Yogyakarta: Ramayana Ballet show with dinner ticket

Summary

Watch the Ramayana come alive in Yogyakarta’s open-air theater

See Yogyakarta’s legendary Ramayana Ballet up close at Purawisata, with live Javanese music and graceful dancers telling ancient stories through movement. Enjoy dinner in a leafy garden before the show, and end your evening snapping photos with costumed performers — an experience you’ll remember long after leaving Java.

What’s the experience like?

You know that feeling when you’re not sure what to expect, but then the lights go down and suddenly you’re somewhere else? That’s how it started for me at Purawisata in Yogyakarta. The air was thick with the smell of night-blooming flowers from the garden restaurant — I could hear a soft clink of plates as we finished our dinner under those old trees, and then someone called out that it was time. We wandered over to the open-air stage, still chewing on a bit of spicy tempeh, honestly.

The Ramayana Ballet performance itself — well, there aren’t any words spoken, just this flow of movement and color. Our guide (I think his name was Agus) whispered bits of the story now and then, but mostly I just watched. The dancers’ hands moved so precisely it almost made my own fingers ache. Sometimes you’d catch a flash of gold or red fabric as Hanoman leapt across the stage, or hear a sudden burst from the gamelan orchestra behind us. The Sinden singer’s voice floated above everything — I didn’t understand a word, but it felt like she was telling secrets to the moon.

I didn’t expect to laugh, but when Rahwana’s monkey army stormed in, some kids near us started giggling and even Agus cracked a smile. There’s this part where fire comes into play (I won’t spoil it), and everyone just sort of held their breath together for a second — you could feel it in your chest. Afterward, they let us take photos with the performers on stage; I tried to say “terima kasih” properly but probably got it wrong. Still think about that view of all those costumes under the stage lights.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ramayana Ballet Performance

• The Ramayana story performance
• Enjoy art, dance, music, and drama
• Photo session with performers

Top questions

Is dinner included with the Ramayana Ballet ticket?

Yes, your ticket includes dinner at Gazebo Garden Restaurant - Etnik Cafe before the performance.

Is the Ramayana Ballet at Purawisata wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and public areas are wheelchair accessible.

Are there English-speaking guides at Purawisata?

The reference mentions local guides; some may offer explanations in English during your visit.

Can children attend the ballet performance?

Yes, infants and small children can attend and use prams or strollers if needed.

How long is the Ramayana Ballet show?

The exact duration isn’t specified, but expect several acts covering key scenes from the epic story.

Where is Purawisata located in Yogyakarta?

Purwa Wisata is centrally located in Yogyakarta city; public transport options are nearby.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry tickets to the Ramayana Ballet performance at Purawisata plus dinner served at Gazebo Garden Restaurant - Etnik Cafe before you head over to enjoy the show together.