Are you already planning your weekend trip, everyone living in Jakarta? How about a trip to the Prambanan Temple Compounds, a World Heritage site where you can experience the magnificent history and culture of ancient Java?
I was just thinking I wanted to go somewhere for the long weekend! Please tell me more!
In this article, we will fully introduce the charms of the Prambanan Temple Compounds! From access methods, highlights, and sightseeing points to precautions, we will provide a thorough explanation from the perspective of a Jakarta resident. We have compiled practical information so that even those who have just come to Indonesia for the first time can enjoy sightseeing with peace of mind.
Prambanan Temple Compounds: A Shining Hindu Monument in Yogyakarta
Prambanan Temple Compounds | A Hindu temple and World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The Prambanan Temple Compounds, located in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, are a complex of Hindu temples built in the 9th century. Its scale and beauty are breathtaking, and it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991. Built by the ancient Mataram Kingdom, this temple complex is dedicated to the three main Hindu deities: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.
Prambanan Temple Compounds before sunrise | A Hindu temple and World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
The 47-meter-high Shiva temple is the symbol of the Prambanan Temple Compounds. It is surrounded by the Brahma temple, the Vishnu temple, the Nandi temple, the Vahana temples, and various large and small shrines, creating a unique landscape. The temple walls are densely carved with beautiful reliefs based on Hindu mythology, such as the Ramayana epic and the story of Krishna, captivating visitors.
The Prambanan Temple Compounds are not just ruins. They are a treasure trove of history and culture, a fusion of the religious faith and artistic talent of the ancient Javanese people. Even after the passage of time, its magnificent appearance continues to deeply move us.
Prambanan Temple Compounds Overview
Item
Details
Name
Prambanan Temple Compounds
Address
Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55571 Indonesia
Opening Hours
6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily)
Rating
4.7 (Based on Google Maps reviews)
Number of Reviews
96,801
Prambanan Temple Compounds: Must-See Highlights
Prambanan Temple Compounds | UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Central Temples: Magnificent Structures Dedicated to the Three Main Hindu Deities
At the center of the Prambanan Temple Compounds stand three main temples dedicated to the three main Hindu deities: Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu.
Shiva Temple: Located in the center, the 47-meter-high Shiva temple enshrines a statue of Shiva’s consort, Durga. The outer walls are carved with reliefs depicting scenes from the epic “Ramayana.”
Brahma Temple: Located to the south of the Shiva temple, it is dedicated to the creator god, Brahma. A statue of Brahma is enshrined within the temple.
Vishnu Temple: Located to the north of the Shiva temple, it is dedicated to the preserver god, Vishnu. A statue of Vishnu is enshrined within the temple.
Each of the three temples is dedicated to a different deity, and their architectural styles and decorations have their own characteristics. By comparing them, you can gain a deeper understanding of the charms of Prambanan.
Surrounding Temples and Reliefs: The Unmissable Beauty of the Details
Besides the three main temples, the Prambanan Temple Compounds also contain many other ruins, such as the Vahana temples (vehicle temples) and small shrines.
These smaller temples are also inscribed with history and stories, and by taking the time to explore them, you can experience the depth of Prambanan. The outer walls of each temple are adorned with exquisite reliefs that narrate Hindu myths and legends.
Myths and Legends: A World of Romantic Stories
The Prambanan Temple Compounds are associated with numerous myths and legends, such as the legend of “Roro Jonggrang.”
Knowing these stories will deepen your appreciation of the temple.
Visiting Prambanan Temple Compounds: Points and Precautions
Prambanan Temple Compounds | UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Dress Code
Try to wear modest clothing. Clothes that cover your shoulders and knees are recommended. Sarongs are available for rent, but it’s a good idea to bring your own. A light long-sleeved cover-up is also useful for sun protection.
What to Bring
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Drinking water
Wet wipes
Cash (Rupiah)
Recommended Time to Visit
The morning, especially right after opening, is recommended. The sun gets stronger in the afternoon. Alternatively, visiting about two hours before closing allows you to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the temple lit up at dusk.
Best Season
The dry season (April to October) is the best season to visit.
Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Category
Condition
Fee
Notes
Per Person
Adult (10+ years) Indonesian Resident
Rp. 50,000
Includes Rp. 500 insurance fee per person
Adult (10+ years) Foreigner/Non-resident
Rp. 400,000
Includes Rp. 500 insurance fee per person
Child (3–10 years) Indonesian Resident
Rp. 25,000
Includes Rp. 500 insurance fee per person
Child (3–10 years) Foreigner/Non-resident
Rp. 250,000
Includes Rp. 500 insurance fee per person
Student Group
Per person (Group: 20+ people)
Rp. 25,000
Requires a letter of introduction from the school/university. Includes Rp. 500 insurance fee per person
Package with Other Attractions
Prambanan – Borobudur 10+ years Indonesian Resident
Rp. 75,000
Prambanan – Borobudur 3–10 years Indonesian Resident
Rp. 35,000
Prambanan – Ratu Boko 10+ years Indonesian Resident
Rp. 85,000
Prambanan – Ratu Boko 3–10 years Indonesian Resident
Rp. 40,000
Nearby Facilities
Around the Prambanan Temple Compounds, there are restaurants where you can enjoy Indonesian food and souvenir shops that sell folk crafts like batik.
Precautions
The temple grounds are a sacred place. Avoid talking loudly or fooling around.
Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited in some areas.
Be very careful with your valuables.
There are restrooms, but some may not be Western-style.
Sun protection is essential. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water.
The temple grounds have many stairs and are quite large, so wear comfortable shoes.
Many souvenir shops and stalls only accept cash, so be sure to have cash on hand.
Getting to Prambanan Temple Compounds from Jakarta [Thorough Guide]
Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Prambanan Temple Compounds from Jakarta, from a resident’s perspective. Find the best method for you and make your weekend trip comfortable.
By Plane
Pros: Shortest travel time, less physically demanding.
Cons: Relatively expensive. Requires additional travel from the airport to Prambanan Temple Compounds.
Travel time: Approx. 1.5 hours flight time + approx. 1 hour from the airport to Prambanan Temple Compounds.
Fare: One way Rp. 500,000–Rp. 1,500,000 (approx. 4,500–14,000 JPY) + travel cost from the airport.
There are many direct flights from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta to Adisutjipto International Airport (JOG) in Yogyakarta or Adisumarmo International Airport (SOC) in Solo. From the airport, you can take a taxi, Grab, or Gojek.
By Train
Pros: Relatively cheap, and you can enjoy the scenery from the window.
From Gambir Station, Pasar Senen Station, or Jatinegara Station in Jakarta to Tugu Station in Yogyakarta. From Tugu Station to Prambanan Temple Compounds, use a taxi, Grab, or Gojek.
Getting to Prambanan Temple Compounds from Yogyakarta City Center
By Grab/Gojek
Around Prambanan Temple Compounds, ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are very convenient. You can use them for travel from the airport or station, as well as for sightseeing around the temple complex. The fares are clear, and you can use them with peace of mind.
From Yogyakarta city center to Prambanan Temple Compounds, it’s about a 30-minute drive.
Recommended Tourist Spots Around Prambanan Temple Compounds
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple Compounds, a World Heritage Site | Indonesia, Yogyakarta, Borobudur
The world’s largest Buddhist temple, about a 1.5-hour drive from Prambanan Temple Compounds. It is a magnificent structure that three-dimensionally represents a giant mandala, and its walls are carved with reliefs of Buddhist stories.
How to get there: About a 1.5-hour drive from Prambanan Temple Compounds. Using Grab or a taxi is convenient. A day trip from Yogyakarta city is also recommended.
Highlights: The stupas, reliefs, and the view from the top floor.
Recommendation: It is recommended to visit early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Ratu Boko Temple | Ratu Boko Indonesia Yogyakarta Ruins
A complex of ruins on a hill about a 30-minute drive from Prambanan Temple Compounds. It offers a panoramic view of Prambanan Temple Compounds, Mount Merapi, and the surrounding countryside. It is also known as a hidden gem for sunset viewing.
How to get there: About a 30-minute drive from Prambanan Temple Compounds. Using Grab or a taxi is convenient.
Highlights: The panoramic view, the sunset, and the view of Prambanan Temple Compounds and Mount Merapi.
Recommendation: Visit around sunset and enjoy taking photos with the sunset in the background.
Theater Performance: Ramayana Ballet
Right next to Prambanan Temple, there is a theater with one outdoor and one indoor stage. Here, you can watch a theatrical performance of the story related to Prambanan Temple, so if you have the chance, it is highly recommended.
2 days, 1 night: Day 1: Prambanan Temple Compounds, Ratu Boko Temple (sunset viewing). Day 2: Borobudur Temple (sunrise viewing), Yogyakarta city tour.
Day trip: Prambanan Temple Compounds, Ratu Boko Temple, stroll through Yogyakarta city.
Combined with Borobudur Temple:
Day 1: Borobudur Temple (sunrise viewing), Prambanan Temple Compounds. Day 2: Ratu Boko Temple (sunset viewing), Yogyakarta city.
Visitor Reviews
As a particularly popular tourist destination in Yogyakarta, ‘Prambanan Temple Compounds’ receives unanimous praise from visitors. Be sure to check out what people who have been there have to say.
It’s wonderful, about a 30-minute GRAB ride from my hotel in Yogyakarta. The tickets are a bit pricey, but as is common at Indonesian tourist spots, they give you water at the entrance. The grounds are vast, and if you have time, I recommend going all the way to the SEWU temple at the far end. It’s not crowded, and it’s beautiful at dusk.
It was bigger and more impressive than I expected. I’ve also seen Angkor Wat, but this has a different kind of charm and is good in its own way. It’s a World Heritage site worth seeing. My advice is to visit in the morning. I visited in the afternoon, and from the front of Prambanan (where the sign is), the sun was behind it, and the photos of the ruins didn’t turn out well… they were dark and the photos were so-so. Also, the grounds are quite large, and it takes about 2 hours to walk around the other ruins, so you should be well-prepared for the heat. I didn’t see any shops on the grounds (maybe I just missed them). By the way, there were bicycle and electric scooter rentals, but the rental time was one hour, so I chose to walk since I wanted to take my time. On a side note, the GRUB car ride from Tugu station was about 40 minutes and cost 110,000 rupiah. About 1,000 yen.
I saw both the World Heritage “Prambanan Temple,” a Hindu temple, and the Buddhist temple “Borobudur Temple.” The two World Heritage sites are about a 1.5-hour taxi ride apart. I moved between them by Grab taxi. The grounds are large, and it’s tiring to walk. I rented a bicycle halfway through and toured for about an hour.
The building dedicated to Shiva, with its beautiful reliefs and a statue room that could fit about 10 people, was once surrounded by many buildings, but most of them are now in ruins. You can enter the ruins and take photos. The guide explained that there was also an earthquake’s impact, and I hope this place can be preserved beautifully and permanently.
The temple complex is on the left after entering. You can enter the small shrines and experience the worldview of Hinduism.
Conclusion: A Journey to Experience the Mystery of Ancient Java
The Prambanan Temple Compounds are a special place where you can feel the mystery and romance of ancient Java. The Shiva temple, the exquisite reliefs, and the silhouette of the temple illuminated by the setting sun will leave you with an unforgettable impression.
A trip to Yogyakarta is an encounter with ancient Javanese civilization. Experience the grand scale and devout spirit of the Prambanan Temple Compounds and create wonderful, lasting memories.
