These nine (Gedung Songo means ‘nine buildings’ in Javanese) small Hindu temples are scattered along the tops of the foothills around Gunung Ungaran. The temples are not huge, but the setting is magnificent. The 1000m perch gives one of the most spectacular views in Java – south across shimmering Danau Rawa Pening to Gunung Merbabu and, behind it, smouldering Gunung Merapi; and west to Gunung Sumbing and Gunung Sundoro. Arrive early in the morning for the best views.
Built in the 8th century AD and devoted to Shiva and Vishnu, five of the temples are in good condition after major restoration in the 1980s; however, most of the carvings were lost. A hill path goes past three temple groupings – the temples at the third grouping are the most impressive. Halfway up, the trail leads down to a ravine and hot sulphur springs, and then up again to the final temple and its expansive views. The 3km loop can be walked in an hour, but allow longer to savour the atmosphere. Horses can also be hired.
The temples are about 5km from Bandungan. Take a Sumawono bus (2000Rp) to the turn-off to the temples. Buses also run from Semarang (10,000Rp) and Ambarawa (4000Rp). The final 3km uphill to Gedung Songo (3000Rp) can be tackled either by foot or ojek (10,000Rp).
