Candi Sewu, an 8th-Century Architectural Masterpiece, Standing majestically amidst the lush green rice fields of Yogyakarta, Candi Sewu is a captivating 8th-century architectural masterpiece. This temple not only bears silent witness to the grandeur of the Ancient Mataram Kingdom but also offers unforgettable historical, cultural, and spiritual charm.
More than just a temple, Candi Sewu is a cultural heritage of Indonesia that must be visited by both local and international tourists.
Shrouded in mystery, the exact origins of Candi Sewu have not been fully uncovered. However, it is estimated that the temple was built in the late 8th to early 9th centuries by the order of Rakai Panangkaran, a king from the Sanjaya dynasty who adhered to Mahayana Buddhism.
Candi Sewu played a significant role in Indonesia’s history as a religious center for Buddhists during the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. This temple complex reflects the harmony and religious tolerance of that era, standing not far from the equally magnificent Hindu temple, Prambanan.
Unique Architecture and Design
Candi Sewu, which literally means “Thousand Temples,” consists of 249 perwara (ancillary) temples surrounding a towering main temple. The symmetrical and tiered arrangement of the perwara temples creates a grand and aesthetic formation.
The temple walls are adorned with beautiful reliefs that narrate stories from Buddhist scriptures, depicting tales of the Buddha and his teachings. Art and history enthusiasts will be amazed by the intricate details and meanings embedded in these reliefs.
The main temple of Candi Sewu features three zones symbolizing the Triloka in Buddhist teachings: Kamadatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the formless world). These zones are marked by the increasingly tall and slender shapes of the temples as they rise towards the peak.
Compared to Hindu temples like Prambanan, Candi Sewu has a simpler yet captivating architectural style. Decorations in Candi Sewu predominantly feature stupas and Buddha statues, while Prambanan is rich with reliefs depicting the Ramayana and statues of Hindu deities.
Location and Access
Candi Sewu is located in Prambanan District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, not far from Prambanan Temple. Access to Candi Sewu is quite easy. Tourists can use private vehicles such as cars or motorcycles, or public transportation like taxis or buses.
For those who enjoy specialized tourism, Candi Sewu is an attractive destination to visit by bicycle. By following the available Jogja cycling tour routes, tourists can enjoy the beauty of Yogyakarta’s countryside while exercising on their way to Candi Sewu.
Cycling tourism in Yogyakarta is becoming increasingly popular because it offers a unique and healthy travel experience. Several Jogja bike tour operators provide cycling tour packages that include routes covering Candi Sewu, offering rental bikes and experienced tour guides.
The beautiful and safe cycling paths around Yogyakarta make cycling tours even more appealing.
Candi Sewu offers various facilities for visitors' comfort, such as spacious parking areas, clean restrooms, and stalls selling snacks and beverages. Additionally, souvenir shops are available, selling various Yogyakarta-themed items as mementos.
Also Read: Discover the Best Cycling Tourism Routes Around the Yogyakarta
Candi Sewu Tourist Reviews
Candi Sewu captivates not only local but also international tourists. Many positive reviews from international visitors can be found on travel websites like TripAdvisor.
Tourists praise the beauty of Candi Sewu's architecture, its serene and peaceful atmosphere, and the friendliness of the local people. Here are some of the best reviews:
dibdabbad77 from Japan: "If you’re tired of the hordes of schoolchildren around the main Prambanan complex asking to interview you in English, make a hasty retreat to Candi Sewu. Just a 10-minute walk away, you can enjoy a much more relaxed visit to these lesser-known and more intriguing ruins."
Bold-Destinations from Chile: "This temple is located at the last stop on the Prambanan Grounds. It requires a bit more walking but it is amazing. We arrived around sunset and it was beautiful to watch the sun melt behind the temple and statues."
Peter H from the UK: "Thoroughly enjoyed exploring this temple. It is spectacular in its own right and similar in design and appearance (though not in scale) to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Situated in beautifully maintained grounds with spectacular volcanoes as a backdrop, it’s truly impressive. Located on the outskirts of Yogyakarta, it’s just a taxi ride from almost anywhere in the city. Given that taxis are very cheap, a pre-arranged tour seems unnecessary.
The entrance fee includes a ride on a small motorized train to the second temple. A word of warning for European travelers: We are still somewhat of a novelty and a source of curiosity in this area, often the subject of many school projects! Groups of school children will hold questionnaires aimed at ticking boxes, practicing their English, and taking selfies with you.
They are very polite, very sweet, and bring lots of laughter and giggles. They are very enjoyable. An excellent place to visit and, in my opinion, far more interesting and enjoyable than Borobudur."
Candi Sewu is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the grandeur of Indonesia’s past. Its architectural beauty, high historical value, and serene and peaceful atmosphere make Candi Sewu a perfect place for learning, traveling, and contemplation.
