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, email: plu.satuhati@gmail.com, 081-726-7314, 081-5732-3600. Advocacy and investigation of any case related to sexual orientation violation.
• 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.

  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!

Comments from Utopians:

"We went to Kakiku massage which has male and female staff. It's not a spa but more a foot reflexology place, but they also do full body massage. Be aware, the massage here is very strong. Jln Gandekan Lor 80, 027-458-3778, 027-458-3779." -- supermichel, Jul 21, 2010

• 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.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Also be sure to visit Banana Café --it is a great little place for good, cheap food and cocktails and to meet some local gays. Ask for Krisna who is very sweet and helpful with navigating the local scene. -- Wolf789, Apr 8, 2010

• 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.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Excellent food in a gallery setting and it's also a good place to interact with local gays." -- Wolf789, Apr 8, 2010

• Hyatt Hotel sauna on Fri (be discreet).