The center of Java is also the center of Javanese culture. Here, the great Hindu civilizations rose to power. Later they were replaced by Islamic sultanates based in the kratons (palaces) of Yogyakarta and Solo. Most of Central Java's sights are within easy day trips of one or the other of these two cities.
Central Java Sights
The reason for Yogyakarta's popularity as a tourist attraction is due to the many ancient temples scattered around the countryside within an easy drive from the city. However, Candi Sukuh is actually closer to Solo. Both cities have kratons (royal palaces) that are worth visiting.
The unusual temple of Candi Sukuh
The pyramid-like structure of Borobodur is built on and around a natural hill. Construction was started sometime around the beginning of the 8th century. In plan, it resembles a tantric mandala with six square terraces supporting three circular ones. It's been called a three dimensional rendering of the Buddhist conception of the cosmos. The square terraces are covered with carved relief's that can be read as an "instruction manual" for attaining enlightenment.
Just about 10 miles outside of Yogyakarta is the temple complex of Prambanan. This huge complex of Hindu temples was constructed in the middle of the 9th century. The remains of 244 temples have been identified in the complex. They fell into disuse when the kings of Java moved their capital to the East, and then many were destroyed by earthquakes. It was only reconstructed in the later half of the last century. The central compound contains eight large temples along with eight smaller ones.
Tucked away in the mountains near Solo in central Java is one of the more interesting Hindu temples in all of Southeast Asia. The temple of Candi Sukuh is unique not only in overall design, but also in decoration. This place isn't exactly off the map. It's in all the guidebooks, but is definitely off the tourist trail.
Sikidang Crater on the Dieng Plateau The Dieng Plateau is a high marshy valley - probably the remains of ancient caldera even - that makes an interesting day trip from Yogyakarta, Solo or Magelang. The three main sights of the plateau are all relatively close to each other. They are the Colorful Lakes, Sikidang Crater and the Arjuna Temple.
Getting to the Dieng Plateau The Dieng Plateau is usually visited as a day trip from one of the nearby cities, such as Yogyakarta, Magelang or Solo.
There's a lot to see in both Yogyakarta and Solo, so we suggest that you allow four to five days to see everything. We show you starting out in Yogyakarta, but you can easily reverse this itinerary to start in Solo.
Day 1 Yogyakarta Kota Gede
The Kraton Day 2 Yogyakarta Borobodur Day 3 Yogyakarta to Solo Prambanan Day 4 Solo Candi Sukuh
Candi Ceto Day 5 Solo Kratons
Magelang Area Map Magelang is a city, and regency, immediately north of Yogyakarta. The massive temple complex of Borobodur is located a short distance from the city, although most people base themselves in Yogya for a visit to the temple.
The city was founded some time around the ninth century, but most of the sights of the town itself date from the Dutch colonial period. The city itself doesn't figure much on the tourist trail, since visitors going to Borobodur from Yogyakarta never even pass through town.
Sited just 65 kilometers (40 miles) northeast of Yogyakarta, the city of Solo, formally known as Surakarta was also a center of power during the great Javanese kingdoms. Although larger than Yogya, Solo has more of a small town feel and is not as visited as its neighbor. Which is not to say there isn't plenty to see. The royal city boasts two palaces, and the surrounding countryside is home to some of Indonesia's more unusual ancient temples.
The bathing pools of the old 'water palace' of Taman Sari "Yogya," as its called by the locals (sometimes "Jogja"), is a relatively small town, with very little to see in the city itself, and very little nightlife. The main sight is the Kraton, the sultan's palace in the center of Yogya, and its many associated sites such as the 'water castle' Taman Sari and the carriage museum. It's sort of a city within the city.
