Culture & History8 min read·
Temples in Yogyakarta: 12 Historic Temples & Locations
A complete list of temples in Yogyakarta with addresses and history — from iconic Prambanan to Candi Ijo in the hills. An up-to-date temple guide.
Most of Yogyakarta’s historic temples sit in Sleman Regency, particularly around Prambanan and Kalasan, roughly 15 to 18 kilometers east of central Yogyakarta. This area once served as the heart of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom, leaving behind dozens of Hindu and Buddhist temples, most built during the 8th and 9th centuries.
This list rounds up 12 temples in Yogyakarta along with their addresses and what makes each one distinct. Many sit close together, so they can be visited along a single route — Prambanan, Sewu, and Sojiwan cluster in one area, while Ijo, Barong, and Ratu Boko sit close together in the Baturagung hills.
The Iconic, Most Famous Temples
1. Prambanan Temple
Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 9th century, it rises 47 meters tall with three main shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, decorated with Ramayana reliefs. Address: Jalan Raya Solo–Yogyakarta, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman. Open daily, 6 AM–5 PM.
2. Ratu Boko Palace
An archaeological site of ancient palace ruins atop a hill, known for sunset views over Yogyakarta. Its architecture resembles a palace complex more than a place of worship. Address: Jalan Raya Piyungan–Prambanan No. 2, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman. Open 7 AM–5:30 PM.
3. Candi Sewu
The second-largest Buddhist temple complex after Borobudur, located north of Prambanan Temple. Despite its name “Sewu” (thousand), it actually consists of 249 buildings surrounding the main temple. Location: Bugisan, Prambanan, Sleman (same area as Prambanan).
Temples in the Baturagung Hills
4. Candi Ijo
Yogyakarta’s highest-elevation temple, standing at roughly 410–425 meters above sea level in the Baturagung hills. From here, visitors can see across the Yogyakarta plain to planes taking off from YIA Airport, especially at sunset. Address: Jalan Candi Ijo, Nglengkong, Sambirejo, Prambanan, Sleman. Open 8 AM–5 PM.
5. Candi Barong
A Hindu temple with two main structures dedicated to Vishnu and Dewi Sri, decorated with smiling kala barong ornaments on every side. Tucked into the hills, its atmosphere is noticeably quieter. Location: Sambirejo, Prambanan, Sleman, near Candi Ijo and Ratu Boko.
Buddhist Temples in the Kalasan Area
6. Candi Kalasan
One of Yogyakarta’s oldest Buddhist temples, built around the 8th century. Known for its fine carvings and vajralepa coating (an ancient plaster) on its walls. Address: Jalan Raya Solo–Yogyakarta KM 13, Kalibening, Tirtomartani, Kalasan, Sleman.
7. Candi Sari
A two-storey Buddhist temple once used as a meditation space and monks’ living quarters. Its carvings are detailed and finely made. Location: Bendan, Tirtomartani, Kalasan, Sleman, not far from Candi Kalasan.
8. Candi Sambisari
A Hindu temple unique for sitting mostly below ground level — about 6.5 meters underground. Discovered in 1966 and reconstructed over 21 years. Address: Jalan Candi Sambisari, Purwomartani, Kalasan, Sleman.
Other Temples Worth Visiting
9. Candi Sojiwan
A Buddhist temple south of Prambanan, known for fable (animal story) reliefs on its base. Location: Kebondalem Kidul, Prambanan, Sleman.
10. Candi Gebang
One of the oldest Hindu relics in northern Yogyakarta, small in size but archaeologically significant. Location: Condongcatur, Depok, Sleman.
11. Candi Kimpulan (UII Temple)
A Hindu temple discovered in 2009 within the central library grounds of Universitas Islam Indonesia. Its design is minimalist with highly detailed construction. Location: UII campus complex, Sleman.
12. Candi Banyunibo
A standalone Buddhist temple standing alone amid rice fields, offering a quiet, photogenic setting. Location: Cepit, Bokoharjo, Prambanan, Sleman.
Tips for Temple Hopping in Yogyakarta
- Plan your route by area. Prambanan–Sewu–Sojiwan sit in one cluster; Ijo–Barong–Ratu Boko sit close together in the hills; Kalasan–Sari–Sambisari line up along the Solo road.
- Visit Candi Ijo and Ratu Boko in the late afternoon. Both face west and are known for their sunset views.
- Bring a hat and water. Most temples sit in open areas that get fairly hot at midday.
- Check for combined tickets. Some temples (like Prambanan–Ratu Boko) offer a combo ticket that works out cheaper.
Final Thoughts
Temple tourism in Yogyakarta proves the city is about far more than beaches and Malioboro. From the grandeur of Prambanan to Candi Ijo on the hilltop, these dozen temples hold traces of Ancient Mataram civilization that can be explored across a few routes based on proximity. Most sit within Sleman, making it easy to string them together into a single cultural trip.