Borobudur Temple

Believed to have been derived from the Sanskrit words "Vihara Buddha Uhr", (Buddhist Monastery on the Hill). The Borobudur Temple was built in the eighth century by the Cailendra dynasty and is located at Magelang 90-km southeast of Semarang or 42 km Northwest of Yogyakarta. One of the world's most famous temples, it stand majestically on a hill overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. Borobudur is built of grey andesite stone. It rises in seven terraces, each smaller than the one below it. The top is the Great Stupa, standing 40 meters above the ground. The walls of the Borobudur are sculpted in bas-relief, a total length of six kilometres.

It has been hailed as the largest and most complete ensemble of Buddhist relieves in the world, unsurpassed in artistic merit, and each scene an individual masterpiece.

The monument has been completely restored and was officially opened by the President on 23 February 1983. The restoration took eight years to complete, funded by the Government of Indonesia with aid from UNESCO and donations from private citizens and foreign governments. Stone cancer, moss and lichen in danger of collapsing its stone statues and bas-reliefs affected the Borobudur. A large parking area is available not far from the monument, so private cars and buses have to be parked in this area. During the Buddhist festival of Waisak in May, processions start from Mendut temple. Public transportation is available the bus terminal. From that point visitors can hire becaks or horse carts, or walk the rest of the way to the monument.

Getting Around

A rental car or taxi up to Borobudur Temple will take around one-hour’s drive 42 kms (26 miles) from Yogyakarta. Many tour-travel or hotels offer transportation to this fabled temple or using min-buses from terminal. Borobudur can also be reached by rental car or taxi or mini-buses from Magelang.