The stone gateway
Several entrances on two levels.
Pinerineks — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0 · Photo Dharma from Sadao, Thailand — CC BY 2.0
An archaeological site on a plateau overlooking the Prambanan plain, thought to have been a royal or monastic complex from the eighth century, whose name means palace of King Boko, a legendary king of Javanese tales. Unlike the temples, it is the remains of a civic complex of gateways, platforms, bathing pools and meditation caves. Its best-known feature is the huge stone gateway with several entrances on two levels, behind which lie building platforms and bathing pools cut into the rock. But the real secret of its fame is sunset: from the plateau the sun sinks behind the fields and Mount Merapi, with Prambanan's towers visible in the distance, so visitors come in the late afternoon. Entry for foreigners is relatively high, about two hundred and eighty-six thousand rupiah per adult, with sunset visits sometimes priced higher. Combined foreign tickets with Prambanan were discontinued in 2025. Come after Prambanan in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. The walk up to the plateau is short, and the site is exposed, so bring a hat and water.
Several entrances on two levels.
The sun behind Merapi and the fields.
Bathing pools cut in rock.
Boko hill, about 3 km south of Prambanan
For lovers of sunsets, views and quiet ruins, yes; it is far less crowded than Prambanan. If you see only one site, Prambanan comes first.