Thursday, March 26, 2020

Borobudur Temple, Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Indian lady standing in front of stone stupa, Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.
Borobudur Temple: A Must-See in Central Java

When in Indonesia, specifically in Central Java, one of the top sights you shouldn’t miss is Borobudur Temple. Recognised globally, this monumental Mahayana Buddhist structure is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built in the 9th century during the Sailendra Dynasty, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate stone carvings, striking architecture, and symbolic design (JOGJAKARTA INDONESIA THINGS TO DO).

 

The temple represents Buddhist cosmology through its three levels: the world of desire, the world of forms, and the formless world. These levels reflect Buddhist beliefs, representing human desire, spiritual growth, and enlightenment.

Planning Your Borobudur Trip

If you're on a tour, whether in a big group or a small one, all necessary arrangements will be included. Otherwise, you’ll need to plan and make your way there on your own. With a tour, hotel pick-up, transportation to Borobudur Temple, and entrance tickets are already included. For morning visits, be prepared to be ready by 5:00 a.m. The tour company will usually provide a packed breakfast. The duration of the journey depends on where you're staying, which determines how long it takes to reach Borobudur Temple (COLOMBO SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING).

 

Early Morning Arrival at the Temple

For those who have opted for a package that includes sunrise at Borobudur, you’ll arrive at the entrance while the sky is still dark, guided by your tour guide with a torchlight. After the security check, there's a long walk through a well-maintained, park-like setting alongside hundreds of tourists from all over the world, all heading toward Borobudur Temple. Walking up the steep, stone platforms or stairways can be challenging, but it's worth every bit of the effort (WHAT TO DO IN CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA).

The long walk path in garden setting, towards the entrance of Borobudur Temple, Central Java.

Visitors going up and coming down from the stone stairway of Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Exploring Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple  features 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, which narrate stories of human life and the Buddha's teachings. Combined with panoramic views of the lush landscape, this site becomes a must-experience destination that beautifully showcases Indonesia’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Whether it’s peak season or not, Borobudur Temple can be crowded. Still, it’s the perfect time for videos or photo-taking, while admiring  the views and feeling deeply fulfilled.

Stone Cravings in Borobudur Temple, Central Java, Indonesia.

Small Buddha stone statue in the stupa, Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Seated stone Buddha Statue, in front of the Buddha stupa, Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

A few stone stupas close to each other, in Borobudur Buddhist Temple, Central Java.

The Sunrise Experience

For sunrise watching, everyone will focus on the sun slowly rising. But it depends, the experience isn’t always dramatic. Sometimes, it’s just faint splashes of light with nothing striking. Other times, it’s a massive, bright, glowing orange ball. It all depends on the weather. This is part of the experience, though it can be overrated depending on expectations.

Sunrise view in the sky at Borobudur Temple, Indonesia.

Borobudur Temple History

After the sunrise, it's time to get closer and find out more about Borobudur Temple. In a guided tour, the tour guide will share Borobudur’s history. How it was hidden in the darkness of history, buried under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth before being rediscovered. Borobudur stands as a magnificent pride of all time. Its incredible stone structures, stupas, Buddha statues, and skilful stone carvings narrate many stories and teachings of Buddhism. As one of the most famed archaeological discoveries in the world, Borobudur is truly awe-inspiring.

Sunrise at Borobudur Temple, Central Java, Indonesia
Borobudur Temple Stone Cravings & History, Central Java, Indonesia

Wrapping Up the Visit

Once your time at Borobudur Temple concludes, you’ll head to the dining area near the entrance for breakfast. Coffee, tea, and some cakes will be served, a time to relax and maybe use the facilities. After that, you can walk to Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, the official tourism area around the temple. If you have extra time, visit the museum. If not, spend some time admiring the landscaped gardens. The site is managed to preserve the monument while welcoming tourists, and electric shuttles are available for easier access.

A cup of black coffee and two Indonesia cakes in a saucer, Indonesia.

Indian lady posing beside the colors umbrella, in Wisata Candi Borobudur, garden setting, Indonesia.

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