Borobudur Temple

Buddhist temple · Magelang ·

Borobudur Temple

Buddhist temple · Magelang ·

World's largest Buddhist temple, millennia-old stone stupa

Information

Jl. Badrawati, Kw. Candi Borobudur, Borobudur, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia Get directions

@nomadicmatt

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19 Travel Goals to Accomplish Before 35

"Borobudur is a Buddhist temple in Indonesia whose winding walkway is lined with reliefs of Buddhist teachings; the higher up you get the harder the reliefs become, monks were supposed to figure out the meaning of each relief before moving on, and reaching the top means you’ve unlocked all the Buddha’s teachings — that’s a challenge I accept." - Matthew Kepnes

https://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/my-bucket-list/

Borobudur Temple

@silverkris

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Taking art to the streets of Yogyakarta - SilverKris

"An ancient Buddhist monument located near the city that, alongside other historic sites, contributes to the region’s prominence as a cultural and spiritual destination with long traditions in the visual and performing arts." - Sanjay Surana

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/arts-culture/design-architecture/street-art-yogyakarta/

Borobudur Temple

@silverkris

10,054 Postcards · 2,273 Cities

6 tips for visiting Borobudur in Indonesia - SilverKris

"Sitting on a hill in central Java and surrounded by volcanoes and lush green fields, this 9th-century monument is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and Indonesia’s most-visited historic site. Buried under jungle and volcanic ash until it was unearthed in the early 19th century, it now draws pilgrims and tourists for its palpable spirituality and striking stone architecture. The complex rises nearly 30 metres and is decorated with more than 500 Buddha statues, three central platforms with 72 large Buddhas seated inside perforated stupas, and almost 3,000 bas‑relief carvings that narrate Buddhist teachings. Practical tips for visitors: enter early (gates open at 6am) or book special pre-dawn tours for sunrise shots, but have alternate photographic plans (the western side offers misty valley views when sunrise is cloudy); the climb to the top is energetic—bring water and rest along the way—and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered), wear pants and comfortable shoes, and carry a light or rain jacket since there’s no shelter on the temple. To avoid local weekend crowds, aim for a midweek visit." - SilverKris

https://silverkris.singaporeair.com/inspiration/nature-adventure/travel-tips/6-tips-for-visiting-indonesias-borobudur/

Borobudur Temple

Ke X.

Google

I pre booked the tickets on Klook and had a seamless experience getting to the monument, they provide a buggy on temple park grounds and that was really nice since the entire compound is pretty huge (still walkable in my opinion). You’ll be given a pair of sandals to protect the temple grounds and a small bottle of mineral water (comes with the climbing admission tickets). The sandals are not the most comfortable, I would recommend sizing up if you have wide feet because the material is scratchy and can cause blisters, if not, it’s quite true to size. The steps are huge so the climb down can be quite dangerous if your sandals are too big. Personally, as a bigger person, the climb up was very manageable but it can get really hot so take precaution. I suffered a minor heatstroke because I didn’t drink enough water. Don’t drink too much water though because well, you will not be able to acccess the toilets during the hour you spend climbing/ the tour. Once in a lifetime moment, bucket list item. What can I say? Our guide is very knowledgeable, and answered our curiosities with humour and wit. I enjoyed hearing his enthusiastic descriptions of the panels and the history of the monument. He was kind enough to help us take great photos of the lucky Buddha. I thoroughly enjoyed myself at the monument :)

Karim

Google

Borobudur Temple is absolutely breathtaking — truly one of the most awe-inspiring places I’ve visited in Indonesia. The scale, detail, and history behind this temple are just incredible. Walking up through the different terraces as the sun rises, surrounded by mist and the sound of birds, is something that feels almost spiritual. Every level reveals new carvings and stories, and the view from the top is unforgettable. That said, the guided tour could have been better. Our guide was kind and enthusiastic, but unfortunately very difficult to follow — his explanations were rushed and not very clear, so most of the group ended up wandering off and exploring on our own. It’s a shame, because with a bit more structure and clear storytelling, the tour could have really brought the temple’s history to life. Even so, Borobudur is a must-visit. Whether or not you get a great guide, the atmosphere and beauty of the site more than make up for it. If you visit, I’d recommend either reading a bit about the temple’s background beforehand or using an audio guide, so you can better appreciate what you’re seeing. A truly remarkable place — just wish the guided experience matched the magic of the monument itself. 🌅

Kirti E.

Google

Borobudur Temple is truly breathtaking and incredibly beautiful. The scale, detailing, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit place in Indonesia. Walking around the temple itself is a wonderful experience, and you are allowed to roam around the complex in your own shoes. If you plan to visit the top of the structure, there is a separate entry process. Visitors are required to wear special flip-flops provided by the temple authorities to protect the ancient stone. Entry to the upper levels starts from 8:30 AM and is well organized. Overall, Borobudur is not just a historical monument but a calm and memorable experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Jemima N.

Google

Such a lovely temple. The whole experience was very well organised. We started our day by checking in for our tickets, we didn’t have to wait very long which was great. They then checked our bags and we made our way over to wait for a tour guide. Ps. You aren’t allowed to take any food in but you can leave it or any luggage in an assigned area they give to you. The whole area surrounding is very well looked after. It was one of the most well kept temples I have been to, with literally no rubbish anywhere so it was quite nice to walk around to wait for the guide which wasn’t long. There are also other things you can do in the area like the museum and just the grounds in general are beautiful! Our tour guide was lovely, he spoke very good English and explained some history about the temple before we went up and also whilst we were up there. Make sure you bring sun cream or a cover up though as it gets very hot and you are in direct sunlight most of the time! However, there are people renting umbrellas if you forget, but I’d recommend just bringing your own so you don’t get haggled!

Goran R.

Google

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5 — An Unforgettable Experience at Borobudur Temple Borobudur Temple is truly a masterpiece of history, culture, and spirituality. Visiting this ancient wonder feels like stepping into another world. The intricate stone carvings, the peaceful atmosphere, and the sheer scale of the monument are breathtaking. Watching the sunrise from the top is an experience I’ll never forget—the sky slowly lighting up the surrounding mountains and villages creates a magical moment of calm and beauty. The temple grounds are well-maintained, and the guides are knowledgeable, helping bring the stories behind each panel to life. Whether you love history, architecture, photography, or simply want a peaceful place to reflect, Borobudur is absolutely worth the trip. It’s one of those rare places that leaves a lasting impression on your heart. Highly recommended!

Bobby C

Google

A really awesome experience. The infrastructure around the temple is pretty top notch, roomy clean, modern. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. The temple itself is simply awesome. A bit like Angkor Wat, but obviously not the same. As of September 2025 you can climb the structure all the way to the top. Not too crowded, but there are lots of tourists, obviously.

feisal

Google

visiting during weekdays was such a blessing. everything went smoothly, without chaotic domestic crowds. heat and humidity are a constant presence here, so dress appropriately and comfortably, yet be mindful that it is a sacred place as well. the temple park management has improved significantly. yes, its more expensive, i think it is for the sake of the temple itself. paid idr 120k for an hour guided tour of the temple structure. given a pair of upanat (sandal), a bottled water, and a tote bag for your footwear. it was loaded with fun and enlightenment of the temple 1,200 years history.

assala j.

Google

This is a must see. Purchase your tickets online closing the convenient time.slot as well as the option of going to the top. You will be assigned for a tour guide inside the temple and he will explain all the story about it giving as well some details from what u see. It is really worth visiting knowing All the history and to see all nice views and also for nice photos. Electric cars are punctual and on on time to get you from entrance to the temple entrance. There is as well a big souvenirs shops market at that area. Highly recommended but during the day it can be very hot and sunny so bring an umbrella and/or hat and sunscreen. And prepare yourself to be given a slipper and put your shoes in a bag (they take care of everything at entrance and it is included in the climbing ticket).