Borobudur Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Central Java, Indonesia. It is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple and is considered one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures.
The temple was built during the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, between the 8th and 9th centuries. It was constructed as a place for Buddhist pilgrimage and meditation and was abandoned in the 14th century when the decline of Buddhism in Java occurred.
The temple was rediscovered in the early 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the governor-general of Java. Restoration work began in the early 20th century, and the temple was fully restored in the 1970s.
The Borobudur Temple is constructed in the form of a mandala, representing the Buddhist cosmology of the universe. The temple consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, with a central dome at the top. It is decorated with over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
The temple is also renowned for its unique and intricate stone carvings, which depict scenes from Buddhist teachings and Javanese life. These carvings are considered some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in the world.
Today, the Borobudur Temple remains an important site for pilgrimage of Buddhists from all over the world, as well as a popular tourist destination.
Sure, here are 25 fun and best things to do in Borobudur Temple.
- Explore the temple’s architecture: Take a closer look at the temple’s intricate architecture, which features nine levels and over 2,600 relief panels.
- Climb to the top of the temple: Make the journey to the top of the temple to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Witness the sunrise from Borobudur: Wake up early to catch the sunrise from Borobudur, which is considered as one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Attend the annual Vesak Day celebration: Borobudur Temple is a popular destination for Buddhists who come to celebrate Vesak Day, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
- Take a guided tour of the temple: Join a guided tour of Borobudur Temple to learn more about its history and significance.
- Learn about Buddhism: Take the opportunity to learn more about Buddhism, the religion that inspired the creation of Borobudur Temple.
- Take a photography tour: Join a photography tour of the temple to capture stunning images of the temple’s unique architecture and surroundings.
- Visit the Borobudur Museum: Explore the museum, which features exhibits related to the history and culture of the temple.
- Attend a traditional dance performance: Enjoy a traditional Javanese dance performance, which is often held at the temple during festivals and special events.
- Visit the nearby Mendut Temple: Explore the nearby Mendut Temple, which is also a significant Buddhist site and features a large statue of Buddha.
- Visit the nearby Pawon Temple: Visit Pawon Temple, which is located between Borobudur and Mendut temples, and is believed to have been used for ritual purposes.
- Take a horse carriage ride: Take a traditional horse carriage ride to explore the surrounding area and villages.
- Visit the nearby Kedu Valley: Explore the nearby Kedu Valley, which is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural significance.
- Try local cuisine: Enjoy local Javanese cuisine, such as gudeg, a dish made with young jackfruit, and sate klathak, a type of grilled chicken.
- Attend a batik workshop: Learn about traditional batik art and create your own piece at a workshop.
- Visit the nearby Merapi volcano: Take a trip to Mount Merapi, an active volcano located about 30 kilometers from Borobudur Temple.
- Visit the Borobudur Park: Explore the Borobudur Park, which features beautiful gardens, fountains, and other attractions.
- Attend a cultural festival: Experience the rich culture and traditions of Java by attending a local festival, such as the Sekaten Festival.
- Visit the nearby village of Candirejo: Explore the traditional Javanese village of Candirejo, which is known for its beautiful architecture and cultural traditions.
- Learn traditional crafts: Participate in a workshop and learn traditional crafts, such as making pottery and weaving.
- Take a cycling tour: Explore the surrounding area by bike on a guided cycling tour.
- Visit the nearby Salak Fruit Plantation: Take a tour of the Salak Fruit Plantation, which produces a local fruit known as snake fruit.
- Attend a gamelan performance: Enjoy the traditional music of Java by attending a gamelan performance, which often includes a blend of percussion, strings, and wind instruments.
- Take a cooking class: Aquire how to cook local Javanese dishes by taking a cooking class.
- Shop for souvenirs: Take home a piece of Javanese culture by shopping for local handicrafts
Here are 10 places similar to Borobudur Temple, along with their locations and descriptions:
- Angkor Wat – Cambodia: Located in the province of Siem Reap in Cambodia, Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, and it is known for its intricate architecture and impressive size. It was built in the 12th century as a Hindu temple, but later became a Buddhist site.
- Bagan – Myanmar: Located in Myanmar, Bagan is an ancient city known for its thousands of temples and pagodas, which date back to the 9th and 13th centuries. Visitors can explore the temples by bike or hot air balloon.
- Shwedagon Pagoda – Myanmar: Also located in Myanmar, the Shwedagon Pagoda is a gold-plated stupa that is considered the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in the country. It is covered in over 60 tons of gold and is believed to enshrine eight hairs of the Buddha.
- Prambanan Temple – Indonesia: Located in Central Java, Indonesia, Prambanan Temple is a complex of Hindu temples built in the 9th century. It is known for its impressive towering structures and intricate carvings.
- Sukhothai Historical Park – Thailand: Located in Thailand, Sukhothai Historical Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features the ruins of an ancient city, including temples, palaces, and other structures that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
- Boudhanath Stupa – Nepal: Located in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Boudhanath Stupa is a massive white dome-shaped structure that is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is considered one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal.
- Bayon Temple – Cambodia: Located in the ancient city of Angkor Thom in Cambodia, the Bayon Temple is known for its 216 stone faces that adorn its many towers. It was built in late 12th century as a Buddhist temple.
- Temple of the Tooth – Sri Lanka: Located in the city of Kandy in Sri Lanka, the Temple of the Tooth is a Buddhist temple that is believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. It is commonly one of the most sacred sites in Sri Lanka.
- Haeinsa Temple – South Korea: Located in South Korea, Haeinsa Temple is a Buddhist temple known for its Tripitaka Koreana, a collection of Buddhist scriptures that was created in the 13th century and is considered one of the most complete and accurate sets of Buddhist texts in the world.
- Pura Besakih – Indonesia: Located in Bali, Indonesia, Pura Besakih is the largest and holiest temple in the country. It is a complex of over 20 temples, and is considered the “Mother Temple” of Bali.