In the eastern
part of Yogyakarta, there are a lot of small hidden temples which are not known
publicly by many people. People might know Candi Prambanan, and Candi Ratu
Boko. These two temples are indeed popular for tourist. However, not many
people know some temples such as, Candi Plaosan, Candi Kalasan, Candi Sari,
Candi Sambisari, Candi Barong, Candi Ijo, and Candi Abang. which are, in fact,
undeniably interesting and unique showing the high civilization of the kingdom
at that time.
I had got a
privilege to visit Candi Abang after longing to see that temple for a while. From
the testimony of my friends, the temple which is located in the sub-district of
Prambanan, Yogyakarta is the most unique temple among others. Well, after
searching a bit from the internet, I went there with a friend of mine when I
had a free time. It took less than an hour from the downtown. The main street
to reach Candi Abang is Jalan Urip Sumoharjo and it will lead you straight to
Candi Prambanan. Before arriving at Candi Prambanan, there is a three section
which is heading to a place called Piyungan. At this T-junction, turn right and
just go straight for about 15 minutes until you find the notice “Candi Abang”
which leads you to turn right. Just follow the way where you can enjoy the beds
of green rice field, fresh air, and village environment which are very natural.
Close to Candi Abang, there are two caves, Jepang Caves, and Sentono Caves. Along the way from the
downtown, the road is very good. I was quite surprise, at that time, about the
way from the main street to the temple. Based on an internet article, the
street was not really good so we needed to walk. In fact, it is very good until
the parking area.
Some of small
hidden temples in Yogyakarta are free entrance including Candi Abang. The visitors
just need to pay 2000 for parking fare.
Before arriving
at the temple, there is a small path which we have to pass less than 5 minutes.
This path is in the middle of a “what I call as a forest” since there are many
big trees, and bushes. It was quite exciting since I really like hiking, and
this small thing cure my longing about hiking mountain. At the end of the path, there is a “hill”.
It’s funny when I heard a visitor or two asking where was the temple. There it
is, the temple is turning to be a green hill, which is really assembled to the
hill in a kids’ TV Series entitled Teletubies.
It is indeed
green, so why on earth is it called as Candi Abang, or literary means the Red
Temple. Frankly, even though it is not important, I am a dichromatic man, but
it does not mean the one who gave the name of this temple was also a
dichromatic person. Climb up, and you will see the remaining temple which is
made of a red brick. This is why this temple is called as Candi Abang, derived
from the materials. The green colour is due to the condition of the temple
since the grass grows covering the remaining temple. It is, I think, what makes
the temple is unique; the combination of a historical site and a green savannah
into one.
In the
afternoon, while enjoying the exquisite temple, the visitor can do picnic on
the grass of the foot-temple which is very large. Spread a picnic mattress,
grab your snack and drink, enjoy the sunshine and the blue sky. Perfection. So,
I recommend you bring your own snack or you can buy at the food stall near the
temple. Mind your own garbage though. Don’t litter recklessly since it was used
to be a sacred place and we better treat the temple as a sacred place. Besides,
the garbage will ruin the beauty of the temple itself.
Because this
temple is located on the hill which Hinduism believes that high temple is the
place where the gods reside, like several temples in Jogja, the vista of the
surrounding place is clearly seen as the paddy field here and there creating an
exoticism with Mount Merapi magnificently looming in the north.
If you are lucky
enough, this exoticism will be perfect when there are sheep being herded. Not
trying to be exaggerate, watching the sheep on the savannah is like being in an
animal husbandry located in New Zealand. This view, in addition, is very
attractive to be captured.
Instead of the
combination of the temple and the savannah, the other attraction is watching
sunset. It is thrilling to enjoy the view of the temple turning into silhouette
as a foreground and the sunset as the background. However, it depends on the
weather. It is, therefore, very recommended visiting the temple when the
weather is sunny by bringing a set of photography or simply a cell-phone to
seize the moment.
Happy holiday.
