Ratu Boko Temple: A Sunset Picnic Spot in Indonesia's Yogyakarta

KOMPAS.com - Ratu Boko Palace in Sleman regency is a perfect spot to watch panoramic sunset views when you are planning to go on a picnic in the Indonesian province of Yogyakarta. 

This tourist attraction used to be a fortress and a place of worship in the ancient days. Ratu Boko, however, is not a temple but the ruins of an ancient kingdom. Instead of being called Ratu Boko Kraton (palace), the place is often called Ratu Boko Temple among the people who are not familiar with its history.

While visiting Ratu Boko, which is surrounded by beautiful green scenery, visitors can pamper their eyes with views of the city of Yogyakarta, Prambanan Temple, and Mount Merapi from the top of a hill about 196 meters above sea level.

Also read: Jakarta to Yogyakarta by Luxury Train, Courtesy of Amanjiwo

Looking at this opportunity, state-owned tourism company PT Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur, Prambanan dan Ratu Boko, through its TWC Unit of the Ratu Boko Palace provide an exclusive picnic package in the afternoon while hanging out or waiting for the time to break the fast during the holy month of Ramadan. 

Esti Wahyujati, general manager of TWC Unit Ratu Boko, said that visitors can choose the Boko Picnic Tour Package, according to State News Agency Antara.

"Besides offering an exclusive place, the package also provides picnic equipment, such as rattan baskets, mats, and dishes for the visitors to enjoy the moment while sitting on the Ratu Boko Palace grounds," Esti said on Wednesday, April 14.

The price of the package starts from 170,000 rupiahs ($11) for two people with visiting hours from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm local time. Reservations are necessary before the desired visit date. 

"The Boko Picnic package can be an alternative for social gathering activities, or even an outdoor meeting while enjoying the sunset and food," said Esti.

On a regular day, visitors can visit Ratu Boko Temple by purchasing a ticket for 40,000 rupiahs ($3) for adults and 20,000 rupiahs ($1) for children. The temple is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

(Writers: Ni Nyoman Wira Widyanti, Nabilla Ramadhian| Editors: Anggara Wikan Prasetya, Ni Luh Made Pertiwi F)

Sources: https://travel.kompas.com/read/2021/04/19/160400427/ngabuburit-sambil-piknik-menikmati-sunset-di-ratu-boko-begini-caranya.

https://travel.kompas.com/read/2021/03/13/131100627/itinerary-wisata-candi-di-jogja-jelajah-3-hari-2-malam?page=all.