Sewu Temple in Klaten Regency, Central Java Province
Most tourists recognize Klaten Regency for its Umbul or natural bathing places indeed. However, people have more reasons for visiting the region One of them is to visit available historical sites like temples. Sewu Temple is not an exception, in this case. This one is located in Bugisan Village and belongs to Prambanan Sub-District. Due to the valuable history and majestic appearance, the temple is indeed popular among the locals and tourists who live in nearby regions. In a nutshell, Sewu Temple represents a religions harmony despite the difference. In fact, it was built by a king and queen who have a different belief in religion.
The Nuance
The good thing is that the Sewu Temple resides next to the famous Prambanan Temple, which is about 800 meters apart. No wonder, tourists can easily find the location during the visit. The temple resides on a complex of about 185 x 165 meters. Here is a unique fact. It is older than Borobudur and Prambanan Temple! Not to mention the complex has about 249 temples and 4 entrances. As for the nuance, the site offers a refreshing ambiance and great panoramas! Thanks to the presence of Sewu Mountains that become the natural border between Yogyakarta and Klaten Regency.
Exploring Sewu Temple
Sewu Temple belongs to the Buddhist and is considered the biggest in that complex. As mentioned before, visitors can get in the temple from 4 different entrances. Still, the main entrance is located in the east part of the site. Here is a unique thing. In all those gates, tourists may find a pair of Drawapala statues. These are meant as the guards of the temple, actually. Not to mention they become an interesting object or background for photography.
In terms of name, “Sewu” means a thousand. However, tourists won’t find exactly a thousand temples in that area. Instead, there are about 249 of them. The prime temple has a height of about 30 meters and it features 5 chambers. In order to explore the site efficiently, though, tourists must consider hiring a guide. This service even helps them to learn history and further information related to the temple later. Thus, it would be a worthy expense.
According to the locals, the real name Sewu Temple is Candi Prasada Vajrasana Manjusrigrha. This ancient name was found on two inscriptions called Manjusrigrha and Kelurak. It is said this Buddhist Temple has been there since the 8th century. It was built during the reign of King Rakai Panangkaran in the Mataram Kuno Kingdom. Have no worries. Tourists can get the complete history from the guide, later.
Nearby Attractions
- Gana Temple
- Lor Temple
- Lumbung Temple
- Omah Godhong
- Sepeda Monument
- Mandala Wisata
- Penangkaran Rusa
How to Get There
The trip duration depends on where tourists come from, actually. Here is an example. Those who come from the capital of Central Java Province (Semarang City) would take around 1 hour and 33 minutes in order to reach Klaten Regency. It is because the distance is 97.7 km and the best route to take is Semarang – Solo Highway. For those who come from Jakarta City, on the other hand, they may spend at least 7 hours and 59 minutes in order to reach Klaten. The distance is 532 km and the best route is Cikopo – Palimanan Highway.
After arriving at Klaten Regency, another trip is required. This time, the route to take is Raya Solo – Yogyakarta Street and the destination is Bugisan Village where Sewu Temple is located. For the information, the distance is 24.3 km, so this trip would take around 38 minutes or more depending on the traffic.
Where to Stay
- Srikandi Hotel
- Puri Jonggrang Hotel
- View Hotel
- Kenanga 1 Hotel
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