Discover Borobudur, the best guide!
Visiting the temples of Borobudur is a journey through time. Close to Yogyakarta, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of ancient architecture and culture. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, Borobudur offers an unforgettable experience. Here’s everything you need to know for your visit.
1. Best time to visit 🌞
The best time to visit Borobudur is during the dry season, from April to October. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for exploring the temple. Aim for an early morning visit to catch the sunrise. It’s a magical experience as the first light hits the ancient stones.
2. How to get there 🚘
Borobudur is about 40 kilometers from Yogyakarta. You can reach the temple by car, bus, or taxi. Renting a scooter is also a popular option for more adventurous travelers. Ensure you arrive early to avoid crowds and the midday heat. We went with My Travel Indo and we can only recommend.
3. Why Visit Borobudur?
Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple. It’s renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings. The temple, built in the 9th century, features nine stacked platforms topped by a grand central dome. Over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues adorn the site.
4. What to expect?
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the sight of the majestic temple rising above the lush green landscape. Start your tour at the base and work your way up. Each level represents a stage of enlightenment in Buddhist cosmology. The carvings narrate various stories from the life of Buddha.
5. Visitor Quota 🙂
Temple Structure tickets are limited to a daily maximum of 1,200 people. This quota is divided into 8 sessions per day, each allowing up to 150 visitors. The session 1 starts at 9am, session 2 at 10am etc…
Tips: Given the heat of the day, sessions 1, 2, and 3 are ideal for visiting, but they are also the most popular times. A great alternative is session 7 (3pm), as it starts to cool down by then, and the light is less harsh for photographers.
If possible, avoid sessions 4 and 5 due to the heat, and session 8 since the complex closes at 17:00, and the walk from the temple to the exit takes at least 20 minutes.
6. How to Purchase Tickets for Borobudur Temple 🎟️
Buying tickets for Borobudur Temple is easy and convenient. You can purchase Temple Ground tickets online through the official website, Klook, or Traveloka, or in person at the entry gate. There is a special entry area for foreigners on the left. Ticket counters are open daily from 06:30am to 4:30pm.
To access the temple structure itself, which is highly recommended, make sure to book your preferred session well in advance, especially if you want to join a morning session.
Temple Structure tickets can be bought online via the official website up to seven days ahead of your visit.
Entry fees for foreigners are as follows:
- Temple Ground tickets cost IDR 375,000 per adult
- Temple Structure tickets are IDR 455,000 per adult (an additional IDR 80,000).
Those with Temple Structure tickets will get a wristband and a number token and be led to an outdoor waiting area. There, you will receive flip-flops to wear when accessing the temple with a tote bag for carrying your shoes. The flip-flops are not very comfortable, so bring some band aids. 😂
7. Guided tour 📖
Upon arrival at the temple, your wristband will be scanned, and you will then follow your tour guide up the stairs. The guide will stop couple of times of each levels to provide more information about the temple.
Then, you will have 20 minutes at the top levels to explore on your own. When your time is up, your guide will lead you back down to the temple exit where your wristband will be scanned again. After that, you are free to change back into your shoes and roam around the temple grounds on your own.
To exit the temple grounds, you will need to walk through a maze of souvenir stalls, which takes about 20 minutes to get through.
Visiting Borobudur is more than a trip; it’s a journey into the heart of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. Plan your visit well to fully appreciate this architectural masterpiece. Borobudur awaits, ready to share its ancient secrets and serene beauty.
And if you are ready to discover more, Prambanan temple is beckoning you! You can visit both temple in one day!
Bon voyage! J&T
