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What to do and see in Indonesia, Indonesia: The Best Ancient Ruins
Coordinates: 5°S 120°E / 5°S 120°E / -5; 120
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1. Prambanan Temples
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,313 reviews
These ancient masterpieces of Hindu architecture are adorned with bas-reliefs depicting the famous Ramayana story.
Reviewed By WorldGlutton - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
As we arrived at the Carpark we did not like see the temple except for a few modern contemporary buildings. However upon walking in, we were awestruck by this UNESCO world heritage temple constructed about 856 AD. It is located in an enclosed park hidden away with with stalls & facilities. The Prambanan Temple being the main temple with many other several small temples in the same compound are Hindu Temples dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva (The Creator, The Protector and The Destroyer). The steps to these individual temples are quite narrow and steep with many visitors taking selfies which make it a bit difficult to climb through. Our tour guide walked us through and explained/narrated in detail the history on each and every panel reliefs of stones carving and every temple building which house a statue of Hindu god or goddess. The Temples Park are well maintained, many ruins from earthquake could be seen lying neatly. There is an enclosed area with spotted deers, a souvenir shop and café. For visitors who do not wish to walk , they can pay a price for the Buggy Transport. The driver will gladly stop and wait for you while you explore the temples site . At the Exit , there are plenty of market stalls for souvenirs. Certainly worth the time to explore this ancient Hindu Temple, definitely one of the best tourist site around Yogyakarta !!!
2. Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,763 reviews
This lakeside temple was constructed in honor of Dewi Danu, goddess of the lake that was formed by a volcanic eruption 30,000 years ago.
Reviewed By nat31591 - Selangor, Malaysia
this is our 1st visit here and the view are really amazing! the entrance fee is about RP50K per person and additional fee if you want to take a speed boat for the lake tour. the weather quite windy and you may find few cafe/restaurant near the lake.
3. Erjeruk Temple
4. Borobudur Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,548 reviews
Borobudur Temple Compounds This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
Reviewed By JeremyCaney - Seattle, United States
I often find that the most famous sights in a country are so hyped, so crowded, and so commercialized that they are underwelming. Borobudur is certainly hyped, crowded, and commercialized. And yet it’s a beautiful and unique ruin, painstakingly restored, and absolutely worth seeing. A few tips for your visit. First, a lot of visitors pay extra for the Manohara Resort’s exclusive 4:30A access for sunrise hoping to recreate one of those iconic shots of Borobudur. You can do that. But, at least in March, I found that arriving at 6:00A was just fine. It was cheaper, the crowds had thinned out, and there was still an hour of beautiful lighting and atmospheric mist offering plenty of good photo opportunities. All of the attached photos of the summit were taken between 6:30A and 7:30A. So unless you are dead set on catching those few moments where the sun crosses the horizon, consider enjoying the extra hour of sleep! (That said, you’ll definitely want to go in the early morning or late afternoon; it is miserably hot, crowded, and far less photogenic midday.) Second, the vast majority of visitors immediately climb to the top, spend an hour, then go onto their next destination. That’s a mistake. While the top level offers some of the best Instagram opportunities—and should certainly be where you go around sunrise or sunset—the lower levels provide the most historical and artistic significance with hundreds of remarkable stone reliefs. As an added bonus, you’ll encounter comparatively few visitors here, and the walls offer welcome cover from the afternoon sun. Third, and related, many visitors come to town exclusively for the temple, and then move on. If you’re more adventurous and have the time, however, then the nearby villages are full of charming and welcoming people, astonishingly beautiful scenery, and a couple of smaller temples. Those are easily as memorable for me as Borobudur itself. I highly recommend booking at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts (I loved Etafa Home Stay), renting a bike (if one isn’t provided for you), and spending a couple of days exploring the surrounding countryside. (Note: If you’re planning on also visiting Prambanan, you’ll want to see Borobudur Temple on either your first or last day, as you save a lot of money if you buy a joint ticket—but you have to visit each within one day of each other.) I only stayed two days in Borobudur, opting to spend another two days in Prambanan. And while I enjoyed my time in Prambanan, I think I’d have preferred skipping it entirely and spending more time in and around Borobudur. The temple is a must-see when you’re in Indonesia, but the entire area is beautiful.
5. Mount Kawi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,222 reviews
Gunung Kawi is a temple complex centered around royal tombs carved into stone cliffs in the 11th century. It is located amid scenic rice terraces about 30 minutes from Ubud. Note: There are more than 300 steps to climb.
Reviewed By Liefhebber19 - Breda, The Netherlands
We combined The Gunung Kawi and Tirta Empul in one day. Two of the most beautiful templegrounds we have visited on Bali. This 11th century temple complex (one of the oldest on Bali) is thought to be the burial complex of King Anak Wungsu, his wives and favorite concubines. There are shrines (7 meters high) carved out of the rocks. To get to the temple and shrines you need to descend 371 stone steps. Next to the stairs there are lots of nice souvenirshops and on your way you have a beautiful view at the surroundings. This templecomplex is quite large, located in a jungle environment. There are lots of stone walkways and stairs. A unique templecomplex surrounded by beautiful nature. You have to wear a sarong which you can borrow at the entrance. We had our own sarong with us. A must see!
6. Plaosan Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 669 reviews
Reviewed By Yoke_Ming - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This place is quiet and less visitors. It was well maintained and clean. Free admission but have to registered at the entrance. The twin temples that representing the love of the King and Queen are wonderful.
7. Sewu Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 851 reviews
Reviewed By lawrenceh673
It is a smaller version of Borobudur but ver very well maintained. the whole area is kept clean and the temple structure is still strong with carvings of Buddhist history in excellent condition. Imagine this temple is built in the 9 century!!
8. Cetho Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 400 reviews
Reviewed By ModestTravel - Shah Alam, Malaysia
It's like standing in Heaven since it is on Mt Lawu. Went with a driver from Yogyakarta. Possible to be a 1-day trip from Yogyakarta.
9. Gedong Songo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By GeneralShamu - New York City, United States
There are five sets of temples on this mountain side. They are all well worth it and you can't just call it quits after the third one. Along the way - between the 3rd/4th one - you will also be able to get up close to some bubbling craters and sulfuric vents. They are not dangerous, just be smart about it. After the fifth temple, there is also a viewing station to get a proper vista of the town below and the mountains above you (with temples mixed in between). This is definitely worth the 2/3 minute trudge - which, after making it past temple 5 in the hear, you'll question if you should.
10. Trowulan Archeological Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By YogaEfendi - Yogyakarta Region, Indonesia
I am Yoga Efendi, a traveler from Yogyakarta. This is not my first time traveling to Trowulan. Many times already. I have suggestion for you to enjoy the Trowulan in a very effective and efficient way. 1. From the main road you can go to Candi Brahu. 2. Follow the road to visit The Sleeping Buddha Statue and then go to the main road. 3. Visit Kolam Segaran, the super big ancient pool 4. Visit Majapahit Museum and then Bajang Ratu Temple. 5. The last, visit Candi Tikus. The list above is the highlight destinations in Trowulan.
