Yogyakarta, Java's former capital is commonly considered the modern cultural centre of Java. Although some may profer Solo as a good runner up, Yogya remains the clear front runner  for traditional dance, Wayang (traditional puppetry) and music.

The city currently hosts over thirty universities, including Indonesias first and perhaps most famous university, University Gadja Mada (UGM) along with the National Institute of the Arts (ISI) amongst others. This concentration of students and teachers provides a intellectual backdrop to a dynamic youth culture bursting with music, arts, cafe's warungs, lesehans (road side food stalls) and the odd nightclub

Yogya was founded in 1755 and was the capital of the Mataram kings when the Dutch came along. The Dutch granted the kings the title of Sultan of the territory of Yogyakarta.

Yogya has more than just culture. It is a very lively city and a shoppers delight. The main road, Jalan Maliboroh is always crowded, famous for its night streetfood culture and street vendors. Many tourist shops and cheap hotels are concentrated along this street or in the adjoining tourist area of Jl Sosrowijayan.

The key attraction of Yogyakarta is the Kraton, (the Sultan's Palace). This vast complex of decaying buildings was built in the 18th century, and is actually a walled city within the city with luxurious pavilions and in which the current Sultan still resides.

Yogyakarta is an excellent strating place for many day trips including to the famous temples of Borobudur, and Praminam as well as the Dieng Plateau and Solo.