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There is only so much mie, nasi, or pisang goreng (fried noodles/ rice/ banana) a Western stomach can muster (especially for breakfast). If you’re visiting Kraton in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and find yourself craving a Western-style breakfast, we’ve got you covered. For those who want to start their day of sightseeing early (before it gets too hot), we’ve compiled a list of our favourite breakfast haunts in this part of the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty omelette, a sandwich or a fruity smoothie bowl, these eateries will satisfy your appetite.
Visiting Yogyakarta and craving scrambled eggs for breakfast?
After a refreshing smoothie bowl rather than the omnipresent mie/nasi goreng?
Map of Accommodation, Points of Interest, Eateries and Transport
Below is a map of the recommended accommodations, points of interest, eateries, and transport terminals or stops mentioned in this article.
Why choose Kraton as a place to stay in Yogyakarta
When visiting Yogyakarta, the best place to stay is in or near the district of Kraton (at least in our opinion) [Google Maps location]. This area, surrounded by a white city wall and named after the Royal Palace in its centre, is far less touristy than the busy Malioboro area. The district comprises a selection of Kampungs (villages), dotted around the palace – each with its own character.
Staying in Kraton allows you to mingle with locals, like the Sultan's household staff, as they go about their business
Apart from the Kraton/Royal Palace (0830 to 1500h, closed Mondays), home to the Sultan of Yogyakarta and (partially) accessible to visitors, several other worthwhile attractions are located in the Kraton District (or nearby).
Sonobudoyo Museum (0800h to 2100h, closed Mondays): This museum provides insight into early Javanese history and exhibits an extensive collection of Javanese art and cultural artefacts (including batik and wayang puppet theatre – both an intangible UNESCO world heritage). Also, check out its temporary exhibitions a few doors up towards Malioboro (included in the entry).
The Sonobudoyo Museum has an extensive collection of Javanese art and cultural artifacts (including batik, an intangible UNESCO world heritage)
Taman Sari Water Palace (0900h to 1500h): This former royal garden and bathing complex, is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the city. Read up on its history beforehand or hire one of the guides offering their services as there are no explanations otherwise.
Taman Sari, a former royal garden and bathing complex, offers tranquility and respite from the heat and hectic of the city
The Kraton district south of touristy Malioboro in the centre of Yogyakarta is surrounded by a white city wall
In addition to these attractions, Kraton offers a more local experience with its abundance of homestays and warungs. These family-run guesthouses and eateries give travellers a chance to interact with residents (and ensure their funds support the local community).
Staying in Kraton also has a local price tag. To give you an example: Getting our laundry done cost us IDR6,000 per kg in Kraton compared with IDR15,000 per kg in Malioboro – both for same-day service.
A selection of villages, each with their own character, Kraton is a great place to experience Javanese hospitality in Yogyakarta
It’s easy to get to Kraton from Yogyakarta’s main train station using Trans Jogja-operated buses (more on that below). And for those wanting to visit Borobudur, the convenient DAMRI bus departs just north of the city wall (from the bus stop outside the Central Bank building opposite the Vredeburg).
Top 8 Places for Western-style early Breakfast in/around Kraton/Yogyakarta
Our favourite breakfast spots in/around Kraton are (in order of opening time):
#1 Pasar Ngasem
Opens at 0500h. It may not be your first choice for a Western-style breakfast as it is a traditional market. But for those looking for a sunrise breakfast, you can find coffee, fresh fruit, juices and pancakes (at different stalls) at Pasar Ngasem [Google Maps location]. It’s also a great place to watch the locals go about their business.
Fresh out of the oven and piping hot, these yummy pancakes are among the breakfast options at Pasar Ngasem in Kraton/Yogyakarta
#2 Almond Bakery and Resto
Opens 0600h. The Almond Bakery and Resto [Googe Maps location] is built against the outside of the city wall, near its southeastern corner. Downstairs, you are spoilt for choice with (sweet and savoury) pastries. Head up the stairs, and you’ll find a sit-down café/restaurant with coffee and many food options.
Buy (sweet or savoury) pastries from Almond Bakery downstairs or head upstairs for a sit-down meal at the restaurant
#3 Sapulu Coffee
Opens 0700h. This breezy café [Google Maps location] near the Royal Palace has a small tropical garden and fish pond. The menu is big, the coffee delicious, and the price tag sensible. Be prepared for return visits.
Set in a tropical courtyard with fish pond, Sapulu Coffee's menu offers something delicious for everyone
#4 Surprisingly Good Coffee Pastry
Opens 0700h. This café [Google Maps location] is on the ground floor of a recently refurbished art-deco hotel (just) outside the city walls, near its northeastern corner. Come here for toast/sandwiches and cakes. Seating is along a covered veranda (fans) and in the lobby (AC).
Located in the Ceria Art-Deco Hotel just outside the city walls, SG Coffee and Pastry has delicious treats for those who prefer a sweet breakfast
#5 Nol Kilometer Coffee and Tea
Opens 0700h. Also just outside the city wall, this café [Google Maps location] is a few doors up from the Sonobudoyo Museum (towards Malioboro). Western-style options are on the sweet side: cakes, croissants and croffles.
Nol Kilometer Coffee and Tea offers respite (and sweet treats) in a lush courtyard or air-conditioned tea room
#6 mari_ngopi The Independent Coffee
Opens at 0800h, though the guys tend to start earlier. This little café [Google Maps location] is located between Alun-Alun Kidul and Taman Sari. It makes one of the best coffees in Yogyakarta. Its sandwiches are good size and delicious, and especially the combo deals are very good value.
The guys at mari_ngopi make some of the best coffees in Yogyakarta and offer meal/drink combos for even the most budget-conscious traveller
#7 Arka Coffee and Space
Opens 0900h. Only a few steps away from Taman Sari, this café [Google Maps location] is a tranquil courtyard oasis with fast wifi, great for those wanting to take a break from sightseeing (or digital nomads with work commitments). Makes a good sandwich and croffles.
Set in a tranquil courtyard oasis just outside Taman Sari, Arka Coffee and Space has delicious sandwiches and fast wifi
#8 Water Castle Cafe
Opens at 0900h. Accessible through Pasar Ngasem (#1 on this list), this quirky café [Google Maps location] is owned/run by an artist. Paintings and knick-knacks are everywhere (even in the bathroom). The menu is huge and delicious: omelettes, pancakes, fruit salads, fruit juices and even lassies.
Owned/run by an artist, quirky Water Castle Cafe has the biggest selection of western-style breakfast options among our top 8 (but is also one of the latest to open)
The best time to visit Yogyakarta
Yogya (as the city’s name is shortened) is hot all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season (May to October), when the heat is less oppressive, and days are clear and sunny.
How to get to Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is situated in the centre of Java, with great railway connections to other parts of the island. Trains are (usually) on time and surprisingly clean. Advance online booking is recommended as the cheapest tickets go first.
Indonesians can book train tickets by using the Access by KAI app [Google Play | Apple Store]. We had trouble with the app but had no issue booking tickets using Tiket.com and Traveloka.
Thanks to Java's well-maintained rail network, Yogya is easy to reach by train from other cities on the island
Yogya also has two airports:
- Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) is about 40 kilometres (as the crow flies) southwest of the city centre on the coast.
- Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) is about 8 kilometres east of the city centre (on the way to Prambanan).
Getting to the city centre from Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA)
The quickest and cheapest connection is by train, using the Yogyakarta International Line, which gets you to the city centre in about 40 minutes (for IDR20,000 to 50,000 per adult one-way). Booking is essential, especially if you arrive in the afternoon (a bit of a conundrum, we know, as planes are often late).
If your train is booked, the airconditioned DAMRI bus is a good alternative (IDR80k pp, paid in cash before departure). Buses leave (once complete) from outside the terminal/below the train station (we only waited 10 minutes). Ask if it needs to be, as the departure point is difficult.
Of course, although more expensive, Grab Transport, Gojek, and Bluebird Taxis are also options. All can be booked via their respective apps.
The quickest and cheapest way from YIA airport to the city centre is by train
Getting to the city centre from Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG)
Given its proximity to the city centre, there are multiple options to get from Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) [Google Maps location] into Jogjakarta:
- The fastest option is by train (taking the Yogyakarta Line from Maguwo Station opposite the terminal – at IDR8,000 per adult one-way). Book your ticket via the Access by KAI app (or buy it at the train station).
- The buses take about 30 minutes and cost IDR2,700 per adult one-way. The bus stop is outside the terminal; follow the signs. You must buy a transport card (at the bus stop) to use the bus.
Grab Transport, Gojek and Bluebird Taxis are also available. Organise the pick-up from the main road outside the airport (Jl Raya Solo).
Travelling around Yogyakarta using the airconditioned Trans Jogja buses is cheap and convenient
Getting around Yogyakarta
To use the Trans Jogja bus network in Yogyakarta (which includes the bus to/from Prambanan), you will need a transport card (one of those cards you tap onto a card reader). Transport cards can be purchased at the JOG bus stop (if you arrive at that airport) or from the Government Tourist Information Center on Malioboro Street [Goolge Maps location] (by Bus stop Malioboro 2). Top-ups are available there too, and at Indomaret or Alphamart convenience stores.
Traffic in town is pretty shocking, so unless you’re used to riding a scooter with hundreds of other vehicles all around you, don’t hire one to get around. If you prefer direct transfers over using public transport use Grab Transport /Gojek.
Don't add to Yogya's traffic mayhem by hiring a scooter - walk or use public transport instead
Where to stay in Yogyakarta
For accommodation, as with any other travel expenses, it's worth shopping around. When we book our accommodation, we look across several booking platforms to find the best value-for-money option. Wherever you book, read the fine print to compare apples with apples. For example, your stay may incur extra charges (like local tourist taxes or cleaning fees). Some booking platforms include them, while with others, you have to pay them to your host upon arrival.
Below are our recommendations for affordable (and sustainable) accommodation options that are close to public transport and points of interest.
| Name | Property Features | Type | Price Indicator | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSH Yogyakarta | Great location Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
| Griya Wijilan Syariah | Traditional and modern Javanese design On-site restaurant Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
| Nomore Gallery and Guesthouse | On-site coffee shop Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
| Omah Gerjen 29 by Bukit Vista | Views of the city Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
| Snooze Yogyakarta | Adults-only accommodation On-site coffee shop Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
| Teras Alkid Homestay | Wetroom-style bathroom without basin Transactional hosts Opposite mosque | Homestay | $ | Book Now |
| The Patio Yogya | Open-air bath Shared kitchen and luggage Certain documented environmental practices implemented at property. | Guesthouse | $ | Book Now |
What is your favourite western-style breakfast place in or near Kraton?
If you’ve been to Yogya (or by any chance live/d there), what other breakfast spots in/around Kraton can you recommend?
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