Lies the magnificent Borobudur temple, sitting on a hill in central Java, surrounded by volcanoes and lush, green fields. This massive 9th-century structure was buried under a dense jungle blanket and volcanic ash before Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles unearthed it. Then British Raja of Indonesia, in the early 19th century. Borobudur is renowned as the world’s largest Buddhist temple and the most visited tourist site in Indonesia. Photographers from around the planet captured the Borobudur sunrise. With its palpable spirituality and striking beauty of design, the enormous stone temple draws pilgrims and tourists EireTrip sequoia national park attractions map from both Indonesia and worldwide. Here are six tips that will assist you in taking advantage of your visit to Borobudur in Indonesia.
- Borobudur hotel tips
It is a 90-minute drive from Yogyakarta airport to Borobudur. If you want to avoid a 3 am start to see the sunrise, then skip the Yogyakarta hotels and reserve a room near the temple instead. Guests staying at Manohara, a two-star hotel located in the temple grounds, get an all-day unlimited entry to Borobudur. Amanjiwo, a lavish 5-star resort overlooking the historic site, is not as convenient as it is further away. Still, it’s a beautiful spot for lunch or sunset drinks if you feel like splashing out. We were glad we had remained at Manohara instead, regardless of the fact we usually love luxury hotels.
- Get to the site early
Like any significant tourist attraction, Borobudur can get busy, so it is best to enter the site early. Gates open at 6 am, allowing you to beat the crowds and the heat. Particular pre-dawn admission and sunrise tours are also offered. If you visit in winter, the usual 6 am entry allows only enough time to get the sunrise. It is also possible to do a day tour to Borobudur.
- Borobudur sunrise tour tips
Sunrise provides visitors with the chance to capture iconic images like those you see on postcards and tourism posters. But, sometimes weather conditions make it challenging to attain the traditional shot of the stupas at sunrise. Fortunately, there are loads of other magnificent photographic opportunities for people who know where to look. When the weather is cloudy at sunrise, then head to Borobudur’s western side, where you can picture soft, purple-hued valleys covered in the early morning mist. Do not forget to get a picture of Borobudur in the ground up to capture its sheer size.
- Borobudur tour tips
This temple is almost 30 meters high and decorated with more than 500 Buddha statues. Including three virtual platforms adorned with 72 large Buddhas, everyone seated within a vast, perforated stone stupa. It’s an energetic walk to the top. So bring plenty of water, even when you’re visiting in the early morning. Rest awhile on the way up, stop by to enjoy the landscape, and interact with other visitors. Do not be surprised if locals want their picture taken with you. Non-Indonesian tourists are far less ordinary here than in nearby Bali, and westerners continue to be viewed as a curiosity.
- What to wear at Borobudur
Wear trousers as the steps leading to the top of the temple are high and not suited to skirts. Comfortable footwear is also essential. Sunrise at the temple’s peak can be cold, especially in winter, so don’t forget to bring a light jacket. Moreover, a rain jacket is ideal as, if it does rain, there’s nowhere to shelter anywhere on the temple itself.
- When to visit Borobudur
Borobudur is a famous destination for local tourists and the faithful. They climb from one level of the temple to another, guided by the stories shown on the almost 3,000 bas-relief carvings that illustrate Buddha’s wisdom and teachings. It’s best to visit midweek when most locals are at work if you prefer to avoid the weekend crowds.
Ready to start your getaway to Borobudur? Visit Wonderful Indonesia, and don’t miss out on the magic!
