Discovering Malioboro: A Polite and Welcoming Side of Yogyakarta
This month I am visiting Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I have always been curious about this city because of its deep cultural roots and its role during the Dutch colonial era. I spent the week in the Malioboro area, one of Yogyakarta’s most famous streets, known for its mix of tradition, local life, and tourism.
While I cannot judge all of Yogyakarta based on one week here, I can compare this experience to Bali, especially areas like Seminyak and Kuta near Beachwalk Mall. Both are well-known tourism centers, but the difference between them is clear.
The first thing that stands out in Malioboro is how walkable it is. The roads, shops, and open spaces stretch for several kilometres, designed for pedestrians rather than scooters. Benches line the streets, and people can sit almost anywhere to relax and watch the world go by. At six in the evening, traffic closes, leaving the entire street open for walking. Apart from the horse-drawn carriages, no vehicles are allowed. It creates a calm and pleasant atmosphere that most Indonesian cities do not offer.
Polite Tourism
Comparing Malioboro to Kuta or Seminyak shows how different tourism styles can be. Even the vendors are different. In Bali, shopkeepers often chase you down to buy something, sometimes a little too aggressively. In Yogyakarta, it is the opposite. Vendors greet you politely in English, saying things like “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Where are you from?” If you do not respond, they smile and move on. The difference in tone is refreshing.
There is a genuine politeness in how people treat you here. Most visitors are local tourists, but locals are friendly and curious when they see foreigners. Nearly everyone smiles, says hello, and welcomes you warmly. The atmosphere feels calm and respectful rather than hectic or aggressive.
My experience so far has been wonderful. From the hotel staff to the street vendors, everyone I have met has been kind and easy to talk to. The warmth you feel here is very different from Bali’s faster pace. Vendors do not chase you. They offer, they smile, and they let you decide.
One of the highlights of my stay was seeing locals play chess along the street. When one man had no partner, he invited me to join. I did not play because he would have probably beaten me, but that small gesture summed up the spirit of Malioboro. People here welcome you not only as a customer but as a guest.
If you ever visit Yogyakarta, take time to explore Malioboro. It is a beautiful, well-organized area that captures the heart of Indonesian hospitality.
