Prambanan Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Aside from the famous Borobudur Temple, another place worth visiting is Prambanan Temple. It is located within city limits and is thirty minutes away from the airport or from Malioboro hotels.

Prambanan Temple also known as Candi Prambanan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Prambanan Temple also known as Roro Jonggrang Temple (Temple of the Slender Virgin) was built 9th century, during the reign of two kings, Rakai Pikatan and Rakai Balitung.

The temple complex covers an area of 39.8 hectares which includes 240 temples, making it the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia.

The three main temples in Prambanan are dedicated to the three supreme gods of Hinduism: Shiva the destroyer of the universe, Vishnu the keeper of the universe, and Brahma the creator of the universe.

The tallest temple of Prambanan is a staggering 47 meters high. Its peak is visible from far away and rises high above the ruins of the other temples.

The temple looks amazing with very interesting architecture. The main temple is located in the middle with another three temples, slightly smaller, nearby. The different temples have different stories and functions.

We are truly amazed as the view is so beautiful and surreal, completely different from its surroundings, it’s a very very picturesque scene that you have to see with your own eyes. It took us about two hours to explore each temple and enjoy the amazing architecture and history.

We used the services of a guide at Prambanan Temple and this added to the enjoyment of our visit. We were given information about the history and construction of the temple and our guide also gave us a brief explanation of the Ramayana story as depicted in the stone carvings. The stone carvings and statues are beautiful, impressive, and even awe-inducing.

Good to Know

• The early morning is a cool and comfortable time to visit. You can stay at one of the local hotels for a night to get an early start for watching the spectacular sunrise over the temple grounds.
• Make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and a hat. There are hawkers and cafes to buying cold drinks from within the compound.
• At the ticket office, you can hire a guide who will explain the history, legends, and architecture of this fascinating and impressive cultural site. You will also learn all about the Ramayana and Krishnayana epics, scenes from which are carved into the walls of the central temples.
• The Ramayana ballet is performed against a backdrop of the illuminated temple spires for four nights during each full moon from May to October. Do not miss the chance to see this amazing performance.
• Although it is possible to walk around to see all the temples in the compound, a trip on the toy train (IDR 5,000) can take the strain off your feet, especially on a hot day.

Admission Fee

If you’re planning to visit both the Borobudur Temple and the Prambanan Temples, We suggest that you get a combined “package ticket” for US$ 40. And don’t forget to wear your sarong when you visit the place. Everybody’s required to wear it.

• The air-conditioned TransJogja bus number 1A runs every 20 minutes from Malioboro Street in Yogyakarta, starting at 06:00. It costs IDR 3,000 each way and takes up to an hour to travel the 17 kilometers to the Prambanan bus terminal five minutes walk from the temple complex.
• There are also regular local buses from Umbulharjo bus station in Yogya that take around 30 minutes, as well as several services from Solo to Prambanan (90 minutes).
• A taxi from Yogyakarta should cost around IDR 60,000 one way or IDR 120,000 on return, and you can usually get the driver to wait while you tour the temple.
• You may take a local tour service based on tour packages

For more information, you may visit https://www.indonesia.travel/my/en/destinations/java/yogyakarta/prambanan