Prambanan Temple in Sleman is the largest Hindu heritage site in Indonesia with stunning architecture, beautiful views, and a variety of must-see cultural attractions.
Prambanan Temple, located in Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, is one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia and the most visited historical tourist destination.
This temple not only offers magnificent architecture, but also holds many interesting historical stories. Visiting Prambanan Temple will take you on an experience of admiring the beauty of Hindu architecture from the 9th century, complete with legendary stories that adorn its history.
The Prambanan Temple Complex was built during the reign of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom and since its rediscovery in the 19th century, the site has been restored and maintained to maintain its beauty.
This temple is also a symbol of the glory and richness of Hindu culture in Indonesia, making it a world heritage site recognized by UNESCO.
A Brief History of Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple was built in the 9th century, precisely during the reign of King Rakai Pikatan of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom.
Based on the Siwagrha inscription, this temple was built as a tribute to Trimurti, namely the three main gods in Hinduism: Shiva (the destroyer god), Brahma (the creator god), and Vishnu (the preserver god).
The main temple in this complex is the Shiva Temple, which is 47 meters high and is considered the center of the entire complex.
However, after the center of power moved to East Java in the 10th century, Prambanan Temple began to be forgotten and left abandoned.
Over time, this temple was covered by volcanic material from the eruption of Mount Merapi. Among the Things to do in Sleman, visiting this historical site is a must.
It was not until the 19th century, when the Dutch colonialists rediscovered the ruins of this temple, that Prambanan was restored and introduced to the world.
The Charm & Attraction of Prambanan Temple
Visiting Prambanan Temple offers a variety of stunning attractions, from the beauty of the architecture to the cultural activities that are regularly held. Here are some of the main attractions that make Prambanan Temple so special:
1. Magnificent and Beautiful Architecture
Prambanan Temple consists of three main temples dedicated to the Trimurti: the Shiva Temple, the Brahma Temple, and the Vishnu Temple.
Each temple displays highly detailed architecture and is decorated with fine carvings depicting Hindu gods and various mythological stories. The Shiva Temple, as the tallest and most important, takes center stage with its monumental design and stunning reliefs.
2. Relief of the Ramayana Story
One of the things that makes Prambanan Temple so interesting is the reliefs carved on the walls of the temple, which depict the epic story of the Ramayana.
This relief tells the life journey of Rama and Sinta in the form of a very beautiful carving. Visitors can follow the storyline by walking around the temple clockwise, while enjoying the details of the story shown in the reliefs.
3. Ramayana Ballet Performance
Not only is the story immortalized in reliefs, the Ramayana story is also performed in the form of dance drama at Prambanan Temple. The show is held in an open area with a backdrop of a temple lit up with lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Ramayana Ballet is a combination of dance, music, and drama that tells the love story and adventures of Rama and Sinta. This show is usually held at night and is one of the main attractions for tourists.
4. Amazing Sunset View
Apart from its magnificent architecture, Prambanan Temple also offers a very beautiful sunset view.
As the sun begins to set behind the temple, the golden rays of sunlight create a stunning dramatic effect. Many tourists come in the afternoon to enjoy this moment and capture it in stunning photos.
5. Festivals and Cultural Activities
Prambanan Temple is often the location for various cultural festivals and religious activities. One of the most famous events is the Prambanan Festival, which features art and cultural performances from various regions in Indonesia. In addition, Hindu religious ceremonies are also often held here, giving visitors the opportunity to witness firsthand a tradition rich in cultural and spiritual values.
Facilities and Entrance Ticket Prices
For the convenience of visitors, Prambanan Temple is equipped with various facilities, such as a large parking area, information center, public toilets, souvenir shops, as well as restaurants and cafes. These facilities ensure a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for all visitors.
Domestic Visitors:
- Adults: Rp. 50,000
- Children: Rp. 25,000
International Visitors:
- Adults: USD 25
- Children: USD 15
Operating Hours: Prambanan Temple is open daily from 06.00 to 17.00 WIB. For the best experience, it is recommended to visit in the morning or afternoon.
Route to Prambanan Temple
Prambanan Temple is located at Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No. 16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
The location is easy to reach, either by private vehicle or public transportation. If you are using public transportation, the Trans Jogja bus has a bus stop right in front of the Prambanan Temple complex, making it very easy for tourists.
Prambanan Temple in Sleman not only offers the beauty of magnificent Hindu architecture, but also holds fascinating historical stories and legends.
With its many attractions, from the epic Ramayana relief, spectacular evening dance dramas, to stunning sunset views, Tourist Attractions in Gunung Kidul offer similarly rich experiences, making Prambanan a must-visit destination when you are in Yogyakarta.
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this cultural wonder and feel the rich history that lives in every corner of the temple.
