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Queen Boko Palace, An archaeological site, Central JavaQueen Boko Palace, An archaeological site, Central Java

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Explo writer
hope's picture
hope
210 pts.
  • Off the path Explo
    80 %
    Off the path Explo rate
    Score
    4 / 5
    Comments
    This palace seems to be a really great spot to visit, still only renown locally. Good spot for 1/2 day Explo!
  • Article Quality
    80 %
    Article Quality rate
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Your description is perfect and you give many tips Hope!
    • Score
      3 / 5
      Comments
      Useful information is nice. With a plan it would be perfect!
    • Score
      2 / 5
      Comments
      2 pictures!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
    • Score
      5 / 5
      Comments
      Yes!
  • Explo Popularity
    %

Among other destination, this place may not be frequent speakable.
while the explorer runs for Prambanan or Borobudur Temple, Queen Boko Palace remains in silence. Many of legend and beliefs are linger in this site. The story about a brave princess, a magical water which brings good luck and local beliefs about finding soulmate

My experience, Explo description: 

The palace was built circa 9th century. It was the palace where the royal family of King Boko lived. Lies over Bokoharjo n Prambanan village, located on a plateau and about three kilometres south of Lara Jonggrang Prambanan temple complex. Almost all of the temple are left as ruins. This temple is a mix between hindu n buddist due to the artefacts and inscriptions.

As a hindu temple, the main character of the temple resembles to Prambanan. The Durga statue in Prambanan is identified by local folklore as Loro Jonggrang.
One thing that i love the most about this place is the local legend regarding to its name. Ratu Boko aka Queen Boko aka Loro Jonggrang.I even heard about this tales many years ago from my grandma.

It's about a princess who tried to avoid her marriage with a king who've killed his father. The name of the King was Prince Bandung Bondowoso. After he killed King Boko and ruled his kingdom, he fall in love with king Boko daughter, Princess Loro Jonggrang. He forced her into a marriage union.
Loro Jonggrang posed a condition in order to reject his proposal.She wanted a thousand temples built in one night.
Bandung was a mighty prince, he gathered all the spirit and he managed to created 999 temples right before sunrise. Loro Jonggrang became worried n urged all her maid to pounding rice earlier.Soon the roosters were awake and began to crow. She tried to create the sound of morning. Thus the spirits believed the sun was about to rise and they disappeared. Leave only one temple unfinished. Loro Jonggrang had won.
When the prince realized that he was fooled, in anger he cursed the princess and turned her into a stone statue.
Locals known her statue as the image of Durga in the Shiva temple at Prambanan.

Once you get arround inside the site, you'll be able to enjoy a panoramic view of Prambanan temple and Mount Merapi. Search for the highest point in this site for the best view. There is also a small pavilion on the top. The restaurant at the entrance also provide you with a Package of Sunset. Available both for domestic or international explores.They also offer many traditional activity such as gamelan and traditional dance.

Try to find where the "Amerta Mantana" in the Bathing Place, magical sacred water that brings you goodluck. It is also use in Tawur Agung by hindu people to gain self purify.

Don't forget to try finding your soulmate by visiting Gua Lanang (Male Cave) and the lower cave called Gua Wadon (Female Cave). If you are single and already came this far, i think it's worth to try.

My personal recommendations: 

the best time to explore is early morning or in the afternoon during dry season

How getting there: 

the best way to get there is by motorcycle. you will experience hiking with your motor along the way if choosing the second entrance. The first entrance is quite near. If you like the challenge, have walk from Prambanan Temple or ask for "Ojek" to take you through first entrance.

Useful information: 
Open hours: 

daily

Visit duration: 

half day

Entry fees: 

same as Prambanan Temple