Borobudur – an otherworldly site
A photo story
Let me just start by telling you that the idea of a this series of favourite places in the world was born with Borobudur in mind. I was so awed by this place that I thought it deserves its own post. But then, I realised that there are so many places in the world which also deserve to be showcased separately. You know, something along the lines of “500 places to see before you die”. Et voila!
Now, Borobudur. This place has certainly put a spell on me. I don’t know if it is the grandeur of it, the location, the story or simply the energy of the place but there is something about this temple that completely draws me to it.
The temple is situated in the lush Kedu plain in Central Java, with 4 active volcanos as its backdrop and surrounded by the idyllic landscape of the emerald rice terraces.
About Borobudur temple
Dating from the eight century (around 300 years before Angkor Wat), Borobudur is the largest buddhist temple in the world and it belongs to Mahayana school of buddhism. You can read a bit about the two main schools here.
Seen from the air, Borobudur looks like a mandala, a representation of the cosmos. Viewed from he ground but from afar, the temple has the shape of a stupa. However, when your are getting close, you can notice 2 styles of architecture. The top (also the centre piece) is in the shape of a stupa and it sits on three circular layers containing smaller stupas. There are 72 stupas in total and each of them contains a buddha statue inside. However, what is really interesting is that most of these statues have no head anymore. There are 2 open stupas with full body buddhas sitting in meditation somehow giving the impression that they are in fact contemplating the exquisite view surrounding the temple. And it is exactly what you would want to do to there!
Borobudur temple is both a shrine and a pilgrimage place. You cannot go inside the temple as there is no “inside”, no room. You can only walking around on each floor . This walking action is called “Pradaksina” and it is meant to honour the spirits.
Today, Borobudur temple is a UNESCO World heritage site and of of the greatest monuments in Asia and in the world.
Location of Borobudur temple
Borobudur is situated about 40km from Yogyakarta, in the Borobudur park. There is a hotel on the park premises where I highly recommend you to stay in order to be able to really take your time and take in the beauty of this place. I arrived there early afternoon and left next day at noon. So that gave me the chance to catch not only the sunrise but also the sunset there! Plus if you stay at the hotel, you don’t need to pay the entrance fee anymore. Obviously the rooms are not very cheap but to me it was 100% worthwhile.
The best time to visit the temple is at sunrise. No words can explain the beauty of the temple at dawn! But you have to get there really early to beat the crowds. Even though I stayed on the premises (probably less than 100m from the temple) I had to wake up at 4AM and go there. It was completely out of this world as it was still pitch dark at that hour and you can hear the calls to prayers everywhere. But it was all worth it!!!
Sunrise at Borobudur
Stormy Sunset at Borobudur
There was no actual sunset to be witnessed the day I was there due to the heavy clouds and the approaching storm.
But the atmosphere and the mood created by the imminent storm was completely surreal!
More photos of Borobudur
If you liked this post choose your Pin 🙂
Related Images:
English 
Română 
Thank you very much for a perfect post about Borobudur. Seeing the temple at sunrise sounds amazing. This gorgeous temple has been on my bucket list for a few years now and I am planning to visit it next year. How many hours would you recommend me to stay there? A half of a day is enough or do I need to plan to stay there longer? Thank you very much for your respond, Martina.x x
Thank you for stopping by and for the kudos! If you want to just see the sunrise, I would say 2-3 hours should be enough. It will get very crowded later anyway and you won’t enjoy it as much. But it really depends on your own rhythm.
Stunning images. Looks like am amazing place to visit and spend some time just soaking in its beauty.
Thank you! Indeed! Is one of those really special places in this world! definitely a bucketlist item!
Your photos are SO beautiful. I definitely need to add this to my bucket list! Definitely otherworldy
Aww thank you so much! so happy you like them!
If I ever get to visit again, I will stay at the hotel. I don’t remember there being a hotel close by when I was there a few years ago. Your photos are gorgeous.
Not sure how old the hotel is but yes I would strongly recommend you stay right on the premises 🙂
Gorgeous photos! I have never thought of visiting here until I saw your post!
Aww comments like this make me happy! that’s the whole purpose of my blog and photos. thank you!!
To be hoenst, I hadn’t heard of this place before, but it really looks amazing. The sunrise is so impressive. Would you suggest that one day is enough time to discover the place? Safe travels to you!
I am glad you heard about it from me then :-). Yes one day is definitely enough! thank you!!
I can see why you love this place so much! Even the moody morning looks magical! 😀
Actually the clouds and the mood simply add even more magic to this already magical place Diana
Stunning photos! It looks like another world! I bet the photos don’t even do it justice. I am absolutely adding Borobudur to my list. Thank you for sharing 🙂
You are right Brit. To see it live is a whole other experience. One that I recommend from all my heart!
Wow! I can just try to imagine how it must have felt there at sunrise! Looks like such an amazing experience, and a place I would definitely want to see one day. Your pictures are stunning too!
Thanks so much for your appreciation Jurga. It is probably very difficult to imagine. this place exceeds imagination. you should definitely visit.
That sunrise is so breathtaking, Mihaela! And even though there was no sunset, seeing the temple before a storm is just as unique. Amazing photos!
Exactly Flo! Initially I was pretty bummed with the stormy clouds but it revealed a whole different view! This place is amazing!