Yogyakarta: You should not miss these temples in the surrounding area
In addition to the spectacular Borobudur temple complex, there are other temples worth seeing around Yogyakarta that you can visit as part of a day trip. Here is the most important information.
The city of Yogyakarta is located in the center of the Indonesian island of Java. Most tourists come here to see the colossal Borobudur temple complex, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991.
1Temples around Yogyakarta
But there is a lot more to see within a radius of around 20 kilometers from Yogyakarta. During a day trip you will learn a lot about the Indonesian history and the culture of the country.
It is particularly advisable to visit the Prambanan temple complex east of Yogyakarta and the Candi Ratu Boko, as these buildings are only a few kilometers apart and can therefore be explored one after the other.
1.1 The Prambanan Temple complex
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1991, the Prambanan Temple Complex is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and, along with the Borobudur Temple, is also one of the most popular destinations in Yogyakarta.
Prambanan was built in the 9th century and rediscovered by a Dutchman in 1733. After the restoration phase, it is now one of the most beautiful Hindu temples in Indonesia.
The complex consists of eight temples on the first level, with the largest of the three main temples being around 47 meters high. There are another 240 temples on the second level, but most of them are destroyed.
1.2 costs and arrival
The entrance fee for the Prambanan temple complex is around IDR 171,000 (approx. $16.90/as of: 12.2016)
From Yogyakarta, you can get to the temple complex by bus, taxi, or Uber.
1.3 Impressions from my temple visit
Arrived at the parking lot we walked along an avenue in the direction of the temple complex. We could see the imposing buildings from afar. Already the sight of the green meadow next to the avenue is a first photo motif.
Passing the partially destroyed part of the complex, a small staircase leads to the first level of the complex, on which the three main temples stand. At the time of my visit (late November 2016) one of the three main temples was being restored, so I wasn’t able to explore everything. However, it was also interesting to see how restoration work is carried out on such a beautiful structure.
We then climbed narrow stairs into the interior of the temple and were able to take a look at the images of the gods carved in stone. However, it’s quite dark inside, so it’s helpful to use a flashlight or the light from your cell phone.
In general, the temple is well attended and you will meet school classes and tourist groups looking around the site. Between the temples there are some beautiful, shady trees with park benches underneath, which offer a good opportunity to take a short break, especially in the very warm weather in Indonesia.
2Candi Ratu Boku/Keraton Ratu Boku
About two miles from the Prambanan temple complex is a palace that local lore says was named after the legendary King Prabu Boko.
The 250,000 square meter complex contains both Hindu and Buddhist buildings. Archaeologists estimate that it was built between 760 and 780 AD.
2.1 Impressions from my visit
Arriving at the entrance of the complex, we could already discover the Prambanan Temple with a look down towards Yogyakarta.
After passing the entrance area, we went up to the Ratu Boko Temple, which is 196 meters high and is also called Keraton Ratu Boko by the locals.
To the left you have a fascinating view of Yogyakarta and to the right a picturesque park with seating in pavilions.
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