Culture & History4 min read·
Candi Ijo: The Highest Temple in Yogyakarta and Tickets
Candi Ijo in Sambirejo, Sleman sits around 395 meters up, the highest temple in Yogyakarta. Here is ticket prices, hours, and the views from its terraces.
Candi Ijo sits in Dukuh Groyokan, Sambirejo Village, Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, about 18 kilometers east of central Yogyakarta. The complex occupies Gumuk Ijo, one of the ridges within the Batur Agung hill range.
The route runs along the same road as Tebing Breksi and Ratu Boko Palace. From Prambanan, head south toward Ratu Boko, then follow the signs east — the final stretch climbs fairly steeply and gets bumpy, so it’s worth making sure your vehicle is in good shape before setting off.
Standing at Yogyakarta’s Highest Temple Site
Sitting somewhere between 357 and 395 meters above sea level, Candi Ijo holds the record as the highest temple complex in the Yogyakarta Special Region. That elevation makes itself felt the moment you arrive: the entire Yogyakarta plain unfolds to the west, with the Menoreh hills stretched along the horizon like a distant wall.
The complex is made up of 17 structures spread across 11 stepped terraces. The layout follows the hill’s natural slope, with the lowest terrace to the west and the highest to the east — the reverse of how most lowland temples are typically oriented.
The topmost terrace is the most sacred zone, holding the main temple, three ancillary shrines, and eight boundary lingga stones. It’s distinctly Hindu in style, marked by statues of Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, and Agastya. An unexpected bonus for daytime visitors: from up here, planes landing at Adisutjipto airport pass by well below eye level.
A 9th-Century Mataram Legacy and Visiting Info
Historians date the complex to somewhere between the 9th and 10th centuries AD, during the Medang Kingdom’s Mataram period — the same era as neighboring hilltop temples Ratu Boko, Barong, and Banyunibo.
According to the official Sambirejo Village website, entry runs IDR 7,000 per person for domestic visitors and IDR 15,000 for foreign visitors, on top of parking fees of roughly IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars.
Opening hours are worth double-checking, since sources don’t fully agree: some list 9 AM–5 PM on weekdays and 7 AM–5 PM on weekends, while others cite a longer window running until 6 PM. That gap matters — if the ticket booth genuinely closes at 5 PM, catching sunset from the top terrace isn’t always possible despite the site’s clear westward view.
Exploring the Prambanan Hills Nearby
- Tebing Breksi - about 2 km - A former limestone quarry turned into a giant carved park and amphitheater. It stays open into the evening, making it a good backup if Candi Ijo has already closed for the day.
- Candi Barong - about 2 km - A Vaishnava-style stepped pyramid temple with stone terraces facing west.
- Ratu Boko Palace - about 4 km - Ancient palace ruins with a grand stone gateway, one of Yogyakarta’s most popular sunset spots.
Final Thoughts
Candi Ijo offers a combination no other Sleman temple can match: a 9th-century Mataram-era site that doubles as a natural balcony overlooking the entire Yogyakarta plain. Arrive early so you have time to work through all 11 terraces without racing the closing hour.
FAQ: About Candi Ijo
How much does it cost to enter Candi Ijo?
IDR 7,000 per person for domestic visitors and IDR 15,000 for foreign visitors, according to official Sambirejo Village information. Parking is billed separately, at roughly IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars.
Is Candi Ijo really the highest temple in Yogyakarta?
Yes. The complex sits between 357 and 395 meters above sea level on Gumuk Ijo hill, making it the highest-elevation temple complex in the Yogyakarta Special Region.
Can you catch the sunset at Candi Ijo?
It depends on the closing hours in effect on the day you visit. Some sources note the ticket booth closes at 5 PM, which can mean missing sunset entirely. For a more reliable sunset, nearby Tebing Breksi stays open into the evening.