Borobudur, is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist monument in Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia. The monument consists of six square platforms topped by three circular platforms, and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.[1] A main dome, located at the center of the top platform, is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside a perforated stupa.
Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian.[2][3] The monument is both a shrine to theLord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument and ascends to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades.
GETTING THERE
Thai Airways has a Delhi–Bangkok-Jakarta option for around 237,000 return economy
There is a direct flight to Yogjakarta from Singapore and all major cities in Indonesia. Borobudur is a 45-minute drive from the airport and is best seen in the morning. Taxis and guides can be hired for the day at the airport.
WHEN TO GO
The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit.
Stay
You need not stay in Yogjakarta. An easy day trip can be made from Jakarta or Bali. If you are flying to
Bali from Jakarta stop over at Yogjakarta for the day and take an onward evening flight to Bali. However, if
you want a night halt—all kinds of hotels are available—from the international Sheraton, Hyatt, Ibis
and Novotel chains to budget hotels with familiar names such as Manohara, Arjun, Saraswati.
Shop
Batik textiles, including sarongs and wall hangings; mind boggling array of spices; wayang
kulit puppets; and silver.
Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple’s design in Gupta architecture reflects India's influence on the region, yet there are enough indigenous scenes and elements incorporated to make Borobudur uniquely Indonesian.[2][3] The monument is both a shrine to theLord Buddha and a place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The journey for pilgrims begins at the base of the monument and follows a path around the monument and ascends to the top through three levels symbolic of Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu (the world of desire), Rupadhatu (the world of forms) and Arupadhatu (the world of formlessness). The monument guides pilgrims through an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 narrative relief panels on the walls and the balustrades.
GETTING THERE
Thai Airways has a Delhi–Bangkok-Jakarta option for around 237,000 return economy
There is a direct flight to Yogjakarta from Singapore and all major cities in Indonesia. Borobudur is a 45-minute drive from the airport and is best seen in the morning. Taxis and guides can be hired for the day at the airport.
WHEN TO GO
The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit.
Stay
You need not stay in Yogjakarta. An easy day trip can be made from Jakarta or Bali. If you are flying to
Bali from Jakarta stop over at Yogjakarta for the day and take an onward evening flight to Bali. However, if
you want a night halt—all kinds of hotels are available—from the international Sheraton, Hyatt, Ibis
and Novotel chains to budget hotels with familiar names such as Manohara, Arjun, Saraswati.
Shop
Batik textiles, including sarongs and wall hangings; mind boggling array of spices; wayang
kulit puppets; and silver.
