Ratu Boko Temple

A. Overview
So far, tourists visiting the province of Yogyakarta is more familiar with the Prambanan Temple as one of tourism object which is worth a visit. In fact, about three miles south of Prambanan temple, there are heritage buildings other Old Mataram Kingdom, the temple complex of Ratu Boko. Ratu Boko Temple was built in the reign of Rakai Panangkaran, one Sailendra descendants.

Ratu Boko Temple Complex was first discovered in 1790 by van Boeckhlotz. However, only a hundred years later, a serious study of this temple made and published in the book van Ratoe Boko Palace. According to historians thought, this temple has a multi-function, namely as a fortress palaces, places of worship, and caves.

The entire area of the temple is located approximately 196 m above sea level is 250,000 m2, which ¬ divided into four parts, namely central, west, southeast, and east. The center of this temple consists of the main gate of the building, the field, burning temples, ponds, stone berumpak, and Paseban. The southeast includes marquee, halls, three temples, ponds, and complex keputren. In this section there is also a well named Amrita Mantana which means holy water. It is said that water in these wells have the efficacy that can bring good luck for the wearer. In the eastern part of the cave complex there, Buddhist stupas, and ponds. Whereas in the western part there is a very interesting hills to be the location of rest after fatigue around the area of this temple.

B. Privileges
Ratu Boko Temple has a privilege not shared by other temples in Yogyakarta and Central Java, which is generally made only to places of worship. Remains of Queen Boko Temple site indicates that the building has a profane nature as indicated by the presence and Paseban keputren.

In addition, in the building of this temple can be seen the combination of the elements of Hinduism and Buddhism. This can be seen from the existence of Linga and Yoni statues, statue of Ganesh, and the gold plate that reads ya namah Om Rudra swaha. Slab implies a form of worship of the god Rudra, another name of Lord Shiva. This fact illustrates that Rakai Panangkaran, the initiator of the temple, Buddhist citizens can appreciate the adoption of Hinduism.

From one part of this temple, precisely at the Plaza Andrawina, if facing to the north, visitors will see beautiful pemadangan of Yogyakarta and Prambanan, the Mount Merapi in the background. If visitors are in the location of this temple until sunset, feel around the temple will be more beautiful with the presence of bursts of orange in the evening.

C. Location
Ratu Boko Temple area is located approximately 17 km east of Yogyakarta. Precisely in Bokoharjo District, Sleman District, Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia.

D. Access
Tourists who visit the Temple of Queen Boko area, can use the Trans Jogja bus routes 1A and 1B to reach the Terminal Prambanan cost USD 3000.00 per person. From these terminals, travelers can continue to use the motorcycle taxi journey to the Temple of Queen Boko. If you want an easier trip, travelers can rent a car at a price of about USD 350,000.00 USD 200,000.00-per-day (January 2009).

E. Ticket Prices
To visit this tourism area, visitors are charged Rp 10.000,00 per person. In addition, if visitors bring a private car, parking will cost Rp 5000.00. In the meantime, if you want to enjoy the panoramic sunsets in Boko temple, visitors will be charged a fee of Rp 35.000,00.

F. Accommodation and Other Facilities
At Plaza Andrawina, in addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, this place also serves as a restaurant. In this place, visitors who have finished exploring every corner of the area of Boko temple, can relax and fill the hungry stomachs. Besides restaurants, the location of this temple has also been equipped with a toilet and praying.
(Prepared from various sources / Des Christy/wm/22/01-09)

source: http://wisatamelayu.com/id/object/500/431/candi-ratu-boko/?nav=geo