Temple Tales

The Hindu and Buddhist kingdoms of Indonesia lest a lot of temples. Some are still waiting to be discovered...

#1 Sukuh

Where : Karanganyar, Central Java

While many Hindu temples feature stupa-style roofs, Sukuh is unique for its truncated pyramid shape, which resembles that of the Maya temples. Furthermore, Sukuh is Indonesia's most erotic temple, with carvings of lingga and yoni (symbols of human genitalia) being found all over the site.

#2 Muarajambi

Where : Muaro Jambi, Jambi

A legacy of the old Malay Kingdom, Muarajambi is something like fusion of Angkor and Bagan, two of the best-known temple complexes in South-East Asia. This phenomenal complex boasts 82 ancient ruins situated in a 2.062 hectare area that sprawls along a 7.5-kilometer length of the river Batanghari.

#3 Cangkuang

Where : Garut, West Java

Cangkuang is significant for being the only Hindu temple in predominantly Sunda region of West Java. Archeologists have noticed several shared characteristics with other Hindu temples constructed in the seventh century, and Cangkuang is even more special for being lecated in the middle of a lake. Indeed, the only way to reach it by raft.

#4 Penataran

Where : Blitar, East Java

Originally called candi Palah at the time of its construction back in the twelfth century, this 12.946-square-metre complex is significant for playing host to several different kingdoms that ruled Java over a span of 200 years. Every year since 2010, the temple has hosted the Purnama Seruling Penataran, a festival featuring performances from local and international artists.

#5 Gunung Kawi

Where : Tampaksiring, Bali

The temple is not to be mistaken for the mountain of the same name in East Java. Unlike many of the temples commonly seen in Java, the ten monuments found in this house of worship have been carved into a cliff face. These monuments are where the late King Udayana and several of his queen and children were laid to rest.

#6 Ratu Boko

Where : Sleman, Yogyakarta

Built in the eighth century, Ratu Boko is not so much a temple as it is the remains of an ancient royal retreat. Legend states that this structure once sheltered Ratu Baka (literally, King Crane) who was the father of the beautiful yet tragic princess Loro Jongggrang of local folklore.