According in inscription of Rakai Panangkaran from 746-784, Ratu Boko was known as Abhayagiri Wihara. Abhaya means no danger, ang giri means hill/mountain,Wihara mean dorm /place. Abhayagiri Wihaya can be defined as a place where Buddhist monks reside and located on a hilly region. This place then later named as Kraton Walaing that proclaimed by King of Vasal ; Rakai Walaing Pu Kumbayoni. The name of Kraton Ratu Boko derives from Kraton and Ratu Boko. Kraton derives from Ka-da-tu-an means palaca, and Ratu Boko derives from Ratu means King and Boko means heron. Who Rato Boko is becomes a riddle, either he was a real king or heron that lived on the region.
Ratu Boko is located not far from Yoyakarta, just 2 km from Prambanan Temple, and 18m km on the east of Jogja City and 50 km on the west of Solo. It stands on a hill that is including part of Sewu Mountains (Thousand Mountains). It constitutes of ancient site equipped with cafe, and open stage.
This site is the only and the biggest settlement site in Java, especially in Central part of Java. The distinction of this site is that, there are still mystery to be revealed here. Ratu Boko remains have different types with other sites.
Before entering Ratu Boko Site, beautiful view can be seen, the magnificent Prambanan Temple. This site is located in Dawung Village, Bokoharjo, Prambanan District, Sleman, Jogja, Indonesia.
After entering the first gate, 15 meters from there, there is a combustion place faces west, made of limestone to cremate deceased. ON the southeast corner of this combustion place, an old well with mysterious water located. The well is called as Amerta Mantana, Amerta means water, and Mantana means spell, defined as water that has been spelled, used for ritual processions such as Tawur Agung ritual. IN the midst of the pendopo foundation of 20 x 21 mx 1.46 height composed of andesit stones, there is a stair made of andesit stone as well. There are 24 umpak (pillars pedestal) and 12 umpak on batur (foundation) Peringgitan.
From here, amazing sunset and sunrise, offer breathtaking view for visitors.