Staying at Amaranta Prambanan Yogyakarta is about more than 5-star luxury — it's about an exceptional location at the heart of Indonesia's richest cultural heritage corridor. While Prambanan Temple is a must-visit, the Sleman area and its surroundings hold hidden temples equally breathtaking yet far less crowded.
1. Barong Temple — A Hilltop Gateway to the Sky
Just 2 km from Amaranta, Barong Temple is a hidden gem perched on a hilltop with stunning valley panoramas. This 9th-century Hindu temple is named after the Barong reliefs adorning its gateway. What makes Barong Temple special is its elevation — on early mornings, thin mist blankets the valley below, creating an almost surreal landscape. Amaranta's 3 km jogging track even passes through this area, so you can visit while enjoying your morning exercise.
2. Sojiwan Temple — Jataka Tales in Stone
This 9th-century Buddhist temple sits about 3 km from the hotel and serves as the backdrop for Amaranta's horseback riding activity. Its wall reliefs depict Jataka tales — stories of the Buddha's previous lives. Unlike the bustle of Prambanan, Sojiwan offers tranquility where you can leisurely examine the intricate relief details.
3. Ijo Temple — Yogyakarta's Highest Temple
Perched atop Ijo Hill at 410 meters above sea level, Ijo Temple is the highest temple in Yogyakarta. Located about 6 km from Amaranta, this 10th-century Hindu temple offers a 360-degree panorama encompassing Prambanan Temple in the distance, Adisucipto Airport, and the southern Java coastline. The best time to visit is late afternoon approaching sunset.
4. Plaosan Temple — The Romantic Twins
The Plaosan Temple complex consists of twin temples — Plaosan Lor and Plaosan Kidul — built as a symbol of love between a Hindu king and his Buddhist queen. Located 7 km from Amaranta, the complex is surrounded by verdant rice paddies and ranks among the most photogenic spots in Yogyakarta. Its architecture blends Hindu and Buddhist elements, making it unique among Javanese temples.
5. Kalasan Temple — Java's Oldest Buddhist Temple
Founded in 778 AD, Kalasan Temple is considered the oldest Buddhist temple on the island of Java. Situated along the Yogya–Solo highway just 5 km from Amaranta, it's easily accessible yet often overlooked by tourists. Look for the Kala-Makara ornaments at the doorframes and remnants of vajralepa (diamond plaster) that once coated the temple's entire surface.
Visiting Tips from Amaranta
The concierge team at Amaranta Prambanan Yogyakarta is ready to help you plan a route to all five temples. We recommend starting your journey in the morning after breakfast at The Tree, taking advantage of our complimentary shuttle to Prambanan Temple and continuing to the other sites. For the best experience, combine your temple visits with our horseback riding activity or the 3 km jogging track that passes Barong Temple.
Amaranta Editorial
The editorial team of Amaranta Prambanan Yogyakarta, sharing stories and travel inspiration from Yogyakarta's finest 5-star hotel.