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Visiting Indonesia and not doing a temple run is highly unlikely, for the average traveller. The country has more than its fair share of temples sprinkled across different landscapes and if nothing else, admiring the architecture of the temples is one reason to visit a few!
Hidden deep between lush greenery lie some of the most picturesque and awe-inspiring ancient structures the world has ever witnessed. The Buddhist and Hindu temples of the island are intricately carved in stone so that they would stand the test of time. Now, all you need to do is to go find them!
Let’s get those special ceremonial sarongs, and walk through some of the most amazing Indonesian temples!!
Located in Java, the Sewu temple is the second largest Buddhist temple on the island. The central temple of Mahadeva at Sewu is a sight to behold! For out of the central temple lie four rings, containing 250 smaller temples, each dedicated to different Gods! Sewu Temple was undoubtedly one of Java’s thriving temples back in the 8th Century. There are also inscriptions dating way back to 792 AD.
Another Javanese wonder to behold is the Candi Plaosan temple. To enter the massive temple grounds, you will have to pass the temple guardians, also known as dwarpalas, each carrying a club, sword or a snake to fend off evil. Amongst the 248 pewara temples, lie the twin viharas or the main shrine buildings, that stand out for their unique detailing.
Sitting pretty high on a plateau in Central Java, the Ratu Boko Temple is a must-visit on your trip to Indonesia. A word of advice - you should carry water and a sunhat because you’ll be walking up stairs, most likely on a hot Javanese day! The remains of this structure indicate that this was once a castle or a mansion of the royals of either the Mataram Kingdom or the Sailendra one. The dry moat, the outer wall, the lookout point are all the makings of an old-school castle, aren’t they? If you’re enthusiastic enough to climb out to the lookout pavilion, you’ll enjoy a view to remember!
This Hindu Masterpiece of a temple is located in Java. Prambanan Temple is the largest Hindu temple in all of Indonesia! Housing the ruins of 224 temples, the first thing you’ll notice is the magnanimity and wonder of the ruins. As you reach the centre of the temple grounds, there are eight major and eight smaller temples. These temples are dedicated towards Trimurti, the three forms of divinity – the creator, the destroyer and the preserver.
The largest Buddhist temple in the word, Borobudur temple, is located in Central Java. This temple has seen a lot in its lifetime and from the looks of it, is here to stay! It had survived not only the volcanic eruptions of GunungMerapi, but also a huge earthquake and a terrorist attack!
This temple single-handedly makes all other Indonesian temples appear “normal”. With its intricate carvings, it’s five stories of statues and it’s impressive 72 Buddha statues, it’s hard not to have your jaw drop! Despite being built by hand in the 9th century, the structure looks like nothing will ever take it down, so far, nothing has!
Bali is the most frequented island of the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia. The PuraBesakih temple is one of Bali’s most important temples for it’s sheer expanse and the fact that it is considered to be one of the holiest Hindu temples in the land. It is situated 3300 feet up on the slope of Mount Agung in the east of Bali. PuraBesakih is made up of 23 temples! Visit it, if only for the lush countryside; it’s worth the visual treat!
Head to Ubud in Bali to visit the Goa Gajah temple! The temple boasts of ornate carvings in a cave. These carvings range from the risque phallic and yoni symbols of Lord Shiva to some menacing characters carved into the stone. You’ll have to walk through throngs of vendors selling the special ceremonial sarong. However, you can also pick up a free sarong, once you pay the entry fee to the temple. The temple features beautiful female fountain sculptures in the bathing pools built in front of the cave. All in all, you wouldn’t want to miss the ancient beauty of the Goa Gajah temple.
Up in the central Balinese mountains, offering respite to tired and hot travellers, is the foggy and cool Lake Bratan. At the shore, also nestled among the mountains is the Ulun Danu Beratan Temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of lakes, rivers, and water, Dewi Danu. On the way down from the mountain, you’ll also find a few smaller temples, also dedicated to the water that gives life to all the thirsty crops, via a series of irrigation canals.
This Balinese temple is housed on its own island and can only be accessed by foot, and only during low tide! But with its beautiful architecture, waiting for that low tide is worth it. The Tanah Lot temple is carved of a rock that juts out of the sea. While the original rock formation here eroded over the years, the island was reconstructed to keep the temples popularity intact. If you’re one to chase beautiful sunsets, this is one place to do it for sure!
Uluwatu is one of Bali’s most popular hotspots for younger travellers, and also the young at heart! With it’s thriving nightlife and gorgeous beaches, we can see why! However, not all of Uluwatu is bustling and noisy.
For the ones who are seeking peace, the PuraLuhurUluwatu is high up on a cliffside! The temple is dedicated to Sang HyandWidhiWasa in Rudra form. This temple is meant to protect the land from evil. Comparatively smaller than some of the more iconic temples in Indonesia, this one still manages to catch one’s eye with its impressive build at 70 metres high! There are two specific points wherein you can get a great shot of the silhouette of the temple at sunset, so don’t forget to get here towards evening!
Got the bucket list revised? We thought so! Indonesia is brimming with lush landscapes, gorgeous beaches, mouth-watering food, unique culture and rich history! A trip across Indonesia will leave you wishing you could spend more time there. Whatever kind of traveller you are, do not miss out on a few of the temples mentioned above; they have a vibe that is so out of the world! And of course, they make for the most interesting backdrops to your pictures! So, get those cute travel outfits on, tie up your laces and ready, set, temple run!
