Things to do in Prambanan

With its otherworldly appearance and elaborate décor, the Prambanan Temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture. The 8th-century spiritual compound consists of many temple buildings that seem to rise from the ground with jagged gray spikes. Admire the spectacular architecture and profound meaning of this exceptional UNESCO heritage site.

The Gembira Loka Zoo is a vast complex containing many animal enclosures, a botanical garden and scenic grounds. Spread out across a picturesque region of 54 acres (22 hectares), the zoo contains around 470 animals. Bring the kids to the children’s park for a fun day out with the family.

Candi Sari is an impressive 8th-century Buddhist temple with many preserved and reconstructed features. It comprises two stories and an upper layer with well-maintained floors, stairs, doors and windows. Explore this former monastery and imagine the monks making it their home many centuries ago.

Ratu Boko Palace is part of a spectacular archaeological compound of ancient structures on a plateau. The vast complex covers an area of 40 acres (16 hectares) and contains the vestiges of a fascinating community. Learn about settlements from more than 1,000 years ago with a trip through the many buildings that make up this complex.

A sprawling complex of over 250 religious structures, Sewu Temple, or Candi Sewu, is the second largest of Java’s Buddhist temples. Although it’s beaten by the Borobudur temple complex in terms of scale, its beauty and detail is on the same level. Come here to feel dwarfed by ancient statues and imagine the Javanese people of many centuries ago wandering among these structures.

The historic Plaosan Temple, or Candi Plaosan, is often overlooked in favor of its larger neighbor, the Prambanan temple complex. But while it may be smaller, it’s no less fascinating, and the relative lack of attention it receives means that it’s less likely to be busy when you come. Explore this lavish temple, which was inspired by a blend of Buddhist and Hindu architectural styles, as you reflect upon the romantic story behind its construction.