"Intriguing Candi Sukuh, and more" Top 5 Page for this destination Solo Things to Do Tip by theo1006

Why add to the tips on Candi Sukuh and Candi Ceto? Because it is a pity the average tourist does not go to the trouble to visit these temples. They are quite different from the mainstream destinations Borobudur and Prambanan. No tourist crowds, no rows of souvenir sellers and superfluous guides. On public holidays you may have the company of some local sightsee-ers, but not very many. The buildings are not as impressive as Borobudur, but the more intriguing. And the trip over there alone, through winding steep mountain roads with terrific views, is worth your time.

Both Hindu temples were built in the 15th century, when the Majapahit empire was crumbling and Islam conquering the coastal areas of Java. Candi Sukuh stands at an altitude of 910 m, overlooking the Solo plain. It is said to be dedicated to Bima, the warrior god of Mahabaratha epos. A headless Bima statue and a stylised womb depicting Bima’s birth may prove this. But the temple must have served other purposes, which can only be guessed. Many elements are not purely Hindu, but point to a revival of a pre-Hindu animistic cult.

When going to see the temples leave early and make it a full day trip. Entrance fee to Candi Sukuh for foreigners is Rp. 10,000 payable at an office at the other side of the road. Residents pay only Rp 2,500. A weathered panel explains the salient features of the temple in Indonesian and in 'Indonesian English'.

Near the parking space is a sign pointing to another temple, candi Planggatan. The 2 km mountain road to this site in Tambak village is breathtaking. But of the temple itself only some stone rubble remains.

More details in our travelogue Candi Sukuh.

Directions: The easiest way to get there is to hire a taxi for a day. More adventurous is doing the 90 km round trip from Solo by ojek (motorcycle taxi). And the cheapest way is to take a bus from Solo to Karangpandan, and hop on a minibus or ojek from there.