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.

• Lentera Sahaja PKBI DIY.
  Surokarsan MGII/558, Email.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "There is a new PLU organization named Komunitas Satu Hati. They usually have some social activities, book discussions, or HIV/AIDS prevention and offering HIV tests at PKBI Yogyakarta, as some of the members are also volunteers for the PKBI DIY. At night around 10pm they usually have a small meeting at Taman Pintar, located across the main old post office building." -- Asian_MUC, Apr 10, 2008

• Merapi Tour and Travel
  No 2 Jln Melati Wetan, Baciro, 561-303, FAX 561-303, 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)
  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:

  "A cool new hangout place for gays." -- blueblowfish, Aug 30, 2007

• 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!

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Papilon discotheque, Jln Mayor Suryotomo (near Melia Purosani Hotel) is big and loud. On Sat nights it's mixed, but you can still find some PLUs. Just be discreet." -- Asian_MUC, Apr 10, 2008

• Alun alun (square) in front of the Kraton (Sultan's Palace).

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Alun-Alun Utara truely is a gay place. It was my first time last night going to this square, and just after I parked my bike there a guy suddenly came over to me. That was that easy!" -- bear12, Jan 9, 2008

• Malioboro Mall
  Excelso Café and vicinity. Best from 3-7pm.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Malioboro Mall for me is still the place to see or to meet some nice and friendly locals. Even though Ambarukmo Plaza is very new, I think Malioboro is still the best place to meet up. Excelso Café itself isn't popular anymore." -- Asian_MUC, Apr 8, 2008

  "No longer much frequented by PLUs." -- shatim, Feb 4, 2008

  "If you are lucky you can find PLU at Excelso Café. Some young local men hang out there." -- ryosaeba, Jun 23, 2007

• TamanSari food court
  Plaza Ambarukmo at the top floor is a meeting point.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "The place to be, especially on weekends." -- shatim, Feb 4, 2008

• 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 Cafe 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).