A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yogyakarta vs. Koyasan for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Yogyakarta or Koyasan? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta is a colorful, youthful, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Yogyakarta travel costs.

Koyasan

Koyasan is a traditional, peaceful, and serene town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food. See Koyasan travel costs.

Yogyakarta and Koyasan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Yogyakarta than Koyasan, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Yogyakarta is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and shopping, while Koyasan is more popular for its hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Yogyakarta is well known for its beautiful temples, divine food, and lively dance shows. Also, Yogyakarta is famous for Borobudur Temple. Koyasan is well known for its temple complex, spiritual history, and being the birthplace of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.

How is Yogyakarta different from Koyasan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Koyasan and Yogyakarta. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Yogyakarta are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is known for it's cultural sights and temples. Kraton Yogyakarta is the palace where the Sultan lives. You should also visit Taman Sari Water Castle and Prambanan Temple. But for many visitors, Yogyakarta is seen as the gateway to the famed Borobudur Temple. This is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. It offers spectacular views and is best visited at sunrise.

Koyasan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This spiritual destination is filled with temples. Some of the most notable are Okunoin Temple, Torodo Hall, Kongobuji Temple, Danjo Garan, and Daimon (the Great Gate).

Is the Food Better in Yogyakarta or Koyasan? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Yogyakarta. It's filled with street food stalls and cheap eateries where you can fill up on local Indonesian classics for a cheap price. Gudeg (stewed jackfruit), Satay, and Bakmi Jawa (Javanese noodles) are just some of the dishes that you must try.

Koyasan is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes in town that serve simple udon noodle dishes and other local options. If you do a temple stay, it will likely include a meal, which is usually vegetarian and prepared by Buddhist monks. A typical menu includes miso soup, soba, pickled vegetables, tofu, tempura vegetables, rice, tea, and melon. Breakfast is similar but smaller in size.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Nightlife?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Koyasan is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Yogyakarta know how to have a good time. With a large student population, you'll find many bars and live music venues around town. You'll also find night markets and plenty of theaters and live shows that you can enjoy.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Koyasan This spiritual town is not a place for nightlife, but it is fascinating to take a night tour of the area.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Yogyakarta and Koyasan.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Yogyakarta. Kota Gede is the city's old town. It's filled with silver shops, religious sites, and traditional architecture. You'll also find a traditional market in the heart of the old town where you can buy coconut, dry fish, and tofu, or simply browse the unique items.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Koyasan. The town center is filled with spiritual temples and many people prefer to do a temple stay for a night.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Hiking?

Koyasan is a popular place for its hiking trails. However, Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Koyasan is a good destination for hiking. Most people arrive by cable car, but this area has been a long running pilgrim destination and you'll find many historic pilgrimage trails that are still in the area. The Koyasan Choishi Michi trail is one of the most well known.

Yogyakarta is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

Yogyakarta is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Yogyakarta make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is filled with craftsmen and a local art scene that makes it a wonderful shopping destination. There are countless markets and shops where you can pick up local handicrafts that highlight the city's culture.

Koyasan is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan More Beautiful?

Koyasan is a popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Koyasan is a beautiful place to visit, too. The town is quaint and filled with history and spirituality.

Yogyakarta is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Yogyakarta or Koyasan.

Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city. It's often overlooked by families, but the temples, culture, art scene, and friendly people all make this a surprisingly fun destination for those traveling with kids. You'll also find a number of adventure activities in the area as well.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Koyasan. It's filled with history, so its best to recognize your kid's limits when it comes to that sort of thing. If you're planning to do a temple stay, then consider how your child might handle the situation and make sure you reach out to let them know you have a child before reserving.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Couples?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Koyasan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. A temple stay in Koyasan is a truly unique experience that immerses you in the culture and lifestyle of the area. It's a truly one-of-a-kind experience for couples who like to do things outside of the box.

Yogyakarta is a good city for couples to visit. The city is filled with fun activities for couples such as a visit to Taman Pelangi at night, taking a walk along Jalan Malioboro, and taking in a traditional dance performance.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Yogyakarta is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Koyasan is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Yogyakarta is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers who want to experience Indonesia's culture and friendly population will love a visit to this lively city. There are plenty of hostels and other travelers to meet, but there's also a uniquely Indonesian vibe to the city.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Koyasan. It's not your typical backpacker destination and most visitors prefer to experience a temple stay while in the area. If that's not your style, there is a hostel nearby.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Students?

Yogyakarta is a good destination for students. However, Koyasan is not popular with students.

Yogyakarta is popular with students. There's a large number of students in the city, which makes this a fun place to study abroad.

Koyasan is not popular with students.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Koyasan is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Yogyakarta is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Koyasan has some public transit options. To get to town you'll take a cable car and then a bus (or taxi, but you can't walk). Once you're in town, almost everything is in the town center and doesn't require transit.

Public transit is generally limited in Yogyakarta. There's a public bus system known as Trans Jogja, which is used by both tourists and locals. You can also hire motorbikes, becak, or Ojek.

Is Yogyakarta or Koyasan a more walkable city?

Koyasan is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Yogyakarta is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

Koyasan is a very walkable town. Once you reach the town its relatively flat and easy to explore on foot.

Yogyakarta is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the main sights are accessible on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Yogyakarta Worth Visiting? and Is Koyasan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Koyasan or Yogyakarta?

How long in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Yogyakarta or Koyasan to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Yogyakarta than Koyasan because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Yogyakarta, and 1-2 days is enough time in Koyasan.

Families should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Koyasan. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Yogyakarta, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Koyasan than Yogyakarta. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Koyasan that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Yogyakarta than Koyasan if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Yogyakarta.

One day in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Koyasan might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Koyasan, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

In Yogyakarta, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Yogyakarta has to offer.

Even though Koyasan is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this town.

Five days in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

Yogyakarta is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Koyasan, a popular town, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Yogyakarta or Koyasan?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Yogyakarta. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Yogyakarta. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Koyasan is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Indonesia, The Best Eco Tours in Indonesia, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Japan, and The Best Historical Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yogyakarta and Koyasan, we can see that Koyasan is more expensive. And not only is Yogyakarta much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Yogyakarta would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yogyakarta and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Koyasan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Koyasan than you might in Yogyakarta.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yogyakarta Expensive? and Is Koyasan Expensive?.