Prambanan Temple Travel Guide: The Magnificant Hindu Temple in Indonesia

Have you ever visited a temple that took your breath away and left you in awe? A temple whose architecture and beauty are so magnificent and unique that you start to wonder how, when, and who made it? If not, then you need to visit the Prambanan temple in Indonesia.

Indonesia, known for its diverse beauty, rich culture, and thrilling adventures, is a dream destination for many. From its vibrant cities to its picturesque Indonesian islands, the country offers something for everyone. Yet, many are unaware that Indonesia is also home to one of the most magnificent Hindu temples in the world – the Prambanan temple.

Prambanan, also known as Candi Prambanan Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Java Indonesia. The temple complex houses around 224 temples, with the main temple being dedicated to the Hindu trinity -Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. The temples are adorned with state-of-the-art cravings and intricate architecture, reflecting the cultural and religious significance of the place.

So, whether you are a history buff, cultural enthusiast, or a nature lover, don’t forget to add this enchanting and breathtaking temple to your Indonesia tour packages. To help you get the most out of your visit, here is a short travel guide to Prambanan Temple:

Prambanan Temple History and Facts

Situated not far from the Borobudur Temple (the largest Buddhist temple in the world), the Prambanan Temple's proximity to Borobudur offers a reassuring feeling of knowing that religious beliefs of different religions, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, could coexist happily for so many years.

With its history dating back thousands of years, the Prambanan temple in Indonesia was made during the height of the Mataram Kingdom in the 9th century, specifically under the reign of King Sanjaya, who was a follower of Hinduism. The temple complex was dedicated to the Trimurti, representing the three principal deities of Hinduism: Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).

However, in the 10th century, after earthquakes, volcanos, and wars, the temple was abandoned. Later, in the 19th century, it was discovered by the British and rebuilt to restore it to its original glory. In 1991, the temple was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its universal value and significance to humanity.

There is also a legend associated with the Candi Prambanan temple, telling the story of Princess Roro Jonggrang, who was proposed to by her father's conqueror, Bandung Bandawasa. She agreed to marry him only if he built 1000 temples before sunrise. With supernatural help, the prince neared completion, but the princess tricked the spirits by making roosters crow before dawn, leaving him with 999 temples. When the prince, Bandung Bandawasa, found out about the trick, he cursed the princess into a statue. Though this legend is an interesting story of love and betrayal, nobody knows its actual origin and it could possibly have been created by the locals.

The Best Time to Visit Prambanan

Indonesia has two seasons: The dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Prambanan is believed to be in the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and sunny, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring all that the temple has to offer. July to August are the busiest months, so book your accommodation and flights in advance.

Once there, be sure to go for a Prambanan temple day tour in the early morning, when the weather is not too hot and the crowd is manageable. In the early morning hours, you can also enjoy the view of the temple with the mesmerising sunrise.

How to Get to Prambanan

The Candi Prambanan Temple can be reached easily from the neighbouring Yogyakarta, located around 17 kilometres away. You can travel to Yogyakarta through domestic hubs in Indonesia like Jakarta, Denpasar, and Surabaya, or fly internationally from Malaysia and Singapore. Once in Yogyakarta, you can travel to the Prambanan temple through these options:

• By Bus: The most economical method is to take a bus, which will take you directly from Jalan Malioboro in Yogyakarta to Prambanan. The fare is cheap, and you will reach the temple in half an hour or so. For departure, the buses depart every twenty minutes.
• By Rental Car or Taxi: You can also rent a car or book a taxi to the temple from Yogyakarta. This could be a good option for those travelling with family or friends.
• By Train: Lastly, you can also take a train to Prambanam and walk the remaining distance to the temple. However, this could be a little uncomfortable and time-consuming way to travel.

Regardless of what you choose to travel from, the journey to Prambanan from Yogyakarta is an easy one.

Prambanan Temple Entrance Fees and Opening Hours

Before you visit, it’s crucial to know the Prambanan temple entrance fees and opening hours. Here is all you need to know about entrance fees and opening hours:

Entrance Fees

• Domestic Visitors: Adults: IDR 50,000 (approximately 258 Indian rupees)
• Foreign Visitors: Adults: IDR 350,000 (approximately 1800 Indian rupees)

You can also buy a combination ticket if you want to visit neighbouring Borobudur Temple at the same time, which will cost you between 3,246 Indian rupees

Opening Hours

• Ticket Counter: Opens at 6:30 AM
• Main Entrance: Opens at 7:00 AM
• Ticket Counter Closes: 4:30 PM (visitors can remain inside until 5:00 PM)

What to See in Prambanan

As Prambanan is a temple complex there are many different areas that you can visit as part of your Prambanan temple day tour. The temple complex is mainly divided into three zones. The outer zone consists of a huge park, fenced by an outer wall. In the middle zone, there is a range of shrines, known as Candi Perwara which means Guardian Temples.

The highlight of the temple is the inner zone which compromises the Candi Shiva Mahadeva, which is the largest and most intricately designed temple within the complex. Standing at 47 meters tall, it is dedicated to Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. The temple features exquisite carvings that narrate stories from the Ramayana and showcases a four-armed statue of Shiva inside its main chamber.

Besides the Candi Shiva Mahadeva, you can also find Candi Vishnu which is dedicated to Vishnu the Preserver, and Candi Brahma which is dedicated to Brahma the creator. There are also some temples of lesser-known gods in the inner zone including Candi Bubrah, Candi Lumbung, and Candi Sewu.

While exploring the temple on your own is easy, it is still recommended to book a Prambanan temple guide to get the most out of your trip

Sites to See Near Prambanan

Besides the main temple complex, there are many other sites to see near Prambanan temple that you can visit while there. These sites include:

Candi Plaosan

Only two or so kilometres away from Candi Prambanan temple, Candi Plaosan is a Buddhist temple complex known for its unique architecture that combines both Hindu and Buddhist elements. The site features intricate carvings, making it a picturesque spot for visitors.

Kraton Ratu Boko

Kraton Ratu Boko is an archaeological site, situated on a hill about 3 kilometres from Prambanan temple. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and the Prambanan complex. The site includes the remains of a royal palace and is rich in historical significance.

Candi Kalasan

Candi Kalasan is a Buddhist temple built in the 8th century. It is known for its beautiful architecture and ornate carvings, particularly the reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha. Located 10 or so kilometres away, this Buddhist temple is a great site to see near Prambanan during your visit.

Open Air Theater

Located within the Prambanan complex, the Open Air Theater hosts cultural performances, including the famous Ramayana Ballet, which showcases traditional Javanese dance and storytelling against the backdrop of the illuminated temples. You will need to book the tickets for the show in advance through a travel agent ahead of your visit.

Overall, Indonesia’s Prambanan Temple is a marvel of ancient architecture and a testament to their rich cultural heritage. A visit here offers not just a glimpse into the past, but also an opportunity to experience the harmony of diverse religious traditions.

At Veena World, we offer a range of packages, including an Indonesia couple package that covers the Prambanan temple in its itinerary. Each package includes a tour manager, who will assist you 24/7 with all your needs and preferences.