Kraton Ratu Boko (Palace of King Boko) is a partly ruined Hindu palace complex dating from the 9th century. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Prambanan, it is believed to have been the central court of the mighty Mataram dynasty. You can see the large gateway and the platform of the Candi Pembakaran (Royal Crematorium), as well as a series of bathing places staggered on different levels leading down to the village. The sunset view over the Prambanan Plain is magnificent.
To reach Ratu Boko, travel 1.5km south on the road from Prambanan village to just southwest of where the river crosses the road. Near the ‘Yogya 18km’ signpost a steep rocky path leads up to the main site. Altogether it is about a one-hour walk. The site can be reached by car or motorcycle via a much longer route that goes around the back of the mountain.
The remains of the Buddhist temple, Candi Sajiwan, are not far from the village of Sajiwan, about 1.5km southeast of Prambanan village. Around the temple’s base are carvings from the Jataka (episodes from the Buddha’s various lives).
