Sewu Temple
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Sewu Temple, or Candi Sewu, is an extraordinary testament to Indonesia's rich cultural heritage, and visiting it was an unforgettable experience for my wife and me. Nestled just a short distance from the more famous Prambanan Temple, Sewu often goes unnoticed by many tourists, but it is truly a hidden gem that deserves attention. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the serene atmosphere that envelops the temple complex. Unlike other crowded sites, Sewu offers a peaceful environment where you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the place. The temple complex is expansive, with a series of meticulously crafted structures that radiate a quiet grandeur. The central temple, towering above the rest, is particularly impressive. Its intricate carvings and detailed architecture reflect the high level of craftsmanship that went into its construction. Walking through the site, we were able to appreciate the harmony and symmetry of the design, which speaks volumes about the skill and vision of the ancient builders. One of the highlights of our visit was the sense of exploration. With fewer tourists around, we felt like we had the place almost to ourselves, allowing us to discover the various smaller shrines and structures at our own pace. Each turn revealed something new, from the beautifully preserved statues to the peaceful courtyards that invite quiet reflection. Sewu Temple is not only a site of architectural significance but also a place where you can feel a deep connection to the past. The temple complex dates back to the 8th century and is a fascinating blend of Buddhist and Javanese cultural influences. As we wandered through the ruins, we couldn’t help but imagine the lives of those who worshipped and lived there so many centuries ago. In summary, our visit to Sewu Temple was one of the highlights of our trip. The combination of stunning architecture, rich history, and tranquil surroundings made it a perfect experience for us. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to visit, Sewu Temple is a must-see. We had the best time exploring this magnificent site, and we highly recommend it to anyone traveling to the region.
Shaheen Shahmirzadi
00
Sewu Temple, often overshadowed by its grand neighbor Prambanan, is a hidden gem that tells a fascinating story of religious harmony and architectural brilliance. Built in the 8th century, this Mahayana Buddhist complex predates Prambanan, standing as a testament to the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism in ancient Java. The temple’s layout, a mandala of 249 shrines, symbolizes the Buddhist universe. At its heart, the central temple rises majestically, flanked by intricate carvings and stupas that seem to whisper the wisdom of ages. Its original name, “Manjusri grha,” or “The House of Manjusri,” reflects its spiritual purpose and the deep reverence for the Bodhisattva of wisdom. Though battered by time, earthquakes, and neglect, Sewu Temple has been lovingly restored, allowing its timeless beauty to shine once again. Walking through its grounds, you’ll feel the profound blend of art, spirituality, and history—a reminder of a bygone era where faiths intertwined and flourished together. Sewu is more than a temple; it’s a journey into Indonesia’s cultural soul. If Prambanan is the headline act, Sewu is the quietly stunning encore you can’t afford to miss.
M. Maietta
00
This place is separate from Prambanan Temple. There is no additional entrance fee. To get to this location, you have to walk about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also rent a scooter for IDR 35,000 for 30 minutes I think this is enough to get around Sewu Temple. Unlike the other temples, at Sewu Temple you can go inside to the top of the temple. You can see in detail how the carvings of this temple. Parking for bicycles is also provided and very secure. There will be information about how this temple was built. Unfortunately, to maintain the authenticity of the buildings and structures, several temples are no longer standing and many stones are on the ground. But for me, this is an advantage because I can clearly see how people in the past built extraordinary buildings without cement or adhesives.
Adi Kurniawan
00
Candi Sewu is the second largest Buddhist temple in central Java after Borobudur and dates from 8th to 9th centuries AD. The temple is dedicated to the Buddha Vairocana, whose statue would have been contained in the main chamber, however it is no longer there. The complex is based on a Mandala design, a trait of Vajrayana school complexes. Vajrayana learning came to Java in the 8th centruy through contacts with the Pala empire. The main temple structure has been well restored and can be explored inside. There are dozens of smaller structures surrounding it, some restored but many simply piles of stones. Although just adjacent to the main Prambanan temples, few visitors to that site make it to Candi Sewu, making it a more peaceful place to explore.
shammi raj
00
Sewu Temple: Prambanan's Hidden Buddhist Jewel While Prambanan's towering Hindu temples often steal the spotlight, Sewu, a sprawling Buddhist complex located just north of Prambanan, offers an equally captivating experience. As one of the largest Buddhist temples in Indonesia, Sewu transports visitors back to the 8th century, a time when Buddhism flourished in the region. Rent a golf cart for a convenient journey through the complex, exploring the central temple dedicated to Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and the surrounding 240 smaller temples. Admire the intricate carvings adorning the structures, depicting tales from Buddhist mythology. The atmosphere is serene and contemplative, a stark contrast to the bustling crowds at Prambanan. Allow yourself to wander through the peaceful grounds, absorbing the historical and spiritual significance of this ancient site. Sewu offers a unique glimpse into Indonesia's rich religious heritage and is a must-visit for history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. Candi Sewu: Permata Tersembunyi Buddha di Prambanan Sementara candi-candi Hindu Prambanan yang menjulang tinggi sering kali mencuri perhatian, Sewu, kompleks Buddha yang luas yang terletak di utara Prambanan, menawarkan pengalaman yang sama menawannya. Sebagai salah satu candi Buddha terbesar di Indonesia, Sewu membawa pengunjung kembali ke abad ke-8, saat agama Buddha berkembang pesat di wilayah tersebut. Sewa kereta golf untuk perjalanan yang nyaman melalui kompleks, menjelajahi candi pusat yang didedikasikan untuk Manjusri, Bodhisattva Kebijaksanaan, dan 240 candi kecil di sekitarnya. Kagumi ukiran rumit yang menghiasi bangunan, menggambarkan kisah-kisah dari mitologi Buddha. Suasana tenang dan kontemplatif, sangat kontras dengan keramaian di Prambanan. Biarkan diri Anda menjelajahi pekarangan yang damai, menyerap makna sejarah dan spiritual dari situs kuno ini. Sewu menawarkan gambaran unik tentang warisan agama Indonesia yang kaya dan wajib dikunjungi oleh penggemar sejarah dan pencari spiritual.
Warren Wessels
00
This place was marvelous. Just don't skip it if you make a visit to Prambanan. It located in the area of Prambanan Temple, about 500m from the entrance gate. Even though located in the same area with Prambanan which know as Hindu's temple, Candi Sewu is Buddhist's temple. Compared with Prambanan, this temple is very quite. You'll only find couples of visitor, since it took you some minutes by walk to reach this place. But if you are to lazy to walk you can rent a bike for 10K rupiahs (single bike) or 20K rupiah (for tandem bike). Or just rent a golfcar to make a private tour on the area of Prambanan, from one temple to another.
pretty sipayung
00
Nearby Attractions Of Sewu Temple
Prambanan Temple
Bubrah Temple
Lumbung Temple
Heilige Lente voor Hindoe Aanbidding te Pajak Bantoel
Candi Gana
Shiva Temple
Brahma Temple
Perwara Temple
Garuda Temple
Prambanan Temple
4.7
(32.6K)
Click for details
Bubrah Temple
4.4
(166)
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Lumbung Temple
4.5
(163)
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Heilige Lente voor Hindoe Aanbidding te Pajak Bantoel
4.2
(116)
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Nearby Restaurants Of Sewu Temple
Wedang Kopi Prambanan
Omah Eyang Resto
Kali Opak Resto
Prambanan Gallery Resto
Omah Gudeg Dan Ayam Goreng 'Klurak Kembar
Wedang Kopi Prambanan
4.5
(3.5K)
Click for details
Omah Eyang Resto
4.5
(915)
$$
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Kali Opak Resto
4.3
(772)
$$
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Prambanan Gallery Resto
4.1
(76)
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Address
Jl. Raya Solo - Yogyakarta No.KM.16, Bugisan, Kec. Prambanan, Kabupaten Sleman, Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
Description
Sewu is an eighth century Mahayana Buddhist temple located 800 metres north of Prambanan in Central Java, Indonesia. The word for a Hindu or Buddhist temple in Indonesian is "candi", hence the common name is "Candi Sewu". Candi Sewu is the second largest Buddhist temple complex in Indonesia; Borobudur is the largest.
attractions: Prambanan Temple, Bubrah Temple, Lumbung Temple, Heilige Lente voor Hindoe Aanbidding te Pajak Bantoel, Candi Gana, Shiva Temple, Brahma Temple, Perwara Temple, Garuda Temple, restaurants: Wedang Kopi Prambanan, Omah Eyang Resto, Kali Opak Resto, Prambanan Gallery Resto, Omah Gudeg Dan Ayam Goreng 'Klurak Kembar
