The Ultimate Guide to Visting Borobudur Temple – Read Before You Go!
Borobudur Temple is situated in the heartlands of Central Java, Indonesia, and is a remarkable testament to the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This ancient Buddhist temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and attracts visitors from all over the world with its captivating beauty and spiritual significance.
This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the necessary information for a fulfilling visit to this majestic site. The ticket price is a bit steep for many travelers, so doing your research beforehand is very important to have the best visit. Its a once in a lifetime experience, and if you have the possibility, go!
Why Borobudur Temple Is a Must-Visit
Borobudur is a masterpiece of human craftsmanship and religious devotion, and not just special for its sheer size or age. This magnificent structure was built in the 9th century and is adorned with intricately carved reliefs and hundreds of Buddha statues, offering us a glimpse into the Buddhist philosophy and Javanese culture of that era.
The Borobodur Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world!
Exploring Borobudur Temple
The temple is designed in the form of a step pyramid and comprises of nine tiers that are piled on top of each other. At the center of the temple is a dome that crowns the structure. Visitors can walk around each level and move upwards, signifying the journey towards enlightenment.
This is where you walk in to go to the temple.
The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings that depict different aspects of Buddha’s life and teachings. These carvings not only provide a visual spectacle but also serve as an educational journey for visitors. Make sure to read further about what is allowed, and which days it’s allowed to climb up!
Ticketing Information for Borobudur Temple
To visit Borobudur, tickets can be bought at the entrance or online through the official temple website. Ticket prices differ for domestic and international visitors. Students can enjoy discounts on the tickets.
Before your visit, it is recommended to check the latest ticket information online for any updates. You can buy online tickets here, especially in high season that’s recommended to do. Borobudur Temple has a maximum of 1200 visitors per day and 150 at The Borobudur Temple Monument.
Even if you’re not buying the ticket online you should still check if there are tickets available for the day you want to go. On Mondays you will only be able to buy tickets to the ground and the monument is closed for walking up because it’s cleaning and maintenance day.
You should contact them through the official website, or at least check which tickets are available for the day you want to go. It can be closed for other reasons sometimes, so always check before going!
| Ticket Type | Foreigner Adult | Foreigner Child |
|---|---|---|
| Temple Ground Ticket | IDR 387,500 | IDR 232,500 |
| Temple Structure Ticket | IDR 455,000 | IDR 305,000 |
The prices on their official website are slightly cheaper when you book online than the prices in the ticket office for the Temple Ground.
Planning Your Visit
We are all about exploring, but without planning, exploring is not always as good as it can be!
Best Days and Times for Visiting
The temple is least crowded on weekdays, especially in the early morning after opening or late in the afternoon before closing. Weekends and public holidays generally have more visitors. We recommend buying tickets online to avoid it being sold out, especially if you want to walk up the monument.
On Mondays, the monument is closed for cleaning. You can only walk around on the ground. If you don’t want to walk up the monument, however, Mondays can be a good day to visit as it’s less crowded.
You should plan to spend at least 1 hour at Borobudur, but staying for around 2 hours is more optimal.
Optimal Seasons for Visiting Borobudur
The best time to visit Borobudur is from April to October during the dry season as the weather is more favorable for outdoor exploration. There is not much shadow, so bring plenty of water and suncream.
You should also dress appropriately, and cover your legs and shoulders.
Enhancing Your Visit with a Guide
Although exploring Borobudur on your own can be a fulfilling experience, it can be even more enriching if you hire a guide. Guides can provide you with valuable insights into the temple’s history, architecture, and the symbolism behind the reliefs. You can book guided tours on-site or in advance through tour operators.
The Borobudur Heritage Conservation Office has started programs especially targeting youths to make the guides. This is a part of developing the community around Borobudur according to Unesco.
Accessing Borobudur – Transportation Options
Getting to Borobudur from Yogyakarta, the nearest major city, is a fairly simple process. You have the option of traveling by public buses, hiring a private car or scooter, Grab/Gojek or joining a guided tour. The journey typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours. If you are traveling from other cities such as Semarang or Solo, it is recommended to hire a private car or use bus services.
There are also accommodations in Borobodur, read further for more information. It’s a good option if you want to see the sunrise at Borobudur.
Borobudur Temple Location and Opening Hours
Borobudur is situated about 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta and is open daily. Standard opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but extended hours are available for sunrise tours.
For The tickets walking the monument, this is the daily session times.
| Session Time | Temple Visit Hours |
|---|---|
| 08:30 Session | 09:00 – 10:00 WIB |
| 09:30 Session | 10:00 – 11:00 WIB |
| 10:30 Session | 11:00 – 12:00 WIB |
| 11:30 Session | 12:00 – 13:00 WIB |
| 12:30 Session | 13:00 – 14:00 WIB |
| 13:30 Session | 14:00 – 15:00 WIB |
| 14:30 Session | 15:00 – 16:00 WIB |
| 15:30 Session | 16:00 – 17:00 WIB |
Official Resources and Website
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website of Borobudur Temple. Here, you can find details on tickets, opening hours, as well as any special events or notices.
Navigating Restrictions: Climbing and Closures
If you’re planning to climb to the top of Borobudur, it’s crucial to respect the temple and take measures to preserve it. Certain areas may be closed for restoration work or maintenance, so it’s advisable to check for any closure notices beforehand.
To walk the Monument you will need to buy the tickets for that! Be aware you cannot buy those tickets on Mondays.
The Experience of a Sunrise Tour at Borobudur
It is truly an awe-inspiring experience to witness the sunrise from Borobudur. Special sunrise tour tickets are available for visitors who wish to enter the complex early in the morning. These tours offer a serene and almost mystical experience as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the temple.
If you are on a budget and are at Borobudur at the right time of the year you can see the sunrise with the normal ticket. Check when sunrise is, just google “Borobudur sunrise”, but normally sunrise is around 5 in the morning, so you will be too late with the normal ticket.
The cheapest way to see the sunrise is to go to Setumbu Hills. But if you want the real sunrise experience you will be paying much more, from around 500,000 RP. The more premium option is the Manohara sunrise tour, ask them even if you are not staying there. Other companies around Borobudur offer sunrise tours aswell.
Accommodations: Where to Stay Nearby
There are several accommodation options near Borobudur, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly guesthouses. Staying near the temple can be advantageous, especially if you plan to attend a sunrise tour.
For those on a budget, you can find guesthouses around the house. Also, consider staying in Yogyakarta if you don’t have to see the sunrise! Yogyakarta is a city worth staying in for most travelers.
Borobudur Temple: A Journey Through History
Borobudur Temple’s history is just as captivating as the temple itself. Built during the 8th and 9th century Sailendra Dynasty, it was left deserted for many years before it was rediscovered in 1814. Over the years, the temple has undergone a number of restoration efforts, with the most significant one occurring in the 1970s with the support of UNESCO.
in 1985 there was a terrorist attack at Borobudur Temple. With Borobudur now being one of the most visited sites in Indonesia its a very safe place to visit.
Preserving Borobudur: Restoration Efforts and Future Plans
Efforts to preserve Borobudur are ongoing, with a focus on structural stability, environmental threats, and visitor management. The Indonesian government and international organizations are working together to ensure that Borobudur’s legacy endures for generations to come.
A visit to Borobudur is not just a travel bucket list item; it’s a journey into the heart of Indonesia. We know how it is when traveling, you can’t always see all the sights. But Borobudur is so significant that it’s an absolute must-visit if you have the possibility.
Happy Exploring!
