Traveling To Borobudur Temple

One of the seven wonders ever happened in the world is located in Indonesia. It is called as Borobudur Temple. It is one of those sites in the world that is used by Buddhists to pray. What makes it seven wonder then? It is because the whole site is gigantic. It is the largest Buddhist site in the world. Also, it is one of the oldest Buddhist site in the world. The words of Borobudur itself is derived from the Sanskrit words that means a monastery on a hill.

If you are eager to visit there, the best time is at the Vesak, when full moon at May or June. It is one very exclusive celebration day for Buddhists around the world. But if you want to go there just for holiday, it will be beautiful if you arrive at sunrise. The view is just exotic.

STORIES OF BOROBUDUR TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION

The beauty of Borobudur Temple was built from 730 to 830 AD on behalf of Syailendra Dynasty in Central Java. It started when Maha Raja Dananjaya was at reign, continued to his son (Samarotthungga), then continued to his granddaughter (Dyah Ayu Pramodhawardhani). But actually the year is hard to define. But, there was a small proof of this exact date. It came from a short article that was carved on the temple’s relief. This article was placed at Karwa Wibhangga (temple’s foot) and was written with pallawa letters. The date was defined from the letters which were mainly used in 8^th century AD.

There are so many stories about how Borobudur temple was built. One of them is that the temple is handmade. The structure was coming from a famous architect at that time. Called as Gunadharma. But it was not only built by Gunadharma but also from the help of others. They are Ghandadwipa from Bengalore, and Visvawarman (prince of Kashmir). What makes this temple very special is that this temple was built with such very sophisticated ideas of architectural calculations. And at that time, this just beyond human capabilities.

Stories of Borobudur temple abandonment

The magnificent Borobudur Temple is not always at the right place. There was a time when the temple is abandoned. The very first fact showed that the temple had abandoned for such period of time was when Mpu Sindok reigned the Medang Kingdom. Somewhere between 928 and 1006 AD, the capital of Medang kingdom was moved to East Java. It was mainly because the temple was surrounded by jungle and also some active volcanic mountain. At that period of time, the eruptions were so radiant. The second period was at 1365. It was during Majapahit reigned the whole country. And the last one was when Islam started to spread in Java mainly at 15^th century.

STORIES OF BOROBUDUR TEMPLE REDISCOVERY

The abandonment of Borobudur Temple gave such a horrible effect. The temple was filled with bushes, trees, and somehow was looked like a high hill. But years later, in 1814 exactly, the British Empire colonialized Indonesia. At that time, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles was one of those popular people who have a big interest in Javanese history. That was why, when he heard about the discovery of a massive archaeological objects in Magelang, he was very interested. He invited a Dutch engineer himself to investigate the discovered hill.

Since then, he got the world attention. In 1835, the temple had been dug up. And the rediscovery still continued even the colonization switched to Dutch from British. Few years after the Independence Day had been spread, the government decided to strengthen the temple as one of the world heritage. The road started at 1956 with UNESCO assistance. Then, in 1963, UNESCO agreed to restore Borobudur Temple. In 1984, the restoration was completed. Seven years later, in 1991, Borobudur temple was decided as one of those World heritages.

STORIES OF VESAK CELEBRATION

Borobudur Temple is not only a world heritage, but it is also a worship site. It is a sacred place for all Buddhists from all around the world. And it will be at the peak when Vesak comes. Vesak is a celebration or commemoration of the birth, death and moment of Siddharta Gautama gaining the highest wisdom in Buddha, to be Shakyamuni Buddha. Those three events are the main activities when Vesak comes, it is called as Trisuci Vesak.

But, when is the Vesak celebrated? Mainly, it will be on the full moon in May or June when it is a kabisat year. When the full moon is at the highest point, at night, all Buddhists will gather around the temple and pray. They believed that at that time, supernatural powers have appeared.

STORIES OF BOROBUDUR TEMPLE SUNRISE

Whether you are a sunrise hunter or not, when you are at Borobudur Temple or planning to go there, you need to make sure that the sunrise is at your top list. The experience of Borobudtur temple sunrise is just stunning. When the sun emerges slowly from the back of the mount Merapi, there lies beauty. After comes up timidly from its hidden place of mount merapi, it will slowly touch the top of the temple. The blackish gray stupa and statues will welcome and smile to the reddish colors radiates from the sun on the eastern horizon. Just enjoy it as long as you want right at the top of the statues.

You will not found the sunrise of Borobudur Temple if you come at the regular hours or at the regular entrance. The sunrise ideas are only provided by Manohara Hotel located in Borobudur Complex. Make sure that you already organize things at the hotel.

DESCRIPTION OF BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

The location of Borobudur Temple is in Borobudur district, Magelang regency, Central Java. It is only about 15 km southern away of Magelang. And that is 40 km away from Yogyakarta. The terrain is just perfect. In such high altitude, this temple is surrounded by many mountains. The structure of Borobudur temple has 10 levels. Those are 6 square levels, 3 circular levels, and also one main stupa. The ten levels are derived from Buddhist Philosophy of Bodhisattva.

LOCATION FO BOROBUDUR TEMPLE

Village              : Borobudur

Sub-district     : Borobudur

Regency           : Magelang

Province          : Central Java (Jawa Tengah)

Route to go to Borobudur Temple

BY PRIVATE CAR

A family of five will be best if using a private car. No strangers. No unnecessary conversation. No sharing seats. It all can be your own tour. But if you are more than five people, you can request and we will get you a larger car.

The private car tour includes:

1. Comfortable private transport with air conditioned and fuel on.
2. Area for parking
3. English-speaking Driving buddy.
4. Mineral water.
5. Local guidance
6. Go back to your stay.

BY SHARING CAR

The minimal amount of the passenger is two people. If you love to go travelling on your own, you can get this kind of transportation. Besides, you will get a chance to meet new people. Moreover, you can keep your budgte tight since the fee will be shared as well.

The sharing car tour includes:

1. Comfortable private transport with air conditioned and fuel on.
2. Area for parking
3. English-speaking Driving buddy.
4. Local guidance
5. Go back to your stay.

BY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Adisucipto Airport: After landed, you need to take Trans Jogja with 3A route and stop at Ngabean Shelter. Still with Trans Jogja, take 2B route and stop at Jombor bus station. From there, take a bus to Borobudur and stop at Borobudur bus station. Then, take a taxibike to the Borboudur Temple.

Giwangan Bus Station: After arrived, you need to take Trans Jogja with 3A route and stop at Ngabean Shelter. Still with Trans Jogja, take 2B route and stop at Jombor bus station. From there, take a bus to Borobudur and stop at Borobudur bus station. Then, take a taxibike to the Borboudur Temple.

Tugu Railway station: After arrived, you need to take Trans Jogja with 3A route and stop at Ngabean Shelter. Still with Trans Jogja, take 2B route and stop at Jombor bus station. From there, take a bus to Borobudur and stop at Borobudur bus station. Then, take a taxibike to the Borboudur Temple.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

OPENING HOURS

Via Borobudur public gate: At 06.00 AM – 5.00 PM (Everyday)

Via Manohara hotel gate (Sunrise): At 04.00 AM – 06.00 PM (Everyday)

FACILITIES

Souvenirs Shops, Information Office, Museums (free), Official Local Guide Service, Audio Visual Documentary, Restaurant, Wheel Chair. Free coffee/Tea or Mineral Water for International Visitors.