Taking buses in Yogyakarta

Overview

Taking buses around Yogya is one of the cheapest and convenient (but not the fastest) way to get around the city. There are about 17 different routes plying various areas around the city. In addition, there are smaller buses which travel to the outskirts of the city. If you want to take them, it is best to ask specific directions from the locals before the trip as the buses only stop at certain locations.

If you are expecting first world standard, forget it. The buses are at most functional. For those of us who are born in the 1980s, we can probably still recollect the older SBS buses. Yeah, those are the ones you see here after it was phased out from service. The bottom line is, don't expect too much.

Where do i take buses?

- EVERYWHERE. There are no fixed bus stops here. Passengers can board or alight along the designated bus route. Bus conductors will try to 'escort' you up the bus all the time. So, it is important to know the bus route and your destination before boarding the bus. Don't bother asking the bus conductor. He will be more interested to get you on the bus than to ask your question. You are probably better off asking the locals first or be more observant when you are at important landmarks.

How much does it cost to take a bus?

- A single trip costs 2,000 Rp which is payable when you board the bus.You should have exact change or small notes (maximum 10,000 Rp.) as the bus conductor will not have change for your 100,000 Rp.note. Always have the bus fare ready before you board the bus.

How long do I have to wait for the bus?

- There is no definite answer. Buses in Yogya do not operate on German/ Japanese efficiency. If you are in a rush, you are better off taking a taxi. Buses in Yogya may stop for a pit stop for an indeterminate amount of time along the side of the road to wait for passengers. However, this happens more often during peak hours (between 1500 and 1600). In the meantime, you might be entertained by buskers who may be singing the latest Indonesian Top 40 hits that you recognize from frequent airplay.It is an obligation to give them tips but not necessary.

Do I have to afraid of pickpockets?

Taking the bus is relatively safe in Yogya but you still have to take the necessary precautions.
Wallets should always be in the front pockets. If the bus is quite crowded, it is always safer to take the next bus rather than a bad experience.

Important bus services

FROM CESASS

To Maliboro, take No. 2 or 4. It will take you into the heart of Malioboro.
No. 2 will ply along Jln. Mataram which is parallel to Malioboro.
To Am Plaza, walk down towards MMUGM and turn left at the cross junction where you will be on Jln. Kaliurang. Take No. 7 along that street.
To MMUGM Hostel, take No. 5 or 7 from the biology department bus stop.

FROM MMUGM Hostel

To CESASS, take any bus except No. 5 or 7 that turns left into the street leading into UGM
From the same location, No. 7 will head towards Am Plaza.
To Malioboro, take No. 2 along Jln. Cik Ditro near the UGM roundabout.

- This post will be regularly updated -