Borobudur Temple is one of the world’s largest Buddhist monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 8th century during the Syailendra dynasty, this magnificent temple in Magelang, Central Java, is a major attraction for both domestic and international travelers coming to Indonesia.
Today, Borobudur Temple remains an active site for religious practices. During Waisak, monks from around the world gather here to commemorate this sacred day. So, can tourists still enter the temple grounds even with its religious significance? Yes, visitors are welcome, though access is somewhat more restricted than in previous years when full entry to the temple grounds was allowed.
Even with these restrictions, there’s plenty to explore in the temple’s vast courtyard. From taking a local tour and visiting the historical museum to experiencing unique cultural activities, this article will guide you through the splendor of one of the world’s 7 wonders, right here in Indonesia.
About Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is located north of Yogyakarta, specifically in Magelang, Central Java. It is approximately 39 km away, or about a 1-hour ride.
Borobudur is a Buddhist temple characterized by numerous stupas containing Buddha statues, which serve as spiritual symbols. The temple covers an area of 2,500 square meters and stands 35.4 meters high. It is believed to have been built in the 8th century, around 750 AD, with construction taking approximately 75 years.
Situated in a hilly area, Borobudur Temple boasts a green and cool surrounding landscape. Additionally, it features thousands of reliefs adorning its walls. These reliefs depict the story of Buddha bringing teachings and peace to humanity.
At the top section, known as the main stupa, there is a statue of Buddha meditating. It is said that if you can touch one of the Buddha statues in the stupas, your wish will come true. You might want to try proving this during your visit to this magnificent site.
There is also a vast garden with a variety of plant collections, as well as a restaurant and hotel for those interested in staying near the temple.
Yogyakarta is full of attractions you shouldn’t miss. Check out our recommendations in Yogyakarta: Most Popular Tourist Attractions and Practical Tips
How to Get to Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple with a Tour
Borobudur Temple is located quite a distance from Yogyakarta’s city center. If you’re planning to visit for sunrise or sunset, it’s best to rent a vehicle or use a tour service to get there, as public transportation isn’t ideal during these hours.
One advantage of hiring a tour service is that they often include stops at scenic spots like Punthuk Setumbu or Suroloyo Hill, where you can enjoy a stunning sunrise view of Borobudur Temple from above. I highly recommend joining one of these tours, especially if you travel in a group.
Public Transportation to Borobudur
There are also public transportation options like buses and the DAMRI Shuttle from Yogyakarta. Unfortunately, if you take the bus, you won’t be able to go directly to the temple and will need to continue with an angkot. That’s why I recommend the DAMRI Shuttle, which takes you to the nearest location to Borobudur. It departs from Yogyakarta at Kilometer Nol (KM 0) in front of the Bank Indonesia building, takes about 2 hours and the price is 20,000 IDR (around 1,3 USD).
The DAMRI shuttle has a capacity of only 15 passengers, but you can purchase your ticket in advance through the DAMRI app. Just ask for assistance at your reception, or arrive well in advance.
Renting Cars or Motorbikes
If you’re considering using Grab or GoJek, keep in mind that the fare from Yogyakarta to Borobudur can be quite expensive, typically around IDR 200,000 or more for one way. It may also be challenging to find a car for the return trip to the city, so I’d generally recommend avoiding this option.
For experienced riders, renting a motorbike is another great option for getting to Borobudur. Yogyakarta has plenty of rental shops, and some hostels even offer this service.
Entrance Tickets and Operating Hours
How to Get Tickets?
Borobudur Temple offers several options for purchasing entry tickets, including tickets for the courtyard (temple ground tickets) and tickets to enter the temple (temple structure tickets). Tickets can be purchased both offline and online. If you plan to enter the temple, it is best to book tickets online and in advance due to daily visitor limits.
Here are the entrance ticket prices for Borobudur Temple:
- Temple Ground Tickets:
- Adults (10 years and older): IDR 400,000 (USD 25)
- Children (3-10 years): IDR 225,000(USD 15)
- Temple Structure Tickets:
- Adults (10 years and older): IDR 455,000 (USD 30) including temple ground ticket
- Children (3-10 years): IDR 305,000 (USD 20) including temple ground ticket
If you buy a ticket to the structure ticket when booking online, you must select your visit time, as there will be a check on entry schedules based on the time you choose. The advantage of buying a temple entry ticket is that you will receive a Pamong Carita (Tour Guide) service and special sandals that you can take home.
You can book your visit tickets through websites like Traveloka, Tiket.com, or visit their official site at ticket.borobudurpark.com (booking may be slightly more complicated there).
Difference in Temple Structure Tickets
When booking Borobudur temple climbing tickets, you’ll see group names like Kalyamitra, Bhumisambhara, Mandala, Caitya, Mahakarya, Mayana etc. These names simply refer to different groups, as each session has 150 people divided into groups of 15-20, each with a guide. There are eight climbing sessions daily, and each group spends one hour in the temple. There is no difference in the area they cover.
Operating Hours
Borobudur Temple is open every day from Monday to Sunday, but there is no temple entry service on Mondays. The temple courtyard can be visited from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Temple entry schedule: 8:30 AM; 9:30 AM; 10:30 AM; 11:30 AM; 12:30 PM; 1:30 PM; 2:30 PM; 3.30 PM.
Backindo Tip: Arrive in the morning to enjoy cooler temperatures before it gets too hot.
Vesak (Waisak) Celebration in Borobudur
Vesak Day, also known as Trisuci Waisak, is the most significant Buddhist holiday, marking the birth, enlightenment, and death of Gotama Buddha.
In Indonesia, the Vesak celebration takes place at Borobudur Temple and is a vibrant event attended by both Buddhists and the general public. Participants pray together, carry candles at night, and release thousands of lanterns into the sky. This celebration is usually held in May, and it’s a fascinating event to witness. Next year’s Vesak is expected to take place on May 23, 2025.
There is an additional fee to enter the temple area and join the festivities. The tickets can be purchased via Tiket.com.
Nearby Attractions to Borobudur Temple
Besides visiting Borobudur Temple, you can also engage in various other activities around the temple area, such as:
- Renting Bicycles: You can rent a bicycle to explore the temple area and surrounding villages.
- Around Borobudur with Shuttle Park: Tour the Borobudur Temple garden via local transport for around IDR 25,000 per person.
- Visiting Samudraraksa Museum: A maritime museum with advanced technology that lets you explore Indonesia’s oceans. It’s located in the Borobudur park area.
- Visiting Other Temples: Besides Borobudur, there are several other interesting temples to visit nearby, such as Pawon Temple and Mendut Temple.
- Hiking to Punthuk Setumbu and Gereja Merpati: West of Borobudur Temple, the Menoreh mountains provide a green and expansive view. You can see the temple from a height shrouded in clouds, and afterward, visit the unique Merpati Church.
Tips for Visiting Borobudur Temple
- Arrive Early:To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit Borobudur Temple in the morning.
- Hire a Guide: If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Borobudur Temple, consider hiring a guide.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Since you will be walking a lot, wear comfortable clothes, preferably in light colors, and appropriate footwear.
With its natural beauty and rich history, Borobudur Temple is a must-visit destination when you are in Yogyakarta. Although the ticket is a bit pricey, the experience is worth every penny when you visit this temple.
Planning to visit Prambanan as well: Read Prambanan Temple Guide: A Majestic Hindu Temple Complex.
If you’re interested in visiting Borobudur Temple and exploring Yogyakarta and Central Java, we can recommend trustworthy guides. Feel free to email us at hello@backindo.com to join in on the adventure!