You‘ll have them to yourself: Visit the temples of East Java

Hidden places

This series covers places where not many tourists show up. Discover the gems, that lie off the beaten tourist track!
Only attractions where, during my entire visit, I haven’t come across more than five other international tourists make it into this category. I don’t count local tourists.

After two reports about two busy temples (Borobudur, Prambanan), here are two that you will have all to yourself most of the time. Both these temples could be reached via small detours on a visit to the Kelud volcano, and thus it was only logical to go see them on the way back from the volcano.

Penataran temple

The Penataran Hindu temple was built approximately between the 12th and the 15th century. It is the largest temple complex in east Java. Construction began at the time of the Kediri kingdom.
One of the exciting things about this temple is that it has not been fully excavated. The individual buildings are connected to one another through a structure that is not entirely visible. In 1995 the temple was added to the waiting list to be recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Your view of the temple from the entrance.

The temple’s main complex charms with its beautiful view and pretty frescoes on its outer walls:

I particularly liked this corner on one of the not fully excavated side buildings.

Singosari temple, Malang

The Singosari Hindu temple is located in the city of the same name, 12 km to the north of Malang. It was built in the year 1300 AD to honour the late King Kertanegara.

For your travel planning

I had visited both these temples by car with a driver from Malang. In Malang every travel agency can arrange a car with driver for you for twelve hours. Since the distance was further in this instance I had paid about 60 USD.

When is the best travel time?

Read about this and more in the Java travel tips.

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