Prambanan is a breathtakingly beautiful Hindu temple complex east of Yogyakarta. Along with Borobudur (one hour drive) they are the two biggest attractions in Java. It is the largest Hindu complex in Indonesia and it was built in the 9th century. Just like Borobudur This temple was rediscovered in the 19th century. Since then, it got a permanent place on the international list of large structures. In 1918 began the renovation of the temple complex, and if you visit Prambanan now people are still busy renovating parts of the main temple and the various temples (Candi's) around it. In 1991, the complex Prambanan was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Prambanan temple complex (Roro Jonggrang complex) in total consists of 237 temples of varying size. Some of these temples are no longer recognizable as such. The complex consists of three zones; the outer ring, the middle ring and the inner ring. In the center you will find the most sacred part, with several large temples. Some of these temples are accessible, most are closed to the public.
The main entrance is on the east side of the complex. You can leave the complex on the north side. Prambanan is a magnificent temple complex, but in the surroundings you will find several other beautiful temples. When you leave the Prambanan north side, you get on a path with some small shops. If you walk down this path you end up in a kind of park. Here you have the first Lumbung temple. Lumbung is a small complex with a few loose candi's. A little further continue and you will see the Bubrah temple on your right. Bubrah Lumbung is like a small complex. At the very end of the path you see looming beautiful temple; the Sewu temple. We liked Sewu especially beautiful. We were at the end of the afternoon, just before sunset.Sewu was destroyed for the most part, with enormous chunk sticks scattered over the grounds. Here one is working to restore the temple. There's an almost magical atmosphere.The temples north of Prambanan are almost all Buddhist temples, stupas are similar to the stupas that you see at Borobudur.
Viewpoint at Ratu Boko Hill is one of the most beautiful vantage point. Here you also have some temples, some of which are not easily accessible. From the top of the hill you have a wonderful view of the Prambanan complex, with the huge Mount Merapi in the background. In a radius of several kilometers around the Prambanan complex have several other beautiful temples (Hindu and Buddhist) as: Candi Plaosan, Candi Sambisari, Kraton Ratu Boko, several smaller temples and (one suspects) many temples yet to be discovered.
Prambanan is also visited around sunrise and sunset by many. Especially during the sunrise you can make some fantastic photos. However, you must here around 4:30 in the morning for, if you come from the center of Yogyakarta. By day, it can sometimes be quite busy around Prambanan; it is also one of the most popular attractions of Indonesia.
Prambanan is a bit overshadowed by the Borobudur, Prambanan while many find it as beautiful and perhaps even more beautiful than the Borobudur.
Prambanan is open daily between 06:00 and 18:00. Early in the morning it is often nice and cool and quieter than the middle of the day, so you can visit the best the temple complex as early as possible. An umbrella, water and sunscreen are important to have with you. Not only it can sometimes rain a lot, it is often very hot in direct sun.
Furthermore visit also the Sultan Palace (Keraton), the district of the artisans Kota Gede and a local batik and silver factory. Hereafter you drive a 'becak (pedicab) to the specially for the Sultan built water palace. Then visit the local bird and animal market, where exotic birds, monkeys, snakes and other tropical animals can be seen.
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