PenataranAbout Penataran
Penataran (Candi Penataran) is a major Hindu temple complex in East Java, Indonesia, notable as one of the largest temple sites in the region with structures and reliefs dating from the 12th to the 15th centuries.
The site includes multiple temple groups, carved relief panels, and stone structures concentrated around a central sanctuary area; the reliefs depict religious themes and daily life common in East Javanese temple art. The complex is often visited for its concentration of structures and surviving stone sculpture.
Construction and enlargement of the temple complex took place across several centuries, with significant activity during the Kediri and Majapahit periods; inscriptions and reliefs link the site to regional rulers and Hindu ritual practice in East Java.
Located in Blitar Regency, East Java, the complex sits inland on the eastern side of Java and is accessed from nearby towns in Blitar Regency.
- Reliefs and inscriptions: The complex contains numerous temple structures and relief panels dated to the 12th through 15th centuries that reflect Hindu ritual and Majapahit-era patronage in East Java.
Nearby Attractions to Penataran
Best Time to Visit Penataran
Penataran is best seen in the dry season for easier walking and clearer views of reliefs and brickwork.
Weather & Climate near Penataran
Penataran's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C. Heavy rainfall (2441 mm/year), wettest in December with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 358 mm | overcast | 88% | 2.4 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 20° - 29° | 24° | 305 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
| March | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 328 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 271 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Very Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 172 mm | some cloud | 87% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 11.6h |
| June | Excellent | 19° - 28° | 24° | 74 mm | some cloud | 85% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| July | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 23° | 36 mm | some cloud | 80% | 2.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 28° | 23° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 74% | 3.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| September | Excellent | 19° - 29° | 24° | 75 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 2.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 20° - 29° | 25° | 170 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Good | 20° - 29° | 25° | 265 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| December | Good | 20° - 28° | 24° | 359 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
How to Get to Penataran
Penataran is best reached from Blitar (about 10-20 minutes by car depending on exact starting point) or from Malang (about 1.5-2 hours by road). Taxis and local buses serve the district; hiring a car or driver brings the most flexibility for exploring the complex and nearby sites.
Tips for Visiting Penataran
- Combine the temple complex with a visit to nearby Blitar to see local collections and understand Penataran's place in Majapahit history.
- Visit in early morning light to see the bas-reliefs and the mossed brickwork with fewer visitors and cooler temperatures.
- Bring a local guide to point out stylistic clues that date the reliefs to the 12th-15th centuries.