Just 3.5 kilometres from Prambanan lie the ruins of Ratu Boko Palace. Thanks to its hilltop location, you can take stunning photos of this archaeological site from here, and it also offers the best views of the sunset in the whole of Yogyakarta.

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The Ratu Boko archaeological complex contains many remains of buildings, palaces and temples, as well as caves, pools and extensive grassy areas with plenty of flowers and trees.

In our opinion, Ratu Boko is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places in the Yogyakarta area.

The origins of Ratu Boko remain a mystery to this day. Neither the exact purpose of the site nor who built it or when is known. Archaeologists generally agree that Ratu Boko was built around the 8th century.

What can you see at Ratu Boko?

The complex is situated on a plateau and is surprisingly large. As well as the best-known remains of the stone gateway, you’ll find the remains of more than 30 other buildings here.

We recommend walking through the whole site, where you’ll discover plenty of beautiful and unexpected nooks and crannies.

The extensive parkland, with its benches, gazebos and breathtaking views, is the perfect place to relax for a while.

Ratu Boko is nowhere near as busy as the more famous templesof Prambananor Borobudur, and you’ll be virtually alone here, especially during the day.

Although Ratu Boko is situated outside the city, there are still a few stalls where you can buy basic refreshments, particularly drinks or coconuts.

Enjoy the sunset

The place only really gets busier around 4 pm, when tourists flock here to watch the sunset.

We couldn’t find a more beautiful spot in the town or its surroundings for an early evening visit. The sun sets directly behind the most photogenic stone gate and also bathes Mount Merapi in a magnificent glow.

Admission and opening hours

The Ratu Boko site is open daily from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Last admission is at 17:00, and visitors who have entered before this time are usually allowed to stay until sunset, which occurs between 17:20 and 17:40 depending on the season.

Tickets can only be purchased on site (not online), where payment is by card only.

Ticket prices for the Ratu Boko site only are as follows:

• 390 000 idr – foreign visitors
• 40 000 idr – local visitors

A discounted combined ticket is also available, granting entry to both Ratu Boko andPrambanan.

• 690 000 idr – foreign visitor (save 90,000 rupees)
• 85 000 idr – local visitor (save 5,000 rupees)

This ticket can only be purchased on site and includes a free shuttle minivan to take you directly from the Prambanan complex to Ratu Boko, or vice versa.

However, the downside of this shuttle service is that it only runs from 8.00 am to 2.00 pm, so if you’re planning to visit Ratu Boko at sunset, you’d have to wait around 3½ hours.

How to get there

There is no public transport to Ratu Boko (apart from the free shuttle bus from Prambanan, see above).

However, you can still get much closer by bus from the city centre and save quite a bit of money on a taxi.

Grab / Gojek

The most convenient option – and, if you’re travelling in a group, a relatively cheap way to get around – is to use the classic mobile taxi apps, Grab or Gojek.

You’ll have no trouble finding an available driver at any time of day. Your journey will usually be confirmed via the app within 5 minutes.

The fare is calculated based on current demand and is around 110 000 idr.

Public transport – TransJogja bus

By far the cheapest option is the local public transport system.

From the centre of Yogyakarta, route1A runs to the town of Prambanan; you can use this if you’re travelling directly from the centre (the railway station, the Tugu monument, Malioboro).

Route 1A is one of those where you cannot pay in cash, but only with electronic cards such as TransJogja, Mandiri E-money, KMT, BNI Tapcash, Brizzi and others.

• 3 600 idr per journey

On some routes, you will need to change buses at Adisutjipto station; in this case, however, you will not be charged any fare for the second journey.

The Prambanan stop is located approximately 2,600 metres from the entrance (see route map).

Alternatively, you can take a tricycle for 25 000 idr between the bus stop and the temple entrance; however, on the return journey from Ratu Boko, you’ll have to either walk or book a ride via the Grab or Gojek mobile apps, as there are no tricycles waiting at the entrance.

The walk follows a fairly busy road, but it’s quite pleasant as you’ll be walking past picturesque rice paddies for much of the way.

The final stretch between the road and the entrance is up a flight of steps.

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