The magnificent Borobudur temple in Indonesia
Located on the island of Java, the magnificent Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist monument in the world, an ancient site widely regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The temple sits majestically on top of a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Syailendra dynasty, the temple design in the Gupta architecture reflects the influence of India in the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian.
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It covers a huge area, measuring 123 x 123 meters. The monument is a marvel of design, decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The architecture and masonry of this temple has no equal. And it was built without using any type of cement or mortar! The structure is like a set of huge interlocking Lego blocks that are held together without glue.
The temple has stood strong even through ten centuries of neglect. It was rediscovered in 1815, buried under volcanic ash. In the 1970s, the Government of Indonesia and UNESCO worked together to restore Borobudur to its former majesty. The restoration took eight years to complete and today Borobudur is one of the most valuable treasures in Indonesia and the world.
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The temple is decorated with bas-relief stone carvings depicting images from the life of the Buddha. Commentators claim that this is the largest and most comprehensive set of Buddhist reliefs in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit.
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To get
The best way to explore this site is on foot. As you climb to the top of this magnificent temple, you will marvel at the intricate detailed stone carvings displayed on the temple walls. Without a doubt, you will miss a great experience if you visit this huge temple without knowing its history and importance, which are reflected in its multiple reliefs.
The guides are available for around 50,000 rupees. This is a smart investment, as a guide will be able to guide you around the site and explain the history of the temple, beginning with its construction during the Syailendra dynasty. The stone carvings attached to the temple show legends and stories that have great philosophical significance. For visitors with children, don't miss the huge green lawn that surrounds the Borobudur site.
You can choose to walk through Green Park from the entrance. Many vendors will offer you souvenirs and other trinkets as you walk through this area, however there are regulations to prevent them from disturbing visitors.
Go there
Borobudur is only an hour's drive from Yogyakarta. The easiest way to get there is by joining a tour or renting a car. During your trip to Borobudur, enjoy the fresh air of Magelang town with its roads lined with large shady trees. Borobudur stands tall against the spectacular backdrop of the surrounding Menoreh mountain range.
Entering the temple grounds is easy and most visitors choose to walk on foot. Alternatively, you can plot a cart (drawn by a horse) at a reasonable price. Alternatively, cruise ship passengers disembarking in Semarang can take a day trip by driving through Wonosobo to Borobudur.
