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We’ve compiled everything you need to know to visit Borobudur Temple in Java Indonesia. This temple is world’s largest Buddhist temple and is a must-visit when you are in Java!
Borobudur Temple Facts
| Location | Central Java, Indonesia |
| Opening Hours | 6 am – 5 pm daily |
| Entrance Fee | 350,000 IDR ($25 USD) |
| UNESCO status | Yes |
Where is Borobudur Temple?
Borobudur Temple is located on the most populated island in the world – Java, Indonesia. It is found in Central Java and you can visit Borobudur Temple from Yogyakarta since it’s only 40 km northwest of the city. There are beautiful mountains and volcanoes in the area surrounding the temple, which also add to the natural beauty of this sacred place.
Why is Borobudur Temple famous?
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in the world and is certainly one of the greatest monuments of Buddhism. It is one of the most impressive archaeological sites found in Southeast Asia and many Buddhists still visit Borobudur temple on pilgrimage. It is also an official UNESCO World Heritage site and the single most visited attraction in Indonesia.
History of Borobudur Temple
Borobudur temple was originally built in the 8th century, so there’s clearly a lot of history here. It later was abandoned and buried under volcanic ash for centuries!
In 1812 it was re-discovered by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, however it was in very poor condition. Because of the condition, it took 200 people 2 months of work to uncover the site in 1814. Later, in 1834, cleaning of the site began.
Then, from 1907 to 1911, Theodore Van Erp led restoration on the temple. Over half a century later from 1973 to 1983 the site underwent a major restoration project led by the Indonesian government with help from UNESCO. In 1991 it was declared an official UNESCO Site with hopes that this sacred site could withstand another 1000 years.
What is inside Borobudur Temple?
When you visit Borobudur Temple, inside you’ll find 6 square platforms with 3 circular platforms on top of them, making 9 total stacked platforms. On top of the highest circular platform there is also a central dome that is encircled by 72 bell-shaped stupas that each house a Buddha statue.
While those 72 are incredibly impressive, in total you can find over 500 Buddha statues at Borobudur Temple.
>>Read: 6 EPIC things to do in the Komodo Islands, Indonesia
How to get to Borobudur Temple
Taking a Grab car or renting a motorbike are certainly the two easiest ways to visit Borobudur Temple.
From Yogyakarta
Since Yogyakarta is the closest major city, it is easiest to do a day trip from there. The drive from Yogyakarta should only take about 1.5 hours and our Grab there cost $11 USD. It is also easy to order a Grab to get back to Yogyakarta, so you don’t need to worry about getting stranded.
Borobudur Temple Entrance fee 2019
For adult foreigners it costs 350,000 IDR ($25 USD) to visit Borobudur Temple. The entrance fee for children under 10 and students is 210,000 IDR, so if you’re a student don’t forget your ID card. If you’d like to also visit the Prambanan Temple you can get a combo ticket for 630,000 IDR per adult and 378,000 IDR per child/student.
Borobudur Temple Hours
You can visit Borobudur Temple daily from 6 am to 5 pm. If you want to have a full sunrise or sunset experience, they offer that experience for a premium rate that also includes breakfast or dinner. Since most times of year you won’t be able to see the sunrise/sunset during normal opening hours, this ticket gets you access as early as 4:30 am for sunrise and as late as 6:20 for sunset.
Pro tip: we went at 2 pm in October and bought the regular ticket. We stuck around and weren’t kicked out until about 5:15, so we were still able to get gorgeous sunset colors without the extra price!
Borobudur Temple Dress Code
In order to be respectful, both men and women should cover their knees when visiting Borobudur Temple. However, if you don’t have appropriate attire they will provide you a sarong free of charge at the entrance.
How to enter
Once you purchase your ticket to visit Borobudur Temple, follow signs to the temple. Then follow the path to enter the temple from the east entrance and also circle the temple three times in a clockwise direction to show respect. In the Buddhist tradition this is called cicumambulating.
Lastly, after you finish your visit you will exit through the west of the temple.
Things to know before visiting
- The complex is rather large, so wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in when you visit Borobudur Temple.
- This place is very popular, especially with the locals, so visiting on a weekday is best to have fewer crowds.
- Speaking of locals, many of them will ask for a photo with you during your visit.
- After you exit you will go through crazy amounts of vendors that will feel like a never-ending maze – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Temple Drone Laws
While aerial views of this place would be gorgeous, it is forbidden to fly a drone at Borobudur temple. It is always important to follow local drone laws!
>> Read: Must-have Travel Photography Gear
Enjoy your time in Java!
Kylie & Scott
(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! Also make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)
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