Borobudur

Borobudur, built in the seventh and eighth centuries, consists of six square platforms decorated with more than 2,500 relief panels and some 500 Buddha statues, making it one of the most decorated temples on earth. Guided tours of the complex uncover the stories behind the imagery while giving visitors a better understanding of nirvana, karmic laws, and the life of Buddha. You can choose between intimate small-group tours, private tours, or combo tours that might include cycling through nearby villages, rafting on the Progo River, or visits to Pawon and Mendut Temples. If you have some extra time, opt for a two-day tour that includes a visit to Prambanan, a UNESCO-listed Hindu temple.

• Borobudur temple is a must-see for all first-time visitors to central Java.

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven surfaces.

• Borobudur tours from Yogyakarta city can last anywhere from six to 10 hours, depending on the option you choose.

Borobudur is located in the Kedu Plain on the Indonesian island of Java. It is accessible via bus from the Jombor terminal in Yogyakarta. Buses also run regularly from Magelang and take about one hour. Door-to-door minibuses are also available.

Borobudur is Indonesia’s most visited attraction, so it’s a good idea to arrive early on a weekday to beat the crowds. You’ll find the best weather in the dry season, from April to October. Expect high humidity and frequent rainfall from November to March.

For many a traveler, watching a beautiful sunrise at Borobudur is a bucket-list experience. Though you can no longer climb to the top of the temple during the early morning hours, there are tours that will pick you up early and drive to Setumbu Hill—located directly behind the temple—to watch the sunrise before visiting other sights in the area.

As Borobudur is a Buddhist place of worship, visitors are required to dress respectfully and cover their knees. Anyone who arrives in shorts or short skirts will be required to wear a provided sarong during their visit. Special slippers are also given to visitors for walking up to the temple.

Yes, guided tours of Borobudur are available. You can hire a guide on-site when you arrive at the temple, whether you visit on your own or as part of a tour from Yogyakarta, which might include a driver and not a guide. Guides will help you to navigate the site, as well as providing details of the temple’s history.

Yes, climbing to the top of the Borobudur Temple is allowed and is considered a highlight of any visit. You will need to climb a series of staircases to reach the top, but the temple’s magnificent details, not to mention its panoramic views, are worth the climb.

Although Borobudur is located well outside of Yogyakarta, there are a few attractions nearby that you can visit. Pawon Temple and Mendut Temple are two small 9th-century Buddhist temples found just east of Borobudur. Another popular activity is rafting on the Progo River, which flows close to the temples. If you don’t mind traveling via rough and steep hillside roads, the tea plantations at Kebun Teh Nglinggo are a little farther from Borobudur.

Many visitors plan to arrive at Borobudur to enjoy the sunrise, which can be viewed from the top of the surrounding hills. However, it can be quite busy, even at this early hour, and typically gets busier throughout the morning. An alternative option is to arrive for sunset, which can often be quieter.

Yes, you don’t need to book a tour to visit Borobudur and you can visit on your own. If traveling independently, you’ll need to arrange your own tickets and transportation. Be aware that navigating the Javan countryside can be tricky, especially if you’re driving in the dark to arrive for sunrise at the temple.