Yogjakarta Pt 2 - Amazing Borobudur

1 December 2014

On 1 December 2014, we visited the world famous Buddhist monument, Borobudur.  This was part of our one-day itinerary which also included visit to Mount Merapi and Prambanan Temple.  I have done a separate post for each of these places. 

One of many stupas

Signage

Earlier on, the day before to be exact, after checking rates for hiring of car and driver at our hotel, we decided to opt for the contact person recommended by our shuttle van driver.  The hotel staff was helpful enough to call the person and act as our negotiator.  In the end, we settled for Rp350,000 for a 10- hour tour.  The hotel has its own drivers but the rate quoted by the hotel was higher at Rp450,000.

 Borobudur monument lay-out map

Buddha seated atop the hill

The driver picked us up at our hotel at 8am.  We had our breakfast at the hotel before going on that long drive to Borobudur.  Borobudur temple is located in Magelang some 42km from Yogja city.  It took us an hour to reach the site. 

The boys at the stone carvings that depicts Buddha's life story 

We then proceeded to the International Counter to purchase the entrance tickets. We bought the combo package for Borobudur + Prambanan for Rp 1,080,000.  A million rupiah! which is about MYR300 for 2 adults and 2 children.  It's half-rate for children.  You need to show your passports when buying the tickets.

The entrance fee for international visitors, only for Borobudur as at 1st Dec 2014

Stone sculptures

Borobudur was built 300 years before Cambodia's Angkor Wat, between AD 750 to 842 by the Sailendra dynasty.  The temple complex was built on several levels around a hill like a pyramid. 

The many stupas

An explanation on one of the reliefs in Bahasa Indonesia

While the lower levels tell us stories on the life of Buddha sculpted on the stones,  the upper levels contain the stupa.  Each level represent the progression of the soul, as you ascend, you are supposed to leave behind layers of ego, desire and materialistic thoughts.  Well this was what our guide told us - guide fee Rp100000 (MYR28).

Think we found a secret underground passage

Stairways leading up to the stupas

How would I describe Borobudur?  Simply amazing, this is must see for all. 

TIPS:

1) Try to go in the morning - it is cooler and you can avoid the afternoon sun

2) Go for the combo package (Borobudur & Prambanan) as it is cost-saving.  Ticker per person for an adult is about MYR75-MYR80.  It has been increasing every year.

3) The guide service will only be useful if you come prepared with many questions

4) Expect to spend at least half a day here - keep the other half for Prambanan.  Rushing through in 2-3 hours will not do the place justice.

5) The package includes visit to the museum.

6) Be prepared to do lots of stair-climbing.  Those with weak knees may find the climb difficult but there are railings to hold on.