Borobudur Temple is one of the largest monuments in the world, built in the seventh century. Its entire structure resembles a lotus or flower, a symbol considered sacred by Buddhists. Situated in Borobudur Subdistrict, Magelang Regency, the temple is surrounded by mountains, including Mount Merbabu in the east, Mount Merapi in the northwest, Mount Sumbing in the south, and Mount Sindoro in the north.
Borobudur Temple is one of the greatest relics of the Syailendra Kingdom Dynasty, which embraced Buddhism during the reign of Samaratungga from the Ancient Mataram Kingdom. This temple was built in the year 824, with a construction period of around 100 years, and to date has undergone two renovations. The first restoration took place in 1907-1911 by Theodorus Van Erp during the Dutch colonial period, and the second in 1973-1983 by President Soeharto with the assistance of UNESCO. Borobudur Temple predates Angkor Wat in Cambodia by 300 years.
The temple, a world cultural heritage site, consists of 72 Terawang stupas, one main stupa, and 504 statues, with a height of 42 meters before restoration. The reliefs carved on around 1,460 temple stones depict various aspects of life. Borobudur Temple itself was constructed using volcanic rocks totaling more than two million stones, arranged in a terraced pattern of Kepunden.
The name Borobudur is derived from the words ‘Boro,’ meaning temple or hill, and ‘Budur,’ meaning hill. Thus, Borobudur is intended as a temple on a hill. This name was first mentioned by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in his book entitled ‘History of Java.’
The Borobudur temple is divided into three parts representing Buddhist philosophy, which can be traced from the base of the temple to the top, passing through 10 levels. These three parts of the philosophy are Kamadhatu (the world of desires), Rupadhatu (the world of forms), and Arupadhatu (the formless world).
Many mysteries are contained within Borobudur Temple, which to this day cannot be definitively explained. Nevertheless, its splendor and mystique are truly captivating, ensuring that visitors remain interested even after multiple visits. The ticket price for entering the Borobudur Temple complex is Rp. 30,000 for local visitors and Rp. 135,000 for foreign tourists.
Read: Hotel Near Borobudur Temple (15 Minutes Walk) for $59/night. Check HERE
If we are discussing travel tips to Borobudur, then we must know the timing. The best time to visit Borobudur is early morning when the gate opens at 6 am. The beauty of the panorama of the surrounding volcanoes is clear, although sometimes fog obscures it until 8 o’clock in the morning. Visitors walk 500 meters to the bottom of the hill and then climb a few steps to reach the foot of the temple. To watch the sunrise, you can use a private car or stay overnight in hotels in the Borobudur area.
Boundaries of Borobudur Main Area:
- North Side: Bumiharjo Village and Progo River, which borders Kec. Mungkid.
- East: Wanurejo Village.
- South Side: Tuksongo Village.
- West: Karangrejo Village and Wringin Putih Village.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: History
According to the Karangtengah Inscription and Kahulunan, one might expect that the founder of Borobudur Temple was Samaratungga, an Ancient Mataram King of the Syailendra Dynasty, in 824 AD. Some historians suspect that this temple was once a Buddhist monastery. In Sanskrit, it is called the “Buddhist Uhr Temple,” which means “Buddhist Monastery on the Hill,” and was later named Borobudur.
The area of the temple is 123 x 123 meters, and it was erected in the middle of an ancient lake that used to be the confluence of various rivers. Long after the lake was buried by sediments of lava from the surrounding mountains, it became a plain. At the end of the 8th century, King Samaratungga commissioned the construction of Borobudur Temple, assigning the task to an architect named Gunadharma, and construction continued until its completion.
Read: Hotel Near Borobudur Temple (4 minutes drive) for $34/night. Check HERE
For centuries, the splendor of Borobudur was buried under volcanic ash due to the eruption of Mount Merapi. It was discovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, who received a report indicating the discovery of a hill filled with carved rocks while visiting Semarang. Raffles then formed a commission team led by Cornelius to investigate the hill. In 1835, this historic site was cleared, and efforts to restore it began thereafter.
Unfortunately, in 1896, the colonial government handed over eight containers of Borobudur temple stones, including several reliefs, statues, stairs, and doors, as gifts for the King of Siam who visited Indonesia.
(restoration effort)
A restoration effort carried out by the Indonesian government from 1973 to 1984 significantly restored the glory of this temple site, making it a destination for Buddhist pilgrimages. On January 21, 1985, the temple was damaged by a bomb attack. In 1991, Borobudur Temple was inaugurated as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: How to Get There
Borobudur is one hour from Yogyakarta and two hours from Semarang. The journey passes through small towns and paddy fields. Borobudur is located on the edge of a village called Borobudur Village, the majority of which are farmers and souvenir sellers. Along the way to Borobudur, you will be spoiled by the cool, fresh air typical of the city of Magelang, as well as the natural scenery between the two mountains of Merbabu and Merapi.
An easy way to reach Borobudur is to rent a car, motorbike, or join a tour. You can rent it at your hotel or inn, and you can even rent a car with a driver. If you take a taxi from the center of Yogyakarta City to Borobudur, the rate is around IDR 200,000, and the exact price can be obtained from the Yogyakarta taxi counter, which is IDR 190,000.
Alternatively, you can take public transportation. Take a bus or minibus from the Yogyakarta bus terminal. There is a small bus directly from Yogya to Borobudur, which serves visitors every day, departing every 10 minutes. The best-known bus, named Cemara Tunggal, costs Rp. 12,000 one way. Then, you can get off at Mendut Temple. Afterward, you can either walk or rent a horse to Pawon Temple. Pawon Temple and Borobudur Temple are only about 300 meters apart.
Transportation in Borobudur:
There are mini trains, commonly known as rabbit trains, to get around the Borobudur Temple Park complex. These train rides, which also serve as entertainment for children, are priced at IDR 5,000 per passenger for one round.
Andong is easily found starting from the terminal, Borobudur market, to inside the temple complex to get around the temple area. You can rent it for IDR30,000,- per four passengers for one round, if you just go around the temple. But if you want to get around the village, the tariff is IDR 75,000,- with a route that passes through four villages.
You can also rent a bicycle from the hotel where you stay or in the Borobudur Temple area. Rental rates for onthel bicycles are around IDR 20,000,- per 10 hours, and regular bicycle rates range from IDR 25,000 per 10 hours. Or around IDR30,000 – IDR 50,000 for one day rental. Special temple area, bicycle rental rates IDR 10,000 and for tandem bikes IDR 15,000. The choice of using a bicycle is quite good if you want to explore other parts and villages around Borobudur.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Where to Stay
Visiting Borobudur attracts tourists to stay for a moment near the splendor of the temple. Various types of budget hotels and star hotels can be found around the temple area. Currently, there are at least six-star hotels and dozens of jasmine hotels and homestays.
Star hotels certainly provide classy services and facilities that offer luxury and satisfaction. There are resort and spa model inns that also provide private pools in each room.
Prices for budget hotels around the temple area range from IDR 80,000 to IDR 350,000 per night. Some hotels offer sunrise tour packages at Borobudur, including breakfast, as well as sunset views with afternoon tea offerings and romantic dinners under the moonlight. Villa-style accommodations can also be rented, with prices starting from IDR 2 million to IDR 5 million.
Here are some hotels near Borobudur where you can stay overnight:
- OYO 93736 Homestay (Syariah. Couple of men and women visitors must provide marriage proof)
Distance from the temple: 5 minute drive. Hotel Address: Tuksongo, Magelang, Borobudur, Central Java, 56553. Check Availability HERE.
- Villa Borobudur Resort
Distance from the Temple: 8 minute drive. Address: Dusun Pete, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Central Java, 56553 Check Availability HERE.
- Plataran Borobudur Resort and Spa
Distance from the Temple: 5 minute drive. Address: Dusun Tanjungan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java, 56553. Check Availability HERE.
- Plataran Herritage Borobudur
Distance from the Temple: 6 minute drive. Address: Dusun Kretek, Borobudur, Central Java, 56553. Check Availability HERE.
More Hotel Selection HERE
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Climate
The climate in Borobudur is wet tropical, with quite high rainfall compared to other places in Central Java and Yogyakarta. Erratic climate effects such as changes in air temperature, wind, humidity, rainfall, and sun exposure gradually cause damage to the temple stones, both directly and indirectly.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Regional Language
Javanese, Indonesian, and basic English
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Tourist Attractions
Borobudur temple
Rates to Enter Borobudur Temple Tourism Park Complex:
- Foreign tourists: Adults IDR 280,000, Students/Students IDR 110,000 (by showing student ID), Adults IDR 30,000 (by showing a work permit in Indonesia).
- Local Travelers: Adults IDR 30,000.
Mendut Temple:
(Mendut Temple)
This temple is located three kilometers from Borobudur Temple. Mendut Temple is also a Buddhist temple with significant historical value and has connections with Pawon Temple and Borobudur Temple. All three were built almost simultaneously. Some reliefs and statues have exceptional quality, making it well worth a visit. To visit this temple, you only need to pay less than IDR 5,000.
Pawon Temple:
(Pawon Temple)
Another temple adjacent to Borobudur Temple is Pawon Temple, located two kilometers from Borobudur. This temple is smaller than Mendut Temple and is somewhat hidden, nestled in the middle of a residential area. The ticket price to see the beauty of this temple up close is also less than IDR 5,000.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Shops
There are many souvenir sellers in the area around the Borobudur temple complex, as the population of Borobudur Village consists mostly of souvenir sellers, in addition to farmers. You can even see elderly women still trading here.
They sell local handicrafts, such as sculptures, replicas of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples, batik bags, T-shirts, knick-knacks such as bracelets, necklaces, key chains, hair clips, and so on.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Museum
There are two museums located within the Borobudur Temple Tourism complex: the Karmawibhangga Museum and the Samudraraksa Museum.
(Samudraraksa Museum)
The Samudraraksa Museum displays a replica of the Borobudur Boat in its actual size. Additionally, the museum provides information about maritime technology and the history of Indonesia’s trade in Africa and the Indian Ocean in the past.
(Karmawibhangga Museum)
The Karmawibhangga Museum is an archaeological museum that houses various historical relics related to Borobudur, such as the restoration process, relief photographs of the hidden foot of Borobudur, and perhaps most interestingly, reliefs about the law of karma, along with photographs from the 19th century when the temple complex had not yet been restored.
Both museums are open every day from 6 am to 6 pm, and admission is free of charge as it is included in the ticket price for entering the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex.
Travel Tips to Borobudur: Dining
- Sekar Kedaton, a Javanese ethnic restaurant that serves a variety of traditional Central Javanese menus, while accompanied by accompaniment of gamelan music and shadow puppets. Jalan Raya Borobudur Km. 2.5, Mungkid, Magelang 56551, Central Java, Phone 0293 5580 508, Jalan Tegal Gendu No. 28, Kotagede, Yogyakarta 55173, Telephone 074 386 868, www.sekar-kedhaton.com
- Amanjiwo, an elegant restaurant in a luxury resort surrounded by rice fields and tropical forests, with views of Boroburur Temple which is only 4 kilometers away. Address Ds. Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang 56553, Central Java
- Plataran Restaurant Stupa, Address Dusun Kretek, Karangrejo, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Phone +62 812 2615 8999
- Restaurant Plataran Borobudur Patio, Dusun Tanjungan, Borobudur, Magelang 56553, Central Java, Phone 0293 788888
- BS Resto, Major Road Kesen Km. 2.4, Mungkid, Borobudur, Magelang 56512, Central Java, Phone 0293 789325, Hours Open at 08.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Kupat Tahu Pak Slamet, Jalan Tentara Pelajar 8, Magelang, Central Java 56121 Cafe Café and Restaurant, Jalan Sarwo Edhie Wibowo, Magelang, Central Java, Phone +62 888 0271 9171
- Pak Dar Restaurant, Jalan Raya Borobudur Km. 5, Ngrajek, Mungkid, Magelang, Central Java, Phone 0239 788393
- Kampoeng Ulu, Jalan Raya Borobudur Km. 2, Mungkid, Magelang, Central Java, Phone 0239 789616
- Waroeng Sawah, Jalan Pal Bapang, Borobudur, Danggan, Ngrajek, Mungkid, Central Java, Phone 0858 6722 7849
- Resto Waroeng Jamur, Tegal Arum, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java
- Warung Pikatan Warung, Jalan Syailendra Raya 12, Borobudur, Phone 0813 9279 3789
- Rejosari Fishing and Fishing Lodge, Jalan Raya Borobudur Km. 3, Selag, Mungkid, Magelang, Central Java
- Paksi Coffee House, Jalan Badrawati, Ngaran I, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, Phone 0283 788025
Read: Hotel Near Borobudur Temple (10 minutes walk) for $20/night. Check HERE
Holiday Travel Tips in Borobudur
- Visiting Borobudur during the Vesak Festival, held once a year in May on a full moon, provides a memorable experience. The festival attracts many visitors and pilgrims who come to celebrate the phases of birth, death, and enlightenment of the Buddha. You can find the tourism agenda for previous Borobudur Temple events from the Magelang or Yogyakarta Tourism Office.
- It’s important to wear polite and comfortable clothing, as the Borobudur Temple site is considered sacred and is a spiritual symbol of Mahayana Buddha.
- Consider hiring an official tour guide to accompany your visit to Borobudur for complete information.
- If the heat and sun are intense, consider renting an umbrella available at the entrance gate of the Borobudur Temple Complex area. Additionally, it’s advisable to wear UV hats, goggles, and use sunscreen lotion.
- Renting a motorbike while in the Borobudur area can make it easier to travel freely to distant places, including those that are difficult to reach by larger vehicles, such as Punthuk Setumbu Hill or Suroloyo Peak. The average motorcycle rental fee is IDR 50,000 to IDR 70,000 per 12 hours.
- It’s recommended to carry cash during your tour, as ATMs are still relatively scarce in Magelang.
