Visiting Ratu Boko

About Ratu Boko

The ruins of a hilltop palace complex from the 8th century include a monumental gateway, bathing pools and terraces on a plateau overlooking Prambanan and, on clear evenings, Mount Merapi. It is a popular sunset spot.

Tip: Time your visit for late afternoon and watch the sunset from the gateway before heading to the Ramayana Ballet.

Plan your visit

• Time needed: 1.5 hours.
• Cost: Mid-priced.
• Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
• Where: Sleman (17 km east).

Best time to visit Ratu Boko

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:

• May: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• October: 32°C (90°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, moderate crowds.
• April: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.

For the view at golden hour: in mid-May the sun sets at about 17:27 local time (calculated for Yogyakarta).

When to visit Yogyakarta has the full month-by-month picture.

Fit it into your trip

Our 3-day Yogyakarta itinerary visits Ratu Boko on day 3, together with Plaosan Temple and Kotagede.

• No. 7 of the 16 sights in our Yogyakarta things-to-do list.
• Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
• One of the picks in historic sites in Yogyakarta.

Near Ratu Boko

Also in Sleman (17 km east), so you can walk between them:

• Ramayana Ballet at Prambanan — 2 hours, mid-priced
• Plaosan Temple — 45 minutes, low cost
• Prambanan — 2–3 hours, mid-priced

If you like Ratu Boko

• Borobudur — Magelang (40 km northwest), Half a day including travel
• Taman Sari Water Castle — Kraton and Taman Sari, 1–1.5 hours

Staying near Ratu Boko

Where to stay in Yogyakarta compares every area by price and who it suits.

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