Indonesia has so many ancient temples, some are well preserved, but most have been rubble or even lost buried by history. Java is the epicenter of such beautiful temples. Maybe you’ve been to Borobudur, but what about this one? Ngempon temple. It is infamous temple which many people do not know exactly, just a small temple complex located in the middle of rice field and just has been restored in the last several years. This is Candi Ngempon or Ngempon Temple.
Located in Ngempon Village, Semarang Regency (around 30 km South East of Semarang city) and it was firstly found by a farmer named Kasri in 1952 when he was digging his farm. There were many rectangular plain stones and ancient statues, and afterwards the complex was found. Then, the restoration started after Tourism and Cultural Affairs Bureau bought Kasri’s land, There were nine foundations found and after years, there are still only four which have been restored into its original structures.
The Ngempon temple is supposedly from Old Hindu Mataram era which means it is from the 8th century and as old as Dieng complex in Dieng plateau and it means Hinduism was the predominant religion at the time. It lies between Kali Lo (Lo river) valley, surrounded by greenish or yellowish rice field and you must go there by passing through muddy path, but when you’re lucky enough you can see people harvesting their paddy crops on particular months. Besides offering its historical backgrounds, Ngempon temple complex also provide its beautiful scenery.Surrounded by steep way from the north and south, the wide valley of Kali Lo has got its mystery.. there are three hot springs which lie directly on its bank and the springs are also old. You can do some bathing there but being naked is not allowed.Besides, there is also flying fox which bring sensations and started from the highest point of Kali Lo valley into the food stalls on the opposite side of Kali Lo. Rafting? It is also available for a short distance.
Ngempon temple complex has become local’s favorite tourism destination especially on week-end and other holidays. People spend their time for visiting the 8th century aged temples, bathing in the hot springs which separated between men and women, as well as doing some rafting and fly foxing. If you bring your bicycle, Ngempon temple complex is a terribly challenging route as well.Compared my visit on 2009, the way into the Ngempon valley is much better. In my last visit, May 2011, the path has been cemented.
How to get there?
From Semarang you can take small bus to Ambarawa or Salatiga (IDR 7,000 in average), just say stop to Karangjati police station or Coca cola factory. Afterwards, take a colt (IDR 2,000 and stop to Jalan Dharmawangsa) or ojek/motorcycle service (I don’t know how much it is as I never take ojek ). From Dharmawangsa if you walk, just walk around 2-3 km more, passing through several factories (Huffagrif is also located there), people’s houses, some forests and go down into the valley. While you bring car, just stop into opposite of Coca Cola company, turn left next to a restaurant, and drive for 5 km but you cannot access next to the location as its path is so narrow. Stop in parking lot and pay IDR 3,000 for cars and IDR 2,000 for motorcycles.
Tips
1.The best time to go is on Summer time or dry season as the path into the temple is not so muddy.
2.It is free to enter the temple, but if so, you may give your donation (as many as you wish) in the box available.
3.If you want to bathe in the hot springs, you need to have some meal or snack first, and don’t wear any provocative swimsuits.
4.Never forget to take pictures, as it is still not famous and this is your chance to go there for the first time (if you’re foreigner).
Bambang Priantono
15 August 2011
Also published in Multiply and WorldNomads.com
