Experience the Best of Javanese Culture: Borobudur, Prambanan, and Ramayana Ballet
Explore UNESCO Sites and Witness an Enchanting Performance
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Java with this day trip to two of Indonesia’s most significant UNESCO sites, Borobudur and Prambanan temples. In the evening, be captivated by the mesmerizing Ramayana Ballet, a traditional Javanese dance performance.
Trip Highlights:
- Visit Borobudur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in the world
- Explore the impressive Hindu temple complex of Prambanan
- Be enchanted by the magical storytelling of the Ramayana Ballet
- Enjoy convenient round-trip pickup and drop-off services from Yogyakarta
- Experience the best of Javanese culture, history, and arts in one day
10:00am :
We’ll pick you up from your hotel or the train station in Yogyakarta.
From there, settle in for a 1.5-hour drive out to Borobudur.
11:30am :
Time to explore Borobudur Temple.
You’ll get about two hours here with a local guide—don’t miss the climb to the top. The views are worth it.
1:30pm :
Back on the road, heading to Prambanan.
The drive takes around 1.5 hours.
3:00pm :
Hungry? We’ll stop for lunch (up to you, self-pay).
If you want a local spot with a view, try Kaliopak Resto—it’s right by the riverside, just behind the Prambanan complex. Great place to unwind.
4:00pm :
Next up: Prambanan Temple.
You’ve got two hours to wander through these stunning Hindu temples. Stay until sunset—the light here is something else.
7:00pm :
Settle in for the Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan.
This isn’t just a dance show—it’s a real spectacle, full of music and drama.
10:00pm :
Time to head back to Yogyakarta.
We’ll get you there in about an hour. That’s a wrap!
Includes/Excludes
Here’s what you get:
- Round-trip rides with pick-up and drop-off—just relax, we’ll handle the driving.
- An English-speaking driver who knows the area.
- We’ll cover fuel and parking, so no surprise costs.
- Bottled mineral water to keep you refreshed.
- Borobudur entrance ticket, including the chance to climb up the temple.
- A local guide at Borobudur (you’ll share with others).
- Prambanan entrance ticket.
- Ramayana Ballet ticket (Class 1 seating).
What’s not included:
- Anything extra you want to do on your own.
- Meals.
- Personal spending.
- Tips (those are up to you but always appreciated).
Before You Go
Here’s what you need to know:
- Ballet Schedule: Shows run on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (sometimes outdoors, sometimes inside), plus Friday indoors only.
- Seasons: From May to October, you’ll be outside. From November through April, everything moves indoors.
- Dress Code: If you’re visiting temples, wear something modest—cover your shoulders and knees.
- Tickets: Want the best seats? Grab your tickets early, whether you’re after 2nd, 1st, Special, or VIP.
- Temple Access: Not everyone gets to climb Borobudur. If that’s on your list, book your spot as soon as you can.
- Closures: Temples are closed on Mondays. The ballet skips some days too, so double-check the schedule.
What to Bring:
- Go for comfy clothes and shoes—you’ll be walking a lot.
- The Ramayana Ballet isn’t on every night, so check the dates before you plan.
- All tours are private. Pick-up and drop-off are in Yogyakarta, but you can arrange transfers to other cities if you need.
- Money: You’ll need to swap your cash for Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) before you go exploring. Get a mix of denominations, since you’ll use cash in small shops and local spots. Hotels and bigger restaurants usually take cards, but out in the countryside, it’s cash only.
Does the Ramayana Ballet run every night?
No, not every night. You can catch the show on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from May to October. When November rolls around, they move the performances indoors and keep going until April.
Can I climb Borobudur Temple?
Yes, you can, but there’s a catch—spots are limited, and you need to book ahead of time.
Do I have to follow a dress code at the temples?
Yeah, you’ll want to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees out of respect.
Can I just buy tickets at the door for the Ramayana Ballet?
Your ticket’s already included in the package. Still, it’s smart to book your tour early. That way, you get the seats and the date you want.
Is transportation part of the tour?
Absolutely. The tour package includes pick-up and drop-off in Yogyakarta. If you need a transfer to another city, just ask—they can set that up too.
