Borobudur Temple, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Borobudur Temple is amazing, not just because of the structure but its sacred and nice energy vibration within. Many people came early in the morning for sunrise and some even come earlier to meditate in this temple.

We got there early in the morning and there weren’t too many people there. After going through the gate, you walk towards the site, and as the path curves around you suddenly get a view of the complex in front of view which is absolutely magnificent.

Located on the island of Java, the magnificent Borobudur temple is the world’s biggest Buddhist monument, an ancient site widely considered to be one of the world’s seven wonders. The temple sits majestically on a hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills.

Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India’s influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian.

The structure consists of nine platforms, six square and three circulars, topped by a central dome. It is decorated with thousands of bas-relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues, each seated inside a perforated dome (called “Stupa”).

Every single detail of it is not only an ideal spot for picture-taking, but is likewise rich in history and symbolism. In fact, the whole structure is like one giant Buddhist mandala, depicting Buddhist cosmology.

Amazing stone carvings and stone-made Buddha statues will bring you to a different dimension. The views of the forests surrounding are so amazing and you can choose to see the sunrise or sunset from this temple.

The temple ground is quite big and there are many levels that you need to climb on steep stone stairs. We spent quite some time going level by level until where the Stupa is. Many of the statues are broken, destroyed, and incomplete due to natural degradation, the volcano eruption, and human.

Along the walls, there are also stone carvings about stories of Buddhism, which our guide gladly explain to us.

The site is very large, so expect some walking.  We recommend bringing along an umbrella, sunblock, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water. It will take at least 2-3 hours to appreciate the temple, more if you hire a guide, but it is well worth it.

Entrance Fee

• Borobudur USD25 (IDR325K)
• Sunrise Borobudur via Manohara Resort IDR450k
• Borobudur + Mendut + Pawon USD30
• Prambanan only USD25
• Prambanan + Plaosan + Sojiwan USD30
• Ratu Boko USD25
• Sunset Ratu Boko IDR175k
• Combo ticket for Borobudur and Prambanan USD40 (IDR520k)
• International visitors can pay cash in USD or in IDR

Getting There

• Getting from Yogyakarta to Borobudur takes an hour by car. Vehicles with a driver can easily be rented at the airport or from hotels for about $35 a day