Mystical Prambanan: Unveiling Horror Stories at the Largest Temple in Central Java

Prambanan Temple is one of the greatest architectural wonders in Indonesia, located at the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java. Known as the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia, Prambanan holds many fascinating stories that make it not just a historical site, but also a place filled with mystical aura. From tragic tales involving love and revenge to horror stories that are often associated with this place, Prambanan Temple offers an unforgettable experience for visitors, especially those interested in the supernatural world.

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Prambanan Temple was built in the 9th century by King Rakai Pikatan and is dedicated to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). One of the most famous legends surrounding Prambanan Temple is the love story between Bandung Bondowoso, a king from the Pengging kingdom, and Roro Jonggrang, a beautiful princess from the Prambanan kingdom. According to the story, Bandung Bondowoso, who fell in love with Roro Jonggrang, asked her to marry him. However, Roro Jonggrang, who did not want to marry him, set a very difficult condition: Bandung Bondowoso had to build a thousand temples in one night. With the help of a legion of spirits, Bandung Bondowoso almost succeeded in fulfilling the request. But, Roro Jonggrang, who did not want to become the wife of the king, cleverly sabotaged his efforts by ordering her servants to pound rice in the early hours of the morning so that it would sound like the break of dawn. When Bandung Bondowoso saw the morning light, he realized his attempt had failed, and in his anger, he cursed Roro Jonggrang to become a stone. It is believed that Roro Jonggrang’s statue is now one of the stone figures at Prambanan Temple.

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Prambanan Temple is a destination that combines architectural beauty, rich history, and a thick mystical aura. Its charm can be appreciated not only during the day but also at night when the horror stories revive the magical atmosphere around it.  However, the mystical stories do not stop there. Many people believe that Prambanan Temple has a certain energy that invites supernatural phenomena. Visitors often report strange experiences, such as hearing footsteps without shadows, mysterious laughter or whispers, and sometimes ghostly apparitions. For those who are drawn to the world of horror, Prambanan Temple becomes one of the locations worth exploring further. Not only are the folklore and legends tied to the Prambanan Temple, but there are also several horror stories that have become legends among the locals. One of them is the tale of a restless spirit that is said to haunt visitors, especially at night. Some witnesses claim to have seen a woman in white walking around the temple complex. According to the legend, this figure is the spirit of Roro Jonggrang, who still roams the area in search of lost love. Additionally, there are stories of mysterious sounds heard at night. Some people who have stayed near Prambanan Temple claim to have heard the sound of gamelan music or noises resembling religious ceremonies, even though no such activities were happening around the temple. These sounds become more apparent as the night grows late. Others have also reported feeling sudden chills around the temple complex.

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These eerie experiences have made Prambanan Temple not only a historical tourist destination but also a place that sparks curiosity for those intrigued by the paranormal world. Here is the Entrance Ticket for Prambanan Temple :

Domestic Visitor : IDR 50k

Domestic Visitor (Children < 10 yo) : IDR 25k

Foreigner Visitor : IDR 400k (USD 25)

Foreigner Visitor (Children < 10 yo)  : IDR 225k (USD 15)

If you need a local guide to explain more about the history and relief in more details, you can hire a local guide for only IDR 150k per group.

The Prambanan Temple Ticket Counter opens at 6.30 WIB, but you can only enter the main yard at 07.00 AM. The ticket counter closes at 4.30 PM, but you can still be inside the main yard at 5.00PM.

There are various transportation options available to reach Prambanan Temple, depending on your location and preferences. 

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Prambanan Temple is located about 17 km from Yogyakarta and can be reached in approximately 30 minutes by car. The road is in good condition and easily accessible, especially via the Solo-Yogyakarta Road. You can take a bus to the Giwangan terminal, then continue your journey by public transport or taxi to Prambanan Temple. Taxis and motorcycle taxis are also faster alternatives.

The distance from Solo to Prambanan Temple is about 50 km, with an estimated travel time of 1.5 hours. You can take the Solo-Kertosono toll road and exit at the Klaten toll gate. You can take a train from Solo to Klaten Station and then continue by taxi or public transport to Prambanan Temple.

If you are traveling from outside the region, you can fly to Adisucipto Airport in Yogyakarta, and then continue your journey by taxi or public transport to Prambanan Temple. Once you arrive at the Prambanan Temple complex, you can easily walk to the temple area, which is just a short distance from the entrance. Various local transport options such as motorcycle taxis, pedicabs, and taxis are available to take you to nearby tourist destinations. For more flexibility, you can also rent a bicycle or motorbike to explore the area around Prambanan Temple, such as Sewu Temple and Lumbung Temple, which are located nearby.