Kewu Plain

Within a range of a few kilometers from the Prambanan archeological area, there are numerous minor and major Hindu and Buddhist temples spread over a large area beginning from the feet of Mount Merapi to Sewu mountains. These are also referred to as the Kewu Plain or the Opak River Valley.

Out of the 17 temples in the Plain, Ratu Boko temple is probably the most known of them all, but not our favorite. Found on top of a small hill, its highlight is a reconstructed gate framing the sun at sunset. Ratu Boko temple entrance ticket can be bought in combination with Prambanan complex and includes a free shuttle to the top.

Our suggestion is not to miss the Ploasan twin temples, developed over two levels each, the 174 buildings surrounding them and Candi Sari which happens to be a fine example of a Buddhist monastery.

While it is possible to visit the Prambanan temple complex and the surrounding Plain in the same day, we suggest that you devote one whole day to visit each one of them. You can use your own transportation to move around at your own speed. Cycling is a great way to explore this mostly flat area.

Interestingly enough, in a country where over 95 per cent of the population is Muslim, most of the cultural heritage dates back to the pre-Islamic era.