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Prambanan

Prambanan
Prambanan Temple Compounds is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and one of the largest Hindu temples in south-east Asia. It is characterised by its tall and pointed architecture, typical of Hindu temple architecture, and by the 47m high central building inside a large complex of individual temples. The temple complex dates from the 10th century, and is dedicated to Shiva.

Next to the main complex (called Loro Joggrang), the Buddhist Candi Sewu and the temples of Lumbumg, Burah and Asu also are part of this WHS.

Year Decision Comments
1991 Inscribed Reasons for inscription



Visit October 2009

To beat the heat, clouds and crowds, I already arrived at the gate of Prambanan before 8 a.m. The souvenir hawkers even hadn't unpacked their stalls. The Prambanan Temple Compounds covers quite a large area. It includes 3 other temples besides the main Prambanan Hindu temple. Entrance costs 11 US dollar (or 110.000 rupiah) for foreigners. I arrived from Yogyakarta by using the convenient and relatively new TransYogya minibus (costing 3,000 rupiah / 0.20 EUR).

Right away you notice the damage that has been done by the earthquake in 2006. The large Brahma temple is completely covered in scaffoldings. Also about half of the main compound is off limits to visitors. Constantly you hear the noise of chiselling, made by the many labourers on site.
Sadly, this unfortunate circumstance takes away part of the beauty of this site.

At the back of the grounds, about 15 minutes walk from the main temple, lies the Buddhist Cadi Sewu. "She's a beauty", two Australian tourists called out when I met them on my way in. And indeed, this might be the best sight on display at the moment. It has a lot of damage too, but there are enough little ornaments still to enjoy.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

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Reviews

Briliana Rohima (Indonesia):
have been living at Yogyakarta city for about 8 years, I went to Prambanan Temple for the first time at 2009. It was very easy to go there, used Yogyakarta Trans Bus in the evening to see sunset there. Yogyakarta is hot city, so better to prepare sunblock or go there in the morning/ evening. It was a dance, Ramayana dance which is just showed at every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night, take place on the outdoor stage use Prambanan temple as the background.
The next my visitation time is at outdoor stage of Prambanan, it was night but no Ramayana dance performed. I went there to see the eclipse. Prambanan temple was full of light and I saw it at the distance. It was unforgettable moment in my life.
Date posted: February 2012
Sergio (Indonesia):
The Prambanan Temple complex helps us to illustrate the glorious past of the ancient Javanese Kingdom. The grandeur of the temples, the sophisticated stone engraving and the mystical atmosphere surrounding the precinct are not to be missed!
Date posted: February 2010
Bava (India):
I made a visit to Prambanan in the month of Sep 2005. This place was so beautiful with greenary around the temple compound. It was a Wonderful temple with great architecture. The Ramayana Ballot dance was awesome and worth to watch. Would love to revisit this temple if I get a chance.

I also made a visit to Borobudur temple. Both these places smells like heaven on earth. I enjoyed my stay in Yogyakarta(Jogja town). Lots of wonderful memories stay in my mind about this temple. If you get a chance do visit this temple and other places in Yogyakarta..
Date posted: September 2009
Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang (Indonesia):
The site area is quite simple, and offer a lovely atmosphere. Especially in the late afternoon. When I was there (Dec 2007), one of the three temples is under renovation for the badly damaged parts after the earthquake.. so I do hope it is a much better site now.
Date posted: August 2008
Geoff Doiron (USA):
I visited Prambanan in 1991 as well as Borobudor as part of my stay in Yogjakarta.

Having traveled or lived through parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Micronesia and other islands over the past 12 years, to this day have found Prambanan and Yogjakarta to be one of the most mystical places I have visited thus far.

If you have the opportunity to do so, please do not miss this incredible city and its amazing spots. Further if the ballet is playing at the temple (I forget the formal name) do not miss it; this will make your experience unforgettable.
 


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