The Experience
The sprawling fertile plains of Kedu in Central Java form a lush and bountiful backdrop to the Temple of Borobudur. Raised up between twin volcanoes Sumbing and Merapi along the undulating north ridge and lined with cool waters from the Progo and Elo rivers to the east, Borobudur is situated in a natural amphitheater of glory. This 9th century Buddhist monument is the world's largest and is made up of over 55,000 cubic metres of volcanic rock, the equivalent of more than a million blocks of carved stone. Comprised of nine platforms, adorned with over 2,600 relief carvings, and over 500 Buddha statues, Borobudur Temple exemplifies the transition over life to the state of Nirvana. Each terrace and accompanying relief stories symbolize the different levels of wisdom that one must go through in life to reach the enlightenment of Buddha, culminating with the grand finale of the spectacular upper terraces. Level one of the three terraces represents man's desires being influenced by negative impulses, level two man's ability to take control of the negative influences and use positive influences, and at the top level a world where man is no longer bound by physical and worldly desires.
When to Go to Borobudur
Odds n' Ends
The cost of entry into Borobudur is approximately $15 Canadian, and is open from 6am - 5pm. For an additional $10 you can book a special sunrise tour with a local hotel that will get you entry and a lift to the temple at 4:30 am to view the beautiful sunrise spill over the over the surrounding countryside. Well worth the additional investment for an unparalleled view and time to explore the site before other tourist arrive! The Hindu temples of Prambanan only an hour away by car, also make an excellent compliment to viewing Borobudur.
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Places to Stay Nearby
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Manohara Hotel is a Javanese architecture with beautiful location, and an ideal place for those who want to overnight stop near Borobudur Temple to catch ... 0 miles away
$690000 IDR+
Discover all that Magelang has to offer with Saraswati Borobudur as a base. The Saraswati Borobudur boasts a convenient location with modern amenities in every ... 0 miles away
$918258 IDR+
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Books and DVDs
- Lost Temple of Java
- Borobudur (Paperback)
- Indonesia Travel Guide - LonelyPlanet.com
- Discover a kaleidoscope of cultures, find surfing nirvana on a palm-fringed island or get up close to orang-utans in Borneo's jungle - plan the Indonesian adventure of a lifetime with this comprehensive guide.
Elsewhere on the Web
- Borobudur - UNESCO>org
- This famous Buddhist temple, dating from the 8th and 9th centuries, is located in central Java. It was built in three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, the trunk of a cone with three circular platforms and, at the top, a monumental stupa.
- Borobudur Panorama - BaliTours.com
- Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. This temple was built in the year of 825 in Centra Java.
- The Temple of Borobudur - Buddahnet.net
- The Borobodur Temple complex is one of the greatest monuments in the world.
- Borobudur Introduction - pbs.org
- On the island of Java stands a mountain of a thousand statues...
- Borobudur - Wikitravel.org
- Built over a period of some 75 years in the 8th and 9th centuries by the kingdom of Sailendra, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument in the world.
- The Fascinating Borobudur Temple - DifferentBaliIndonesia.com
- Overlooking the fertile valley of Magelang and facing the volcano Merapi, 40 km north from the province of Jogjakarta, stands a breathtaking monument that was built during the 8th century by the Bouddhist dynasty of Sailendra.
Media References
- Borobudur Journal; Buddhist Monument and Mall: Will Twain Meet? - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- The ancient carved stone terraces of the Borobudur monument rise out of the plain of central Java like a grand wedding cake trimmed with hundreds of Buddha statues.
- World Heritage Destinations Rated: Asia - NationalGepgraphic.com (magazine)
- "The Borobudur is a very impressive Buddhist monument. The green environment and the surrounding volcanoes make it a beautiful site."
- Battle of Borobudur - Time.com (magazine)
- Like most famous public monuments, Borobudur the immense Buddhist stupa that rises from a wooded plain in south-central Java like a fabulous, mesmerizing dream has suffered its share of adversity
- A Journey Through Java - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Ancient temples and pastoral beauty make central Java the agricultural and cultural heart of this Indonesian island.
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