The top attractions are busy all year, with Indonesians from other parts of the country and people from around the world coming no matter the season. Even when things do not go as planned, Yogyakarta has a lively atmosphere and interactions with locals, who are often friendly and welcoming, make the trip worthwhile.
Prambanan Temple, Indonesia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Prambanan Temple is one of Indonesia’s top
attractions. It holds significant historical importance and stands as a
tower-like emblem in Yogyakarta. Visiting Prambanan Temple, the largest Hindu
temple site in Indonesia, requires plenty of energy. Walking from the main road
into the vast complex is necessary, as driving inside is not allowed (TAJ MAHAL AGRA, INDIA).
The temple complex covers about 98 acres, roughly the size of 74 football fields, including the main temples and many smaller surrounding temples. Exploring the entire site can easily take around two hours. The complex is open daily from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM. Tickets can be purchased at the counter or online in advance.
History of Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta,
Indonesia
Also known as Candi Prambanan and located about 1.5 hours’ drive from
Yogyakarta city, Prambanan Temple is a 9th-century Hindu temple complex in
Central Java. The temple can be seen from afar, standing as a majestic
landmark. Originally, the complex consisted of 240 temples.
After the decline of the Sanjaya Dynasty
and the relocation of the Mataram court to East Java, Prambanan was abandoned
and fell into disrepair due to natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions and
earthquakes. Rediscovered in the 18th century, restoration efforts began in the
20th century, with significant reconstruction completed by 1953.
What to See in Prambanan Temple,
Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Identifying the Temples
To know which temple is which, it’s best to follow the numbers or labels on the
temples and use the maps provided, even though many people overlook them. The
temples in the Prambanan complex look very similar, with tall spires and
detailed stone walls, which can make it difficult to tell them apart.
The three main temples - Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, are built in the same style, each housing a statue of the god inside and carvings depicting Hindu stories. While each temple has unique features, the overall design is very similar, and the large layout of the complex can be confusing.
Three Main Temples in Prambanan
The main temple in the complex is the Shiva Temple (Candi Shiva Mahadeva). It
is the largest and tallest, standing about 47 meters (154 feet) high. Dedicated
to Shiva, the Destroyer, it sits at the center of the inner area, flanked by
the Vishnu and Brahma temples. Inside, there is a statue of Shiva and intricate
carvings illustrating stories from Hindu legends.
The other two main temples are the Vishnu
Temple, dedicated to Vishnu the Preserver, and the Brahma Temple, dedicated to
Brahma the Creator.
Other Temples in Prambanan
Apart from the three main temples, the complex includes many smaller temples
called Candi Perwara, arranged in rows around the main temples. Some are
well-preserved, while others are partially ruined. Walking among these temples
allows for a close look at their detailed carvings and how they complement the
main temples, enhancing the overall layout and significance of the complex.
Mount Merapi Tour
A tour of Mount Merapi involves more than
seeing a mountain; the jeep ride along bumpy, winding roads is an integral part
of the experience. Mount Merapi gained significant attention after the
devastating eruptions in 2006 and 2010, which affected surrounding communities
and brought the volcano into the spotlight. The jeep tour provides a close look
at the aftermath of these eruptions and their impact on the area.
The tour begins with an open-air jeep
traveling up narrow, dusty, and uneven paths to the mountain. The drive can be
challenging, especially for those unaccustomed to such roads. The tour includes
three main stops, allowing time to observe and study the effects of Mount
Merapi’s eruptions.
Mini Museum/Sisa Hartaku
The mini museum is a replica of a small house, displaying items salvaged after
the eruptions. Burnt cooking pots, melted fans, damaged dolls, and old photos
covered in ash are among the artifacts on display. Around half an hour is spent
here before the jeep continues to the next stop,
Alien Stone.
Alien Stone
Alien Stone is a large rock that rolled down during the 2010 eruption. It
earned its name because it resembles a face or an alien head. The site provides
a high vantage point, showing the surrounding landscape affected by the
eruption.
Mount Merapi Bunker Kaliadem
The final stop is the Mount Merapi bunker, a small shelter built to protect
people from heat and ash during eruptions. Made from thick iron and partially
embedded in the ground, it now stands as a reminder of the volcano’s danger.
The interior is minimal, emphasizing the seriousness of the volcanic threat and
prompting reflection on the impact of Mount Merapi.
Museum Kereta Keraton (Royal Carriage
Museum)
Housed in a space roughly the size of a medium house, Museum Kereta Keraton
displays 23 royal horse-drawn carriages and related equipment from the
Yogyakarta Sultanate. Eighteen of the carriages are still used in royal
ceremonies. Notable examples include Kyai Garuda Yeksa, made in 1861 with a
gold crown; Kanjeng Nyai Jimad, used for royal coronations; and Mondro Juwolo,
once used by Prince Diponegoro.
A single walk around the museum allows a clear view of the colorful and well-preserved carriages.
Kraton
Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat (Yogyakarta Sultan’s Palace)
At the heart of Yogyakarta is Kraton
Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, also known as the Yogyakarta Sultan’s Palace. It is
the official residence of the Sultan, and the Sultan and his family live in
parts of the complex, while other areas are open for cultural, historical, and
museum purposes. Originally constructed in the 18th century, the Kraton has
been carefully preserved for its historical and architectural significance.
The palace complex covers a large area,
with multiple buildings, courtyards, and ceremonial halls. Its architecture
follows traditional Javanese design, featuring tiered roofs, intricate
carvings, and open pavilions arranged around central courtyards. The complex
also includes residential quarters, administrative buildings, and spaces for
official ceremonies and cultural performances.
Inside the palace grounds, several museums
and exhibition spaces display royal artifacts, traditional clothing, gamelan
instruments, and historical documents that tell the story of the Yogyakarta
Sultanate. Walking through the grounds, the furniture and fittings made from
high-quality Indonesian wood add to the rustic charm of the architecture.
A mini garden between sections offers a pause before moving on to the next area, while
cultural performances such as gamelan music bring the history and traditions of
the palace to life.
Taman Sari (Water Castle)
Taman Sari, also known as the Water Castle, was built in the 18th century as a
royal garden and private retreat for the Sultan. Its design combines Javanese
and Portuguese architectural elements. The complex originally featured pools,
fountains, and lakes for bathing and relaxation, along with underground tunnels
and secret chambers.
Much of Taman Sari now shows signs of
wear, reflecting its historical grandeur as a royal retreat.
Museum Ullen Sentalu
Opened in 1994 and privately owned, Museum Ullen Sentalu highlights Javanese
history and culture. Exhibits include royal family heirlooms, traditional
batik, and artworks that trace the Mataram kingdom and changes in Javanese
culture over time.
The displays also provide insights into the lives of Javanese royalty, including sultans, their wives, families, and marriages. Photography is not allowed inside, and a typical tour takes less than an hour. The garden outside the museum is notable for its layout and design, offering a final impression of the site before leaving.
