Candi Sambisari

Central Java


This Shiva temple, possibly the latest temple at Prambanan to be erected by the Mataram dynasty, was discovered by a farmer in 1966. Excavated from under ancient layers of protective volcanic ash and dust, it lies almost 6m below the level of the surrounding fields and is remarkable for its perfectly preserved condition. The inner sanctum of the temple is dominated by a large lingam and yoni (stylised penis and vagina), typical of Shiva temples.

The temple lies 2.5km north of the main highway just east of Yogyakarta airport, reached via a country lane.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Central Java attractions

1. Candi Kalasan

1.7 MILES

One of the oldest Buddhist temples on the Prambanan Plain, the 8th-century Candi Kalasan stands just off the main highway, 13km east of Yogyakarta en…

2. Candi Sari

1.87 MILES

This 8th-century temple has the three-part design of the larger Plaosan temple but is probably slightly older. Some experts believe that its 2nd floor may…

3. Kraton Ratu Boko

2.86 MILES

Kraton Ratu Boko is a partly ruined Hindu palace complex dating from the 9th century. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Prambanan, it is believed to have…

4. Prambanan Temple

3.12 MILES

Comprising the remains of some 244 temples, World Heritage–listed Prambanan is Indonesia's largest Hindu site and one of Southeast Asia's major…

5. Candi Sojiwan

3.38 MILES

The remains of this 9th-century Buddhist temple are 1.5km southeast of Prambaban. Around the temple’s base are carvings from the Jataka (episodes from the…

6. Affandi Museum

3.78 MILES

One of Indonesia’s most celebrated artists, Affandi (1907–90) lived and worked in a wonderfully quirky self-designed riverside studio, about 6km east of…

7. Plaosan Temples

3.93 MILES

Built around the same time as the larger Prambanan temple group, the Plaosan temples combine both Hindu and Buddhist religious symbols in their elaborate…

8. Stadion Kridosono

5.25 MILES

When it comes to street art, Yogya is one giant gallery with every wall covered in graffiti, stencils, murals and paste-ups. A good spot to see some of…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "indonesia/prambanan/attractions/candi-sambisari/a/poi-sig/1585388/1002221",
      "destination": "Central-Java",
      "continent": "Asia",
      "country": "Indonesia",
      "region": "Central-Java",
      "position": "superzone"
    }