The Magnificent Borobudur Temple - CENTRAL JAVA

I have visited this magnificent temple for many times. The first one is when I was in elementary school, joining the school tour program. I have also taken my children to visit this invaluable heritage for many times, and they were always excited and amazed.  

Borobudur is the most famous Buddhist stupa and temple complex in Central Java, Indonesia dating from the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty.  It is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site since 1991. This is one of world's truly great ancient monuments, the single largest Buddhist structure anywhere on earth, and everyone who visits it will be amazed by its scale of location and details of the construction. Set as it is in the heart of the verdant Kedu Plain, the backdrop of mighty active volcanoes only enhances the sense of perfection.

This awe inspiring monument is truly a marvel. After a visit here you will understand why Borobudur is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and a famous icon of Indonesia’s cultural heritage.
Sitting on a hilltop, it covers an massive area, of 123 x 123 meters measuring. The monument is a fantastic design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and stonework of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any kind of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of massive interlocking stone blocks held together without any glue. Imagine the genius architect namely Gunadarma and the huge works to build this masterpiece 1200 years ago, probably with thousands workers and thousands workdays.

As well as being the single most popular tourist attraction in modern day Indonesia, Borobudur has resumed its role as an important place of worship and pilgrimage for Indonesian Buddhists. Visitors should be understanding and respectful of this, especially during major Buddhist holiday periods, such as Vesak holiday.

How to get there

Take a flight, bus or train from Jakarta or other cities of Indonesia to Yogyakarta,  and drive a car or take a bus to Borobudur. It is only about one hour’s drive from Yogyakarta. I recommend you to get there by joining a tour or renting a car. You can find a lot of tour agency in Yogya.
Entering the temple complex is easy and most visitors choose to wander around on foot.

What to eat

Jogjakarta is the best place to go to taste some delicious local specialties. Gudeg is one of them. Don’t miss to try it, remember “gudeg” ok? J

Where to stay

As Borobudur is only a one hour drive from Jogjakarta, many visitors choose to stay in Jogja where there are a wide variety of hotels, from a simple bed & breakfast to 5 starred hotels. You can then conveniently resume your tour to Yogyakarta’s tourist attractions such as Malioboro, Yogyakarta Palace, Prampanan Temple, Parangtritis beach and Depok Beach.  
Another choice, there are hotels perched in the nearby beautiful highlands of Magelang. Magelang hotels are approximately 20 km miles north of the Borobudur Temple.

Tips

·         During a full moon in May, the Vesak (Waisak) festival attracts many pilgrims and visitors. This is a Buddhist festival celebrating the birth, death and enlightenment of Buddha. If you’re interested in cultural festivals, this is an ideal time to visit Borobudur.

·         Dress respectfully in light and comfortable clothes.

·         Hire a licensed tour guide to get better explanation about the temple

·         Use a hat or umbrella to protect you from scorching heat of the sun, especially in dry season.

Additional source: www.indonesia.travel