Growing up in the Philippines, I’d normally experience distinct traditions when it comes to welcoming the New Year. From the break of dawn until the evening, households are always occupied with New Year’s Eve errands; once the clock strikes at 12 midnight, deafening firecrackers would tremendously burst on the streets, leaving the entire neighborhood with filthy smoke and firecracker rubbish. The celebration is often followed by commotions, as others are rushed to hospitals due to stray bullets and firecracker blasts.
This is the sprawling city of Yogyakarta; Gunung Semeru is barely visible in the background
But in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, things are a bit different from what I’ve been accustomed to. Being away from home for New Year’s Eve for the first time, my initial hours in Jogja were a culture shock: I was delighted that they didn’t throw any form of firecrackers on the streets; they didn’t have any loud family sound systems; and they didn’t prepare a feast-like media noche as what Filipino families normally do. The people there were just calm, as if on an ordinary day.
Below are eight (8) travel tips I made after spending New Year’s Eve in Yogyakarta.
1. Anticipate the crowd
Yogyakarta may not have the noisiest, firecracker-filled thoroughfares, but the New Year’s Eve crowd it amasses is overwhelming. This time of the year, people from neighboring towns and distant villages gather in Yogyakarta to celebrate this special occasion. You can also expect a heavy volume of vehicles, especially scooters and motorbikes.
Developing traffic at JL Jenderal Ahmad Yani
2. Find the best spots
New Year’s Eve in Yogyakarta is all about fireworks display; they’re the main reason why people go to downtown Yogyakarta. Some great spots to watch them are at Kraton, JL Malioboro, JL Senopati, Tugu Jogja (Jogja Monument), and JL Sosrowijayan. However, expect a swarm of people (and parked motorcycles) in these areas.
The best spots to watch the fireworks display are at Kraton, JL. Malioboro, JL. Senopati, Tugu Jogja (Jogja Monument), and JL. Sosrowijayan
3. Be vigilant
Multitude of people means more opportunities for pickpockets. Indonesia is said to have lesser crime rates, but it’s difficult to guarantee especially on events like this. Be vigilant of your belongings as you might unconsciously lose your grip of them.
JL. Wijilan is a very popular street to eat Gudeg, a traditional chicken dish of Yogyakarta
4. Know where to eat
If you are used to festive dining on New Year’s Eve, you won’t have much of a problem in finding the best eats in Yogyakarta. Among the traditional food items in Yogyakarta are Gudeg (jackfruit-based chicken dish), Ayam Goreng (fried chicken), Brongkos, and Oseng Mercon (stir-fry dish). The best place to eat Gudeg is at the street of JL Wijilan, located east of Yogyakarta Kingdom. If you’re craving for fish dishes, head on to Gule Kepala Ikan Mas Agus along Jalan KHA Ahmad Dahlan.
Typical menu of a Gudeg restaurant at JL. Wijilan
5. Take time to shop
Malioboro Street is the household name for shopping in Yogyakarta. Before the street gets too congested, take your time to browse for cheap souvenir finds such as substandard batik, T-shirts, keychains, and fridge magnets. Many vendors will fill the street, giving your more buying options.
Gudeg is a jackfruit-based traditional food from Yogyakarta. A special version of it includes chicken liver and gizzard, egg, tofu, and jackfruit
6. See the fair attractions
Because many people from nearby towns come to Yogyakarta for New Year’s Eve, chances are amusement fairs will spring on vacant lots, such as at Alun Alun Utara. Go there and try their attractions such as carousels, Ferris wheels, and pirate ship rides.
Ferris wheel is one of the attractions at a fair in downtown Yogyakarta during New Year’s Eve. This fair was set up at the back of Kraton
7. Hold your neck
When in Jogja, your ears are safe from the loud noises of street firecrackers. What you have to be prepared for is the struggle to get the best spot from where you could fully see the fireworks display. You’d also need to hold your neck for a little while as you gaze blankly in the skies.
New Year’s Eve in Yogyakarta means traffic gridlock on more popular streets
8. Learn to dodge the crowd
As much as possible, veer away from the crowd at least two hours before midnight. It is, and it will always be, a challenge to escape the horde. Master to say “Excuse me” and the people will make a way for you. The worst thing you can do is to wait for a situation wherein someone is passing out or having a difficulty in breathing, and then follow the trail of people; you can surely exit the crowd in as easy as 1-2-3.
The crowd at JL Trikora
This post is part of my Java, Indonesia series:
- My 7-day backpacking adventure across Java, Indonesia
- How I traveled overland from Jakarta to Dieng Plateau
- Looping Dieng Plateau in less than a day
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