade the famous temples for quieter ruins and old neighbourhoods. Sambisari Temple sits crowd-free in a sunken garden near Kalasan, and the Between Two Gates lane in Kotagede preserves heritage homes and working silversmiths.

May to September, the drier months, is ideal. Visit Sambisari Temple and the Kotagede silver quarter in the cool early morning, then time Candi Ijo for late afternoon to catch its uncrowded hilltop sunset over the Prambanan plain.

Rent a car or scooter and head beyond the main temple route. Gua Selarong near Bantul is an atmospheric Java War hideout with no crowds, and Plunyon Kalikuning offers a serene forest-and-volcano viewpoint on the Merapi slopes.