General information about the Prambanan temple complex
Prambanan is the largest Hindu temple complex in Indonesia and is located just under 18 km east of Yogyakarta. Prambanan is also one of the largest Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. The temple complex was built around the year 850 and has been a World Heritage Site since 1991. In contrast to the Buddhist temples, the Hindu temples are built rather high and pointed. The temples of the complex are arranged around the 47 m high main building. The 3 largest shrines are dedicated to the three highest Hindu deities Vishnu, Shiva and Brahman. We were also thrilled by the direct comparison between the Buddhist temple complex of Borobodur and Prambanan. Both are super exciting temple complexes, but they differ greatly in their construction.
Is a visit to Prambanan worthwhile?
Even though the temple complex of Borobodur is much better known than the Hindu temple complex of Prambanan, in our opinion it should definitely be included in a visit to Yogyakarta. The direct comparison of the construction methods of Borobodur and Prambanan is particularly interesting.
When is the best time to visit Prambanan?
I can take away one illusion – the temple complex is well visited on every occasion. Many visitors book a combination ticket that includes a visit to Borobodur and Prambanan. We visited the temple in the afternoon and found it especially beautiful to see the high temples at dusk.
Top tips for your visit to the Borobodur temple complex
- There are several bus services that take you from Yogyakarta very close to the temple.
- Book a combined ticket for Prambanan and Borobodur to save money.
- If you have a student ID, take it with you when buying tickets to save money.
- Take your time and don’t do both temples in one day.
- A guide is worthwhile here as you will learn a lot about construction, symbolism, orientation etc.
Prambanan on your own or with a tour?
Very clear answer – on your own! It is super easy to get to the Prambanan temple by public bus.
Is a guide to Prambanan worth it?
This depends largely on how far you want to immerse yourself and are interested in the history and symbolism of the individual temples and buildings. I can only recommend that you take a guide, otherwise you can marvel at the temples but not understand the context. We personally think that the 100,000 Rupiah (approx. 6 €) are well invested, especially as you can share the guide. The guides speak good English, and there are even some who speak German.
How much is the entrance fee to Prambanan?
Unfortunately, the entrance fees to the temple complexes in Yogyakarta are not at all in line with a backpacker’s budget. Unfortunately, you have no choice here and have to bite the bullet if you want to see the charismatic temple complexes in Java.
| Output | Kosten |
| Prambanan Entrance fee | 350.000 Rupia (~22 €) |
| Combined ticket Borobodur & Prambanan | 630.000 Rupiah (~ 39 €) |
| Borobodur Entrance fee sunrise | 500.000 Rupiah (~32 €) |
| Borobodur entrance fee sunset | 500.000 Rupiah (~32 €) |
| Guide for Borobodur | 100.000 Rupiah (~ 6 €) |
| Borobodur Entrance fee | 350.000 Rupia (~22 €) |
Journey to the Prambanan Temple
The easiest ways to get to the Prambanan temple are by bus or taxi.
Arrival by bus
In Yogyakarta, there are the Trans-Yogya buses 1A and 1B, both of which you can easily take from Jalan Malioboro, the main tourist street in Yogyakarta. The fare is rather negligible at just under 8,000 rupiah (+/- €0.50). For example, you can take the bus from the following address (see map)
Arrival by taxi
The most comfortable way to cover the 18 km is, of course, as always, by taxi.
Prambanan and Borobodur in one day
Time-wise, both are definitely doable, especially if you book the sunrise or sunset tour at Borobodur. However, I am firmly convinced that one large temple per day is enough. Otherwise, the “wow” effect is missing and you just tick off your sightseeing list. But do you really enjoy it? Everyone has to know that for themselves, I for one could not. Especially as there are other exciting things to see, especially around Borobodur.
