Borobudur Temple Tours and Activities

Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple


Join the other pilgrims visiting one of the world’s largest Buddhist temples for its profound meaning and spectacular architecture.

Borobudur Temple is an otherworldly Mahayana Buddhist temple compound. The UNESCO site comprises nine layered platforms and myriad shapes that come together to form this astounding complex. Marvel at the sheer invention and variation in the décor and architecture in one of Buddhism’s most prominent and iconic monuments.

Arrive for sunrise to see the silhouettes of the temple spires against the dramatic backdrop of the sky. Surrounding the complex is the green, lush terrain of the Kedu Plain, which contains volcanoes and mountains. Marvel at the excellent attention to detail in the 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.

Each side of the square base is 387 feet (118 meters) long. Climb up the many layers of the structure, which is made from dark gray andesite stone. At the central summit of the enormous monument is a large dome surrounded by 72 Buddha sculptures.

Employ a travel guide for a deeper understanding of the meaning behind the Buddhist statues. The archaeological park also contains the Samudraraksa Museum and the Karmawibhangga Museum, which shed light on local history.

Ride the miniature train with your kids for a fun way to get around the complex. Consider renting a bicycle to travel around the site and the surrounding villages in the area. Admire artisanal products form local vendors at the stalls outside the monument’s park. Haggling over price is common practice.

Relax in the serene grounds that surround the monument. Lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic with your friends.

The site opens daily from early morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter the complex. Discounts are available for students. Combination deals that include a visit to the Prambanan temple compound are available. Pay an additional fee to ride the small train.

Borobudur Temple is in Central Java, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) north-west of Yogyakarta. Drive here from the city center in around 75 minutes. Take a bus from the Jombor bus terminal or try the Trans Jogja bus.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Borobudur Temple

Hotel Le Temple

Hotel Le Temple

5 out of 5
Jalan Sawah, Borobudur, Central Java
Hotel Le Temple
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel

Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel

5 out of 5
Dusun Kretek, Borobudur, Central Java
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
Dusun Tanjungan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Villa Borobudur Resort

Villa Borobudur Resort

5 out of 5
Dusun Pete, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Central Java
Villa Borobudur Resort
Rumah Boedi Private Residence Villa

Rumah Boedi Private Residence Villa

3.5 out of 5
Tinggal Wetan, Wanurejo, Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
Rumah Boedi Private Residence Villa
Citihub Hotel @Jagoan – Magelang

Citihub Hotel @Jagoan – Magelang

2.5 out of 5
Jl. Gatot Subroto No. 260, Magelang, Central Java
Citihub Hotel @Jagoan – Magelang
Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel

5 out of 5
Jalan Ringroad Utara, Condong Catur, Depok
Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta

4.5 out of 5
Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar, Ngaglik, Yogyakarta
Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta

5 out of 5
Jl. P. Mangkubumi 72A, Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta
Hotel Tentrem Yogyakarta
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.

Things to do near Borobudur Temple

When visiting Borobudur Temple, be sure to catch the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, which enhance the temple's beauty. Engage in temple visits and explore the surrounding activities, including museum tours and the exciting Borobudur Marathon. For a unique experience, consider joining a guided sunset tour to witness the stunning landscapes as the day concludes, making your trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site truly memorable.

Shopping

For shopping near Borobudur Temple, visit the Borobudur Traditional Market, just 966m away, offering a vibrant local atmosphere. Pottery Pak Poyo Workshop is also close, at 3.2km, with unique crafts. If you're up for a drive, Jogja City Mall is 24.1km away, featuring diverse shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Svargabumi Borobudur offers a tranquil retreat with wellness and relaxation vibes, perfect for unwinding after exploring the temple. For sports enthusiasts, the Borobudur Golf Country Club provides an outdoor experience with stunning views, while Maguwoharjo Stadium caters to those looking to enjoy various sports activities in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Explore Jogja Bay, a thrilling waterpark located 29.0km from Borobudur Temple, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. Enjoy water slides, wave pools, and various attractions that promise fun and excitement for all ages, ensuring a memorable day filled with entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Borobudur Temple

In Borobudur, Central Java, you can explore a variety of attractions such as the famous Borobudur Temple, alongside local streets and universities. This region offers a rich cultural experience, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and city explorers alike. Key points of interest include the renowned Manohara Borobudur, providing easy access to the temple and its stunning surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable visit.

  • Candi Pawon: Located 1.6km from Borobudur Temple, Candi Pawon is a serene and culturally rich temple that serves as a significant link between Borobudur and Mendut. Its intricate carvings and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect spot for reflection and appreciating Javanese architecture.
  • Malioboro Street: Situated 27.4km away, Malioboro Street buzzes with city vibes, offering a vibrant mix of shops, street vendors, and local eateries. This lively street is ideal for sampling local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs, capturing the essence of Yogyakarta's urban culture.
  • Mendut Buddhist Monastery: Just 3.2km from Borobudur, this monastery is a tranquil retreat known for its impressive three-metre Buddha statue and beautiful gardens. It offers a unique glimpse into Buddhist practices and is a wonderful place to experience spiritual peace.

Best time to go to Borobudur Temple

Visitor numbers around Borobudur Temple is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Borobudur Temple is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. November is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with frequent rain. July is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
February73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April74.1°F (23.4°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
June72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July71.4°F (21.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August71.8°F (22.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
September72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
October74.1°F (23.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November74.3°F (23.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December73.9°F (23.3°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Borobudur Temple

To save money on your visit to Borobudur Temple, take advantage of the free entry to the site. Plan your trip during the cheaper months of March, May, or September, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates. Tuesdays tend to be the least expensive days to stay. Use Expedia to compare hotel prices and consider booking a package deal that includes flights and activities. Look for eco-certified hotels to support sustainable travel while keeping your costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Borobudur Temple are March, May and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, June and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Borobudur Temple is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Borobudur Temple is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Borobudur Temple is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation near Borobudur Temple with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.