Ready to fly off to the island of Java? Take the opportunity to visit Borobudur Temple and the most beautiful religious buildings of Yogyakarta! Follow us... We give you a preview of what awaits you!

Visiting Borobudur Temple

The temple's history

About 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta, discover the Borobudur Temple in the province of Central Java! Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, the site was abandoned for several decades before attracting interest again in the early 19th century…

Since then, this exceptional complex has continued to draw visitors from around the world – over 13,000 per day until 2019! Restored in the 1970s and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, this engineering masterpiece proudly showcases its architecture of volcanic stone.

What to see at Candi Borobudur?

The edifice rises across three distinct levels: a pyramidal base composed of five terraces, three circular platforms, and a stupa.

On site, you can admire more than 2,600 bas-reliefs and their Buddhist iconography. The site also features 72 open-worked stupas – each housing a meditating Buddha – as well as a small museum.

Its other appeal? Borobudur Temple is nestled in the heart of lush nature, both soothing and mystical…

Watching the sunset at Borobudur

Borobudur Temple is also renowned for the splendor of its sunset… But this beauty now comes at a price, as it's only accessible via the Borobudur Sunrise Tour (through agencies or hotels). This option grants access to the site between 7:00 and 9:00 AM (before official opening hours). Budget between €70 and €117 per person.

Discovering other temples of Yogyakarta

The Prambanan Complex

During your stay in Yogyakarta, you'll have the chance to discover other religious buildings… About 1 hour 20 minutes' drive southeast of Borobudur, don't miss the Prambanan Complex!

Note that "the Prambanan Complex" designates an entire archaeological site, while the Prambanan Temple (also called Loro Jonggrang) more specifically refers to a single building…

The Complex – which houses, among others, the temples of Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu – was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its authenticity (featuring buildings dating from the 9th century that have survived the ravages of time).

Ratu Boko Temple

Also called a palace or monastery, Ratu Boko Temple has yet to reveal all its secrets, as its original purpose remains unknown! Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, the building is located 3 km south of Prambanan.

The elements present on the site testify to the cultural diversity of medieval Java. Upon your arrival at the site, you'll be welcomed by a majestic stone gateway, carved with ornamental details.

After visiting the auditorium, bathing areas, crematorium, and ancient foundations, head to the terrace to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature!

Candi Ijo Temple

Built between the 10th and 11th centuries, Candi Ijo Temple is located 4 km from Ratu Boko. Perched at over 410 meters above sea level, the building dominates a lush environment that gave the temple its name (Ijo means green in Javanese).

Thanks to its panoramic views, you can admire charming small villages (including Sambirejo), rice fields, and the reddening sky of a sunset over the valley….

Considered one of the finest remains of the Mataram Kingdom, the temple is also a place of worship dedicated to Shiva. Inside, you can see ancient paintings and wall ornaments.

Sambisari Temple

Sambisari Temple is a 9th-century Hindu edifice… Yet it wasn't discovered until 1966 by a farmer, whose plow struck a stone jutting from the ground...

Likely buried by an eruption from Mount Merapi (a 2,900-meter volcano located on the island of Java), the temple was then buried 6 meters underground! The excavation work took a long time, not completing until 1987.

Inside the sanctuary? You can see a statue dedicated to Makara – a mythological aquatic creature – as well as a lingam of Shiva.

Mendut Temple

Located an hour's drive north of Yogyakarta, Mendut Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary built in the 9th century. The latter, discovered in 1836, is renowned for housing three large statues and splendid bas-reliefs.

Each year, between May and June, local and foreign devotees gather to celebrate Vesak, a traditional festival commemorated by Buddhists and some Hindus. On this occasion, you'll have a chance to witness a procession.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Borobudur from Yogyakarta?

Borobudur is 40 km by road from Yogyakarta. The journey (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes) can be done by car or bus. Most companies depart from Terminal Jombor (located 8 km from Yogyakarta).

What should I wear to visit Borobudur?

A visit to Borobudur, like all Indonesian temples, requires you to cover your shoulders and legs, but that's not all… In fact, to preserve the temple and prevent stone corrosion, it is now mandatory to wear upanats – woven sandals made from pandan leaves (a tropical plant), provided at the monument's entrance.

When should I visit Borobudur?

The best season to visit Borobudur is the dry season (May to October), preferably in the morning to avoid the heat. Note that, to limit the impact of mass tourism, access to the site is now limited to 1,200 people per day – approximately 150 people per hour. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance.

Audrey Denjean