Indonesia is known for its beautiful landscape, with its rolling hills, rainforests, and sparkling blue beaches. But within it, you can also find gorgeous ancient structures – built with precise and detailed ornaments, advanced for their time. The many Hindu and Buddhist temples of Indonesia are yet another type of wonder the archipelago country has to offer.
A temple is a building made for spiritual activities such as prayer and sacrifice. Most temples in Indonesia are of Buddhist and Hindu roots, built way back from before Indonesia was still divided into several empires. These temples aren’t just holy places, they are also a part of Indonesia’s rich history that needs to be preserved.
If you’re looking to learning more of the country’s history while spoiling your sight with splendid view, then temples of Indonesia are the right destination you should never miss! Learn more about the temples with this list of 7 gorgeous temples you have to visit.
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7 Gorgeous Temples of Indonesia
1. Gedong Songo
Location: Jalan Ke Candi Gedong Songo, Candi, Krajan, Banyukuning, Bandungan, Kabupaten Semarang, Jawa Tengah 50614
Gedong Songo was originally built during the reign of Mataram Kingdom, a Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that thrived between the 8th to 11th centuries. It is believed that the temple was built between 8th and 9th century. Consisting of nine Gedong (temple group) built around a 1,270 meters hill not far from Mount Ungaran, two of its complexes are some of the oldest Hindu structures in Java.
During a clear day, you can see the ninth temple at the top of the highest hill. A splendid view of blue sky and green trees is waiting for you at the peak. You can go up the hills by following the stone path or riding a horse – adding a fun twist to your visit.
2. Kalasan Temple
Location: Jl. Raya Yogya – Solo, Suryatmajan, Danurejan, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Also known as Kalibening Temple, Kalasan Temple is a Buddhist temple built during the 8th century. According to an inscription found in the temple area, the temple was built after the spiritual counselors of the Syailendra dynasty came to King Tejapurnapana Panangkarana. They asked him to build a sacred building specifically to worship Dewi Tara.
The temple itself has been restored four times, one of those times by a Dutch archeologist. It’s well worth it, because Kalasan Temple is the home to the most beautiful carvings the human eyes can see. These carvings can be found everywhere on the temple, from every corner to statues spread all over the area.
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3. Sewu Temple
Location: Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.KM.16, Bugisan, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta
Known as the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia, Sewu Temple was built by the end of the 8th century during the end of Rakai Panangkaran’s reign. It is believed that the original name of the temple was “Manjustri grha” (The House of Manjusri.
The word sewu means thousand, it is closely related to the legend where Bandung Bondowoso had to make a thousand temples overnight in an effort to court Roro Jonggrang. Though in reality, there are only 249 temples and it wasn’t made by Bandung Bondowoso.
Aside from admiring the grand beauty of the temple, visitors can also bike around the area to be able to visit every area possible. Don’t forget to visit the museum, because you can learn more about the temple and watch a special movie screening there!
4. Pura Luhur Uluwatu
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a temple dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa in his manifestation as Rudra. It is believed that Pura Luhur Uluwatu is specifically designed to ward off evil from the island.
Built on a cliffside, it sits high above the sea overlooking a beautiful view of the blue ocean. You can witness the sky turning a pretty combination of yellow, orange, and red by the time sunset comes. After that, enjoy Balinese culture by watching the iconic Kecak Fire Dance to admire the rich Bali culture.
5. Pura Tanah Lot
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121
An overall unique temple, Pura Tanah Lot is carved into a rock formation emerging from the sea. It’s surrounded by the sea, seemingly floating on its own island and is only accessible by foot during low tide.
During a clear day, you can see Pura Luhur Uluwatu on its cliff from Pura Tanah Lot. The temple is the most beautiful during sunset, definitely one of the most Instagramable temples in Indonesia.
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6. Prambanan Temple
Location: Jl. Raya Solo – Yogyakarta No.16, Kranggan, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta 55571
Known as one of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, the Prambanan temple is dedicated to several Hindu gods. The biggest temple is dedicated to Shiva the destroyer, while the two smaller ones are dedicated to Brahma the creator and Wisnhu the sustainer.
The temple complex covers 39.8 hectares in total, with lush landscape and detailed architecture all for you to explore and admire. For its complexity, it was declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
7. Borobudur Temple
Location: Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah
Last on the gorgeous temples of Indonesia list is Borobudur temple. Regarded as the largest Buddhist temple in the world, the temple consists of nine stacked platforms – six square and three circular – topped by a central dome. On top of that, it is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally had 504 Buddha statues. It was built in the 9th century during the reign of Syailendra Dynasty, leaving historians wondering how people from that period of time can build something so grand and beautiful.
Visitors can climb up the stairs to admire the detailed architecture of the temple or simply walk around the temple complex to witness the massive temple from afar. Like the Prambanan temple, Borobudur temple was also declared as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1991.
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Header image by: apryan widodo via Unsplash
