Harmonious Strolls

Bicycles, pedicabs, horsecarts and motorbikes still dominate the streets of Yogyakarta. Window shopping in the streets of Yogya is sheer pleasure, either by motorbike or pedicab, or on foot. If you're planning for a short trip outside the city, for example to Kotagede, you can easily do it by taxi or horsecart (called andong). The four kilometers will be covered in twenty minutes (if you use andong). Watchout for the bus driver who often drive their bus fast and sometimes care little about bicyle and pedicab passengers.

In Yogya, there are several ways to go around:

Becak (pedicab) or Andong
One of the finest and cheapest ways to see the city is by becak, a painted rocking chair on wheels, or the andong, a horse drawn carriage. The cost of a trip on either very much depends on your skill in bargaining. You're advised to agree on prices beforehand, as an argument afterwards about price can be very annoying. The becak drivers, who mostly originate from the small villages around Yogya, have the reputation, although they're very amicable towards visitors, of being in need of money all the time. They will always try to charge as much as they can, so make the deal before starting out and both parties will then be satisfied. Andongs are parked almost anywhere and although the horses do not look too strong, they can bring you to the remotest places.

Public City Transport
City buses (called bus kota) can be used within the city on many different routes from the bus terminal at Umbul Harjo to Gadjah Mada University, and back. There are 4 different bus companies in Yogya: Bus Kota, Damri, Aspada, and Puskopkar which have their own routes. The buses stop the operation at evening (about 7pm).

Taxi is a good alternative to go around Yogya. You can easily found taxi at main streets in Yogya or you can make a phone call to the taxi operators.

Trains
Going by train to and from Yogya is time consuming. A pleasant way of going to Jakarta is taking Argolawu. It leaves Yogya at about 08.42am, is fully airconditioned and has sleeping cabins. For reservations contact the station master at the Yogya train station.

Intercity/-province Buses
To all destinations on Java, Bali, and Sumatra. If you have time, quite an interesting way of travelling and very inexpensive. Day services are crowded and slow. The special night buses only accept reservations, are often air-conditioned and rather fast moving at night. The central station is at Umbulharjo for connections out of town. For night buses, make reservations at the bus companies' offices or travel agents. In addition to the city buses you can also use the Colt, the Japanese brand name for a small van; they are always crowded but it's quick and cheap.

Rentals
For the more remote areas of the city and trips outside Yogya, it is possible to rent a car (with or without the driver) or a motorbike. The latter is very convenient in the Indonesian climate but also a bit dangerous. For those who fancy bicycling we advise them to go to one of the many bicycle rentals in town or contact their hotel. Most hotels can provide rented bicycles. Remember to wear seat belts or helmets and to drive on the left side of the street.

Beside the aforementioned, public national transports such as airplanes are provided in this province. At least five different company give you this service: Garuda, Sempati, Mandala, Bouraq and Merpati. Call your tour travel agent for further information.