Borobudur Temple: The Largest Buddhist Monument in the World
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world and is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime, located on the island of Java. The region is surrounded by exceptional natural landscapes in Central Java that you can only discover there.
The temple is imposing, situated atop a hill overlooking green fields and distant hills. It was constructed between 780 and 840 AD under the Syailendra Dynasty, in the Gupta architecture style, which reflects the influence of India on the region. However, there are enough indigenous scenes and elements integrated to give Borobudur an Indonesian touch.
The Magic of Borobudur’s Design
It covers a total area of about 2,500 m² in the Kedu Valley, in the southern part of Central Java. The monument is a design marvel, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and originally 504 Buddha statues, surrounded by lush green spaces. The architecture and masonry of this temple are unparalleled. It was built without using any cement or mortar. The structure is like a massive set of interlocking Lego blocks held together without any glue. It’s no wonder Borobudur is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple remained solid even after ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1814 under the orders of Sir Thomas Stanford Raffles. In the 1970s, the Indonesian government and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former glory. The restoration took eight years, making Borobudur one of Indonesia’s most treasured sites. This is why you’ll find several restrictions on touching or sitting on the site when you visit. The locals truly want to preserve the beauty of this temple as it tells the story of their history.
The temple is adorned with stone bas-relief sculptures, depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. Commentators say it is the largest and most complete collection of Buddhist reliefs in the world, with unmatched artistic value.
Visiting Borobudur
When planning your visit to Borobudur Temple, it is recommended to explore the site on foot. You can choose to walk through Green Park from the entrance. Many vendors will offer you souvenirs and trinkets during your walk in this area. You can also find traditional Indonesian souvenirs such as batik, traditional Indonesian clothing, and other interesting small statues. Although there are regulations to avoid disturbing visitors, it’s recommended to buy traditional souvenirs they sell to remember the beauty of Borobudur Temple.
As you climb to the top of this magnificent temple, you will be amazed by the finely detailed stone carvings displayed on its walls. You should also be mindful of certain etiquettes when visiting this cultural site, such as dressing properly, avoiding any form of vandalism, maintaining respectful behavior, respecting religious activities you may encounter during your visit, and finally, not posing too much for photos. If you wear shorts during your visit, you may need to borrow a sarong and wear it around your hips.
While at the site, make sure to learn more about its history and significance, which are reflected in its many reliefs. Guides are available to help you gain a deeper understanding of this monument with a few language options, so you don’t need to worry about delving into Borobudur’s historical understanding. They can take you on a tour of the site and explain the temple’s history, starting with its construction under the Syailendra Dynasty and explaining each detail. The stone carvings attached to the temple depict legends and stories that have great philosophical significance.
Getting There
Borobudur is located about an hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour or renting a car. During your journey to Borobudur, you can enjoy the fresh air of Magelang city with its tree-lined streets. Borobudur itself stands against the spectacular backdrop of the Menoreh mountain range that surrounds it. It is recommended to visit the site from April to October, which is the country’s dry season. Additionally, it’s better to visit during the day rather than in the evening for a clear view of the temple.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, you will typically need to walk to reach the entrance gate. For international tourists, expect to pay around IDR 350,000 or USD 25 for tickets. If you still need to purchase snacks, there are other street vendors selling traditional Central Javanese cuisine you may have never tasted before. Entering the temple grounds is easy, and most visitors choose to walk around on foot. Alternatively, you can rent a horse-drawn carriage at a reasonable price. Cruise ship passengers docking in Semarang can also take a day trip through Wonosobo to Borobudur. (*)
