Candi Prambanan

Janice Ha

5/5

Best time to go is after noon and watch the sun cast soft shadows on the relief during sundown. It is less crowded than Borobudur because the temple structures are spread out with lots of open spaces in between. There are also many smaller but magnificent Buddhist structures on the temple grounds worth visiting. I had the pleasure of sitting on ancient stones, with the soft sun behind me on the western side of the main Prambanan temple and just soaking up this historical monument. It took me 33 years from first learning about it in university to actually setting foot here to see it. I am very impressed by all the work they are putting in to conserve and preserve this beautiful UNESCO heritage site. Even though a foreigner entrance ticket costs 8x more than a domestic ticket, it is worth every rupiah! Some domestic visitors were not too careful about the stone relief though. I saw one man use his umbrella to point and hit on the stone relief. 😞 Hope better education and supervision can be given on site by heritage staff.

Bumford and Sirl

5/5

What an amazing archaeological site. The tourist ticket is 400,000 which is around £20 and the local ticket is 50,000 around £2.50, but they do give you a separate entrance and a small bottle of water! I would recommend coming early in the day to avoid the heat as shade is limited in the temple. The structures are so impressive and you can climb up and explore the different areas. The temple complex includes other temples which you can shuttle too

Fabiannn (ファビアン)

5/5

Visiting Prambanan Temple is like stepping back in time to witness the grandeur of Indonesia’s rich Hindu and Buddhist heritage. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only an architectural marvel but also one of the most accessible and tourist-friendly attractions in Central Java. Accessibility & Tour Guides: The temple complex is conveniently located about 17 km from Yogyakarta city center, and it’s easily reachable by car, motorbike, or public transport. If you're coming from the airport, it's just a short ride. Upon arrival, you’ll find the entrance very organized with ticket counters for domestic and international visitors. What really enhances the experience is the availability of licensed tour guides. They are friendly, multilingual (English, Bahasa Indonesia, and sometimes other languages), and extremely knowledgeable. Guided tours are highly recommended to understand the deep symbolism, mythology, and history behind the temple reliefs and structures. Parking Lots & Entry Process: The parking area is spacious and well-managed, accommodating both private cars and tour buses. There’s a separate area for motorbikes, and everything is within walking distance to the entrance gate. The entry process is smooth, and staff are helpful, maintaining a good flow even during busy hours. Facilities: The facilities are excellent for a historical site of this scale. There are clean restrooms, shaded seating areas, and refreshment stalls near the entrance and inside the complex. You’ll also find a souvenir market selling everything from traditional batik to wooden crafts and mini Prambanan replicas — perfect for gifts. There's even a small museum near the complex that provides more background about the site's excavation and restoration efforts. The Temple Grounds: The temple complex itself is vast and immaculately maintained. The main temples dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma stand proudly in the center, surrounded by smaller shrines and ruins that speak volumes about ancient Javanese Hindu civilization. Visitors are allowed to walk into several of the temples, and the carvings are remarkably well-preserved. Be sure to wear comfortable footwear and bring a hat or umbrella as it can get quite hot during midday. Bonus Tip: Come early in the morning or around sunset to avoid the crowds and get the best lighting for photos. For a truly magical experience, consider watching the Ramayana Ballet at the nearby open-air theatre in the evening — with the temples as a backdrop, it's an unforgettable performance. Conclusion: Prambanan Temple is not just a tourist site — it’s a spiritual, educational, and visual journey that impresses every visitor. Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or just someone looking to appreciate world heritage, Prambanan delivers on all fronts. A must-visit when in Yogyakarta!