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Situated on the world's most populated island, Java, Indonesia, Borobudur is a Buddhist monument, dating back to the ninth century. It is actually a complex of six square platforms transcended by three other discoid platforms embellished with 504 statues of Buddha and 2,672 relief panels. Most travelers have only read about this massive temple and may be watched some TV programs about it. This one-of-a-kind Indonesia monument is one of those places one should visit before one dies. It is the largest Buddhist temple on earth and would perfectly fit travelers going to be backpacking in Indonesia. Here is why Indonesia’s Borobudur is worth a visit.
The History Of The Temple
Mounted in the Kedu Valley, on Central Java's southern side, right amidst the island, the Borobudur temple was constructed during the rule of the Syailendra Dynasty in the eighth and ninth centuries. The building was used as a Buddhist Temple until the 10th-15th centuries when it was neglected because the region was slowly converting to Islam. This massive temple was abandoned and buried in the jungle. It was until the 19th century, during the British rule that it was rediscovered. Thomas Stamford Raffles, the Lieutenant Governor-General, together with 200 men, cut down the trees surrounding the jungle, to uncover the temple complex. Its restoration occurred in the 20th century and has been attracting thousands of visitors since then.
How To Get There
Yogyakarta is the closest city to the temple, travelers can easily do a day trip, and make use of its airport, Adisucipto International Airport. The airport offers several domestic flights across the country as well as international flights. Once in Yogyakarta, a Grab car or rented motorbike is the easiest and most convenient way of getting to the Borobudur Temple.
- The time it takes to arrive at the temple complex from Yogyakarta: One and a half hours
- The cost of a Grab car: $11
Once in Kedu Valley, where the temple is located, getting back to Yogyakarta is very easy. One needs to order a Grab car to take them back, so no worries about getting stranded there.
Another easy way of getting to the Temple Complex from Yogyakarta is by public bus, but it can be uncomfortable. Travelers using this option will have to use two different buses to get to the temple. There is a bus leaving Jombor Bus Terminal and driving up to the Northern Jakarta Bus Terminal. From there, visitors will take another bus, the Borobudur Bus Terminal to get to the world's largest Buddhist Temple.
- The time it takes to get to Borobudur by bus: One and a half hours
- The cost of a public bus: $1.72
One can also use a bus from Megelang or from Semarang to Borobudur Temple Complex.
- The time it takes to get to Borobudur from Magelang: One hour
- The time it takes to get to Borobudur from Semarang: Three hours
Tourists will also encounter many travel agents offering minibus tours to the temple. These minibus tours are time efficient and will get travelers there faster.
- The cost of minibus tours: $5.17
Where To Stay When Visiting Borobudur
Where one stays when visiting Indonesia's Borobudur depends on whether they want to tour the temple at sunrise. If that's the case, then it would be wise t stay at the immediate surrounding one of the many hotels along the road and around the temple. Travelers who don't mind waking up before sunrise to get to Borobudur and are planning their tour later in the day can afford to stay in the nearby towns of Magelang and Yogyakarta.
Where To Dine
Most eating points around Borobudur are situated near the main bus station, most of which are hawker stalls offering street food and drinks at budget-friendly costs. There are also several food eateries and coffee shops around. Manohara Hotel hosts a restaurant where travelers can dine at. The restaurant serves local and international dishes and is one of those perfect spots to get a bite while visiting Borobudur. The hotel provides Sunrise Tours to travelers looking to on such trips.
Why Visiting Borobudur Temple Is Worth It
Why wouldn’t one want to experience the world’s largest temple made of more than two million stones? The temple comprises picturesque reliefs carved in stones and stupas assuming the shapes of bells, each having Buddha statues beautifully gazing into the distance. Travelers are bound to have the most fascinating sunrise and sunset views. Visitors will encounter crowds during these hours, but the hustle is worth it.
Visit Borobudur in May and witness the Vesak, a Buddhist Festival featuring celebrations. A procession follows when the night falls, and it includes saffron-robed monks trekking five miles to Borobudur from Mendut temple carrying candles. The temple is lightened up and monks release lanterns lit with candles into the night once the chanting and praying in the evening is over.
Now a Buddhist archaeological site, Borobudur is a major tourist destination that one should visit at least once in a lifetime.