A traveler’s story—plus how ramayanaballet.com can arrange the complete experience for you, from accommodation and meals to transport and tickets.
Good morning! Today marked my fifth day exploring Yogyakarta, and I decided to start early. When you’re traveling here, weather is always a big factor—I love a sunny day, but the midday heat can be brutal. So I figured the best strategy was to explore in the cooler morning hours.
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Beating the Crowds at Prambanan Temple
The massive park complex housing Prambanan Temple opens at 6:30 AM. By being punctual, I actually became the very first visitor to enter the park that morning!
Upon walking in, I noticed a neat line of painted footprints on the ground guiding the way toward the distant temple. The signage was great, making navigation effortless. And then I saw her: Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia and a proud World Heritage site.
While the central courtyard containing the eight main temples didn’t open until 7:00 AM, I didn’t mind at all. I took a peaceful stroll across the nearby lawn to observe the majestic structure from a distance. As the clock ticked closer to seven, other early-bird visitors began gathering at the entrance. Right on schedule, the gates opened, and walking up close was nothing short of amazing.
Like many Hindu temples, Prambanan features a distinctive stepped, pyramid-like structure complete with soaring spires and intricate stone carvings. I stood in awe of Candi Shiva right in the center, towering at an impressive 47 meters and standing as the most well-preserved temple of the complex. Every level is adorned with stupa structures, while the inner walls boast exquisite statues of Hindu deities and scenes from mythological stories—including the epic Ramayana.
Dining and Anticipation at the Ramayana Ballet
Speaking of the Ramayana, I was already thrilled because I had secured a reservation to watch a live performance of the Hindu epic that very night.
Later that evening, I returned to Prambanan to visit the Ramayana Ballet Theater, located right on the west side of the temple. The venue features both an open-air stage and an indoor stage. During the dry season, the show takes place outdoors with the illuminated Prambanan Temple glowing in the background—a truly magnificent spectacle with lights and flames. Unfortunately, since it was the rainy season, the performance was held indoors despite the good weather earlier in the day. A bit of a pity, but my excitement didn’t wane!
Next to the theater is a buffet restaurant where audience members typically dine before the show, so I decided to grab a bite there too. I wasn’t really hungry, but I needed a place to pass the time since the show started at 8:00 PM. The food was generally decent; since I wasn’t craving a heavy meal, I just settled for some vegetables, satay, and light snacks.
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Outside the hall, actors dressed in elaborate traditional costumes stood near the entrance, happily posing for photos with visitors before the show began.
Journey Through the Epic: The Stage Performance
Having watched a Balinese dance choreography of the Ramayana years ago in Bali, I was already captivated by the story. The complete epic is massive and complex, so stage adaptations typically narrate one core storyline: Prince Rama, aided by the mighty monkey god Hanuman, fighting to rescue his abducted wife, Princess Sita.
The indoor theater layout features seats encircling the stage, creating an immersive experience, complete with a large backdrop screen featuring both Indonesian and English subtitles that proved incredibly helpful.
Episode 1: Exile in the Forest. The show started right on time at 8:00 PM, introducing the loving couple Prince Rama and Princess Sita alongside Rama’s faithful younger brother, Lakshmana, who were exiled to live in the forest due to palace political intrigue. Their simple life was full of peace and happiness.
Episode 2: Revenge and Plotting. In the distant kingdom of Lanka, the Demon King Ravana’s wicked sister, Surpanakha, ran to her brother crying after Prince Rama cut off her nose. She had grown infatuated with Rama, and driven by jealousy, she plotted to take Sita’s place—ultimately urging Ravana to kidnap her.
Episode 3: The Golden Deer Trap. Ravana discovered the trio in the forest and sent a minion disguised as a captivating golden deer. Enamored by it, Sita asked Rama to catch it for her. Rama left Lakshmana to protect her while he went after the beast. Later, hearing a distant cry for help mimicking Rama’s voice, a desperate Sita pleaded with Lakshmana to save him. Bound by his promise, Lakshmana drew a magical protective circle on the ground, warning her never to step outside. But when Ravana disguised himself as a pitiful old beggar asking for water, kind-hearted Sita fell for the trick and stepped out—leading to her immediate abduction. As she was carried off, she threw down pieces of her jewelry so her husband could track her.
Episode 4 & 5: Realization and the Eagle King. Rama quickly saw through the golden deer’s disguise and defeated it, but upon meeting Lakshmana and seeing Sita’s scattered jewelry, he realized the terrible truth. Soon after, the brave Eagle King Jatayu arrived; having witnessed the abduction, he had tried to rescue Sita alone against Ravana’s formidable power, suffering severe, life-ending injuries before delivering the news to Rama.
Episode 6 & 7: The Monkey Kingdom and Hanuman’s Mission. Rama and Lakshmana allied with the Monkey Kingdom, gaining the help of the super-powered monkey warrior Hanuman. Meanwhile, in Lanka, Sita spent her days in sorrow, resisting Ravana’s demands to marry him while protected by Ravana’s kind niece, Trijata. Hanuman successfully infiltrated Lanka, sang songs of Rama’s hometown to catch Sita’s attention, and handed her Rama’s ring as proof. In return, Sita gave Hanuman her hairpin. On his way back, Hanuman fought Indrajith, was captured, and thrown into raging flames by Ravana. Displaying his extraordinary powers, Hanuman not only survived the fire but used it to set the palace ablaze before escaping back to Rama.
Episode 8: The Brutal War. An epic, world-shaking war broke out between the Monkey Kingdom and Lanka. During the fierce combat, Lakshmana was nearly killed, but Hanuman saved him by fetching divine medicine from the Himalayas. Finally, after a grueling multi-day duel where Ravana’s magic made him incredibly hard to kill, Rama, Hanuman, and Lakshmana struck together to defeat him and end his reign.
Episode 9: The Fiery Proof. Just when a joyous reunion was expected, an emotional twist unfolded: Rama suspected Sita had lost her purity while captive and threatened to abandon her unless she proved her innocence. Heartbroken and in anguish, Sita bravely threw herself into a raging bonfire. Protected by the Fire God, she emerged completely unscathed, proving her purity once and for all. As the flames subsided, Rama and Sita embraced in tears, bringing the performance to a harmonious and joyous close.
A Memorable Night
As the final curtain fell at around 10:00 PM, I stood up and joined the crowd in shouting, “Bravo! Bravo!” to thank all the actors and actresses for delivering such a breathtaking, enchanting performance.
Before heading out, there was a wonderful photo session with the cast on stage. Stepping out into the cool night air, I found myself still completely immersed in the magical storyline of the Ramayana, unable to break free from its grip for a long time. It was truly an unforgettable day in Yogyakarta!
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What part of the Ramayana epic or your own travels to Yogyakarta stood out the most to you?
