Yogyakarta, Indonesia

• Yogyakarta (locals call it Jogja) sits at the foot of Mount Merapi, mixing ancient temples with a large student population. The city has a different feel from Bali - more conservative, less touristy in most areas. Locals are generally helpful if you look lost.
• Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim-majority country. Yogyakarta is more conservative than Bali, so dress modestly - cover shoulders and knees, especially at temples and the Sultan's Palace. The university creates a big cafe culture where people work or study for hours, which makes solo dining normal.
• English is limited outside tourist zones and backpacker hostels. Google Translate helps. Main issues are pickpocketing in crowds and pushy batik shop touts around Malioboro Street who try to drag you into stores.
• Transport is cheap through Grab or Gojek apps - motorcycle rides run about $0.50-1, cars $1-3 for most trips. Tourist areas like Prawirotaman and Malioboro are reasonably safe at night, but residential streets often have poor lighting. The student population keeps cafes and creative spaces opening regularly.

Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia) is the main language. English is spoken in tourist areas like Malioboro, Prawirotaman, and upscale hostels, but very limited elsewhere. The Tourist Information Center (+62-274-587486) can assist in English. Emergency services (112) have some English-speaking operators. Learning basic Indonesian phrases or using a translation app is essential outside tourist zones.

• Cover shoulders and knees, especially at temples and the Sultan's Palace. This isn't Bali - tank tops and shorts will get stares and might get you turned away from religious sites. Carry a scarf for covering up.
• English is rare outside tourist zones. Learn basics: 'halo' (hello), 'terima kasih' (thank you), 'permisi' (excuse me), 'berapa harganya?' (how much). Google Translate helps with menus and bargaining.
• Batik shop touts around Malioboro are pushy. They'll pretend to be students offering 'free tours' that end at overpriced shops. Just decline and keep walking. Book temple tours through actual agencies with written prices - check official rates online first so guides can't inflate them.
• Use your right hand for giving, receiving, or eating. Left hand is considered unclean. Eating alone in cafes is normal (students do it all the time), though locals might ask if you're traveling solo. Take off shoes before entering homes, some shops, and all mosques.

• Grab and Gojek apps work for most trips - motorcycle rides cost about $0.50-1, cars $1-3. Prices vary 20-30% between apps so check both. Motorcycles are faster in traffic but take a car if you're uncomfortable or have luggage.
• Trans Jogja buses run 5:30am-8:30pm and cost 3,500 IDR ($0.25) flat rate. They're air-conditioned and cover major spots on 20 routes, but the system is confusing compared to just using Grab or Gojek.
• Walking works in compact areas like Prawirotaman and Malioboro, but sidewalks are uneven and drivers don't reliably stop for pedestrians. Midday heat gets intense. Stick to main roads at night - side streets have poor lighting and less foot traffic.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.
• For peace of mind on arrival, book your airport pickup in advance.

Explore Yogyakarta with local guides and curated experiences.