The highest temple of Yogyakarta: the peaceful Ijo temple
HOT! The sun was shining so bright when we reached Prambanan temple. It was 2 pm, and felt like the sun making revenge after the solar eclipse in the morning. Under the glaring sun, we explored around Prambanan and its thousand candi. It was the Silence Day for Hindu, so we got to see some Hindu were praying inside the Siwa, Brahma and Wishnu temple. Something you won’t see often.
Finished exploring around Prambanan, we decided to visit the Ijo Temple or Green Temple ( Ijo is Javanese word for Green). It was only 15 minutes drive from Prambanan, going all the way up the hill.
Arriving in Ijo temple, there were not so many people like in Prambanan or other temples around. Only some locals, without any big group or foreigners. Ijo temple is not very well-known among the other temples, while its actually one you should not miss. There are not official entrance fee, you just need to write down your name on the guest book. You can leave some tips for its maintenance here but there is not fixed fee. Some temple put very high price for foreigner. Like Prambanan, Borobudur and Ratu Boko temple, the price for foreigner is 3 times or more than local entrance fee. Here in Ijo temple, you pay as you wish.
Like Prambanan temple, Ijo temple is built for Hindu gods, Brahma, Wishnu and Siwa. But the size is very much smaller than Prambanan. This temple is built on the ninth century on a hill 410 metres above sea level. Ijo Temple consist of 17 building structures and divided into 11 terraces. The first terrace is the yard to the entrance and on the highest terrace stands the most sacred structure.
What makes this place special is the view that you won’t find in other temples. Standing as the highest temple of Yogyakarta, you can see the vast landscape of Yogyakarta city. Adi Suwarmo International airport also seen from here and you can see planes flying in and out of Yogyakarta. You will understand why it is named Ijo / Green Temple as your surrounding view is all green. The temples itself is standing on green grass that is well maintained. The sun felt much more friendly here, and the wind blows gently. After getting sun-burnt in Prambanan, Ijo temple felt like oasis. No hustling crowd, gentle breeze, and beautiful scenery, take a moment to sit on the grass and enjoy the peacefulness.Let imagination take you back to ninth century where the locals came to pray and sat on the same place as you, enjoying the view. If you are here around 5 pm, wait until sunset. You will get a grand view to close your day.
Too bad when we were here, the skyline is too cloudy. So we decided to go back to downtown. But we are sure not to miss this place when we come back to Prambanan temple.