Sewu Temple
Large 8th-century Buddhist temple complex near Prambanan
An 8th-century Buddhist temple complex north of Prambanan, Sewu features rows of small shrines, a central sanctuary and carved stone reliefs. Visitors explore its terraced layout alongside Prambanan and Yogyakarta's broader temple circuit.
Sewu at a Glance#
Address: Candi Sewu (Sewu Temple), Klaten Regency / Sleman Regency border area, near Prambanan, Central Java, Indonesia
Hours: Typically daily daylight hours (6:00am-5:00pm); onsite ticket office hours can vary
Admission: Candi Sewu: general admission ~50,000 IDR for foreigners and lower rates for Indonesian nationals (prices vary by year)
About Sewu#
Sewu is an 8th-century Buddhist temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia, located immediately north of the Hindu Prambanan complex. It is one of the major ancient temple sites in the Prambanan archaeological area.
The site comprises a large central compound with a principal sanctuary and numerous subsidiary shrines arranged in a planned layout across a broad precinct. Stone foundations and carved details remain visible and the complex is approached via established site paths with explanatory signage.
Sewu was constructed during the period of Buddhist and Hindu court activity in central Java, associated with regional dynasties of the 8th century. The complex has undergone archaeological excavation and restoration work to document its layout and to stabilise structural remains.
Located in Central Java, Sewu sits immediately north of the Hindu Prambanan temple complex and is accessible from the Yogyakarta region, a major cultural and transport hub on Java.
- Date and location: The complex dates to the 8th century and sits within the Prambanan archaeological zone, immediately north of the better-known Hindu Prambanan temples in Central Java.
What to See#
- Central temple complex: The main central compound with the large central shrine and surrounding subsidiary shrines that form the core of the temple complex immediately north of the Prambanan Hindu complex.
- Peripheral shrine groups: Peripheral groups of smaller shrines and platform foundations that indicate a broad ceremonial precinct with multiple subsidiary structures dating to the same period.
How to Get to Sewu#
Sewu is a short drive (15-25 minutes) north of Yogyakarta or a few minutes from the Prambanan temple complex. From Yogyakarta, take the Jl. Solo (north) or local shuttles that serve the Prambanan area; taxis and motorcycle taxis are common. The nearest major railway station is Yogyakarta (Tugu).
Tips for Visiting Sewu#
- Visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and shared tourist circuits with Prambanan.
- Hire a local guide who can explain the sculptural program-labels onsite are minimal compared with major museums.
- Combine Sewu with a visit to nearby Prambanan and Plaosan temples for a fuller picture of the 8th-9th century Central Javanese religious landscape.
Best Time to Visit Sewu#
Best visited during the dry months (May-September) for comfortable temple exploration.
Weather & Climate near Sewu#
Sewu's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2094 mm/year), wettest in January with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 356 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| February | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 317 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| March | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 315 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 202 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| May | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 127 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| June | Very Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 30° | 25° | 35 mm | some cloud | 81% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
| August | Excellent | 21° - 31° | 26° | 33 mm | some cloud | 73% | 2.1 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| September | Excellent | 21° - 31° | 26° | 35 mm | some cloud | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 32° | 27° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.2h |
| November | Good | 22° - 31° | 27° | 217 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| December | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 284 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
