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A Complete Guide to Visiting Indonesia’s Most Iconic Temple
One of Indonesia’s greatest treasures, Borobudur Temple is an awe-inspiring 9th-century Buddhist monument and the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Sitting majestically in the heart of Central Java, it offers a spiritual and historical journey unlike any other. While the temple is stunning at any time of day, watching the sunrise in Borobudur is a truly magical experience. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Borobudur, from its history and architecture to ticket prices, best visiting times, and recommended guided tours.
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Borobudur: the Jewel of Yogyakarta
Borobudur is located in the island of Java, roughly 40km northwest of Yogyakarta. While Jakarta is the official capital of Indonesia, Yogyakarta is its most important cultural hub. While most people stop in Yogyakarta (or Joigja) just to visit Borobudur, it’s worth mentioning that the former capital is not short on things to do. Yogyakarta is famous for its traditional arts, Sultan’s Palace (Kraton), Prambanan Temple, and its delicious street food scene. Also, it is near some incredible natural wonders, like Mount Merapi and Jomblang Cave.
READ: 11 top things to do in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
In any case, you’re here because of Borobudur, so let’s talk about this wonderful temple:
The History & Architecture of Borobudur Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a Deep History
Built in the 9th century during the Sailendra Dynasty, Borobudur was abandoned for centuries and later rediscovered in 1814 under volcanic ash. Today, it stands as one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world, attracting pilgrims and travelers alike.
Symbolism & Structure
Borobudur is not a typical temple—it is a massive three-tiered pyramid designed to represent a Buddhist mandala, symbolizing the path to enlightenment:
- Kamadhatu (The World of Desires) – The lowest level, depicting human desires and earthly attachments.
- Rupadhatu (The World of Forms) – The middle levels, showing the path toward enlightenment with intricate stone reliefs.
- Arupadhatu (The World of Formlessness) – The upper levels, representing spiritual awakening, featuring 72 stupas with Buddha statues inside.
The central stupa at the top represents nirvana, the ultimate state of enlightenment in Buddhism.
Artistic Masterpieces
The temple walls are adorned with over 2,672 relief panels—the longest sequence of Buddhist reliefs in the world—telling stories from the Jataka tales and the life of Buddha. Each carving is a masterpiece, offering insight into ancient Javanese culture, philosophy, and religious teachings.
How to Visit Borobudur: Essential Logistics
Entrance Fee
- Regular Entry: IDR 455,000 (~$30 USD)
- Sunrise Tour: IDR 500,000 – 750,000 (~$33-$50 USD), bookable through Manohara Resort
- Combined Ticket (Borobudur + Prambanan): IDR 825,000 (~$55 USD)
Opening Hours
- Regular Entry: 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunrise Tour: 4:30 AM – 6:00 AM (Special access via Manohara Resort)
How to Get There
- By Private Driver – The easiest way from Yogyakarta (~IDR 500,000 for a full-day rental).
- By Tour Package – Many agencies in Yogyakarta offer sunrise tours.
- By Public Bus – Take a TransJogja bus to Jombor Terminal, then transfer to a local bus to Borobudur (cheap but slow).
Best Time to Visit Borobudur
Sunrise: The Ultimate Experience
Watching the sunrise at Borobudur is an unforgettable moment. As the sun rises behind Mount Merapi and Mount Merbabu, the golden light bathes the temple’s stone stupas, creating a surreal, almost mystical atmosphere.
Best Months to Visit
- Dry Season (April – October): Best weather with clear sunrise views.
- Rainy Season (November – March): Fewer tourists, but cloudy mornings are common.
Avoid Peak Times
- Weekends & Indonesian Holidays: Expect large crowds.
- Midday: It gets hot and crowded, making early morning the best time to visit.
- Mondays: the upper area of the temple is closed, so you can’t climb it!
Best Guided Tours to Borobudur
1. Borobudur Sunrise & Prambanan Full-Day Tour
- Includes: Borobudur sunrise, Prambanan visit, and hotel transfers.
- Perfect for: Travelers who want to see both UNESCO temples in one day.
2. Borobudur Sunrise, Merapi Volcano & Prabanan Tour
- Includes: Borobudur sunrise, Mount Merapi Jeep tour, and Prambanan visit.
- Perfect for: Adventure lovers looking to combine history and nature.
3. Guided Borobudur Only Tour
- Includes: Transportation to Borobudur and English-speaking guided tour (entrance fee paid separately)
- Perfect for: Travelers who prefer to focus on the history of the temple.
Tips for Visiting Borobudur
- Book your sunrise ticket in advance – It sells out fast!
- Do not book on Monday – if you plan to climb it.
- Wear comfortable clothing – The temple involves steep stair climbing.
- Respect the dress code – Modest attire is recommended (sarongs are provided).
- Bring a flashlight – If visiting for sunrise, the climb begins in the dark.
- Pair it with Prambanan – Since you’re already in Yogyakarta, visiting both temples is a must!
Looking for a Cheaper Alternative to Borobudur?
If you still want to visit Borobudur temple but you are not willing to pay the price or you want to escape the crowds, you can see the sunrise from Punthuk Setumbu Hill, located nearby and overlooking the temple. You can arrange it yourself if you find your way there, in which case you only have to pay the entrance fee of 30k IDR (1,8€) or 15k IDR if you’re local. The temple is quite far but it is nice to see it rise from the misty rainforest at dawn.
On the other hand, if you plan to avoid the sunrise crowds in Borobudur but want to visit it anyway (and throw in Prambanan for a perfect day), perhaps this tour is for you:
4. Setumbu Sunrise, Borobudur & Prambanan Tour
- Includes: Transportation to Setumbu, Borobudur and Prambanan with an English-speaking guided tour (entrance fee paid separately)
- Perfect for: Travelers who want to avoid the crowds but not miss anything.
How to get to Borobudur
To get to Borobudur, you’ll first have to get to Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The Adisucipto International Airport is located just 7 kilometers from the city center and serves several domestic and international flights.
Alternatively, you can take a train from Jakarta, Surabaya, or other major cities in Java. The Tugu Station in Yogyakarta is the main train station in the city. Download the KAI Access app to book your tickets or simply go to the train station. Buses are also available for those who prefer a more budget-friendly option. There are several bus terminals in Yogyakarta that serve routes to other cities in Java and other parts of Indonesia. Once in Yogyakarta, you can move around use local transportation such as taxis, buses, and motorcycle taxis to get around the city.
Where to stay in Yogyakarta
Areas to stay in Yogyakarta
When visiting Yogyakarta, there are popular accommodation areas for tourists. One such area is Malioboro, situated in the city center. Here, you can find affordable guesthouses, hostels, and easy access to the main attractions and shopping areas.
Another well-liked area is Prawirotaman, located south of the city center. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of mid-range hotels, restaurants, and cafes. This neighborhood is trendy and popular among backpackers and travelers seeking a hip environment to explore.
If you prefer luxury, the outskirts of the city and the Borobudur area provide high-end resorts and villas. These accommodations are surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and offer views of ancient temples.
For a quieter experience and a touch of authenticity, Sleman, located north of Yogyakarta, is a great option. It’s also home to some of the city’s finest restaurants.
Recommendations based on budget
For budget travelers, some popular choices include the EDU Hostel, Ostic House, and The Packer Lodge. These accommodations offer clean and comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and convenient locations close to the city’s main attractions.
Mid-range travelers can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Greenhost Boutique Hotel, Hotel Neo Malioboro or Gallery Prawirotaman Hotel. These accommodations offer stylish and modern rooms, excellent service, and amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and spas.
For those who want to splurge, there are several high-end hotels and resorts to choose from in Yogyakarta. The Amanjiwo Resort is one of the most luxurious options, set in a stunning location with views of Borobudur Temple. Other amazing options in the area are Villa Borobudur Resort or Plataran Borobudur. The Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta is another popular choice, offering a range of facilities including a golf course, swimming pool, and spa.
Final Thoughts: Is Borobudur Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Whether you’re a history lover, a spiritual traveler, or a photographer, Borobudur offers an unforgettable experience. Climbing to the top of this ancient wonder and watching the sunrise over Java’s misty valleys is a moment that will stay with you forever. There are many things in Indonesia that can make it to your bucket list, whether it is visiting the rice terraces in Ubud, hitting the beach in the Gili islands, enjoying the view over the cliffs in Nusa Penida or discovering the coral reefs and indigenous tribes of Flores. You should definitely add Borobudur and Yogyakarta to your bucketlist! It will not only leave you in awe, but also it will make you understand Indonesia better. So, if you’re planning a Yogyakarta itinerary, make sure to add Borobudur at sunrise to the top of your list!
If you’re thinking on exploring Borobudur, don’t miss out on this read:
11 Epic Things to Do in Yogyakarta: Indonesia’s Magical Culture Hub
And since you’re traveling to Indonesia, why not explore other regions?
Perfect 3 days itinerary in Ubud, Bali
Hiking Mt. Bromo and Mt. Ijen in Java, IndonesiaPerfect 3-day itinerary in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Perfect 10 days Flores itinerary in Indonesia
What to do in North Sumatra, the secret Indonesia keeps from you
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