Among the islands, Java is the most populated, and in the heart of Java lies Yogyakarta, often called Jogja. The common spoken language in Yogyakarta is Bahasa Indonesia, as in other parts of the country, which is not difficult to understand for Malaysians heading to Yogyakarta. In fact, language is never a barrier in communication, considering the thousands of people who are curious and keen on the best things to do in Yogyakarta (THINGS TO DO IN PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA).
Says it all that there are no disappointments, as Yogyakarta, a city and province in Indonesia, has significance in legendary and historical sites to be visited.
Historical Site
in Indonesia: Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta
A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Borobudur Temple, is listed under the title “Borobudur Temple
Compounds.” Covering also the two smaller nearby temples, Mendut and Pawon,
aligned in a straight line and historically connected to Borobudur.
Borobudur was
rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles and later restored with
UNESCO’s support, after being buried under volcanic ash for centuries. Within a
distance of 40 kilometers from Yogyakarta, Borobudur Temple is one of
Indonesia’s most visited and significant historical sites (OTARU JAPAN THINGS TO DO).
Built in the 8th and 9th centuries during the Sailendra Dynasty, it stands majestically and must be said as a historical legend as the largest Buddhist monument in the world and reflects the influence of Mahayana Buddhism in Java.
What to See in Borobudur Temple, Indonesia
Constructed
from volcanic stone without cement, Borobudur has nine stacked platforms and a
central stupa, representing the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Its carved
reliefs and Buddha statues portray stories from Buddhist scriptures and life in
ancient Java.
The temple’s
layout forms a massive three-dimensional mandala, symbolizing the Buddhist
universe. The lower terraces feature detailed stone reliefs, while the upper
circular platforms are lined with bell-shaped stupas, each containing a Buddha
statue. At the top stands the main stupa, representing the highest level of
enlightenment.
Visiting
Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta
Self-Guided
Tour in Borobudur Temple
A self-guided
tour at Borobudur Temple requires self-arrangements, which includes:
Deciding on the
day, date, and time for the visit.
Purchasing
tickets, which can be bought online or at the entrance. Access to the main
temple structure (stupa area) may require an additional ticket or guided slot,
as numbers are controlled to protect the site.
Arranging
transport to and from Borobudur Temple.
Planning visit time, as there is no set time limit for the temple grounds, though access to the main temple structure is limited to about 1 hour. This is important for scheduling transport and organizing a trip to Borobudur Temple.
Borobudur
Temple Tour
For convenience
and to save time, it is best to choose tour arrangements, which include a
packed breakfast before heading to Borobudur Temple for the morning tour. These
tours are also affordable when visiting other top sites in Yogyakarta.
The tour starts
early, with hotel pick-up at 5 a.m., followed by being driven to Borobudur.
The tour guide
leads through the darkness with torchlight and explains Borobudur Temple and
its significance, including at the top level.
The morning
tour includes sunrise viewing and time to walk around the entire area,
including Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, the official tourism zone.
It’s a wrap with resting back with Indonesian snacks and coffee or tea at the dining area across the main entrance.
Mendut Village - Yogyakarta
From Borobudur
Temple, tours often include a visit to Mendut Village, where Candi Mendut and
Candi Pawon are located. These two Buddhist temples are aligned with Borobudur
and situated a few kilometers east of Java.
Mendut is a
small village, notable for its ancient banyan tree, a popular landmark. Nearby,
the Mendut Buddhist Monastery is situated adjacent to Candi Mendut, serving as
a center for Buddhist practice and meditation.
While in Mendut Village, villagers may approach to sell items. Bargaining is expected if something is of interest; otherwise, a smile and continuing to transport is appropriate.
Candi Pawon
Temple
Across from the
ancient banyan tree, just less than a five-minute walk, is Candi Pawon Temple.
It was constructed in the 8th or 9th century during the Sailendra dynasty, the
same period as Borobudur Temple. Its name, “Pawon,” meaning “kitchen,” is
believed to refer to its role in storing sacred Buddhist relics for Borobudur.
Candi Pawon is
a small stone temple with walls featuring Buddhist reliefs and carvings, and a
Buddha statue inside the main chamber. It takes about 10 minutes to see Candi
Pawon, including time for photographs.
Candi Mendut
Temple
Close to Candi
Pawon is Candi Mendut Temple. Constructed at the same time as Pawon during the
8th or 9th century under the Sailendra dynasty, Candi Mendut is larger than
Candi Pawon. Inside the temple is a large seated Buddha statue. The walls
feature stone reliefs reflecting scenes from Buddhist teachings, along with
carvings of Bodhisattvas and guardians.
Candi Mendut was an important site for Buddhist rituals. From its location, the alignment with Candi Pawon and Borobudur can be clearly seen.
Palm Sugar Cottage Industry - Central Java, Yogyakarta
Within a
20-minute drive from Mendut Village, Central Java, several family-run Palm
Sugar Cottage Industries are located. From the coconut and aren palm trees,
visible from the moment of arrival, sap is tapped by hand. The sap is collected
in bamboo containers, using a method passed down through generations.
The making of
Indonesian palm sugar is traditional and labor-intensive. The fresh sap is
boiled over a wood fire and stirred constantly until it thickens into syrup. It
is then poured into coconut shell molds or wooden trays and left to cool,
forming solid blocks or discs.
These Palm
Sugar Cottage Industries in Yogyakarta provide income for local families while
maintaining the centuries-old traditions of palm sugar production.
Malioboro
Street - Yogyakarta, Indonesia
While shopping
for Indonesian products can be done almost anywhere, one of the top shopping
spots is Malioboro Street. A bustling street, stretching from one end to the
other, with the noise of traffic, and literally hundreds of locals walking up
and down.
Shopping can
take place in the shops, t stalls outside the shops, or at carts along the
road. From batik to leather goods, all Indonesian products can be bought in
Malioboro Street. Bargaining is vital, and for shopping in an air-conditioned
place, there is Malioboro Shopping Mall.
Throughout
Malioboro Street, there is no shortage of Indonesian food, from street eating
to restaurants, or even in Malioboro Mall. Malioboro Street is forever active
and abuzz, perhaps coming to silence during the wee hours of the night.
