Just thirty minutes of cycling outside of the city and you can see some of the most beautiful rural scenery in the whole of the archipelago. Yogyakarta is surrounded by the traditional rice paddies that have become synonymous with Indonesia, but it also holds other adventures and stories which are waiting to be shared with friends and family when you return home. The panoramic views are aplenty as you peddle at a pace that matches the calm of the swaying palm trees and relaxing persona of the locals that you pass and meet.
Starting your day with hearty breakfast at the hotel, head out to explore activities like local brick making near Jalan Prawirotaman, where you can get your hands dirty and see some friendly faces. Yogyakarta and the surrounding area are famous for its friendly inhabitants who likes to get up close and personal. Do not worry though, they are simply curious and will not bother you. Rather, they are likely looking to assist you due to the understanding that tourists, who bring money to the area, like to feel welcome and safe. This all creates a great atmosphere to meet and greet people on your bike journey.
Other local produce which you can see on your short bike ride outside of the city are tofu making and the popular Indonesian speciality tempeh. All can be tried after a short tour that shows you an integral part of the local people’s economy and life.
One of the main reasons people set out on cycling adventures around the city are the stunning mountain views and sudden burst of colour, thanks to the flowers and fruits that are grown and prepared at the side of the road. All offer several opportunities to get the perfect Insta-worthy picture to make everyone back home extremely jealous.
The small moments that demand you stop and get out your camera are too many to count and make casual biking a must when visiting Yogyakarta. Watching the world go by from your bicycle is much more personal than from a car window as if you move too quickly you might miss something beautiful.
Here at GAIA Cosmo Hotel, we let our guests use our staff bikes during the day so they too can enjoy the activity. Feel free to borrow the bikes from our friendly staff at the Front Desk during your stay – to ensure bike availability, please contact us in advance!