5 IMPORTANT REASONS WHY YOU

SHOULD VISIT BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

If Egypt is known for the pyramids, Indonesia is known for its colossal
Buddhist temple, the largest one in the world, Borobudur Temple.

BOROBUDUR Temple in Indonesia

Borobudur is located in Magelang, Central Java. It is 40 kilometers northwest of
Yogyakarta and 86 kilometers west of Surakarta.

The size of the temple is 123×123 meters, more than triple the size of Gedung
Sate. So it’s very huge.

Today this magnificent building remains the largest and most complete
Buddhist reliefs in the world.

Many mountains stand elegantly, circling the temple, including the famous
volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu, which highlighted the majestic atmosphere
that covers the area. 

#1 Uniqueness of Borobudur Temple

If you haven’t decided yet where your next trip will be, make sure Borobudur is
on your list.

Listed as one of the world’s seven wonders, Borobudur indeed has a stunning
view that leaves you amazed at how ancient humans can build such a delicate
architecture in a traditional way.

It was established during the Sailendra dynasty ruling in the 9th century, before
you and I was born I am sure. The temple demonstrates a blended culture of
Javanese and Buddhists, presented two different beliefs which are the
worshiping of ancestors and Nirvana.

If you enjoy the heritage of the ancient kingdom, you wouldn’t want to miss this
one. You will find traces of religious influence mixed with the greatness of the
Buddha kingdom at that time. 

From its building, history, to its location, Borobudur offers you with experience
of a distinct wonder and mystic altogether. 
 #2 Buildings

Like any other religious buildings, the shape of Borobudur represents a

symbolic meaning of Buddha’s view on Mandala, the universe. As you enter
through its park you’ll gaze right away on a magnificent temple built in square.  

From the top view, you can see that it is an immense square temple surrounded
by many green trees which create a fresh impression of this ancient temple that
already existed hundreds of years ago. 

The temple itself has four entry points, with a round center point at its top. From
the external to the internal area, the temple depicts the level of human
consciousness, consisting of 3 main levels of the building. 

The temple itself takes the form of the stupa, a place where the monks meditate.
If we look closer to the temple, the overall building almost looks like a pyramid
shape.

That’s why, it’d be an interesting pilgrimage trip for visitors who wish to search
for a deeper meaning of human existence, or tracing how ancient culture from a
distant place could meet and influence each other. 

Now let’s take a look into the 3 core levels of the building. 

 #Kamadhatu 
Kamadhatu represents the world of desires. This is the outer part of the temple
and serves as its base. People who spend their entire life to pursue worldly
desires, according to Buddha teaching, are at this lowest level. 

When you walk down this area, you’d find out 160 reliefs that picturing the
negative effect of human desire such as robbing, killing, rape, torture, and
defamation.

#Rupadhatu
At the second level of this four square temple, you’d meet small square places
that are fixedly attached back into the wall of the temple, namely niches, where
the statues of Buddha are. There are 328 Buddha statues in the area. 

Rupadhatu was made out of 5 squares of a raised level surface that presents the
body of the temple. 

#Arupadhatu 
Continue walking then you’ll be in the circular center point of the temple,
namely Arupadhatu. Pass by the three circular terraces, you’d end up in the
stupa that represents the highest form of existence, the formless world.

You’ll also find 72 stupas. Among them, there is a large topmost central stupa. 

#3 Design and Geographic Location

The temple was wonderfully designed with robust materials. Traditionally built
out of stone, without mortar or cement, you’d notice that it required a high skill
of stoneworks to complete the construction. 

There are 2,672 relief panels in the temple and consisted of 504 Buddha statues.

All the statues are in a meditative position with 6 different hand positions
according to Buddha’s face direction. Not only that, there were sculptures that
picture artistically the life of Buddha in the temple. 
 

So, can you imagine how long it takes to complete the temple and how many
people are involved without any modern technology? 

Another thing that makes Borobudur an astonishing destination to visit is its

corridor where the two temples namely Pawon and Mendut placed accurately in
line with Borobudur. 

#4 Experience in Borobudur Temple

Borobudur keeps unique experiences from religious, historical to natural view
for its visitors. You’d get a complete package of learning, relaxing, and
traveling by visiting this giant temple.

Maybe you ask if there is any way to explore Borobudur that is fascinating yet
meaningful. Yes indeed, if you walk on foot and learn a bit of the history of the
temple before your exploration day.

Now here are some experiences you might get in Borobudur. 

 
#Religious and Cultural Experience 
If you want to see how people worship on Vesak Day, with a different view you
should come to Borobudur. The festival is held each year in April or May. You
can plan your trip this coming month.

Notice that there’d be a beautiful full moon appearing during that time. Quite a
treat, isn’t it? This is one thing that you can only enjoy in Borobudur. 

Now, before we continue, have you prepared the money for your trip to
Borobudur?

#Geographic and Natural View Experience 

As you journey toward the top of the temple, you’d meet many curved stones
artistically designed along the way that gives you delightful experience of the
temple.

Along with that, there is much philosophical significance waiting to be revealed

from the stories of the carvings stones. 

You can use a tour guide service to help you along the way, especially if you
come alone or are doing research. As you arrived, there is a green park where
some vendors sell souvenirs and kids playing around on its sides.

If you bring children, the spot is fit for the playground and resting before
exploring. 
Do you love seeing the sunrise from the top view? Then the perfect time to
come is before 5.00 am. It is pretty early though. But you wouldn’t miss the
exotic view as the sun bursts its light into the stones of the temple.  

You can buy the ticket at the entrance. And as soon as you get it, the staff will
give you a sticker. When you get into the yard in front of the temple, there will
be a security guard who will check your bag and ticket. 

#Ticket
The good news for students is they get a cheaper charge for entry tickets than
the regular price. So, if you are a student make sure to bring the card. 

For international tourists, the price rose from Rp475.000 to Rp500.000 or

US$36.49.

But don’t worry, with many travel services today, you may pay less than that
and get additional services such as tour guides and meals.

Especially if you come to the celebration of Vesak Day, some agencies offer a
discounted price. This option will save your budget particularly if you come
with family.  

If you prefer to have private moments with your spouse, you can look for travel
that offers packages for couples too. 

#How to get to Borobudur?

Borobudur is located in Magelang. From Magelang you can reach the temple by
bus (17km). Other cities near Borobudur are Yogyakarta and Semarang that
have international flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

So, if you come from Yogyakarta it’s closer to Borobudur (40km) than from
Semarang (99km).

You can take either private or public transport to Borobudur from these routes
below: 

 Route from Yogyakarta by bus: Get Trans Jogja Bus (bus line 2A & 2B)
from downtown – go to Jombor bus station – get a bus to Borobudur. 
  Route from Yogyakarta by private vehicle: Yogyakarta – Jl. Magelang –
Sleman – Tempel – Salam – Muntilan – Palbapang – Mendut –
Borobudur Parking lot. 
 Route from Semarang by bus: Take an intercity bus to Magelang – stop
by Magelang bus station, or the Palbapang intersection – take a local bus
to Borobudur bus station. 

#5 Place to Stay
For your relaxation and comfortable stay, here are some nearby hotels to
Borobudur to look for. 

#Manohara Hotel Borobudur

It’s location is the closest to Borobudur and it is nuanced in Javanese culture.
Enjoying the panorama of Menoreh Hills, Kedu Plain, and 4 Volcanoes from
this hotel is a bonus for your trip.

Some services you can get from here are trips to ceremonies, temples and
antique shops. 
#Premier Inn Yogyakarta Adisucipto Hotel
Strategically located near Adisucipto international airport, you can go here
directly and enjoy other easy access to major attractions, shopping malls, and
historical tourist destinations during your stay.

It serves you with 24 hours free Wi-Fi, an en-suite bathroom, a flat-screen TV,
tea and coffee making facilities and a work desk. 

#Platinum Adisucipto Hotel & Conference

It is located across Adisucipto airport and designed in urban business and
leisure style. Get yourself some cozy treats with its on-site bar, spa, and fitness
center. It also provides free private parking on site.

Besides, you can view the real-time flight schedule screen live from Adisucipto
Airport in the lobby. 

#Core Hotel Yogyakarta

Placed conveniently in Yogyakarta Adisucipto Airport and Famous Malioboro
City, the hotel will get you quickly to the culinary, shopping, and culturally
diverse sites in Yogyakarta downtown.

For travelers, the hotel generously provides a free pick-up service from
Adisucipto Airport and a shuttle service to the surrounding area. 

#Joglo Ayem Tentrem

You’ll experience a typical Javanese living style inside this Joglo shaped-hotel.
The serene and tranquil atmosphere helps you to relax after having a long trip.

The hotel offers interesting services from pick-up service from the airport,
booking of the tickets of Sendratari Ramayana, bicycle rental, barbecue to
karaoke set rental.
Conclusion
Visiting Borobudur Temple is more than just a vacation. It is historical and can
be an enlightening trip to the travelers and those who wish to learn about
different cultures and views of the world.

By planning ahead, you can guarantee yourself a more satisfying exploration of

this world’s wonderful heritage.