Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/
Borobudur is a 9th-century Buddhist temple in Indonesia. It is, in fact, the biggest Buddhist temple in the world! The ancient complex comprises six square platforms topped by three circular platforms adorned with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. It is massive! If you’re going to be backpacking Indonesia, then be sure to bring a visit to Borobudur to your destination. It is a one-time monument worth a trip. To assist you in making the most out of your trip, here is the hints guide to visiting Borobudur!
A Brief History of Borobudur
This entire 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist complex is a giant allegory for enlightenment. It had been built under the rule of the Sailendra Dynasty, finally being abandoned in the 14th century since the region slowly begun to convert into Islam.
There’s no record of the complex being built, though it was likely founded throughout the year 800 CE. The temple was neglected and eventually buried under jungle and volcanic ash. In the 19th century, when the British ruled the area, it was rediscovered. Ever since that time, it’s been a growing tourist draw for the area.
Going to the temple, you are going to see that the journey starts at the base of the temple and follows a route through the 3 degrees of Buddhist cosmology, specifically Kamadhatu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the planet of types ), also Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). The Buddhist pilgrim starts at the base and moves up when they have deciphered each relief. Each relief clarifies the Buddha’s teaching, and when you figure it out, you proceed to the next. They get more complex, and by the time you finish the previous one, you’re on the upper and – in theory – enlightened.
The Tips
- Arrive early – This place could get crowded quickly. Arrive early to beat the audience (either by performing a sunrise tour or simply arriving earlier at 6 am to await the gates to open).
- Avoid the weekend – The crowds here are the biggest on the weekends. Try to visit during the week to win against the tourist rush.
- Dress professionally – Dress appropriately and closely as you are likely to be on your feet for some time as you explore.
- Bring water – This temple is big, and if you factor in a bus ride, you are likely to become thirsty. Bring water and snacks.
- Stay nearby – it is a 90-minute drive from Yogyakarta. If you would like to get here early and beat the crowds, remain closed. It will not be as cheap, but you’re going to be in a position to have a far more enjoyable visit.
Logistics and Budget
The site is available to the public from 6 am to 5 pm every day. A combined ticket for Borobudur and the Prambanan temples may charge USD 45 per person ($27 for children ). There’s also a daily Borobudur Sunrise Tour for about USD 35. This is the tour where you can snap those Insta-worthy shots of the temple at dawn. You will get a flashlight, and an elevator up to the temple gate at 4:30 am, just in time to find the sunrise and learn more about the site before the tourist crowd arrives. To get the most out of your trip, consider hiring a guide who will describe the reliefs so that you may comprehend the temple somewhat better.
Unsurprisingly, This site is the most famous tourist attraction in Indonesia. The most typical way to get this can be via public bus to Borobudur out of Yogyakarta, but this is aimed mainly at Indonesian visitors, and only a few tourists venture overseas.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Trans-Jogja agency operates from fundamental Yogyakarta to the Jombor bus terminal from northern Yogyakarta. You can switch to another bus to reach Borobudur. For a package deal, travel agents at Yogyakarta also sell door-to-door minibus tour packages to get about USD 6. It will be a good deal and the simplest way to get to and from the monument.
Vacation is more than just the scenery/food/accommodation, and it’s about making long-lasting memories. Discover more adventures in Borobudur by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.
