7 Ancient Oldest Temple in Central Java You won't Regret to Visit, Nr.7 is most attractive and controversial

Every country has an ancient building such as traditional house, history building, and relics of places of worship. These buildings have thousand years old and still stands strong, then it is often to be tourist attraction and still in use till today.

In central Java, most ancient heritage buildings are temples. These temples still in use for Worships. Some of them for Buddha, and the other are for Hindu. They have the schedule for Worships. But when there is no schedule, these temples can be visited by tourist. Most of them has museum and relics inside to be studied by public. Lets check it out!

1. Gedong Songo Temple - Semarang City

Source : Camerawisata.com

Discovered by Raffles in 1804, Gedong Songo Temple is a Hindu temple inherited from Wangsa Syailendra in 9th Century, precisely 927 AD. The temple complex which consists of 9 temple scattered on the slopes of Mount Ungaran is located at an altitude 1200m above sea levels.

In this place, you can enjoy the scenery, fresh air, and find your inner peace. That's total package. You only need to pay IDR 20.000 or $1,5/pax .This place a must in your travel bucket list.

2. Borobudur Temple - Magelang City

Source : Indonesia-tourism.com

Borobudur temple has ever been well-known as 7 wonders of the world till 2006 and become the World Heritage by UNESCO till today. Then after the earthquake was destroyed the temple, UNESCO had decided to take out Borobudur temple from the list of 7 wonders of the world.

Borobudur temple has 6 levels with the main Stupa at the top of the temple. It was built in 800 AD by Mahayana Buddhist. This temple is Buddha style. The area and splendor of the Borobudur temple make it is as largest Buddhist Monument and Temple in the world.

In addition, besides explore the history of Borobudur temple, you can enjoy the scenery and have Yoga here to get inner peace.

3. Cetho Temple - Karanganyar District

Source : Piknik Asik

Located on the slopes of Mount Lawu at an altitude of 1496m above sea levels. Cetho temple is well-known as temple above the clouds because of the location. It is a Hindu style temple. It was built at the end of the era of Majapahit Kingdom (1336 AD). This place is for pilgrimare and worship. It is also, Kejawen (local religion) believers make this place as a hermitage.

The charm of this place is tea plantation, scenery, and the cycling community to conquer the uphill road. The entrance fee is IDR 25,000 or $2/pax, then you will get Poleng cloth. This cloth must be worn for purpose to honor the sanctity of Cetho Temple. Don't ever wear the short trousers here!

4. Sewu Temple - Klaten District

Source : Dinas Pariwisata DIY

Sewu Temple is the biggest Buddha temple in Indonesia after Borobudur Temple. It was built in 8th Century which older than Borobudur Temple. Sewu in local language means a thousand. But in reality the number of tempels are 249 in this area. Sewu Temple was a Royal Buddhist temple as well as an important center of Buddhist activity in the past, it is because of the majesty and the breadth of this temple area.

This temple is located in the Prambanan valley which streches from the southern slope of Mount Merapi in the north to the Sewu mountains in the south. In this valley there are scattered temples and ancient sites that are only a few hundred meters from each. It shows that this area is an important area in religious, political, and urban sectors of ancient Javanese society.

There was a famous legend story about Sewu Temple which assosiated with love story of Loro Jonggrang (woman) and Bandung Bondowoso (man). Please our updated article at the end of month July 2019 about Loro Jonggrang story in detail. This place has a purpose to learn history and education for tourist. Also, it is using for Buddha as a worship place. The entrance fee of Sewu temple is IDR 30,000 or $2,5/pax.

5. Arjuna Temple - Dieng Plateau (Wonosobo City)

Source : IndonesiaKaya.com

There are so many places you can visit in Dieng Plateau. You enjoy the scenery, see the sunrise on the top of mountain, Ruwatan Dreadlock Ceremony, and Arjuna Temple. Arjuna Temple is a Shiva-Hindu style temple which was built in the late 8th century till the beginning of 9th century. It is the oldest temple in Java Province.

If you visit this place, you must see the beautiful frost stick on the trees and grass in this area. Since this area is quite cold, it is very recommended to bring your parachute jacket. This temple consists of 3 groups (Arjuna, Gatotkaca, and Dwarawati) and 1 temple (Bima Temple) is standing alone which are the names taken from the book of Mahabarata. This perfect combination between the scenery and the temple, will make you have an unforgettable moment. The entrance fee is below $2/pax. Don't forget to bring your camera !

6. Gunung Sari Temple - Magelang City

Source : Ancient Mataram

Gunung Sari Temple may not be widely known in the archipelago and abroad. This temple has Shiwa-Hindu Style. It was the heritage in 6th - 8th Century. When you see the picture of the temple, perhaps you just think it is only a pile of stones. But the stones have the unique forms such as cylindrical shape with a semicircular which inside are holes and hollows.

According to residents story, that holes inside the stone to store the ashes. Based on the looks of the structure, it is suspected that the main gate of the temple is still buried in the ground. Besides that, this place offers the beautiful scenery of shady green trees and rice fields. You won't be regret to visit this place !

7. Sukuh Temple - Karanganyar District

source :KMS tour

Last but not least, Sukuh Temple is the most iconic old temple in Central Java. Located on the slopes of Lawu Mountain at an altitude of approximately 1,186m above sea level. Sukuh Temple has a distinctive thematic reliefs which vulgarly describes male and female genitals, namely Lingga (male) and Yoni (female), is very attractive to many tourists. 

Its main monument is a simple pyramid structure with reliefs and statues in front of it, including three tortoises with flattened shells and a male figure grasping his penis. It was built at the end of 15th century AD and become one of the world heritage by UNESCO.

Even though it has the impression of being a pornographic temple, there's a contain message, that the visitors should purify their hearts. That's why this temple is often used by couples who want to get married to lead the loyalty of prospective wives and husbands. The entrance fee is only below $1/pax.

Hmm..sounds mystical and interesting! Want to try?

So, what do you think the list above? 
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