Ngawen Temple
Discover Ngawen Temple, a 9th-century Buddhist marvel with unique winged lions, nestled in a serene Javanese village.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Ngawen Temple
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ngawen Temple, a 9th-century Buddhist marvel with unique winged lions, nestled in a serene Javanese village.
"A historical gem with unique winged lions, offering a peaceful escape and educational insights."
🎯 Go Early for Peace
Visit in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and a more serene experience.
🦁 Unique Lion Guardians
Don't miss the distinctive winged lion statues, a rare sight on Buddhist temples.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Four Winged Lions
Main Temple
Unique winged lion statues guard the main temple, a rare architectural feature in Buddhist temples.
Akulturasi Hindu-Buddha
Discover a fascinating blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences, showcasing a unique historical and architectural fusion.
Tranquil Village Setting
Nestled amidst local village life, Candi Ngawen offers a serene escape with lush green surroundings.
+1Plans like a pro.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Navigating Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go Early for Peace
Visit in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and a more serene experience.
🦁 Unique Lion Guardians
Don't miss the distinctive winged lion statues, a rare sight on Buddhist temples.
📜 Check Permit Rules
Be aware that permits may be needed for photography or filming.
🚗 Park Smartly
Parking might be on the roadside; be mindful of local arrangements.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go Early for Peace
Visit in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures and a more serene experience.
🦁 Unique Lion Guardians
Don't miss the distinctive winged lion statues, a rare sight on Buddhist temples.
📜 Check Permit Rules
Be aware that permits may be needed for photography or filming.
🚗 Park Smartly
Parking might be on the roadside; be mindful of local arrangements.
📚 Educational Visit
Great spot for kids to learn about history and ancient architecture.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ngawen Temple is appreciated for its historical significance and unique architectural features, particularly the winged lion statues. Visitors enjoy the peaceful, less crowded atmosphere and its educational value. However, inconsistent rules regarding entry fees and photography permits, along with potential off-site permit acquisition, can be a point of confusion and inconvenience.
"I dont know exactly how visit this temple. Three times visit this place has different methode.The first time free and we could take video or photos but the last time we have to pay and must have permit if we use for pre wedding. Then the last time, It is not allowed to make video except we ask to permit. But the problem is it is not easy to have the permit because the office where we could have permit is not in the area. For me it is really nice area to understand about history. Hope in the future it is easy to visit or have documentation in this place so that we can save the memories."
Denias Susanto
"One of the lesser known Candi's from the Buddhist era. Tucked away in kampoeng Ngawen close to Magelang. I read the Wikipedia reference for a brief history. Worth a visit."
Elyaas Samsodien
"6.9 KM from Borobudur. Please be careful because the temple is under renovation."
Uncomplicated Situation
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ngawen Temple is located approximately 6.9 KM from Borobudur. You can reach it by car or motorbike, often found nestled within local village areas.
It's located in Desa Ngawen, Kecamatan Muntilan, Magelang, Central Java, often described as being in the middle of a residential area.
Many visitors use private vehicles or rent a motorbike for flexibility, as public transport options might be limited.
Signs can be inconsistent; it's helpful to use GPS or ask locals for directions once you're in the Muntilan area.
Yes, it's often visited alongside Borobudur Temple, as it's relatively close by.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can vary. Some visitors report no ticket entry, while others mention a fee or the need for permits, especially for documentation.
The temple is generally open from around 08:00 to 17:00 WIB, but it's advisable to confirm locally.
Rules for photography can change. Some visitors have encountered restrictions and needed to obtain permits, particularly for commercial use like pre-wedding shoots.
Filming might require a permit, and access for video recording has been restricted at times. It's best to inquire on-site or beforehand.
According to some visitors, obtaining permits can be challenging as the relevant office may not be located at the temple site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Ngawen Temple is known for its unique winged lion statues at the corners of the main temple, a distinctive feature not commonly found elsewhere.
It's a Buddhist temple from the 9th century, belonging to the Syailendra period, showcasing significant historical architecture.
Generally, Ngawen Temple is less crowded than major sites like Borobudur, offering a more peaceful visit.
The temple has undergone restoration, and some areas might still be under renovation.
'Venuvana' is the Sanskrit name meaning 'Bamboo Forest,' which is an alternative name for Ngawen Temple.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique winged lion statues and the intricate reliefs. The serene village setting also offers picturesque opportunities.
While not explicitly mentioned, it's always best to assume restrictions on drone usage at historical and religious sites unless otherwise stated.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the temple's details and atmosphere.
Photography rules can be strict. It's advisable to check on-site regulations regarding access and photography within the temple structures.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide shots of the temple and details of the reliefs. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but check if it's permitted.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's a great place for them to learn about different architectural styles and historical periods in a relaxed setting. To make the visit smoother, consider going in the morning to avoid the heat and potential fatigue for younger children.
Be prepared for potentially varied rules regarding photography; if you plan to take many photos or videos, inquire about permit requirements beforehand to avoid any on-site issues. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The intricate reliefs on the temple walls also tell stories waiting to be framed. Aim for early morning light to get the best shots, as it provides soft illumination and fewer people in your frame.
Be mindful of the changing regulations regarding photography and videography; if you have specific plans, such as a photoshoot, research permit requirements in advance to ensure a smooth experience. 🏛️ History Buffs
+1 The presence of unique winged lion guardians and the blend of Hindu-Buddhist influences make it a site of considerable academic and historical interest. While it may not have the grandeur of Borobudur, its 'hidden temple' status provides a more authentic and less commercialized experience.
Researching the temple's connection to the Karang Tengah Inscription and its discovery by N.W. Hoepermans can add further depth to your visit. Understanding the historical context, including its restoration phases, enhances the appreciation of this significant cultural heritage site. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Ngawen Temple
The site consists of five temple structures, making it a notable complex from that era. What sets Ngawen Temple apart architecturally are the four unique winged lion statues found at the corners of the main temple. This is a rare element in Buddhist temple design, adding to its historical and artistic value. The temple also showcases a fascinating akulturasi or cultural fusion between Hindu and Buddhist traditions, reflecting the religious landscape of ancient Java.
Its location amidst a local village also provides a glimpse into the integration of historical sites with everyday life. While the temple has undergone restoration, visitors should be aware that some parts may still be under renovation.
Visitor Experience and Practicalities
However, navigating the visitor experience can sometimes be a bit unpredictable. Rules regarding entry fees and photography permits have reportedly changed over time. Some visitors have encountered no entry fee, while others mention needing to pay or obtain specific permits for documentation or pre-wedding shoots. The process for obtaining these permits can be inconvenient, as the relevant office might be located off-site.
Despite these potential challenges, the temple is considered a good educational spot, particularly for children, to learn about history and ancient architecture.
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