Traveling around central Java? Stroll through the heart of the largest and most evocative Hindu temple in Java and Indonesia: Candi Prambanan.
The Prambanan Temples
Over the years, Prambanan has suffered several earthquakes (one in the 16th century and another in 2006), neglect, and looting that have destroyed and deteriorated most of the 244 temples (Candi, in Indonesian) it originally had. That's why, as you wander through the complex, it's impossible to miss the ruins, scaffolding, or areas closed for restoration.
However, despite this damage, it's still well worth a visit. Just take a look at the photos to judge for yourself, keeping in mind that it's a thousand times more beautiful in person. 😉
It consists of 3 main temples dedicated to the Trimurti:
- Candi Shiva: the destroyer (the largest one).
- Candi Vishnu: the preserver.
- Candi Brahma: the creator.
At the end of September 2012, we were only able to enter the Vishnu temple, but that didn't take away from the magic of the experience.
The Buddhist temple of Candi Sewu
The second largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia, after Borobudur, is located just 800 meters north of Prambanan.
And if you thought you liked the previous one, get ready to be blown away by Candi Sewu. Even though it has been (partially) rebuilt after the 2006 earthquake, it is STUNNING and you can explore it inside.
So shake off any laziness about the walk from Prambanan and make your way to Candi Sewu. You won't regret it.
The best part?
- Because of its distance from Prambanan, fewer tourists make it there. In fact, we had it almost all to ourselves for most of our visit.
- Thanks to that distance, the views it offers of Prambanan are absolutely unmissable.
How to get to Prambanan
Although you can get to Prambanan from downtown Yogyakarta by public bus (Trans Jogja bus line 1A) or by booking organized tours in the city itself, we opted for a different alternative.
Private taxi
Our flight was landing at the Yogyakarta airport, but we had no intention of visiting that city (too crowded for our liking). In fact, we wanted to head straight to Borobudur, where we would spend the next 2 nights at the Lotus II homestay.
Jack, the owner of this accommodation that champions sustainable tourism, offered to arrange a taxi for us that would pick us up at the airport, take us to Prambanan, wait while we visited, and then drive us to Borobudur for only 300,000 IDR (around €24 at the exchange rate back then).
Honestly, this:
- Made our transportation so much easier.
- Optimized the time we had to explore Prambanan.
- Saved me from having to haggle with a stranger at the airport (something very common in Indonesia, and which I'm terrible at).
And so, for under €25, not only did we reach Prambanan comfortably, but we also got away from the hustle and bustle of Yogyakarta to enjoy 2 days of life in a much more rural part of Indonesia.
Budget
Here is what we spent the day we visited the Hindu temples of Prambanan in late September 2012 (prices have definitely changed since then):
- Prambanan entrance fee: 336000 IDR/2 people, €27.
- Prambanan parking: 5000 IDR, €0.4.
- One-way flight Jakarta-Yogyakarta: €92.3/2 people.
- Airport taxes: 80000 IDR, €6.5.
- Taxi driver (from the airport to Borobudur included): 300,000 IDR, €24
- Previous night's layover in Jakarta: 650,000 IDR, about €54.
Tips and fun facts
When to go
If you want to enjoy Prambanan all to yourself, try visiting first thing in the morning or at sunset, when the crowds are much smaller.
Dress code
Since it's an active place of worship, it's a good idea to dress modestly. At the entrance, they will likely lend you a ‘sarong’ or wrap, just as they did with us, which you need to wear around your waist as a sign of respect.
Photography
At Prambanan we found out that many locals are always eager to take photos with pale-skinned tourists. They treat you like you're a celebrity or a Hollywood actor.
The first time we found it so funny that, after he asked for a photo with us, we asked for one with him. I think he was totally flabbergasted—he certainly didn't see that twist coming. 🙂
And since we were lucky and Prambanan was super quiet that day with barely any visitors, it was just a fun little anecdote. The same couldn't be said for the next day at Borobudur…
Sun
Most of the time you'll be walking out in the open, so remember to pack UVA protection, sunglasses, and some kind of hat to protect yourself from heatstroke.
Travel insurance
Don't risk it. Nowadays, traveling insured with IATI, one of the best insurance companies for travelers, is super cheap.
3 weeks of hassle-free, relaxed travel around Indonesia for €110? Knowing that we wouldn't even have to pay upfront if something went wrong? Delayed baggage, personal liability, and massive medical coverage if needed... I never travel without them anymore.
And if you want to save even more, book through this link to get a 5% discount on the final price.
Useful links
- International flights to Indonesia: Trabber, eDreams, and Momondo.
- Website to buy domestic flights in Indonesia.
- FM7 Resort Hotel next to Jakarta Airport.
- 5% discount when you get your IATI travel insurance here.
Road tripping through Indonesia? Then you'll love these:
- 3-week road trip through Indonesia: Java and Borneo.
- Experience a sunrise from Borobudur temple.
- Meditate with Buddhist monks at Mendut temple.
- Selogriyo: a Hindu temple tucked among rice paddies.
- How to organize your visit to Bromo and Ijen: 4 options.
- 3-day, 2-night itinerary through Bromo and Ijen.
- 4-day klotok boat trip through Borneo: encounter wild orangutans.
- Pulau Derawan: how to get there and spend 7 days on the island.