Twilight on Malioboro
We stepped out of ibis Styles Hotel just as dusk settled over Malioboro. The heat of the afternoon had finally softened, and the whole street slowed into a calm, glowing rhythm. Neon signs flickered on, vendors opened their evening stalls, and the air filled with that familiar Yogyakarta excitement.
Finding Our Ride
Getting a Bluebird taxi was simple, but after our fun horse drawn carriage ride earlier, Cat wanted to try something new. The front desk suggested the Max Ride app, so we downloaded it and booked a bajaj to Purawisata Amphitheatre for IDR33,000 (≈ MYR8/USD2/EUR2). Quick, easy, and a little adventurous — perfect.
Arrival at Purawisata
Our bajaj rolled up to the amphitheatre around 6:30pm, just as guests were streaming in. With an hour before the show, we relaxed at Etnik Cafe, watching the crowd grow.
Our IDR350,000 (≈ MYR81/USD21/EUR18) tickets promised a 90 minute performance from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, but even before it began, we could feel this night would stay with us much longer. After all, the Ramayana Ballet had been performed here every night for more than 48 years — a living tradition of discipline and beauty.
The Ramayana Comes Alive
When the show started, the stage burst into colour and movement. More than 30 dancers and musicians brought the ancient story of Prince Rama, Sita, and the demon king Ravana to life through Javanese dance, gamelan music, and expressive storytelling — all without a single spoken word.
The theater breathed softly around us. Lamps glowed amber. The scent of wood, incense, and night flowers drifted past our seats. We felt still, alert, ready.
A low gong rolled through the space. Metal rang like water. Drums thumped slow and deep, right in our ribs. The dancers entered, bare feet whispering on the floor. Fingers bent like leaves. Eyes widened, sharp and bright, telling us who was kind, who was cruel.
Gold caught the light. Reds burned. Cloth brushed skin as bodies turned and leapt. Faces stayed calm, then broke into fierce lines. We understood without words. Love felt gentle. Danger felt heavy.
The music quickened. Cymbals clashed. The air warmed as fire flared, and we felt a sudden kiss of heat on our cheeks. Monkey warriors rushed the stage. The crowd leaned forward together, breath held.
For almost two hours, we followed a journey filled with love, fear, courage, and victory. Each scene added a new layer of emotion, making this legendary tale feel close and human. We walked out smiling, ears still ringing, eyes full of color, carrying the rhythm of drums into the Yogyakarta night.
A Night That Stayed With Us
As the final scene faded into stillness, it felt as if the performers had reached across centuries to share Yogyakarta’s cultural heartbeat. We stepped back into the warm night carrying the soft echo of gamelan notes.
A bajaj — IDR30,000 (≈ MYR7/USD2/EUR2) this time — took us back to ibis Styles Hotel, the city lights glowing like old friends as we passed.
A Rain Soaked Supper
Hunger hit the moment we returned. We went up to the Skybar, only to find it soaked from a sudden rain. With the outdoor seats out of action, we headed to sTREATs Resto and ordered:
- Sop Buntut Bakar
- Nasi Goreng Kampung
- Coca Cola
- Sprite
The bill came to IDR249,050 (≈ MYR58/USD15/EUR13)— a lively end to a long, beautiful day.
Full and sleepy, we finally went back to our room and let the night wrap around us.
Next on the Journey: A Sacred Giant
Our adventure continued the next morning as we set out to visit one of our biggest bucket list dreams — Borobudur Temple, where sunrise meets ancient stone in quiet, breathtaking beauty.
Stay tuned for the next video!
Do visit our YouTube Channel Have Perut Will Travel)
📍 Location:
ibis Styles - https://maps.app.goo.gl/45GRpmHMZ2dbwugx6
Ramayana Ballet Purawisata - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HMw4gY8LNJZ73Xr89
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