Museum Sonobudoyo Unit I — Attraction in Yogyakarta

While Sonobudoyo is listed as only second to the National Museum in terms of collection size, I remembered there being only a limited amount on display. What made the experience truly worthwhile was our guide who explained thoroughly the history of Javanese culture. He took his time to take us around the compounds including into the replica of the Balinese temples out at the side of the museum. Discussing with him was definitely the highlight of the whole museum experience. By Indonesian standards, this museum is surprisingly well kept. Its located at the junction between the Alun-Alun and everything else, thus many tend to miss Museum Sonobudoyo. While it might be considerably smaller in size to the Vrendenburg, I felt the collection here is more impressive. The museum features history about the Sultanate, Javanese traditions, Batik, and Wayang. While it also has non-Javanese artifacts on display they are mostly there to tell stories about how the region of Java has influenced the cultures in other areas as well. I believe the museum houses an amphitheater/cultural performance hall where certain shows are showcased, but during our visit we did not get the chance to catch any shows. We did however stumble upon an art exhibit happening right next door to the museum on our way back home (check with the attendants for any special exhibitions). If I recall admission is Rp.5,000 for Indonesians, might be higher for foreigners. I’d say if you’re here for a cultural enlightenment, Sonobudoyo should be at the top of your list. You should allocate at least 2 hours to get the most experience from the museum exhibits and to allow your guide to not rush into things. But I somehow also see its possible for you to rush all the exhibits under 1 hour if you prefer to self-guide yourself. I recommend asking for a guide as they are more than happy and enthused to help you and make your time here...

This museum is very nice. I highly recommend that you young people in Jogja try to come to the Sonobudoyo Museum occasionally, if you feel bored with the Museum, then the second option is that you can visit the show held by the Sonobudyo Museum. Instead of you just sitting outside the museum with your partner, try going inside once in a while. The ticket is also not expensive, for the Museum it is only 3000 thousand per person while for the show it is 20,000. I guarantee you will entertained. Actually Sonobudoyo also has a cinema. But, to be honest the cinema is a boring for me. Maybe it's because I don't like films that adhere to historical values, so I feel like I'm lacking. But if you feel fit, then come to the Cinema Sonobudoyo. For the cinema it's free. Lastly, it's best if you have to come to the museum every now and then to either watch a show or just see the contents of the museum. Because for you natives of Jogja, it is very inappropriate if you don't visit your local culture. I felt a little sad when I came to the show twice, because the number of spectators who attended was less than 20 people. But because I'm a person from outside Jogja, so I don't know for sure, whether this museum is really quiet because of the pandemic or it was like that...

My first time visiting this place and I must say that it's... decent? I'm not sure why the corridors connected to the entrance was so dark. Is it for the atmosphere? Or did some dumb tourist ruin a display?

Anyways, the interactive Keris display scared me. The sound was way too loud and I think one of the explanation texts for the Keris was all a translation from an ancient Javanese text and didn't provide enough specification abou the Keris itself and where it was found, how, etc.

The displays are great. I think after the stone ages installation, every other display receives ample lighting which I truly appreciate.

When me and my partner went here, there was this photoshoot going on of families and couples dressed in traditional Javanese suits and dresses and I thought that that was pretty cool.

I'm afraid that there's not a lot to see here. Not as many as the objects within the new establishment. I'd like to take photos of the objects here but my camera kept catching the reflection of the protective glass wall around them.

Still, it's a landmark worth visiting and studying. Our culture is rich, some parts of it are lost to time, the ones we have found now, we should most definitely be thankful for.

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