BOROBUDUR TEMPLE (The Biggest Buddhist Temple Visited by Millions of Tourists)
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| BOROBUDUR TEMPLE (The Biggest Buddhist Temple Visited by Millions of Tourists) |
Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built in the 9th century, Borobudur Temple is now a magnet that is able to attract millions of tourists every year.
There is a joke among Jogja car rental drivers. It is said that the Indonesian will visit the Borobudur Temple at least 4 times in his lifetime. The first visit to the Borobudur Temple is usually when the study tour in high school. Second visit with boyfriend when he was in college. The third visit took the parents after the graduation ceremony. The fourth visit brought children and wife while on vacation to Jogja.
Borobudur Temple is indeed like a mandatory tour for tourists in Jogja. Even though it is located in Magelang, Borobudur Temple can be reached in 1.5 hours by private / rented vehicle from the center of Jogja City. Public Transportation to Borobudur is also available.
Visiting millions of people every year, the Borobudur Temple, called UNESCO, is the grandest and largest monument and complex of stupa complexes in the world.
If on a normal day we have been asked to leave Borobudur before dusk, when Vesak we have the opportunity to see Borobudur Temple at night. This is very special because Borobudur looks so magnificent when highlighted by lights.
The air is so fresh, the stars are scattered in the dawn sky. The atmosphere in the Borobudur Temple was so quiet and peaceful. Soon, the golden sunshine of the morning sun will hit Borobudur Temple.
BOROBUDUR TEMPLE HISTORY
Based on the Karangtengah inscription, it is estimated that the Borobudur Temple was built by King Samaratungga of the Syailendra Dynasty and only recently completed his daughter, Ratu Pramudawardhani, in the 9th century.
Little is known about anything else, including who is the architect of the building, which is composed of 2 million blocks (55,000 m3) of andesite rock that are interlocking like a giant puzzle.
A Javanese legend tells of Gunadarma who lay looking at Borobudur Temple until he fell asleep and his body turned into the hills of Menoreh. Gunadarma was later considered to be the architect of the Borobudur Temple even though there were no historic inscriptions about it.
RELIEF TEMPLE BOROBUDUR
Borobudur Temple contains 2672 relief panels which, if arranged in a row, reach 6 km in length.
The relief of Borobudur Temple is divided into 4 main stories, namely: Karmawibangga, Lalitawistara, Jataka / Awadana, and Gandawyuha. Aside from narrating the journey of the Buddha's life and teachings, the relief of Borobudur Temple also recorded the progress of Javanese society at that time.
To follow the story carved in the Borobudur Temple, visitors must walk clockwise from the east door. After arriving at the starting point then go up to the next level. It was repeated until it reached the top of Borobudur Temple. This ritual is called pradaksina.
OPEN HOURS AND BOROBUDUR TEMPLE ENTRY
Borobudur Temple is open every day from 6:00 to 17:00. The best time to visit Borobudur Temple is early in the morning, when the air is still fresh. If you join the Borobudur Sunrise package (IDR 350,000 / person), you can enter the temple starting at 4:30 through Manohara.
The price of admission for Borobudur Temple is IDR 40,000 for adults, and IDR 20,000 for children 3-10 years. There is a 50% discount for student groups, at least 20 people.
HOTEL NEAR BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
Most tourists who visit Borobudur Temple will stay in Jogja. Maybe because more hotel choices. It might also be because Borobudur Temple is easily accessible by private vehicles and public transportation from Jogja.
If you want to stay there, there are many hotels near Borobudur Temple. The only hotel in the Borobudur temple complex is the Manohara Hotel.
Amanjiwo Borobudur Resort
Amanjiwo Borobudur Resort is a luxury hotel on Menoreh Hill, near Borobudur Temple. Many tourists like the privacy and luxury that this hotel offers. Prices start from Rp8,500,000 / night.
Plataran Borobudur Resort
Plataran Borobudur Resort is a luxury resort located 1 km from Borobudur Temple. The resort is near Punthuk Setumbu, a very beautiful place to watch the sunrise from the top of the hill with a direct view to the Borobudur Temple. Prices start from IDR 4,000,000 / night.
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
The hotel is next to the Plataran Borobudur Resort. The building is 5 stories high with lots of rooms so the price is more affordable, but does not reduce the luxury offered. Prices start from Rp1,600,000 / night.
Relax, not all hotels near Borobudur Temple are expensive. There are also many cheap guesthouses and inns near Borobudur Temple, including Lotus Guest House, Lumintu Hotel, Bhumi Sambhara Hotel. The average tariff is still under Rp. 200,000 / night.
TOUR PACKAGE TO BOROBUDUR TEMPLE
If you stay overnight in Jogja, you can take cheap tour packages offered by Jogja car rental. Jogja tour packages to visit Borobudur Temple, volcano tour, Prambanan Temple, and city tour are offered starting at Rp. 400,000 and already include the cost of renting a car, driver, and fuel. Travelers who travel with friends can certainly share the costs.
Public Transportation to Borobudur:
- Adisutjipto Airport - Borobudur: Rp. 75,000 (DAMRI)
- Yogyakarta - Borobudur Station: Rp. 75,000 (DAMRI)
- Giwangan Terminal - Borobudur: Rp. 20,000 (regular bus)
- Jombor Terminal - Borobudur: IDR 15,000 (regular bus)