Cal_88

Hi,

My wife and I are going to Yogyakarta in March and we were wondering if it was possible (and easy) to go for an afternoon exploration of Paramaban Temple and then stick around for the Ramayana Ballet in the evening, seeing as they are both in the same place. Does anyone know of any operator who might provide this - I can only really find one's that offer one or the other, so I'm starting to wonder if it would be better to extend our trip and do them on separate days.

Our main concerns are:

- How would we get back to the Malioboro area of Yogyakarta after the ballet
- Would there be much to do between the temple complex closing (at around 5pm I think) and the ballet starting (8:30pm).
- And finally if a package exists which incorporates the two to make it a little easier to organise.

Many thanks in advance!

Cal

crellston

We didn't make it to the ballet but did visit the temples in the late afternoon. Definitely the best time as it is a little cooler and the sunset really adds to the whole scene. The alternative would be to get there as soon as it opens in the morning. In between I imagine it would be unbearably hot!

I don't recall there being a whole lot going on in the area after the complex closes which would would be worth sticking around for. There were a few restaurants as I recall but that seemed about it.

We got the bus to and from the complex/maliboro which was very straightforward. There is a bus station just across the road from the complex but I am not sure what time the buses stop running (or if I would want to be in them late at night!).

It isn't that far out so if you didn't want to spend an extra day in Yogyakarta and can't find a whole package then I suppose you could do it your self early morning and then return the same day for the ballet.

ms_go

We attended the ballet one evening (last June) and then visited the temple complex the next morning, so I can't really answer your question about what to do between closing and the ballet.

Re: getting back after the ballet, we purchased return transportation by van for an extra IDR 40,000 (about $3 p/p) when we paid for/picked up our tickets at the ballet entrance. We went to a designated spot after the performance to meet the van driver, who had people going to several hotels back in the direction of Malioboro. IIRC, there were several vans running different routes. Your hotel can probably provide more information.

Kathie

We hired a car and driver in Yogyakarta who drove us to Prambanan one late afternoon, where we wandered among the temples. After our time at the temples, he took us to a tiny local restaurant along the river where we had fresh fish for dinner. After dinner, it was back to Prambanan for the Ramayana ballet. Our driver waited fro us and drove us back to our hotel in Yogyakarta.

The reason you are having problems finding what you want is that you are looking for a package. Instead, you want to hire your own driver (or book your own transport, as per ms.go above) to take you to these places. I don't remember the cost, but it was very reasonable.

Cal_88

Thank you all for taking the time to reply.

I'm now starting to wonder whether it would be easier just to go to Parambanan during the day and then go to the Ramayana Ballet Purawisata in Yogyakarta city in the evening. It's a little more expensive for tickets than the one at Parambanan, but with the cost of hiring a driver...etc I doubt there'll be much in it, but will be a bit more convenient. Also, as we are going in March, the ballet at Parambanan will be held indoors, so I can't see there being a great deal of difference in the experience itself.

Kathie

Do not go to the Ramayana in Yogyakarta. It isn't nearly the quality production. If you have any interest at all, the trip to Prambanan for the ballet will be well worth it. I believe my trip report includes the name of the restaurant by the river where we ate. Hiring a driver is neither difficult nor expensive.

Note than the "indoor" venue is merely covered, not fully enclosed.

kja

Thanks for posting this question, Cal_88 -- I learned a few things.

Good luck with your planning.

marmot

The distance from Prambanan to other parts of Yogyakarta are not that great. It's about 30 to 40 minutes from the city center/Malioboro, so going back and forth on the same day is not out of the question.

Indonesian drivers don't object to waiting -- even several hours -- while you see a performance, have a meal, do some shopping. Just lay out your rough schedule when you retain the driver and negotiate a flat fee for the whole itinerary. Your hotel will connect you to an appropriate driver.

The idea of seeing the temple in the late afternoon, having dinner and returning for the performance makes sense to me. Your driver will help you with the logistics.

Also, double check the time of the performance. I believe it's 7:30 PM (but I may be wrong on that).

If you happen to be in the area on March 8 you should be able to see some processions related to the Hindu holiday of Nyepi, both at Prambanan and other sites with Hindu populations.

Cal_88

Thanks everyone - some really really useful information there. Unfortunately we are still going to be in Malaysia until March 10th, so will miss Nyepi.

I think the plan at the moment is to get the bus from Yogyakarta to Prambanan for about 2/3 and once the complex shuts try to get some food and a drink somewhere nearby, enjoy the sunset and then take a walk to the Ramayana performance and get one of the many van's offering rides back to Yogyakarta afterwards. We are on quite a tight budget, so this seems like the most sensible idea.

Cal_88

Oh actually, I am wrong - we will be landing in Yogyakarta on the afternoon of the 9th and apparently this is Nyepi? Will this affect our travel plans at all? I have heard that everything in Bali comes to a standstill, but unsure whether to expect the same on Java.

marmot

Nyepi is mostly a non-event in Java except that it's a national holiday and all of the places that are usually mobbed on holidays -- temples, shopping areas, beaches -- will be mobbed in Central Java too.

You might see some Ogoh-Ogoh statues (giant demons) in areas where there are Hindu communities.