Along with Borobudur, Prambanan is one of the main reasons for travelers to visit Yogyakarta. The two temples are both the largest in their own category: Borobudur is the world's largest Buddhist temple, while the Prambanan is the largest Hindu-Javanese temple complex in Indonesia. This makes the temples two of the most unique places to visit during your trip through Java.
Read more about visiting the Prambanan below, more about the Borobudur in this article.
Indonesia's largest Hindu-Javanese temple complex
The Prambanan temple complex, built in the 10th century, is the largest Hindu-Javanese temple complex in Indonesia. The original Prambanan temple consists of as many as 240 temples, many of which were unfortunately ruined due to an earthquake in 2006.
Buried under ash hundreds of years earlier, the temple complex, like Borobudur, was not rediscovered until around the 19th century. Nevertheless, what has remained standing, and what has since been restored of the religious structure, is quite an imposing display.
The Temple complex consists of the Prambanan Temple (Loro Jonggrang), the Sewu, Bubrah and Lumbung Temples. The Prambanan temple itself consists of three zones; first, the outer zone, second, the middle zone that contains hundreds of small temples, and third, the holiest inner zone that contains eight main temples and also eight small shrines.
The three main inner shrines are decorated with reliefs and dedicated to the three major Hindu deities: Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer. The temples and their outbuildings make up the Prambanan Archaeological Park.
Good to know before visiting Prambanan
Costs
In Indonesia, the distinction between local prices and "tourist" prices is quite visible. So visible that they even have separate 'tourist' counters at the ticket booths. The entrance ticket for tourists (read non Indonesian visitors) costs IDR 362,500, which is about €23.30.
Combine it with the Borobudur and you get admission to both temples for IDR 652,500 (€40). This will save you about 72,500, which is about €5.00. The ticket is valid for 2 days, which means you don't have to visit both temples on the same day.
The ticket includes a bottle of water at both temples, not including a guide. For Javanese standards, these are above average prices, but they are two impressive temples that you simply have to visit when you are in Jogjakarta.
| Ticket | Costs |
|---|---|
| Adults (not Indonesian) | 362.500 IDR |
| Children (3-10, not Indonesian) | 217.500 IDR |
| Adults (Indonesian) | 50.000 IDR |
| Children (3-10, Indon Indonesian esisch) | 25.000 IDR |
Price list 2023 (VisitJawaTengah.com)
Where is the Prambanan temple complex located?
This unique temple complex is located about 19 kilometers from Jogjakarta center. 19 kilometers does not sound like very far, but by Javanese standards it is still quite a bit. It will take you about 45 minutes due to the heavy traffic and especially the traffic lights. A cab will cost around €8 - €13 for a one-way ride, consulting Gojek once in Jogjakarta for the best deal.
Traffic, by the way, is not necessarily chaotic. The roads are wide enough, and if you've had scooter experience in other places in Asia, you can also rent a scooter just fine in Java. For a scooter you pay about IDR 80,000 - IDR 100,000 per day (€ 5.30 - € 6.60). A liter of gasoline costs only € 0.75.
You could also go by bus, which is without a doubt the cheapest way to get there. For as little as € 0.50, you already have a bus ticket to go from Malioboro Street (bus 1A and 1B) to the bus stop opposite the temple complex.
With an organized tour?
Another option is to visit both the Prambanan and Borobodur in one day with an organized tour. This includes a cab (and almost always a guide). Personally, I found these tours quite pricey (€ 40 - € 50 excluding tickets), where you also have to ask yourself how flexible you are at the temples. You can't plan your visit in terms of time, so it can just happen that one temple is a bit more crowded and you can't see or photograph everything you thought you would.
With or without a guide?
The easiest way is to visit the temples on your own. However, only then you won't have the luxury of having a guide. Don't worry, because these can be found at the entrance to the temple complex.
Tip: avoid hassles and make a clear price agreement with the guide. That way, no one will be faced with unpleasant surprises.
Opening hours
Daily from 06:30 to 18:00, with the entrance gates closing at 17:00. You will need about 2 hours to explore the temple complex at your leisure, walking the distances between the temples. Often it is only a few minutes, only if you want to go to the exit from the last temple it is a longer walk (10 minutes). If you do want to go for convenience, there are shuttles that can take you from temple a to temple b for a fee.
A small impression of some of the other temples!
Best time to visit the Prambanan?
Either early in the morning to get ahead of both the crowds and the heat, or late in the afternoon. Side note is that in the afternoon there are still plenty of local tourists, it is a popular opportunity for schools to visit with their students.
When I visited the temple complex myself on a Saturday in the afternoon, there were numerous children, all of whom were eager to have their picture taken. By 4:30 p.m. it was much quieter, and by 5 p.m. I was the only one left at the various other temples, how quiet!
The Prambanan may be the eye-catcher, but the other temples are also very impressive!
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