Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple


Join the other pilgrims visiting one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples for its profound meaning and spectacular architecture.

Borobudur Temple is an otherworldly Mahayana Buddhist temple compound. The UNESCO site comprises nine layered platforms and myriad shapes that come together to form this astounding complex. Marvel at the sheer invention and variation in the décor and architecture in one of Buddhism’s most prominent and iconic monuments.

Arrive for sunrise to see the silhouettes of the temple spires against the dramatic backdrop of the sky. Surrounding the complex is the green, lush terrain of the Kedu Plain, which contains volcanoes and mountains. Marvel at the excellent attention to detail in the 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

Each side of the square base is 387 feet (118 meters) long. Climb up the many layers of the structure, which is made from dark gray andesite stone. At the central summit of the enormous monument is a large dome surrounded by 72 Buddha sculptures.

Employ a travel guide for a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the Buddhist statues. The archaeological park also contains the Samudraraksa Museum and the Karmawibhangga Museum, which shed light on local history.

Ride the miniature train with your kids for a fun way to get around the complex. Consider renting a bicycle to travel around the site and the surrounding villages in the area. Admire artisanal products form local vendors at the stalls outside the monument’s park. Haggling over price is common practice.

Relax in the serene grounds that surround the monument. Lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic with your friends.

The site opens daily from early morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter the complex. Discounts are available for students. Combination deals that include a visit to the Prambanan temple compound are available. Pay an additional fee to ride the small train.

Borobudur Temple is in Central Java, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north-west of Yogyakarta. Drive here from the city center in around 75 minutes. Take a bus from the Jombor bus terminal or try the Trans Jogja bus.

Reviews of Borobudur Temple

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 8%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 8%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Avoid an expensive private tour and hire a local taxi and then employ one of the guides at the venue. It was about 1/5 of the price over all.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

Too expensive entrance fee for the foreigner and the exit sign mean long long way looks like the maze of market.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Borobudur Temple

A trip to Borobudur Temple offers a variety of engaging activities, including witnessing breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, as well as guided tours of this magnificent site. Additionally, art exhibitions in the vicinity provide a cultural experience, allowing visitors to appreciate local artistry while immersing themselves in the rich heritage of Central Java. Make sure to enjoy these highlights during your visit to Borobudur.

Shopping

The Borobudhur Traditional Market, located 966m from the temple, offers a lively public market experience. For a broader selection, Pottery Pak Poyo Workshop is just 3.2km away, while Jogja City Mall, 24.1km away, features a variety of entertainment and shopping options if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

Svargabumi Borobudur, located 644m from Borobudur Temple, offers a tranquil retreat for relaxation and wellness. For a more active experience, the Borobudur Golf Country Club, 12.9km away, provides a stunning golfing experience amidst lush landscapes. Alternatively, Maguwoharjo Stadium, 112.9km away, is perfect for sports enthusiasts.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Jogja Bay, a vibrant waterpark located 29.0km from Borobudur Temple. Enjoy exhilarating water slides, lazy rivers, and family-friendly attractions, perfect for a fun-filled day of adventure and relaxation in a lively atmosphere.

Nightlife

In Borobudur, the vibrant local scene comes alive at night with charming cafes and cultural performances. The nearby town offers quaint eateries and lively markets, where you can savour traditional Indonesian dishes and shop for handicrafts, creating a delightful evening atmosphere under the starry skies.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Borobudur Temple

The area surrounding Borobudur Temple offers a delightful mix of cultural and outdoor experiences, ideal for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in local heritage. Visitors can explore the magnificent temple itself, alongside various monuments and educational institutions, all of which showcase the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Central Java. Whether you're interested in history or simply wish to enjoy the scenic beauty, Borobudur has something to captivate every visitor.

  • Candi Pawon: Located a mile from Borobudur Temple, Candi Pawon is a serene temple that exudes cultural charm. Its intricate carvings and historical significance offer visitors a glimpse into ancient Javanese architecture and spirituality.
  • Punthuk Setumbu Hill: Situated two miles away, this lookout provides an exhilarating outdoor experience. Known for its breathtaking views, especially at sunrise, it’s perfect for adventure seekers and couples looking for a romantic backdrop amidst lush landscapes.
  • Mendut Buddhist Monastery: Also located two miles from Borobudur Temple, this monastery offers a tranquil atmosphere enriched with cultural heritage. Visitors can admire the majestic Buddha statue and participate in meditation sessions, deepening their spiritual journey.

Best time to go to Borobudur Temple

The best time to visit Borobudur Temple is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. November is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April74.1°F (23.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August71.8°F (22.1°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October74.1°F (23.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November74.3°F (23.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Borobudur Temple

To save money during your visit to Borobudur Temple, consider travelling in February, March, or September when accommodation prices are lower. Book hotels about a month in advance, ideally on a Wednesday, to secure the best rates. For spontaneous travellers, check Expedia for last-minute deals. Utilise their search tool to filter by budget and eco-friendly options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can also lead to significant savings. Remember, April, June, and December are peak months, so plan accordingly to avoid higher prices.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Borobudur Temple are February to March and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Borobudur Temple about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Borobudur Temple is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Borobudur Temple is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels at a glance. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation near Borobudur Temple with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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