Just 3.5 kilometres from Prambanan is the ruins of Ratu Boko Palace. Thanks to its hilltop location, you can get spectacular photos of this archaeological monument from here, plus the best sunset views in all of Jogja.
The archaeological complex of Ratu Boko contains many remains of buildings, palaces and temples, caves and pools, and large grassy areas with lots of flowers and trees.
In our opinion, Ratu Boko is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places around Yogyakarta.
The origins of Ratu Boko are still shrouded in mystery. Neither the exact purpose of the site nor who built it and when exactly is known. Archaeologists generally agree that Ratu Boko was built around the 8th century.
What will you see at Ratu Boko?
The complex is situated on a plateau and is surprisingly large. In addition to the most famous remains of the stone gate, you will find the remains of more than 30 other buildings.
We recommend a tour of the entire complex, where you will discover many beautiful and unexpected corners.
Large park areas with benches, gazebos and breathtaking views invite you to take a long rest.
Ratu Boko is nowhere near as busy a place as the more famous temples of Prambanan or Borobudur, and especially during the day you'll be almost alone here.
Ratu Boko may lie outside the city, but you can still buy basic snacks, especially drinks or coconuts, from a few stalls.
Enjoy the sunset
The place gets busier around 4pm, when tourists flock here to watch the sunset.
We have not discovered a nicer place to visit in the city or its surroundings in the early evening. The sun sets directly behind the most photogenic stone gate, and it also beautifully illuminates the Merapi volcano.
Entrance fees and opening hours
The Ratu Boko area is open daily from 7am-5pm.
At 17:00 is the last entry and those who manage to enter before this time are usually allowed to wait until the full sunset, which takes place between 17:20 and 17:40 depending on the season.
Tickets can only be purchased at the door (not online), where you can only pay by credit card.
Ticket prices for the Ratu Boko area only are as follows:
- 390 000 idr - foreign visitor
- 40 000 idr - local visitor
There is also a discounted combination ticket with entry to Ratu Boko and Prambanan.
- 690 000 idr - Foreign visitor (save Rs 90,000)
- 85 000 idr - Local visitor (save Rp 5 000)
This ticket can only be purchased locally and includes a complimentary shuttle minivan that will transport you directly from the Prambanan grounds to Ratu Boko or vice versa.
However, the downside of this shuttle service is the operating hours of 8am-2pm, so if you intend to go to Ratu Boko at sunset, you would have to wait for about 3.5 hours.
How to get there
There is no form of public transport to Ratu Boko (apart from the free shuttle bus from Prambanan, see above).
However, you can still get significantly closer by bus from the centre and save quite a bit of money on taxi fares.
Grab / Gojek
The most convenient option, and if you're travelling with more people, then the classic mobile taxi apps Grab or Gojek are a relatively cheap way to get around.
At any time of the day, it's no problem to find an available driver. The app will confirm your ride usually within 5 minutes.
The price is calculated according to the current demand and is around 110 000 idr.
Public transport - TransJogja bus
By far the cheapest option is local public transport.
From the centre of Yogyakarta, line 1A runs to Prambanan, which you can use when travelling directly from the centre (railway station, Tugu Monument, Malioboro).
Line 1A is one of those where you cannot pay with cash, but only with electronic cards (TransJogja, E-money Mandiri, KMT, BNI Tapcash, Brizzi and others).
- 3 600 idr per ride
On some services you will need to change buses at Adisutjipto station, but in this case you will not pay any fare on the second journey.
The Prambanan stop is approximately 2,600 metres from the entrance (see route map).
Alternatively, you can get a tricycle ride between the bus stop and the temple entrance for 25 000 idr, but you'll have to either walk back from Ratu Boko or call for a ride via the Grab/Gojek mobile app, as there are no tricycles waiting at the entrance.
The walking route is along a fairly busy road, but it's quite pretty as you'll largely pass photogenic rice paddies.
The last stretch between the road and the entrance is by stairs.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Yogyakarta.
