Pandanaran Temple in Klaten Regency, Central Java Province

In Klaten Regency, tourists can visit a religious site called Pandanaran Temple. Unlike other temples, this one features a famous pilgrimage complex called Makam Sunan Pandanaran. That means visitors can enjoy two different allures in that area, including the temple and the tomb. Pandanaran was one of Sunan Kalijaga’s pupil and one of the famous Wali. His tomb resides on a hill, though, so tourists need to conduct short trekking in order to reach the site. As for the temple, it is not quite big, but looks unique and is worth a photo shot. For the information, this complex is located in Paseban Village of Bayat Sub-District.

The Nuance
As mentioned before, the Pandanaran Temple is located on a hill. Tourists need to pass through tens of stairs in order to reach the location, in fact. When it comes to the nuance, it feels both peaceful and refreshing. The reason is that the complex resides on a highland, featuring lots of trees, plants, and beautiful panoramas. Once arriving on the complex, tourists may see a big name sign right away. A beautiful old gate is also seen in that spot. According to the locals, both the temple and tomb were built in 1526! No wonder, the construction looks old and antique.

Exploring Pandanaran Temple
It is true that tourists must come with good stamina in order to explore Pandanaran Temple thoroughly. The first challenge is none other than the tens of stairs. Have no worries. Everyone is able to watch beautiful panoramas along the way to the temple. Not to mention lots of kiosks or souvenir and food stands reside on both sides of the road. Tourists can drop by for a while and buy some snacks and unique items before continuing the trip, therefore. Some recommended snacks to buy are Rengginan and Jenang, so don’t miss the chance to buy some later.

Once reaching the entrance of Pandanaran Temple and Makam Sunan Pandanaran, tourists can conduct photography right away. They can simply stand in front of the gate and take some selfies there. The gate looks majestic with its Majapahit’s architecture, after all. When entering the tomb complex, though, everyone must take off the shoes or footwear. Have no worries. There is the shoe storage service in that site. Actually, the cemetery features lots of small tombstones. The prime tomb is the biggest and it belongs to Sunan Bayat. Somehow, the shape is similar to a temple. This is why the locals call it Pandanaran Temple.

Tourists who come at the right time would get the best experience, without a doubt. It is because they have the chance to watch and join lots of locals who conduct pilgrimage together. The nuance becomes quite sacred at the time. Everyone should not cause disturbance or litter in that complex, therefore. Also, for those who want to learn more about the site, they can hire a local guide or nearby villagers.

Nearby Attractions

• Lapangan Lemah Miring
• Kampung Gerabah
• Taman Beluk
• Bukit Pertapan

How to Get There
From the capital of Central Java Province or Semarang City, tourists can head to Klaten Regency directly by taking Semarang – Solo Highway. This trip would take around 1 hour and 33 minutes, as the distance is 97.7 km. For those coming from Jakarta City, in this case, they need to take Cikopo – Plaimanan Highway and head to Klaten directly. The distance is 532 km, so this trip may take around 7 hours and 59 minutes. Later, after arriving at Klaten Regency, they should take Raya Wiro and Raya Krikilan Street in order to reach Pandanaran Temple. The distance is 7.3 km, so this trip may take only about 15 minutes.

Where to Stay

• D’Sawah Guesthouse
• Srikandi Hotel
• Griya Gendhis Saraswati Hotel