Sewu Temple, Java, Indonesia
4.5 (858 reviews) Spent Ranking #7 in Yogyakarta Region Ancient Ruins • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
Worth the effort to visit
Although Sewu temple is significantly smaller than both the main Shiva temple within the Prambanan complex and Borobudur it has the added appeal of not getting very many visitors. This seems to be largely because it is located about 1km from the main Shiva temple and most people appear to be too lazy to walk the distance. When I visited on a Sunday afternoon the main Shiva temple was extremely busy but the Sewu temple was completely deserted - I was able to wander around without being disturbed and soak up the tranquility. So although the temple itself isn't quite as impressive, the peace and quiet of the location makes it well worth the effort to visit. Entrance is included with the 225k IDR you pay to enter the Prambanan temple complex.
Address
, Indonesia.
Current local date and time now
Friday, May 10, 2024, 5:10
User Ratings
4.5 based on (858 reviews)
Reviews
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5David H 5:00 PM Jun 20, 2018
Much more interesting than Pramabanan itself
Candi Sewu is Pramabanan without the hype and without the overload of tourists and the 'flys' that gather around them. It's one of my favourite temples in yogya region, so please take them time to wander back north of the main temple complex at prambanan and visit this hidden gem Fortunately Candi Sewu remains only half renovated, showing you exactly what it is, that most temples in Yogya were reconstructed from. This more natural state feels more meaningful, as if not all of the history and spirituality of the place has been washed away by the stone masons and architects that rebuilt the temple of Prambanan, Borobodur and Dieng. Extensive renovation has left those larger temples feeling like nothing more than stark monuments to the past, being touted to tourists to drag dollars out of them. In contrast Sewu and a few others such as the nearby Plaosan still feel like all that energy of hundreds of years of prayer and meditation lingers on.... Go there... spend time, sit in silence, close your eyes until you can finally imagine you hear an ancient procession passing chanting to themselves. If you can go at night, or late afternoon, under a full moon is amazing. If my reviews are useful please leave a useful vote as it encourages long-timers here like me to pass on our opinions :)
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5Alice S 5:00 PM Feb 8, 2015
A majestic temple ruin all for yourself!
For some reason the Prambanan temple is over crowded but no one bothers to take a look at sewu just a few 100 meters away. It's absolutly beautiful and sets you in a very humble mood. No tourists, no inquiring guides or salesmen just you and this majestic temple ruin. I almost made a bigger impression on me than prambanan because it was so quiet and me and my boyfriend were all alone walking around. For you own sake don't leave prambanan park without visiting Sewu!
