Royal View
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On
a hillside plateau, overlooking Prambanan temple complex and with a
view to Mount Merapi behind Prambanan Temple complex, lie the remains of
a once grand palace. The palace (kraton) is named Ratu Boko after a
King Boko of local folklore, but the real owner of the palace is more
likely to have been a king of a local dynasty. The position gives a view worthy of royalty, but in addition, it is possible that the location was chosen for strategic reasons, as the structures also show signs of being fortified, and a dry moat was used for additional security. Grand stone gates, built on two levels, are the largest and most often photographed structures of the site, it is clear that these lead to what was once a settlement, which sets Ratu Boko apart from the other archeological sites in Central Java which are entirely religious in nature. |
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The
hilltop plateau is divided into terraces that are separated by stone
walls and stone faced fortifications. The main residence is thought to
have been built on a set of stone foundations with a timber structure
for pillars and roof. The timber elements are no longer in place, but
the stone base shows the scale of the residence. Throughout the area you can find small Hindu and Buddhist temples and structures, a fountain adorned bathing area, bath house, a crematorium, multiple caves, an area used as a public hall. In 1790 the Dutchman Van Boeckholtz found ruins, and over time research was done, and by 1838 the Dutch commenced restoration work. In 1952 the Indonesian government took the reigns, and has continued work since then. Ratu Boko is atop a hill, and a system of drainage trenches and water storage ponds was developed to maintain water supply.  |
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The folklore of Loro Djonggrang
| This story connects the Ratu Boko Palace with the Prambanan and Sewu temple complex. The name of King Boko comes from Javanese Folklore, in which King Boko was the father of Loro Djonggrang. A prince named Bandung desperately wanted Loro Djonggang to marry him and she refused, as she he had killed her father. He insisted, and she finally agreed on one condition. He must build |
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1000
temples in one night. Prince Bandung summoned up spirits to help him,
and close to dawn, much to the dismay of Loro Djonggrang they had
completed the 999th temple. Loro Djonggrang ordered all of the servants
to light a large fire, and begin pounding rice. The roosters were fooled
into thinking it was dawn and began to crow, the spirits fled, and the
final temple was left unbuilt. Prince Bandung was furious and turned
Loro Djonggrang into stone, representing the final temple. According to the traditions, she is the image of Durga in the north cell of the Shiva temple at Prambanan, which is also known as Loro Jonggrang or the Slender Virgin. |
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Getting there and getting in
::Ratu Boko is located 3km south of the Prambanan complex and east of Yogyakarta, off the road to Solo.We recommend you organise a car and driver through either our Visitor Assistance Centre or your hotel. This way you can also have transport ready to take you back when you are ready to head back. The other alternatives are a tour group mini-bus, or even a taxi.
Tickets are available at the official ticket booth at the entrance
The fees are as follows:
RATU BOKO, Entrance Ticket Pass
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 25.000 |
| Indonesian local Children | IDR 10.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | IDR 123.500 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | IDR 60.000 |
RATU BOKO - PRAMBANAN Package
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 45.000 |
| Indonesian local children | IDR 20.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | IDR 260.000 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | IDR 130.000 |
RATU BOKO - BOROBUDUR Package
| Indonesian local or KITAS card holder | IDR 50.000 |
| Indonesian local children | IDR 20.000 |
| Foreigner - Adult | IDR 280.000 |
| Foreigner - Student [registered] | IDR 140.000 |
