Borobudur Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Borobudur Temple
The world’s largest Buddhist temple dominates the surrounding landscape. This ancient architectural spectacle is a must-see attraction on any Java itinerary.

Borobudur is not only Indonesia’s most famous temple, it’s the world’s largest Buddhist monument. Walk its many layers of balconies and admire its thousands of stone carvings and hundreds of Buddha statues. To appreciate the scale and detail of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s essential to see it in person. Photos are no substitute.

Like many of Java’s most significant temples, Borobudur dates back to the 8th and 9th century, with different parts built at different times. It was neglected for several hundred years due to the majority of Javanese converting to Islam. It would not come to popular attention again until the early 19th century.

Rise early and watch the sun come up over Borobudur from the nearby Setumbu Hill. This is an unforgettable sight sure to be a highlight of your Java trip. Afterwards, wander to the Chicken Church (Gereja Ayam). As its name suggests, it is modeled on the form of a chicken.

After seeing this strange little chapel, the grand spectacle of Borobudur will seem all the more impressive by contrast. Descend the hill and get an up-close look at this marvel. Climb all the way to the top in the manner that was originally intended. This involves walking the balconies clockwise in an upward spiral until you reach the top. Then stop to look out across the astonishing jungle vistas spread out all around you.

If you have some time to spare later in the day, visit Candirejo Village. Drive or taxi to the village from Borobudur in under 20 minutes or find one of the tour companies that offers combined tours of Borobudur Temple and this traditional Javanese village.

Alternately, walk to Selogriyo Temple. The temple itself is small, but the popular hiking route that leads to it winds through some of the area’s most beautiful scenery. Wear good shoes and be prepared for an uphill hike of an hour from Borobudur.

Borobudur is around an hour’s drive by taxi or rented car from Yogyakarta. There is a fee to enter the temple complex. Remember to dress modestly. Guided tours are widely available, offering extra insight into the history of this enchanting site.

Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
5 out of 5
Dusun Kretek, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Chicken ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
"Excellence from start to finish. This resort has an old school classiness that is hard to find these days. The level of service is outstanding. One of the best resort breakfasts we've had with a wide variety of choices from Western to Asian to Indonesian. Special thanks to Executive Assistant Manager, ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct. 2024

Plataran Heritage Borobudur Hotel
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
Dusun Tanjungan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Samudraraksa ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (98 reviews)
"Beautiful villas, fabulous staff who are very friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble. We were here for 4 nights, loved villa 215 which was a modern executive villa - nice large private pool. Loved it here, best hotel in this trip."

Reviewed on 12 Sep. 2024

Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Villa Borobudur Resort
Villa Borobudur Resort
5 out of 5
Dusun Pete, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Borobudur. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (73 reviews)
"It’s a place where one can plan a variety activities and they will assist you, or one could just sit for hours looking out across the valley. Either way one will come away with an experience. The attention to detail with regard to the rooms and the resort itself was remarkable. It shows a tremendous ..."

Reviewed on 23 Oct. 2024

Villa Borobudur Resort
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.
Perta Prana Amarta
Perta Prana Amarta
3.5 out of 5
Jalan Bojong, Wringinputih, Kecamatan Borobudur, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Borobudur. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Samudraraksa Museum ...
Perta Prana Amarta
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
2 out of 5
Brojonalan, Dusun 1, Wanurejo,, Kec. Borobudur, Kabupaten Magelang,, Borobudur, Jawa Tengah
Stay at this vacation home in Borobudur. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Candi Pawon are located nearby.
Homestay Candi Pawon Fahrurohman Syariah
Villa Setumbu by Cocotel
Villa Setumbu by Cocotel
2.5 out of 5
Dusun Karangbunder, Kretek 2, Borobudur, Central Java
Stay at this villa in Borobudur. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Borobudur Temple and Pottery Pak Poyo Workshop.Nglipo ...
Villa Setumbu by Cocotel
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.

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