Enjoy the Beautiful Sunset at Ratu Boko Temple!

Located in the Special Province of Yogyakarta,Ratu Boko Temple is a recommended tourist spot that you can visit on vacation. This temple is actually a former royal palace owned by a past kingdom. Nowadays, the grandeur is still visible from the temple’s massive and beautiful architectural design.

History of Ratu Boko Temple

Ratu Boko Temple is estimated to be built on the 8th century during the reign of Rakai Panangkaran from the Syailendra Dynasty. Previously, the palace complex was called Abhayagiriwihara, which means 'monastery (place of ascetics) built on a hill and full of peace'. In the early days of its establishment, the building has Buddhism-style architecture because most of its people embrace Buddhism. However, in later times, the palace was taken over by the Hindu Mataram Kingdom, and the building architectural design changed into a mixed style between Buddhism and Hinduism. Meanwhile, the name Ratu Boko Temple itself is taken from the king’s name, Prabu Boko, who is the father of Rara Jonggrang.

Temple Location

Ratu Boko Temple is located in Bokoharjo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, Special Province of Yogyakarta. This historical site is not far from Prambanan Temple. The route to go there is also quite easy. If you came from the direction of Yogyakarta city, then you must take a right turn at the T-junction before the Prambanan Temple. Next, follow the road for about 3km. Along the way, you will find many directions to Ratu Boko Temple.

See the Prambanan Temple from Ratu Boko

You will immediately feel cool air with refreshing greens as far as the eye can see when you set foot into the tourist area of ​​Ratu Boko. Even from a distance, the Prambanan Temple complex is visible. In addition, there is also a landscape of rice fields and a charming rural environment around the site.

Learn while Exploring All Sites in Ratu Boko Temple

Ratu Boko Temple is a vast palace. That is why the temple is also called the Ratu Boko Palace. While exploring all the sites, you can also learn history at the same time. Each building complex has an explanatory description, so visitors can learn from it. Here are some of the buildings of the Ratu Boko Palace which you can still see there today.

Gate

The main gate of Ratu Boko Temple consists of 2 parts; the outer gate and the inner gate. When compared, the size of the inner gate is greater than the outer gate. The inner gate has 5 gates standing in parallel. To go up the inner gate, visitors can go through three stairs that are connected to the three gates on the middle side. Meanwhile, the two stairs at the edge are flanking walls—which is why they don't have stairs.

Batukapur Temple

Not far from the main gate, you will find a large rectangular temple building, which is called Batukapur Temple. The building, which is located 45 meters on the northeast side of the main gate, now only has its foundation left. As the name implies, the foundation is made of limestone.

Pembokoran Temple

Pembokoran Temple or also called Burning Temple is a square-shaped building with stairs and hole in the middle. In ancient times, the building was used as a kiln. In the corner of the temple, there is an old well that was once a source of holy water.

Paseban (Audience Hall)

On the south side of the main gate, there is one of the former palace buildings called Paseban. Long time ago, the building was used by people to meet the king.

Pendapa

Another building that can still be seen at the Ratu Boko Palace is the pendapa, which is the king's living room. To enter the pendapa, you must go through a gate. Around the pendapa, there is a water channel, which is called jaladwara.

Keputren

Keputren is the residence of the princesses. In the Keputren area, you will find several pools, which were used by the princesses for bathing.

Cave

In the site of ​​Ratu Boko Temple, you will also find a cave, which consists of Lanang Cave (male cave) and Wadon Cave (female cave). Inside the cave, there is a niche resembling a cubicle.

The Sunset View at Ratu Boko

One thing that can’t be missed when traveling to Ratu Boko Temple is the sunset view. Not surprisingly, many visitors deliberately come in the afternoon just to get the best view. At afternoon, the sun went down right behind the main gate of Ratu Boko Temple. At that moment, the orange twilight leaves a silhouette of a dark-colored temple which is a simply amazing view.

Yogyakarta seems to always attract anyone to visit again. When having a vacation in Jogja, don't forget to stop by Ratu Boko Temple. This tourist location is opened every day at 06:00 to 17:00 WIB. You can get Ratu Boko Temple entrance ticket and easy access by making a booking through Traveloka. At Traveloka, you can also get the opportunity to get promotional Ratu Boko Temple entrance ticket price. Now, you can get Ratu Boko Temple entrance ticket at Traveloka for Rp38.800 only. Cheaper, isn’t it? Enjoy the beautiful sunset behind the gate of Ratu Boko Temple!