Discover the charm of Prambanan Temple, from the beauty of its Hindu architecture and history to the magnificent Ramayana Ballet, amidst the exotic scenery of Jogja.
If there is one place that should not be missed when visiting Jogja, it is Prambanan Temple. The largest Hindu temple in Indonesia not only offers architectural beauty, but also holds a rich historical story and presents an unforgettable cultural experience. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Prambanan Temple is a favorite destination for local and foreign tourists who want to experience the blend of Jogja’s cultural, historical, and natural beauty.
Getting to Know the History of Prambanan Temple
Also known as Candi Roro Jonggrang, Prambanan Temple was built around the 9th century AD and is dedicated as a place of worship for the Hindu Gods Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu. Its original name was Candi Siwagrha, which means “House of Shiva,” according to the Siwagrha inscription found around the site. In Hinduism, Shiva is the god of destruction, and at Prambanan Temple there is a statue of Shiva Mahadewa as the main worship, between the statues of Brahma the Creator and Vishnu the Preserver.
Prambanan Temple is designed in a complex form with three main temples, each dedicated to the three gods. Its towering architecture and the reliefs that adorn the temple walls demonstrate the high level of skill in art and technology of that time. Among the Things to do in Jogja, visiting this temple is an opportunity to witness the grandeur of history and culture inherited over centuries.
The Charm & Main Attractions of Prambanan Temple
1. Ramayana Ballet
At Prambanan Temple, tourists can enjoy the Ramayana Ballet performance, a dance drama that tells the epic love story between Rama and Sita. Held in an open-air theater with the magnificent Prambanan Temple as a backdrop, the performance is made even more spectacular by the accompaniment of traditional Javanese music and stunning choreography. Ramayana Ballet is a cultural experience that takes visitors as if they were in the past, showing ancient legends in an aesthetic artistic package.
2. Take photos at Instagrammable spots
Every corner of Prambanan Temple is a perfect photo spot. Visitors can capture moments in various parts of the restored temple. In addition, the management also provides an additional interesting photo area to capture the visit with the background of the beautiful architecture of the temple and the exotic surrounding scenery.
3. Archery Activities and Animal Interaction
After touring the temple, tourists can try other activities such as playing archery and interacting with animals. This special area has complete archery facilities with instructors ready to help. Visitors can also meet the animals kept around the temple, such as deer, cassowaries, and rabbits, and are given the opportunity to feed them.
Location and Route to Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is located on Jalan Raya Solo-Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Sleman, Yogyakarta. The location of this temple is very strategic and easily accessible from the center of Jogja, so tourists can use public transportation such as the Trans Jogja bus which stops directly at the Prambanan Temple bus stop. For those who bring private vehicles or come with a group, a large parking area is also available around the temple complex.
The route to Prambanan Temple is very easy to reach. From the center of Yogyakarta, tourists can take the direction to Jalan Solo and continue the journey until they reach Sleman Regency. The journey from the city usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This route also allows tourists to enjoy the views of the countryside and green rice fields during the trip.
Prambanan Temple Entrance Ticket Prices
Prambanan Temple entrance ticket prices vary according to age category and citizenship. Here are the details of ticket prices for domestic and foreign tourists:
- Adult Domestic Tourists (10 years and above): IDR 50,000
- Domestic Tourist Children (Age 3-10 years): Rp. 25,000
- Adult Foreign Tourists (10 years and above): Rp. 387,500
- Foreign Tourist Children (3-10 years): Rp. 232,500
- Prambanan-Borobudur Pass Ticket (Adult): Rp75,000 | (Child): Rp35,000
- Prambanan-Ratu Boko Pass Ticket (Adult): Rp85,000 | (Child): Rp40,000
Facilities such as parking are also available at affordable rates, so that tourists can enjoy their visit comfortably.
Interesting Activities at Prambanan Temple
1. Tour the Temple Complex
The Prambanan Temple Complex consists of three main temples and several small temples known as wahana temples. These three main temples are dedicated to Hindu gods, while the wahana temples are dedicated to each god’s vehicle, namely the Angsa Temple (Brahma’s vehicle), the Garuda Temple (Vishnu’s vehicle), and the Nandi Temple (Shiva’s vehicle). Tourists can walk around the complex and admire every detail of the reliefs that tell the story of the lives of the Hindu gods.
2. Enjoy the Charming Sunset
One of the best moments at Prambanan Temple is when the sun begins to set. The sunset view from the temple area is beautiful, casting a warm orange glow on the majestic temple buildings. The sunset moment here is a favorite for visitors who want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere and capture the beauty in photos.
3. Watching the Ramayana Ballet
Ramayana Ballet is a spectacular dance performance held every night at the Prambanan Temple complex, except on rainy nights. This show presents the legendary Ramayana story with Javanese gamelan accompaniment and beautiful choreography. With more than 200 dancers and musicians, the show captivates every audience, especially with the backdrop of the magnificent Prambanan temple lit up with lights.
4. Visiting the Souvenir Market
After finishing exploring the temple complex, tourists can visit the souvenir market which is not far from the exit. In this market, there are many typical Yogyakarta handicrafts, ranging from batik, carvings, to traditional jewelry that can be used as souvenirs.
5. Try Archery Class
Archery activities are also available at Prambanan Temple, where tourists can learn basic archery techniques with instructors who are ready to help. This activity provides a unique experience that is different from ordinary tourism, and visitors can also learn archery with a traditional technique called jemparingan.
Complete Facilities at Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple Complex is equipped with various facilities for the comfort of tourists. A large parking area, toilets, food stalls, and restaurants are available to meet the needs of visitors. In addition, there are many green areas and playgrounds suitable for families, as well as a performance stage used for various arts and cultural events.
Prambanan Temple is not just a historical site; it holds many attractions that make every visit a complete and enjoyable experience. From the stunning architectural and historical beauty to cultural activities such as the Ramayana Ballet performance, Prambanan Temple complements the allure of Beaches in Jogja, making every visitor captivated by the charm of this diverse region.
