Tired of Bali’s party culture and bustle? There are plenty of other places in Indonesia to visit if you’re looking for a total vibe shift. Yogyakarta, for example, is one of the country’s great cultural centers, since it’s full of activities, great food, and classical Javanese fine arts. As if that’s not enough, it’s the home of three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of those, the Prambanan Temple Compounds, has been attracting tourists from all over the world for decades. Here’s everything you need to know about it.
What makes Prambanan Temple Compounds special?
Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia and the second-largest in Southeast Asia. Built in the 8th or 9th centuries, the temple is a grand archeological site like few others in the region. The grounds have been restored with great attention to preserving its authenticity, which has led to it being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Where is it and how do I get there?
If you prefer to take public transportation and don’t mind a bit of walking, you can take Trans Jogja bus route 1A from the Mangkubumi bus stop (near the Malioboro tourist area) for about an hour, get off at Terminal Prambanan, and walk a kilometer and a half. You could also take the Yogyakarta commuter rail towards Palur from Yogyakarta station for a much shorter, 20 minute ride, with a walk of about the same distance. It’s also easily accessible by car, so you can get a private hire vehicle or taxi.
When is the best time to visit?
The Prambanan Temple Compounds are open every day, all year round, from 6.30AM to 5.30PM. However, it’s probably best to visit during the dry season from April to October, and if you’re looking to avoid peak tourist season, visit during April to June.
How much does it cost?
Tickets are IDR 400,000 for visitors aged 10 and above, and IDR 250,000 for ages 3 to 10.
What can I do there?
Loads! You could book a guided tour that takes you both to Prambanan Temple and its fellow UNESCO World Heritage Site, Borobudur Temple. If you’re feeling athletic, you can book a cycling tour that will take you around the grounds and the surrounding areas, dropping by home-based businesses that make pottery or local delicacies. And if you’re a lover of the arts, make sure to catch the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet, a dance and drama performance based on the Hindu epic Ramayana, taking place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
How much time should I spend there?
A visit to Prambanan Temple will be a half-day or full-day trip, depending on if you intend to visit other temples on the same day. If you want to catch the Ballet, consider booking a later ticket so you can tour the grounds and watch the sunset before getting your fill of culture.
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