Top Things to do in Borobudur
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What to do and see in Borobudur, Java: The Best Things to do
Although Indonesia is largely Muslim and Bali a Hindu enclave, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Borobudur -- actually located on the neighboring island of Java – is one of the most fascinating Buddhist stupas and temple complexes in the world. Organized tours via air can be booked with Balinese tour operators.
Restaurants in Borobudur
1. Reptile Rescue Borobudur
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
2. Padepokan APEL WATOE
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Padepokan APEL WATOE is located in Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java, (about 500 meters south of Borobudur Temple). In this building, visitors can see Deddy PAW’s painting studio with his 'apple' works, also enjoy contemporary art exhibitions by Indonesian artists and some from abroad. In this place anyway, visitors can attend yoga classes and enjoy special cuisine Borobudur in Kafe Apel Songo.
3. Borobudur Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7,548 reviews
Borobudur Temple Compounds 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. The walls and balustrades are decorated with fine low reliefs, covering a total surface area of 2,500 m2. Around the circular platforms are 72 openwork stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. The monument was restored with UNESCO's help in the 1970s.
Reviewed By JeremyCaney - Seattle, United States
I often find that the most famous sights in a country are so hyped, so crowded, and so commercialized that they are underwelming. Borobudur is certainly hyped, crowded, and commercialized. And yet it’s a beautiful and unique ruin, painstakingly restored, and absolutely worth seeing. A few tips for your visit. First, a lot of visitors pay extra for the Manohara Resort’s exclusive 4:30A access for sunrise hoping to recreate one of those iconic shots of Borobudur. You can do that. But, at least in March, I found that arriving at 6:00A was just fine. It was cheaper, the crowds had thinned out, and there was still an hour of beautiful lighting and atmospheric mist offering plenty of good photo opportunities. All of the attached photos of the summit were taken between 6:30A and 7:30A. So unless you are dead set on catching those few moments where the sun crosses the horizon, consider enjoying the extra hour of sleep! (That said, you’ll definitely want to go in the early morning or late afternoon; it is miserably hot, crowded, and far less photogenic midday.) Second, the vast majority of visitors immediately climb to the top, spend an hour, then go onto their next destination. That’s a mistake. While the top level offers some of the best Instagram opportunities—and should certainly be where you go around sunrise or sunset—the lower levels provide the most historical and artistic significance with hundreds of remarkable stone reliefs. As an added bonus, you’ll encounter comparatively few visitors here, and the walls offer welcome cover from the afternoon sun. Third, and related, many visitors come to town exclusively for the temple, and then move on. If you’re more adventurous and have the time, however, then the nearby villages are full of charming and welcoming people, astonishingly beautiful scenery, and a couple of smaller temples. Those are easily as memorable for me as Borobudur itself. I highly recommend booking at one of the nearby bed and breakfasts (I loved Etafa Home Stay), renting a bike (if one isn’t provided for you), and spending a couple of days exploring the surrounding countryside. (Note: If you’re planning on also visiting Prambanan, you’ll want to see Borobudur Temple on either your first or last day, as you save a lot of money if you buy a joint ticket—but you have to visit each within one day of each other.) I only stayed two days in Borobudur, opting to spend another two days in Prambanan. And while I enjoyed my time in Prambanan, I think I’d have preferred skipping it entirely and spending more time in and around Borobudur. The temple is a must-see when you’re in Indonesia, but the entire area is beautiful.
4. Wisata Alam Pos Mati Giritengah
5. Selogriyo Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 121 reviews
Selogriyo temple is a village's Hindu temple situated on the foot of Sumbing Mountain, Windusari village. It is a nice area to visit by a walk through the village and rice fields. You may explore and feel the real Javanese atmosphere and environment.
Reviewed By twsp68 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you have more time, this is another site which optional to visit, take about an hour or less to explore and hike along the rich country side - passing lots of paddy field, children playing football, climbing the tamarind tree... if you lucky may stumble some water buffalo too. Recommend for those who seek and wants to know the life hood of local village and highest point is restore old temple. The view overlooking the rolling hills and terrace of rice field is very captivating.
6. Sukmojoyo Hill
7. Manohara Sunrise
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Leekimboon_9699 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sunrise in Borobudur was a great experience. The view of the the stupas over looking the lush greenery below in the early morning is peaceful and serene. Manohara sunrise is different than other sunrise in Borobudur as it’s a special ticket to go into the temple complex at 5am before the normal opening hours at 6am .. the ticket is a bit more expensive (but it’s with breakfast included) but u can be sure to catch the sunrise and the beautiful before the main crowd arrives ..
8. Omah Pring
9. Rhema Hill
10. Chicken Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By agustinowibisono - Tegal, Indonesia
This place was really unique, if you going to Borobudur temple, spare some time to go here. Really good to know the history, and also spare some time to pray here. Even it called as a church, actually they said "house of prayer for every Nation" so every religion can prey here, as long as you feel comfortable.
