Indonesia - Cultural Performances in Kraton Ngayogyakarta

As I mentioned in the previous post, there are two entrances to Yogyakarta Palace, namely Tepas Kaprajuritan and Tepas Pariwisata, and that the former is not really worth the money to enter even though it is just few ringgits only. It is better to just go straight to Tepas Pariwisata which is just within walking distance from the other entrance.

There are a lot of hawker stalls near the entrance

Bakso for lunch before entering the palace

Many often said that Yogyakarta is the cultural city of Indonesia and you can't argue with the statement when you are here in Tepas Pariwisata. Every day, there are scheduled performances, usually a mixture of traditional dances and musical instruments, here in the main hall to entertain the crowds. The art showcases are different everyday so it is possible to visit the palace just to experience it. Best part of it is that you do not have to pay extra cost for it!

Traditional dance

Musical performance

The main hall is usually crowded with both performers and tourists. The performers would be practicing their routines while the crowds look on, their fingers trigger happy with the cameras.

Rehearsal with the teacher guiding her hand gestures

These performers are used to us tourists taking their photos for most of them are very friendly and smiled for the cameras. And it goes without saying that I, too, took part in the photo taking session.

Rehearsal before the main  performance

It's showtime!

Besides these cultural shows, the palace itself serves as a museum as well, with artifacts and royal exhibits being on displayed. You can definitely explore around the palace, admiring the collections of antiques and the architecture of the palace.

Antique cameras on display

One of the many halls that you can explore when in the palace

Kraton Ngayogyakarta should not be missed, especially Tepas Pariwisata, when in the city.

*TO BE CONTINUED*