Ratu Boko perches on a hill overlooking Prambanan, with magnificent sunset views over the Prambanan Plain. Ratu Boko's site is not technically a temple, but the ruins of an ancient kingdom. Legend has it that Kraton Ratu Boko is the palace of Lara Jonggrang's father, Ratu Boko.

This historic Hindu palace complex is believed to be the central court of the influential Mataram dynasty. Explore a large gateway and Candi Pembakaran (the Royal Crematorium). Marvel at a series of staggered bathing places that lead down to the village.

The 8th-century Ratu Boko site was built by the Buddhist Wangsa Syailendra but was later taken over by Hindu Mataram kings. This gave the architecture both Hindu and Buddhist influences. The site contains the Abhayagriwihara inscription from 792 AD, written using huruh pranagari – characteristic of Buddhist inscriptions.