Yogyakarta Temples: Visiting Borobudur & Prambanan

The special district of Yogyakarta (locally known simply as Jogja) is a bustling Indonesian city close to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the famous Borobudur and the (slightly) lesser-known Prambanan.

Yogyakarta Temples: How to visit both…

At different ends of the city, you could visit one for sunrise and one for sunset. Alternatively, check out Borobudur on the way to visit the Dieng Plateau.

Entry costs 270,000 IDR ($27/£14) for Borobudur and 210,000 IDR ($21/£11) for Prambanan; however, there is a joint ticket (not advertised, but ask for it) to visit both for 360,000 IDR. Depending on where you’re coming from in Indonesia, you’ll want to work out the best way of getting to Yogyakarta.

Borobudur

It is the largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia and is world-famous. Expect plenty of crowds (although I visited in the afternoon and found it relatively quiet). It is a stunning architectural achievement set in a beautiful park landscape. A popular option is to do a Sunrise tour trekking to nearby Mount Merapi to see the day start.

Out of the two, this felt a lot more touristy than expected. A market is inside the park area, and you have to walk through at least part of it to get out.

Prambanan

A set of Hindu temples set again in a green landscape. It’s not as big or striking as Borobudur, but it’s still well worth a visit. Head for sunset to avoid the crowds but be wary, it will take a couple of hours to walk if you want to enjoy all the temples. If you want to explore both in-depth, it might be best to split your visit over two days.

Get there locally

There are plenty of tours available to both temples. However, it is pretty straightforward and costs only a couple of dollars to get there yourself.

Prambanan is nearer the airport side of the city. Jump on one of the local Trans Jogja buses to the airport and then change over. From the bus terminal, allow a 20-minute walk or a short tuk-tuk drive to the ticket office. Allow just over an hour from the centre of Yogyakarta.

Borobudur can be reached by local bemo (bus). You will need to change and take a Trans Jogja bus to the Jombor terminal just out of town to make the connection. This trip will take about two hours from the city centre.

Read more: Indonesia travel guide