Yogyakarta Night Tourism Destination: From Traditional Performances to Photo Spots

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Yogyakarta Night Tourism Destination – Jogja, or Yogyakarta, is a city that never sleeps. From morning until night, there are always places to visit.

For those who want to experience this city from a different perspective, Yogyakarta’s night attractions can be an option.

Exploring the city or visiting tourist spots in Jogja at night will provide a different experience. You can see and enjoy another side of this city that is equally exotic.

So, if you are planning a vacation itinerary to Jogja, don’t forget to include one of the following night attractions in Yogyakarta in your list of destinations.

Yogyakarta Night Tourism Destination: 5 Live Performances

How do you enjoy every corner of Yogyakarta? Is it by visiting the palace, strolling along Malioboro, riding a horse-drawn carriage, shopping for batik, enjoying dinner at an angkringan stall, or something else?

You might overlook one essential aspect of Yogyakarta. Yes, the deeply rooted Javanese arts and culture. It wouldn’t be Yogyakarta without its encompassing artistic and cultural atmosphere.

If you’re planning another vacation to Yogyakarta, try experiencing something new by enjoying the following art performances. Guaranteed to make your vacation even more special!

1. Ramayana Ballet Performance

One of the attractions that can be visited at night is the Ramayana Ballet Stage. This venue is located within the Prambanan Temple complex. However, you won’t be visiting the temple as usual.

Instead, this place offers an art performance called the Ramayana Ballet. The story told originates from the puppetry story of Rama and Shinta.

Presented with captivating choreography and performed by hundreds of dancers, you won’t be disappointed with the show. What’s more, while watching, you can also witness the grandeur of the temple from a distance.

2. Wayang Kulit Performance

Wayang performances are often considered outdated. Those who watch it may be labeled as old-fashioned. However, Indonesian society should be proud of this cultural heritage.

Even foreigners appreciate it. This art form has even received recognition from UNESCO.

You can witness wayang kulit performances at the Sonobudoyo Museum. Unlike typical wayang shows that can last all night, the Sonobudoyo Museum only offers a two-hour duration.

With just a ticket costing Rp20,000.00, you can enjoy it alongside international tourists. Experience the epic of Mahabharata through the shadow puppetry behind the white screen.

Read More: Yogyakarta Temples, Palaces, and Traditions: A Rich Cultural Experience in Yogyakarta

3. Borobudur Lantern Nite Festival

Ignite your dreams by releasing lanterns into the sky at Borobudur. The lantern release takes place at the Borobudur Nite Festival, usually held on New Year’s Eve.

The Borobudur Nite Festival is enlivened by Indonesian musicians. Prior to that, the audience will also be treated to traditional arts. Local communities around the temple showcase their village’s potential. The ticket price is only Rp150,000.00.

4. Ketoprak Performance

Perhaps you’ve watched ketoprak performances on television before. But what if you could witness it live while vacationing in the city of gudeg?

RRI Yogyakarta regularly organizes these performances every month. Moreover, the show is also broadcasted on radio channels.

The Ketoprak Mataram performance narrates the lives of people during the Mataram Kingdom era, transporting you back to ancient times.

Its content may be serious, but it’s presented with humorous dialogues that trigger bursts of laughter from the audience.

5. Music Jazz Jogja

This particular show may not be a typical Nusantara art, but it’s worth experiencing. The Jogja Jazz Music Community consistently entertains its audience every Monday at Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, starting from 8:00 PM until the end.

Not only can you enjoy the music performances by local musicians, but national musicians also occasionally participate in the event.

Even musicians from abroad, such as Japan and Australia, have enlivened Jazz Mben Senen. You don’t need to spend any money at all; it’s completely free to enjoy.

Read more: Immersing in Javanese Traditions: Exploration Culture in Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta Night Tourism Destination: Photo Spots!

Yogyakarta is one of the cities famous for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and the friendliness of its inhabitants.

At night, the city presents a different charm with a quieter and more romantic atmosphere, which is what attracts tourists when visiting here.

Although there are many tourist spots to be found, the following night attractions in Yogyakarta can be the best choice to enjoy the beauty of the city at night and to be used as photo spots!

1. Malioboro

Who doesn’t know Malioboro, the romantic tourist spot in Jogja at night? This area, located in the city center, is the main tourist destination for tourists visiting Jogja, both local and international.

Under the street lights of Malioboro, you can enjoy the romantic evening atmosphere. Rows of benches lining the sidewalk are provided for those who want to hang out.

Interestingly, motor vehicles are not allowed to pass along Malioboro Street at night. This condition allows visitors to enjoy the atmosphere of Jogja more comfortably.

2. Alun-alun Kidul

When vacationing in Jogja, you must visit Alun-Alun Kidul. This destination is located in the city center, making it easily accessible. Alun-Alun Kidul is a spacious field adorned by two large banyan trees.

Visitors who come to this place usually participate in the Masangin Tradition. While blindfolded with a black cloth, they are asked to walk through the gap between the banyan trees.

Additionally, visitors can have fun riding unique vehicles equipped with colorful lights. These vehicles can only move by pedaling. Each vehicle can accommodate two or four people.

If you just want to enjoy the atmosphere and try local cuisine, you can sit on the mats provided. There are wedang ronde, satay, meatball soup, and other foods to try.

3. Heha Sky View

HeHa Sky View is one of the newest tourist destinations not far from Bukit Bintang. It’s an ideal spot to enjoy the cityscape of Jogja at night.

HeHa Sky View offers numerous Instagram-worthy photo spots. You can try them all to capture unique and captivating photos.

With its spacious area, you can freely immerse yourself in the atmosphere at HeHa Sky View. There are also restaurants, cafes, and food stalls serving a variety of delicious and appetizing menus.

Read more: Setting Off to Dieng Plateau from Yogyakarta

4. Obelix Hills

Obelix Hill is another night destination you can visit. Like other elevated destinations, you can admire the beauty of Jogja from a distance at night.

Obelix Hill is equally charming as HeHa Sky View. The available photo spots are also unique and intriguing. The best time to visit is from late afternoon to night.

The facilities available at Obelix Hill are quite comprehensive. It’s perfect for those seeking a romantic dinner. However, due to its distance from the city center, it’s best to use private transportation to get there.

5. Taman Pelangi

Heading to Jalan Ring Road Utara, you can visit the next night attraction in Yogyakarta, namely Taman Pelangi.

This night attraction in Yogyakarta is located within the Monumen Jogja Kembali (Monjali) area, which is very accessible. True to its name, Taman Pelangi (Rainbow Park) presents a beautiful atmosphere at night due to the colorful rainbow hues from many lanterns.

The lanterns in Taman Pelangi are quite unique. They come in various shapes, ranging from flowers, cartoon characters, to wayang (Javanese puppetry) figures.

As the night falls, the atmosphere in this park becomes livelier due to these lights. Not only that, you can also indulge in culinary delights while enjoying the ambiance when visiting this night attraction in Yogyakarta.

6. Parangtritis Beach

Apparently, Parangtritis Beach isn’t just enjoyable to visit during the day. You can also explore this tourist spot at night. While listening to the sound of the waves, you can relish the delicious grilled corn offered by vendors along the beach.

However, the most remarkable aspect is the beauty of the sky adorned with stars. Without city lights, the starlight appears clearer. This is one of the nighttime attractions in Yogyakarta that is sometimes overlooked.

7. Tebing Breksi

Though not previously known as a nighttime destination in Jogja, Tebing Breksi, famous for its exotic panorama, is now equally stunning to visit at night. Especially for those looking to avoid the scorching sun if visiting during the day.

Adorned with beautiful lights, the Tebing Breksi area transforms into a beautiful and romantic setting when night falls. This nighttime tourist spot in Yogyakarta also offers plenty of Instagrammable photo spots for you.

8. Pinus Pengger

Pinus Pengger is one of the new tourist destinations in Jogja. You can visit this place during the day or at night. If you choose to come at night, visitors are advised to camp.

The most beloved photo spot for tourists when visiting Pinus Pengger is a location resembling a giant bird’s nest. Located at a high altitude, you can take photos with the glittering backdrop of Jogja city.

9. Tugu Jogja

It wouldn’t be right to visit Jogja without seeing Tugu Jogja, a 24-hour Jogja nighttime attraction. Tugu Jogja is a 10-meter-high structure located at a bustling intersection. This monument appears simple with its white color and golden touches.

Due to its long history, Tugu Jogja is a must-visit. In the evening, the atmosphere around Tugu feels more exotic. You can relax in the cafes nearby while watching the bustling traffic.

10. Bukit Bintang

If you want to witness the beauty of Jogja at night, Bukit Bintang is a must-visit destination. This destination is located at the border of Bantul Regency and Gunungkidul Regency.

Bukit Bintang sits at an elevation of 150 meters above sea level. To reach this location, you have to navigate uphill roads from the direction of Piyungan. Tourists need to be cautious as this route is a busy inter-district road.

Bukit Bintang offers breathtaking natural panoramas. At night, the atmosphere becomes even more beautiful when street lights and house lights are lit.

Besides relaxing, you can enjoy grilled corn while sipping a cup of warm tea. Don’t forget to wear thick clothing as the temperature here is quite cool.

Let’s Explore Java!

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Java, Indonesia, where a world of wonders awaits! Java, the heart and soul of Indonesia, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking experiences.

Find out the package now from Yogyakarta Tours:

  • 1 Day Tour:

Borobudur Sunrise

Prambanan Ramayana Ballet

Timang Beach

and more…

  • Multidays Tours

10 Days Tour in Java Island

3 Days Tour in Yogyakarta

Author: Pramitha Chandra
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