Borobudur Temple

Borobudur Temple is a Mahayana Buddhist temple which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the greatest architectural monuments in Asia. The base of Borobudur is 123 x 123 meter squares in size. The highest point of Borobudur is about 35 m from ground level. The temple structure forms a sacred flower of Buddha, Lotus Flower. It is made up of three main structures. The lowest part of the temple structures is made up of six rectangular stories. This part is known as Kamadhatu. The walls of Kamadhatu are decorated with relief panels about story of Buddha. The middle part of the temple structures is three circular terraces, known as Rupadhatu. Around Rupadhatu are 72 openworks bell-shaped stupa, each of which contains a statue of Buddha. And third part is a great central stupa on the top of the temple, known as Arupadhatu.

Borobudur Temple was built at about eighth century and completed in 825 AD, during the reign of King Samaratungga of the Syailendra Dynasty, one of powerful kingdoms in Java Island on the period. Borobudur Temple resemble a microcosm of the universe and provide a visual image of the teachings of Buddha. It also shows the steps through the life that each person must follow to achieve enlightenment.

Every year Buddhists from some countries in South East Asia observe their Sacred Day of Waisak in Borobudur Temple. Waisak Festival at Borobudur basically celebrates the birth, enlightenment and the death of Lord Buddha. This religious festival is held on the evening of the full moon day in the month of May.

The Waisak Festival at Borobudur at Indonesia consists of a pilgrimage to this holy place. The monks dressed in saffron robes walk for five miles from Mendut to Borobudur. They carry candles and orange flowers as offerings with them. The procession starts in the evening. As soon as the soft white light of the moon illuminates the exterior of the temple, the monks light the candle and start chanting holy chants. They also pray and meditate at the same time. This holy ceremony is marked by its spirituality and tranquility. The true essence of the Buddhist religion can be easily understood from this Buddhist festival.

Location of Destination
Borobudur Temple is located in Magelang region, approximately 40 km northwest City of Yogyakarta, the capital of Yogyakarta Province in Java Island, Republic of Indonesia.

Route to Get Destination
By plane to Sukarno-Hata Airport (Jakarta).
Then by domestic flight about 45 minutes from Sukarno-Hatta Airport (Jakarta) to Adisucipto Airport (Yogyakarta), or by train about 10 hours from Gambir Station (Jakarta) to Tugu Station (Yogyakarta).
Then by car or bus approximately 1 hours from Bus Station (Yogyakarta) to the location of Borobudur Temple.

Best Time to Visit
April to October

Accommodation for Traveller
Near Borobudur : Manohara Hotel, Saraswati Borobudur Hotel, and Amanjiwo Resort.
In Yogyakarta City : Sheraton Mustika Hotel, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Inna Garuda Hotel, Novotel Hotel, Grand Mercure Hotel, Ibis Hotel, and Santika Hotel.

Others
There are some banks around city of Yogyakarta. Government-owned Bank such as Bank BNI 46 and Bank Mandiri. Non-Government-owned Bank such as Bank BCA.
There are also some book stores in Yogyakarta city that sell tourism information books, such as Gramedia Book Store.