Borobudur

Travel Guide
Borobudur which includes heritage elements
The world’s largest Buddhist temple dominates the surrounding landscape. This ancient architectural spectacle is a must-see attraction on any Java itinerary.

Borobudur is not only Indonesia’s most famous temple, it’s the world’s largest Buddhist monument. Walk its many layers of balconies and admire its thousands of stone carvings and hundreds of Buddha statues. To appreciate the scale and detail of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s essential to see it in person. Photos are no substitute.

Like many of Java’s most significant temples, Borobudur dates back to the 8th and 9th century, with different parts built at different times. It was neglected for several hundred years due to the majority of Javanese converting to Islam. It would not come to popular attention again until the early 19th century.

Rise early and watch the sun come up over Borobudur from the nearby Setumbu Hill. This is an unforgettable sight sure to be a highlight of your Java trip. Afterwards, wander to the Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam). As its name suggests, it is modeled on the form of a chicken.

After seeing this strange little chapel, the grand spectacle of Borobudur will seem all the more impressive by contrast. Descend the hill and get an up-close look at this marvel. Climb all the way to the top in the manner that was originally intended. This involves walking the balconies clockwise in an upward spiral until you reach the top. Then stop to look out across the astonishing jungle vistas spread out all around you.

If you have some time to spare later in the day, visit Candirejo Village. Drive or taxi to the village from Borobudur in under 20 minutes or find one of the tour companies that offers combined tours of Borobudur Temple and this traditional Javanese village.

Alternately, walk to Selogriyo Temple. The temple itself is small, but the popular hiking route that leads to it winds through some of the area’s most beautiful scenery. Wear good shoes and be prepared for an uphill hike of an hour from Borobudur.

Borobudur is around an hour’s drive by taxi or rented car from Yogyakarta. There is a fee to enter the temple complex. Remember to dress modestly. Guided tours are widely available, offering extra insight into the history of this enchanting site.

Villa Borobudur Resort
Villa Borobudur Resort
5 out of 5
Dusun Pete, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Central Java
The price is HK$1,019 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
HK$1,019
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Borobudur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Punthuk Gupakan are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (57 reviews)
"Excellent service, beautiful views, amazing landscape, privacy, absolutely safe, very helpful and courteous staff."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Villa Borobudur Resort
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
5 out of 5
Dusun Kretek, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Chicken Church are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"Decent food, love the peaceful environment, also the terrece bar would be a nice place to visit after dinner"

Reviewed on 25 Aug 2023

Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
Dusun Tanjungan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
The price is HK$1,939 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
HK$1,939
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private pools. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Samudraraksa Museum ...
9/10 Wonderful! (88 reviews)
"We stayed in Plataran resorts both in Borabadur and Labuan Bajo. The facilities are fantastic. Our room was lovely, the pools are well kept, the food is safe and tasty and we appreciated that they provided safe drinking water. We got up to take photos of the sunrising over Borabadur and it was an ..."

Reviewed on 2 Dec 2023

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Perta Prana Amarta
Perta Prana Amarta
3 out of 5
Jalan Bojong, Wringinputih, Kecamatan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 3-star villa in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Samudraraksa Museum and Borobudhur Traditional ...
Perta Prana Amarta
Berkah Homestay Borobudur
Berkah Homestay Borobudur
Semarang
Stay at this vacation home in Borobudur. Enjoy 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Masjid Al-Ikhlas and Borobudur Temple are located nearby. Discover genuine guest ...
6/10 (2 reviews)
Very disappointed
"This property stated that it does not cooperate with Vrbo, and once I know that fact, I got difficulties to cancel my booking."

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2023

Berkah Homestay Borobudur
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
2 out of 5
Brojonalan, Dusun 1, Wanurejo,, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang,, Borobudur, Jawa Tengah
Stay at this vacation home in Borobudur. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Candi Pawon are located nearby. Discover genuine guest ...
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Borobudur

4.8
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
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4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
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2 - Disappointing
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5/5 - Excellent

CT
5 Dec 2019

Sunrise over Borobudur is an awesome experience and well worth getting up early. Also much more pleasant to visit at sunrise when much cooler.