YOGYAKARTA -- area code (62-274)

Yogya, as it is commonly called, is the fascinating center of refined Javanese court culture and the heir to two of Asia's grandest ancient religious monuments: the Buddhist cosmological model, Borobudur, an exquisitely carved pyramid representing man's ascent to nirvana; and the Hindu temple of Prambanan, whose dozens of Angkor-like stone towers rise towards the sky as if from a dream. At the center of the city is the Sultan's Palace, the elegant seat of power and courtly drama for centuries. Javanese craftsmen still practice the arts of batik, shadow puppetry, and silversmithing in the surrounding neighborhoods. You will also want to explore the nightlife of Jalan Malioboro, with its variety of restaurants, inexpensive shops, and crowds of friendly students from Yogya's many universities and school of performing arts.

The population of Yogya is about a half million people (that's about 20,000 Utopians).

• Lesbian listings
• Men in Yogyakarta
• Yogyakarta Gay Scene Updates

The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Indonesia surveys the gay and lesbian scene in 43 cities. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, spas, accommodations, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Click here to order

• Pelangi
  Email. A bulletin and organization whose mission is the advocacy of LGBT in Yogja and Indonesia.

• Kebaya
  Jln Gowongan Lor JT III, No. 148, RTII/RW02, Penumping, Yogyakarta 55232, 0819-3119-4960.
• Komunitas Satu Hati
  PLU organization that has social activities, book discussions, or HIV/AIDS prevention and offering HIV tests at PKBI Yogyakarta. At night, around 10pm, they usually have a small meeting at Taman Pintar, located across the main old post office building.
• Lentera Sahaja PKBI DIY.
  Surokarsan MGII/558, Email.
• PLU Satu Hati
  Jln Sakura B no.15 D, Ds Krikilan RT 06/ RW 22, Sariharjo, Sleman, 081-726-7314, 081-5732-3600. Advocacy and investigation of any case related to sexual orientation violation.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "We're glad to meet all you guys, gals, dykes, gays, etc., and be an active and positive part of the community. If you are interested to join us, just send an email to plu.satuhati@gmail.com or see our Facebook account (the email is the same)." -- matt86, Jul 12, 2009

• Q-munnity Yogya
  Jln Kaliurang KM 5,5, Pandega Mandala, No. 34C, Yogyakarta 55281, 081-7547-4828.
• Vesta
  Jl. Sukun No. 21, Pondok Karangbendo, Banguntapan Bantul, 743-0959, FAX 489-057, 081-827-805, email: vesta_jogja@yahoo.com.

• Merapi Tour and Travel
  Pendowo Asri, Nakula Kav B5, 646-6003, 646-6302, 646-6307, FAX 646-6003, email. Gay and lesbian friendly travel agent. A travel partner of Dusun Jogja Village Inn (G&L friendly hotel in Yogja). Utopia Member Discount
• Rebecca Tours
  Jln Menukan Gg. Batik Kelik No. 13, Karangkajen, 785-2800, email. Local travel agent and supporter of gays and lesbians. Utopia Member Discount
• Travelunik Yogyakarta
  Kompleks Juwono, No. 3 Jln Dagen, 888-598-5931, email. Travelunik A gay-friendly tour operator offering exciting tour plans in Yogyakarta and Central Java, such as culinary exploring, sightseeing, shopping, gay-themed tours, etc. Utopia Member Discount

Click here for Yogyakarta hotels and accommodations.

• Hugo's (mixed)
  Jln Laksda Adisucipto (in the parking area of Sheraton Hotel). A new and trendy café club with live music and DJ. Upmarket place with a mix of gay, bi, and straight, but many gays on Sat.
• Vino Bar and Café (mixed)
  The Phoenix Hotel Yogyakarta (formerly the Grand Mercure Hotel), Jln Jenderal Sudirman 9, 566-617, email. Chill out every Mon. Ladies night on Wed. Spirit 45 on Fri and Sat. Just the right launch pad for pre-clubbing get-togethers. Gay and lesbian-friendly. Young crowd and business people. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Recently there are not too many choices to go out at late night - either Hugos or Embassy Club at the Sheraton hotel or Republic bar at the Inna Garuda Hotel Malioboro. The club called Papillon is closed." -- Asian_MUC, Feb 3, 2010

• Boshe Club (mixed)
  Jln Magelang. A large club. Some gays working as the staff there. Live band every night.
• Embassy Club
  Sheraton Hotel (behind Hugo's). This is a small club but with quality music. Sometimes international and local DJs spin here. Many gays at special events or on Sat night. Once a month is Gay Nite on the 3rd week of every month with drag queens, dancers and gay tunes!

• Alun-Alun Utara (square in front of the Sultan's Palace).
• Malioboro Mall
  Excelso Café vicinity (although the café itself is no longer so popular, the mall continues to attract gays). Best from 3-7pm.
• TamanSari food court
  Plaza Ambarukmo at the top floor is a meeting point, especially on weekends.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Most of the gays are just cruising around in some shopping areas or at Internet cafés." -- Asian_MUC, Feb 3, 2010

• Banana Café (Indonesian and western)
  Jln Parangtritis 64, 0813-9205-6646, 0819-0425-8058 email. Gay-owned and managed restaurant, plus bar opened until 1:30am or later. Nice and friendly atmosphere.
• SeRatu's Café
  Jln Ngasem 100, 653-7338, email. Gay café and boutique close to Tamansari (Palace Water Garden), a popular tourist spot. Venue owned and managed by a sweet gay couple. Very gay and lesbian friendly. Lovely decor. Excellent quick meals. Their boutique section features handmade fashion accessories for men and women, crafted locally.
• ViaVia Travelers Café and Restaurant
  Jln Prawirotaman 30, 386-557, email. Gay and lesbian-friendly travelers café and restaurant within the spirit of community-based and sustainable tourism. World kitchen, alternative tours and courses, loads of information, art exhibitions.

• Hyatt Hotel sauna on Fri (be discreet).

  Comments from Utopians:

  "New sauna: Santika Hotel sauna. Tues and Thu evenings." -- PAU-PAU, Apr 13, 2009