Prambanan

Where it is & how to get there

• From Yogyakarta: About 30–45 minutes by car or the TransJogja bus.
• Combo tickets: Combined tickets with Borobudur are available.
• Ramayana Ballet: Evening performances on the open-air stage facing the temples, mainly in the dry season.

The story of Prambanan

Prambanan was built in the 9th century, around the same time as Borobudur, and dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti: Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. The central Shiva temple rises about 47 metres.

The complex once held 240 temples. Earthquakes and time toppled many of them, and restoration continues today. Its walls are carved with scenes from the Ramayana. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Best time to visit

Tips before you go

• Go late afternoon for golden light.
• See the Ramayana Ballet with the illuminated temples behind the stage.
• Visit nearby Sewu Temple, a Buddhist complex included in the park.

What's around Prambanan

• Sewu TempleBuddhist temple in the same park.
• Ratu BokoHilltop palace ruins with sunset views.
• Plaosan TempleTwin Buddhist temples.
• Yogyakarta KratonSultan's palace in the city.

Questions travellers ask