Candi Badut (Badut Temple)
Discover Candi Badut, East Java's oldest Hindu temple, a 7th-8th century marvel of ancient stonework and history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Candi Badut (Badut Temple)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Candi Badut, East Java's oldest Hindu temple, a 7th-8th century marvel of ancient stonework and history.
"Feel the history in this beautiful, ancient site with amazing stonework and sculpture."
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
The temple is tucked away. Don't hesitate to ask residents for guidance to find the entrance alley.
💰 Tip the Keeper
Entry is free, but a small tip to the temple keeper is appreciated for upkeep.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Stonework
Marvel at intricate carvings and reliefs on the temple walls, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship from a bygone era.
Historical Significance
Discover the oldest Hindu temple in East Java, believed to be from the 7th-8th century Kanjuruhan Kingdom.
Goddess Durga Statue
See the remaining incomplete statue of Goddess Durga, a poignant reminder of the temple's past grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding Candi Badut
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
The temple is tucked away. Don't hesitate to ask residents for guidance to find the entrance alley.
💰 Tip the Keeper
Entry is free, but a small tip to the temple keeper is appreciated for upkeep.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the temple grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to photograph the detailed stonework and historical reliefs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask Locals for Directions
The temple is tucked away. Don't hesitate to ask residents for guidance to find the entrance alley.
💰 Tip the Keeper
Entry is free, but a small tip to the temple keeper is appreciated for upkeep.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around the temple grounds, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Capture the Details
Bring your camera to photograph the detailed stonework and historical reliefs.
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a historical and religious site. Avoid vandalism and treat it with reverence.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Candi Badut to be a historically significant and beautiful ancient Hindu temple, offering a tangible connection to Java's past. While the free entry and intricate stonework are highlights, some reviewers note issues with maintenance and vandalism, suggesting a need for greater preservation efforts.
"First of all, the English description of this place is terribly inaccurate-- I heard it's been around since 800 or 1200, not 1920. Second of all, this place is really cool! You can really feel the history when you're there. Really beautiful site, with tons of amazing stonework and sculpture. You can climb up and enter the temple, and it looks like people still use the altar. Kind of hard to spot from the road--you kinda have to take an alley to get there. Not really sure about the parking situation, either. There's a gorgeous mural in the lot next door, though!"
izzy broomfield
"The temple is located near the main road. It is a heritage of Singosari kingdom. There are some reliefs in the temple's wall. The statues are mainly missing except an incomplete statue of the goddess Durga. There is no entrance fee. You may give tip to the keeper as you will. A standard parking fee is applied. Unfortunately, the temple suffers from vandalism."
krisnarta sembiring
"The temple and the park around it is well maintained. The temple itself is well restored, although there are still plenty of signs of vandalism."
Bilal Subakti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Candi Badut is located in a residential area in Malang. You'll likely need to navigate through local streets and look for signs or ask residents for directions to the alleyway that leads to the temple. 
Parking can be informal and might be on the street or in a nearby lot. Some reviews mention a mural in a lot next door, but dedicated secure parking isn't always guaranteed. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to visit Candi Badut, making it an accessible historical site.
The temple is generally accessible during daylight hours, though specific official opening times are not widely published. It's best to visit during reasonable daylight hours.
Yes, visitors can climb up and enter the temple. It appears that people still use the altar for offerings.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Candi Badut is believed to be the oldest Hindu temple in East Java, dating back to the 7th-8th century during the Kanjuruhan Kingdom, possibly linked to Prabu Gajayana and the Dinoyo inscription of 760 AD.
You can admire the ancient stonework, intricate reliefs on the temple walls, and an incomplete statue of Goddess Durga. The temple itself is well-restored. +1
While the temple has been restored, some visitors note signs of vandalism and that it could be better maintained. +1
Yes, Candi Badut is a popular site for school projects, offering a tangible connection to history and local heritage.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the detailed stonework and reliefs for close-up shots. The overall temple structure against the sky can also make for compelling photos.
No specific restrictions on photography are mentioned, but always be respectful of the site and any ongoing religious activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a good idea to bring snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. Ensure children understand the importance of respecting the historical site and not touching or damaging the ancient structures. 🎒 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Tapestry of Candi Badut
+1 It's believed to be a relic of the Kanjuruhan Kingdom, a powerful entity in the region during that era. The temple's connection to Prabu Gajayana, a ruler mentioned in the Dinoyo inscription of 760 AD, further solidifies its historical importance. This inscription is a crucial piece of evidence for understanding the early history of East Java and the presence of sophisticated kingdoms long before the more widely known Majapahit or Singosari empires. The temple's architecture reflects a transitional style, hinting at the evolving religious and artistic influences of the time. While much of its original sculptural detail may be lost to time or vandalism, the remaining stonework and reliefs offer a glimpse into the artistry and beliefs of its creators.
Discovered in 1921 and subsequently restored in 1927, Candi Badut has undergone efforts to preserve its heritage.
However, like many historical sites, it faces challenges, including vandalism, which detracts from its pristine condition. Navigating Your Visit to Candi Badut
Many visitors find it helpful to ask locals for directions or look for subtle signs pointing towards the temple. The approach often involves navigating through narrow alleyways, adding to the sense of discovery. Upon arrival, you'll find that entry to Candi Badut is free, which is a significant draw for many visitors.
When exploring the temple, wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking around the grounds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit