Ratu Boko Temple Tours and Activities

Set on a hill with views over the Prambanan temples, Ratu Boko Temple was not actually a temple but a palace. Most likely the main court of the Mataram dynasty, the vast 8th-century complex includes bathing pools, meditation caves, an elaborate gateway, various halls, and a cremation platform. While ruined, it’s a great sunset spot.
The Basics
Travelers almost always visit Ratu Boko Temple from nearby Yogyakarta as part of their explorations of the Prambanan area, though it is also possible to visit from Solo (Surakarta). There’s a very significant charge to enter, heavily discounted for Indonesians. Save money by buying a combination Ratu Boko and Prambanan ticket, which includes a shuttle bus between the two sites. Relatively few Prambanan tours visit Ratu Boko, preferring to add in Borobudur or more obscure Prambanan-era temples such as Plaosan. Those that do include Ratu Boko tend to visit for sunset, which can be spectacular as you look across the mighty temples the Mataram kings built.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Ratu Boko is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of Yogyakarta, about a 2-mile (3-kilometer) walk south of Prambanan Archaeological Park. There’s no way of reaching the complex by public transport, although Prambanan combo tickets include a shuttle bus transfer. If you want to stay for sunset, a tour or a private driver is the easiest option.
When to Get There
Ratu Boko Temple is open from early in the morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. Most travelers visit during the afternoon to catch the sunset, and on weekends there can be quite a lively scene, with live performances and local students enjoying the grassy lawns. For a quieter experience, visit midweek.
The Legend of Ratu Boko and Prambanan
Ratu Boko Temple is more properly known as Kraton Ratu Boko (the Palace of King Boko). In Javanese folklore, King Boko was a man-eating giant killed by a hero named Bandung Bondowoso. Bandung wanted to marry Boko’s daughter, Loro Jonggrang, but she refused unless he could build her 1,000 temples in a single night. The results are the hundreds of temples that scatter Prambanan Archaeological Park.
The Basics
Travelers almost always visit Ratu Boko Temple from nearby Yogyakarta as part of their explorations of the Prambanan area, though it is also possible to visit from Solo (Surakarta). There’s a very significant charge to enter, heavily discounted for Indonesians. Save money by buying a combination Ratu Boko and Prambanan ticket, which includes a shuttle bus between the two sites. Relatively few Prambanan tours visit Ratu Boko, preferring to add in Borobudur or more obscure Prambanan-era temples such as Plaosan. Those that do include Ratu Boko tend to visit for sunset, which can be spectacular as you look across the mighty temples the Mataram kings built.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ratu Boko Temple is a must for history buffs.
- The site, including the extensive surrounding wall, has been gradually reconstructed over many decades.
- Flights of steps and uneven terrain mean Ratu Boko is not wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Ratu Boko is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) east of Yogyakarta, about a 2-mile (3-kilometer) walk south of Prambanan Archaeological Park. There’s no way of reaching the complex by public transport, although Prambanan combo tickets include a shuttle bus transfer. If you want to stay for sunset, a tour or a private driver is the easiest option.
When to Get There
Ratu Boko Temple is open from early in the morning until late afternoon, seven days a week. Most travelers visit during the afternoon to catch the sunset, and on weekends there can be quite a lively scene, with live performances and local students enjoying the grassy lawns. For a quieter experience, visit midweek.
The Legend of Ratu Boko and Prambanan
Ratu Boko Temple is more properly known as Kraton Ratu Boko (the Palace of King Boko). In Javanese folklore, King Boko was a man-eating giant killed by a hero named Bandung Bondowoso. Bandung wanted to marry Boko’s daughter, Loro Jonggrang, but she refused unless he could build her 1,000 temples in a single night. The results are the hundreds of temples that scatter Prambanan Archaeological Park.
Address: Jl. Raya Piyungan - Prambanan No.KM.2, Gatak, Bokoharjo, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Ratu Boko Temple
Sort by:Featured

Yogyakarta’s Prambanan From A Saddle
The UNESCO-listed temples of Prambanan are among of Yogyakarta’s star attractions, but most tours only offer a whistle-stop visit. This half-day tour from Yogyakarta explores the surrounding countryside with a scenic 2.5-hour bike ride around the temples and rural villages. Hotel pickup and drop-off is included.
…More
From
$120.52
Price varies by group size
From
$120.52
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

The Treasures of Yogyakarta
Seeing the sun rise over the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobudur is one of Indonesia’s signature experiences. Combine this majestic sight with a bike ride to Yogyakarta’s other UNESCO World Heritage temple complex, Prambanan, and you have a textbook perfect combo of nature, culture, and fresh air. Besides guided tours of the sacred sites, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and a simple breakfast.
…More
From
$188.47
Price varies by group size
From
$188.47
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More

Yogyakarta Scooter and Motorbike Rental with Delivery Service
Yogyakarta motorbike rental offers scooter and motorbike rental services in Yogyakarta (often called Jogja). Hiring a motorbike or scooter just got easier and convenient when Yogyakarta for locals and visitors alike. Ranging from automatic scooters and to manual motorbikes for rent in very good condition. Avoid taxi high fees and traffic jam! It can be parked nearly anywhere and will take you much closer to the action than any car might.
…More
From
$10.39
per group
From
$10.39
per group
- Things to do in Central Java
- Things to do in Surabaya
- Things to do in Bandung
- Things to do in Jakarta
- Things to do in Banyuwangi
- Things to do in Seminyak
- Things to do in Kuta
- Things to do in Ubud
- Things to do in East Java
- Things to do in West Java
- Things to do in Jimbaran
- Things to do in Nusa Dua
- Things to do in Bali
- Things to do in Sabah
- Things to do in Sumatra