You just can’t resist the lure of walking around the Borobudur Temple when you are in Yogyakarta. Well, exploring up to the top of the temple would have been better if it hasn’t been prohibited. Borobudur was closed because of the pandemic and it was only recently that it was opened again. Still, visitors cannot go up and are limited on the grounds.
That’s exactly what we did. Walking around Borobudur Temple and gazing at its massiveness is a memory imprinted in my mind. I remembered our visit to the Swayambhunath Temple in Nepal where we were able to go up and appreciate the stupas. Swayambhunath is tiny compared to Borobudur. Imagine having to explore 72 stupas and more than 500 Buddha statues around the temple.
Why visit the Borobudur Temple?
Yogyakarta is easily associated with the Borobudur Temple. Rightly so because this is a cultural treasure dating back to the eighth and ninth centuries. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and has been the site of pilgrimage for Buddhists in Southeast Asia. When it was still possible to go up to the stupas, staying here would easily take hours of exploring around. For some, they consider it a spiritual journey climbing up to the top all the while consciously taking note of the symbolic levels of consciousness until they reach the top – enlightenment. I would have liked it, too.
But don’t let this discourage you from going there. Seeing it from the ground is quite an experience already. I tried to go around and look closely at its walls and carvings and just let my imagination work on how it is climbing up to the top. You can check a few of the photos on my Facebook page.
Useful Tips
We are foreigners here in Indonesia but we are similar in looks to the Indonesians. I hope you will not take this against us but we opted to pay the entrance rate for locals. Yes, you understand it right. There are different entrance fees for locals and tourists. The entrance fee for locals is 50,000IDR (3.30usd) while foreigners or orang asing should pay 300,000IDR (20usd). These rates are as of the first week of July 2022.
Our drivers were with us and we asked them to pay the entrance fee. There is a separate entry for locals and foreigners, too. And we were told that foreigners need to have tourist guides with them.
You will not immediately see the Borobudur Temple as it is covered by trees. The temple grounds is huge so you will be tempted to either take the horse-drawn carriage or the tram or even bicycles. Our children rode bicycles (I forgot how much exactly per bicycle but it shouldn’t cost more than 25,000IDR per hour). My friend, Carmela, and I rode the horse-drawn carriage so we were able to go around the temple grounds.
We belatedly realized the temple was just near the entrance. So if you want to skip going around the temple grounds because the main attraction really is the Borobudur Temple, do not take the carriage. You can walk and in less than ten minutes you will be greeted by the grandeur of the temple. It is simply covered and blocked by trees which give the impression it is far.
Take photos, lots of it!
Our cell phones make it convenient for us to take photos so take as much as you can. I know nothing beats memories stored in your heart but photos to remind you of your visit are so worth it. If you are one of those who carry high-resolution cameras, good for you. If you don’t have, there are plenty of photographers around who are only too happy to take your photos and print those you choose. We were told it was 40,000IDR per photo but when one of our drivers asked, he was told it was 20,000IDR per photo. So, you might as well remember this when you avail of photo services there.
I am highly suggesting this because you might only think about going in here only once. Yogyakarta is a 10-11 hours drive from Jakarta (you can take the plane, of course) and even if you return, you might want to explore other places in the Java region of Indonesia. But Borobudur is a top priority when you are visiting Yogyakarta. Aside from its history and significance, it is also one of the few places in the world listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Nice and best experience kapag nakapunta dito sa Borobudur temple and take some photos ❤️worth it naman pala,kasi ang ganda naman po & Thank you for sharing the full details 🤗
Id always amazed and appreciate all the virtual tour of yours!Mam Wendy,all exciting part ! Glimpse of the hidden gem of Indonesia! To top of it …it was considered as UNESCO world heritage, ! Beautiful
Such a beautiful place,sobrang sarap po maglakadlakad dito and taking photos ❤️😍it’s really great to experience Borobudur Temple the UNESCO world heritage,sobrang memorable nito for sure❤️
Wow ang ganda ganda nman po jan ms. Wendy . Sa ganitong place din masarap maka experience . Thank you for sharing this! 😍
Love this ❤️the best naman po ang Borobudur temple ang ganda ng view and sure na may matututunan din talaga dito lalo na sa History nito
Such a wonderful place to visit in Yogyakarta! Ang ganda naman po dyan sa Borobudur Temple great experience to visit this UNESCO heritage site! Yes, take a lot of pictures and enjoy every moment. Ang ganda din po maglakad lakad dyan 🥰
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[…] representing two different beliefs. So, while you are here, you should take the time to go to the Borobudur Temple and the Prambanan Temple. I don’t think I will ever be at ease if I left Yogyakarta without […]