Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta (locals say "Jogja") is Java's cultural capital and the base for Borobudur and Prambanan — two of Asia's greatest temples, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. It suits travellers who want history and street life alongside a Bali beach week. Come May to September for dry weather.

• Borobudur at sunrise — the world's largest Buddhist monument. Entry to the temple structure is capped and timed; foreign adult tickets cost around Rp 450,000 ($25). Book ahead.
• Prambanan at sunset — towering 9th-century Hindu temples to Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma; also around Rp 450,000 ($25) for foreign adults, with combo tickets available.
• The Kraton, the Sultan's living palace, and the Taman Sari water castle — cheap entries, and together an easy half day.
• An evening walk down Malioboro street for batik, food carts and street music.

Yogyakarta is a one-hour flight from Bali (Denpasar), and comfortable trains link it to Jakarta in around 7 hours. In town, Gojek and Grab handle every hop cheaply; hotel drivers cover the temple runs, which sit 45-90 minutes outside the city in opposite directions.

Give it two full days: one for the temples, one for the palace and city. Most travellers slot Jogja in as a short hop mid-way through a Bali trip, or pause here between Jakarta and Bali. See the Indonesia guide for visa rules and how the pieces connect.