Borobudur
No trip to Yogyakarta is complete without a visit to the ancient Borobudur temple compound. There are many ways to take a good shot here. You want to utilise the symmetry of Borobudur’s architecture to your advantage - either use it as leading lines or simply try your best to capture Borobudur's beauty! Borobudur completely changes depending on the time you’re there; if you’re there at the crack of dawn, take as many silhouette shots as you can before the sun rises!
You can also take a shot of the Buddha statue facing the lush horizon for a thoughtful photo.
The ancient walls of the temple also serve as the perfect backdrop for those Instagram yoga pose pictures.
Jomblang Cave
It takes a bit of effort, but Jomblang Cave is truly a feast for the eyes. The cave can only be accessed through a 50-metre deep sinkhole which makes for quite an experience! The tunnel leads to the Grubug chamber and it is a heavenly sight; there’s a gaping hole in the ceiling and stunning sunbeams penetrate the cavern (this is where you whip out your camera).
Bathe in the sunbeams for a beautiful silhouette portrait shot!
The journey to Jomblang from Yogyakarta takes about 90-minutes so do plan ahead.
Taman Sari Water Castle
Taman Sari is the former royal garden of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The site is known for its multiple complexes: the bathing complex, the underground mosque, and the underground tunnels. The castle features a unique blend of European and Javanese architecture.
The underground mosque is probably the most popular spot for a photo. The four stairs leading to the centre of the area act as interesting leading lines to frame the subject.
Timang Beach Suspension Bridge
If you’re willing to test the limits of your courage for a unique portrait, the Timang Beach suspension bridge will allow you to do just that. The suspension bridge will give you more time to take multiple shots. On the other hand, you might not be able to steady yourself for a picture on the nerve-wracking cable car ride.
Punthuk Setumbu
Punthuk Setumbu is a hill that’s a popular spot for watching the sunrise. The main attraction is the view of Borobudur that slowly reveals itself from the fog of the misty rainforest. This is a great spot for golden hour pictures of Borobudur from a different perspective.
It isn’t all about Borobudur, though. The two volcanoes - Merapi and Merbabu - tower over the flat landscape in a wonderfully majestic way.
It’s important to know that this is all subject to the weather, so take a look at the forecast in case you don’t want to end up disappointed. The hill is about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta.
