One of the largest Buddhist sites in the world, Borobudur is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed archaeological complex in Central Java. This Mahayana Buddhist temple dates back to the 9th century and centres around a towering dome. It’s also surrounded by stacked platforms decorated with beautifully carved reliefs and Buddha statues.
Climb up the dark andesite stone platforms of Borobudur to get up close to the intricate relief carvings and Buddha statues en route to the central stupa. Visit at sunrise to watch the day’s first rays illuminate the spectacular temple complex or stay for sunset when the majority of crowds have dispersed.
Explore the Karmawibhangga Museum where archaeological findings from Borobudur are showcased, together with exhibits on the restoration process. Learn about the ancient maritime trade between Indonesia, Madagascar and East Africa at the Samudraraksa Museum and admire a full-scale replica of the Borobudur Ship, a vessel modelled on temple reliefs.
Getting there
Borobudur Temple is around a 1.5-hour drive from Yogyakarta and Adisucipto International Airport, with public buses accessing the historic site. Daily tours also visit the Borobudur Temple, often combined with a stop at the ancient Hindu temple at Prambanan.