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Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is the largest Buddhist temple in the world! It is an amazing site to behold. Many Indonesians come to visit the temple, but it is not overrun with tourists like other popular destinations (Bali).
This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan your trip to Borobudur Temple, including how to get there, how much you will need to spend, and tips for your trip.
Table of Contents
Where is Borobudur Temple?
Borobudur Temple is located on the island of Java in Indonesia, specifically in the Central Java region. It lies near the town of Magelang, which is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of Yogyakarta.
How to Get to Borobudur Temple
In order to get to Borobudur Temple, you must first get to Yogyakarta.
How to Get to Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a major city in Central Java. If you are coming from Jakarta, I recommend coming by train. Check out our guide on how to get from Jakarta to Yogyakarta!
Yogyakarta to Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is about 1-1.5 hours from Yogyakarta by car. I recommend getting a taxi, which cost around 200,000 IDR (about $12.50 USD) for one way.
I recommend getting the taxi driver’s number and arranging for them to pick you up. Otherwise, you will be charged a greater amount to return to Yogyakarta by the taxi drivers waiting at the temple. You can also order a Grab taxi.
You can find cheaper options on a motorcycle, but it will be an uncomfortable ride.
Entry Fee for Borobudur Temple
Foreign visitors pay around 350,000 IDR to enter the temple area. However, if you want to climb the temple (which I recommend), it will cost 455,000 IDR.
Indonesian visitors have to pay 120,000 IDR to climb the temple.
Borobudur Temple Opening Hours
Borobudur Temple is open every day from 6:30 AM to 5 PM.
However, you won’t be able to climb the temple until 8:30 AM!
Borobudur Temple Sunrise Tour
As of 2024, Borobudur Temple no longer offers a sunrise tour. It is unknown if this will continue indefinitely.
Borobudur Temple Dress Code
It is important for you to dress conservatively when you visit Borobudur Temple. This is a very significant religious site. Avoid revealing clothing such as shorts.
If you purchase a ticket to climb up the temple, they will provide traditional sandals for you to wear. This helps to protect the temple from additional wear and tear.
When Was Borobudur Temple Built?
Borobudur Temple was built during the Shailendra dynasty in the 9th century, between the years 750 and 850 AD.
In addition to the largest Buddhist temple in the world, this also makes it one of the oldest!
History of Borobudur Temple
After its construction, Borobudur remained a center of religious pilgrimage and cultural significance, attracting devotees and scholars from across Southeast Asia. However, as the political landscape of Java shifted and Islam became the dominant religion, Borobudur gradually fell into obscurity and was abandoned, buried beneath layers of volcanic ash and jungle foliage.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Borobudur was rediscovered by British colonial ruler Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1814. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, efforts were made to uncover and restore the temple complex, leading to its eventual designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.
Architecture of Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is constructed on a large square base, representing the earthly realm, with nine stacked platforms above, symbolizing the ascent from worldly desires to spiritual enlightenment.
Top of the Temple
At the top of the temple complex sits a large central dome, adorned with a series of bell-shaped stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. These stupas represent the cosmic Mount Meru, the center of the Buddhist universe, with the Buddha statues symbolizing enlightenment and spiritual attainment.
Some of the stupas have been damaged from earthquakes, so you will be able to clearly see the Buddhas inside.
Reliefs
The walls of Borobudur are adorned with intricate relief carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures and Javanese daily life. These reliefs serve not only as decorative elements but also as educational tools, conveying moral lessons and teachings to pilgrims and devotees.
Some of the reliefs have sustained damage over time, so non-profits are constantly rebuilding the reliefs, section by section. You may notice that some reliefs have been replaced by stone, which will be removed once the reliefs have been rebuilt.
Buddhas at Borobudur Temple
There are Buddha statues around the temple in various positions. Each position holds significant symbolic meaning in Buddhist iconography.
Dhyana Mudra (Meditation Position)
Many of the Buddha statues at Borobudur are depicted in the Dhyana Mudra, or meditation position, with hands placed on the lap, palms facing upwards, and thumbs touching. This posture symbolizes deep concentration, tranquility, and inner peace, representing the Buddha’s state of enlightenment and spiritual realization.
Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness Position)
Another common position seen among the Buddha statues is the Abhaya Mudra, or fearlessness position, with the right hand raised and palm facing outward. This gesture signifies protection, reassurance, and the dispelling of fear, offering solace and guidance to devotees on their spiritual journey.
Varada Mudra (Bestowing Boon Position)
Some Buddha statues at Borobudur are depicted in the Varada Mudra, or bestowing boon position, with the right hand extended downward, fingers pointing towards the ground. This gesture represents generosity, compassion, and the granting of blessings, symbolizing the Buddha’s role as a benevolent teacher and guide.
Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth Touching Position)
In certain panels and reliefs at Borobudur, the Buddha is depicted in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, or earth touching position, with the right hand touching the ground. This gesture commemorates the moment of the Buddha’s enlightenment, as he called upon the earth to bear witness to his attainment of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta
If you are staying in Yogyakarta on a budget, I highly recommend staying at The Bladok Hotel & Restaurant. This is centrally located and just a 3-minute walk from Tugu Station. There are also tons of restaurants nearby to try the cuisine of Yogyakarta!
If you are looking for something more luxurious, check out Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel. This is one of the highest rated hotel in Yogyakarta. It is located further from the center of town, so it guarantees a more relaxing and peaceful experience.
Check out the map below to see available accommodations.
