Last Updated: 02/04/20 | February 4th, 2020
Borobudur is an 9th-century Buddhist monument in Indonesia. It’s really the largest Buddhist temple in the world! The ancient complex comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms embellished with 2,672 relief panels as well as 504 Buddha statues.
It’s massive!
I’ve always been fascinated by this location ever considering that I heard about it on national Geographic. I’ve checked out books about Borobudur as well as enjoyed TV programs on it. I understood I had to see this location before I died.
And fortunately, I did!
If you’re going to be backpacking Indonesia, be sure to add a go to to Borobudur to your itinerary. It’s a unique monument worth a visit.
To assist you make the most out of your visit, here’s my detailed guide to checking out Borobudur!
Table of Contents
The history of Borobudur
Tips for checking out Borobudur
Visiting Borobudur: Logistics
Frequently Asked Questions
The history of Borobudur
This entire 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist complex is really a gigantic allegory for enlightenment. It was built under the policy of the Sailendra Dynasty, ultimately being abandoned in the 14th century as the region slowly started to convert to Islam.
There is no record of the complex being built, though it was likely established around the year 800 CE.
The temple was neglected as well as ultimately buried under jungle as well as volcanic ash. In the 19th century, when the British ruled the region, it was rediscovered. In 1814, with 200 men, Lieutenant Governor-General Thomas Stamford Raffles cut down the surrounding trees to expose the temple complex. considering that then, it’s been a growing vacationer draw for the region.
Visiting the temple, you’ll see that the journey begins at the base of the temple as well as complies with a path with the three levels of Buddhist cosmology, namely Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), as well as Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness).
The Buddhist pilgrim starts at the bottom as well as moves up when they have deciphered each relief. Each relief describes a mentor of the Buddha, as well as when you figure it out, you step on to the next. They progressively get harder, as well as by the time you surface the last one, you are on the top as well as — in theory — enlightened.
Tips for checking out Borobudur
To assist you make the most of your visit, right here are some travel ideas for checking out Borobudur:
Arrive early – This location will get congested fast. show up early to beat the crowd (either by doing a sunrise excursion or by showing up before 6am to wait on the gates to open).
Avoid the weekend – The crowds right here are greatest on the weekends. try to go to during the week to beat the vacationer rush.
Dress easily – gown properly however likewise easily as you’re going to be on your feet for a while as your explore.
Bring water – This temple is large, as well as when you aspect in a bus trip you’re going to get thirsty. Bring water as well as snacks.
Stay close-by – It’s a 90-minute drive from Yogyakarta. If you want to get right here early as well as beat the crowds, stay closer. It won’t be as inexpensive however you’ll be able to have a much a lot more satisfying visit.
Visiting Borobudur: Logistics
The site is available to the public from 6am to 5pm daily. Ticket are $25 USD per person for adults as well as $15 USD for kids aged 3-10 (kids under 3 go into free).
A integrated ticket for Borobudur in addition to the Prambanan temples will expense $45 USD per person ($27 for kids).
There is likewise a everyday Borobudur Sunrise excursion for $35 USD. This is the excursion where you can snap those Insta-worthy shots of the temple at dawn (see the top picture on this publish for an exmaple!).
You’ll get a flashlight as well as a lift as much as the temple entrance at 4:30am, just in time to see the sunrise as well as check out the site before the vacationer crowd arrives. To get the most out of your visit, think about hiring a guide who can describe the reliefs so you can comprehend the temple a bit better.
Not surprisingly, This site is the most prominent vacationer attraction in Indonesia. the most typical method to get right here is by means of public bus to Borobudur from Yogyakarta, however, this is aimed mainly at Indonesian visitors as well as only a few tourists venture aboard.
If you are feeling adventurous though, the Trans-Jogya service runs from central Yogyakarta to the Jombor bus terminal in northern Yogyakarta where you can modification to one more bus to get to Borobudur. The bus will expense less than $1 USD.
For a bundle deal, travel agents in Yogyakarta likewise offer door-to-door minibus excursion bundles for around $6 USD, which is a great offer as well as the simplest method to get to as well as from the monument.
Visiting Borobudur: FAQ
What must I wear to the Borobudur temple?
You’ll want to gown respectfully as well as conservatively, as this is a religious complex. wear loose-fitting garments that covers your shoulders as well as knees. I’d suggest you wear pants as the steps leading to the top of the temple are high as well as not fit to shorts or skirts. Also, wear comfortable footwear considering that you’ll be on your feet for a while. enjoying the sunrise at the top of the temple can be cool, particularly in winter, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
What is the Borobudur temple made of?
The temple is made from stone as well as consists of nine stacked platforms, six squares, as well as three circular platforms that are topped by a dome.
How do I get to Borobudur?
You can take the public bus from Yogyakarta for less than $1 USD or take a minibus for around $6 USD. The journey will take between 60-90 minutes.
How much is the entrance charge to Borobudur?
Admission is $25 USD for adults.
Is Borobudur the largest Buddhist temple in the world?
Yep! It’s a huge temple complex as well as really took 75 years to build!
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Borobudur is one of the most incredible historical sites in the world, as well as likewise one of the most unique. I’m fascinated by it. A great deal of travelers go to Indonesia as well as just stay on Bali, however if you make your method off Bali as well as into Java, be sure to go to this site. You won’t be disappointed.
Book Your trip to Indonesia: Logistical ideas as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a inexpensive flight by utilizing Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse web sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the least expensive rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels.
Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will secure you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s detailed security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it lots of times in the past. I’ve been utilizing world Nomads for ten years. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:
Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
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Want a lot more info on Indonesia?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Indonesia for even a lot more planning tips!