Gedong Songo Temple, located on the slope of mount Ungaran, it was built around 8th and 9th centuries by Medang Kingdom which ruled Central Java is a mixing between Indian and Indonesian culture. It refers to nine groups of buildings (gedong songo), which five groups of buildings are now still remaining.
Exploring this wonderful place, which is considered as one of the main tourism sites in Central Java Province, Indonesia, is really exciting for you can learn about ancient Javanese culture, view the stunning landscape of mount Ungaran and experience of soaking in hot/warm sulphur water bath.
When i arrived at the parking lot, i was really surprised to see a new basement for motorcycles while cars were parked on its roof (it was my fourth visit) since i didn't see it on my latest visit. However, during holiday, as Gedong Songo Temple is a popular tourism site, if you come there by car later, you may be hard to find a space for parking. So, if you intend to go there, you should come earlier. But, if you are in a big group by a bus, the bus will be parked quite far from the entrance, it means you need extra energy to walk up there.
Then, before the entrance gate you will see a "candi Gedong Songo" sign stood in a flower garden with a view of mount Ungaran is definitely suitable for taking a beautiful selfie.
Walking into the location, you will be greeted by some people offering you a scenic horse riding either up to the last temple, through the woodlands and vegetable gardens, or merely just take a short ride, and if you are followed by a local photographer (while you are riding a horse) until the last temple to document your best moments, for it's dangerous to take photos while riding a horse, and you can choose your favorite pictures before they are printed with a reasonable price.
Horse riding is so exciting and challenging. Don't worry, although, you've never ridden a horse before. They will teach and guide you. I'm sure, only in a few minutes you will get used to it and don't want to get off from the saddle.
Anyway, if you are willing to go up for a walk, you will see marvelous landscape as well.
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| the first temple
Trekking up to the second temple through stone walk ways was so amazing. I could feel fresh cool air and wash my eyes with awesome views around me. Then i passed through a line of food stall on my right side and some bamboo benches on my left side (some people sat there to take a rest, included me..hehehe).
This route is also used for climbing trek to mount Ungaran. And behind the food stalls is a vast garden planted vegetables, such as chilies, sguashes, green mustards and even roses.
 
Soaking in hot/warm sulphur water bath is relaxing even to be believed to relieve tiredness, cure rheumatic as well as itch. So, if you feel tired after walking from the first temple, you can try this experience in this hot springs complex, you pay only at IDR 5,000. When i was there, i met an officer, pak Feri, kindly, he answered my curiosity.
Mount Ungaran is considered as inactive volcano because of three leakages on its body. One of them is in the Gedong Songo side. That's way, if you are heading to this area, you will smell sulphur dioxide gas, which is found primarily near hot springs and volcanic craters, from distance.
 
There is a vast field, if you take a horse riding, where the local photographer will take you a great photo of yours on the horse, then you get off the horse and you can walk to two groups of temples (the last temples), near the field while the horse is taking a rest before taking you down.
  
If you take a walk, you can have a rest as well, since there are some food stalls and gazebos.
And on your way back, you can also see beautiful landscapes both natural and temples.
    Gedong Songo TempleLocation
Bandungan District, Semarang Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia
Entrance Fee on holidays
Local tourist IDR 10k
Foreign tourist IDR 35k
Horse Rides Trek PricesVillage Tourism
Local tourist IDR 30k
Foreign tourist IDR 40k
Hot Spring WaterLocal tourist IDR 70kForeign tourist IDR 80k Temple 1Local tourist IDR 30kForeign tourist IDR 40k Temple 2
Local tourist IDR 50k
Foreign tourist IDR 60k
Temple 3Local tourist IDR 60kForeign tourist IDR 60k Temple 9
Local tourist IDR 80k
Foreign tourist IDR 100k
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