Sight guide · Yogyakarta · Indonesia
Visiting Alun-Alun Kidul
The southern palace square comes alive at night with LED-lit pedal cars, food stalls and the masangin tradition of walking blindfolded between two sacred banyan trees, said to bring good luck to those who pass between them.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Alun-Alun Kidul is a landmark in Kraton and Taman Sari, Yogyakarta. Allow 1 hour; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Kraton and Taman Sari
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- after dark, kids, free and food
- Best months
- April–May and October
About Alun-Alun Kidul
The southern palace square comes alive at night with LED-lit pedal cars, food stalls and the masangin tradition of walking blindfolded between two sacred banyan trees, said to bring good luck to those who pass between them.
Tip: Try masangin yourself; blindfolds are rented at the edge of the square for a small fee.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1 hour.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Kraton and Taman Sari, the walled royal quarter of palaces, lanes and courtyard homes.
Best time to visit Alun-Alun Kidul
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- May: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- October: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- April: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Yogyakarta has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Yogyakarta itinerary visits Alun-Alun Kidul on day 2, together with Taman Sari Water Castle, Sonobudoyo Museum and Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan.
- No. 14 of the 16 sights in our Yogyakarta things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Yogyakarta.
- A family favourite in Yogyakarta with kids.
Near Alun-Alun Kidul
Also in Kraton and Taman Sari, so you can walk between them:
- Batik workshop — 2–4 hours, low cost
- Sonobudoyo Museum — 1–2 hours, low cost
- Taman Sari Water Castle — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
If you like Alun-Alun Kidul
- Malioboro Street — Malioboro, 1–2 hours
- Beringharjo Market — Malioboro, 1 hour
Staying near Alun-Alun Kidul
Stay in Kraton and Taman Sari ($$) to walk here: the walled royal quarter of palaces, lanes and courtyard homes. All areas to stay in Yogyakarta.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Alun-Alun Kidul?
Plan 1 hour. With Batik workshop nearby, it fits a half-day in Kraton and Taman Sari.
+Is Alun-Alun Kidul free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Alun-Alun Kidul?
April–May and October, the quietest of the good months. Try masangin yourself; blindfolds are rented at the edge of the square for a small fee.
+Do I need to book Alun-Alun Kidul in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Alun-Alun Kidul good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta works well for families who like history and gentle adventure: temple grounds with space to run, a Merapi jeep ride, batik classes and the lit-up pedal cars of Alun-Alun Kidul.