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PLACES OF INTEREST |
| Ratu Boko Temple (Hindu Temple) |
| High on a mountain side about three kilometers to the South of Prambanan temple, Ratu Boko Temple, provides spectacular vistas of the Prambanan plain. To this day it is still unknown who discovered Ratu Boko or who named it. Inscriptions dating from the mid 700's say that it was a dormitory for monks. There are several ruins, including a well preserved arena which was used as a hall for royal audiences. Some legends say that it was also used as a venue for tests of mortal combat. A series of circular plunge pools carved into the limestone were used as royal baths. But most spectacular of all, is the entrance gate. With two separate gateways set on different levels, it contains very elaborate stone facings. |
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| Banyu Nibo Temple Banyu Nibo temple can be visited easily after visiting Ratu Boko temple. Fairly small, it is located in the middle of farmland about two kilometers south-east of Ratu Boko's Palace, flanked by Gunung Kidul hills to the south. The view of its exotic scenery makes this temple most enjoyable. Its slightly curved roof functions as the top of the stupa and gives the temple a certain allure. This Buddhist temple dates from the 9th century and has recently been restored. |
| Kotagede Royal Cemetery Kotagede is situated about five kilometers to the Southeast of Yogyakarta. It is a neat little town which was once the seat of the mighty Mataram empire. In this old town with its walled in-houses, the graves of the first rulers of Mataram are still to be found. Since the 1930s, however, Kotagede has become famous for being the center of the Yogya silver work industry. Kotagede is easily reached by either a four-wheeled horse-drawn cart, taxi, bus or car. There are a number of workshops where visitors are welcome to watch silver being transformed into beautiful works of art known as "Yogya Silver". |
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