Borobudur Temple
Borobudur Temple is a Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage site located in central Java, Indonesia. It is one of the most famous and largest Buddhist temples in the world. The temple is built in the form of a stepped pyramid and is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th and 9th centuries AD during the Sailendra dynasty. It was likely abandoned and overgrown with vegetation for centuries before being rediscovered in the 19th century. The temple has undergone extensive restoration and preservation work in recent years, and is a popular tourist destination.
The exact origins and history of Borobudur Temple are not entirely clear, and the temple's purpose and significance are subjects of scholarly debate. However, it is generally believed that the temple was built by the Sailendra dynasty, a powerful empire that controlled much of Java and Sumatra in the 8th and 9th centuries AD.
Sailendra king
According to the inscription of the temple, Borobudur was built during the reign of the Sailendra king Samaratungga. The inscription also said that it was built as a place of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhist followers.
It is also believed that the temple was built as a representation of the Buddhist cosmology, with the pyramid shape symbolizing the structure of the universe, and the reliefs and statues depicting various aspects of Buddhist teachings. The temple is also believed to have been a place for Buddhist monks to meditate and study.
It's important to note that the specific reasons and motivations behind the construction of Borobudur Temple by the Sailendra dynasty are not well-documented, and remain open to interpretation.
After the fall of Sailendra dynasty, the temple was abandoned and overgrown with vegetation, and was rediscovered in the 19th century. In the 20th century, the temple underwent extensive restoration and preservation work, and is now a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Borobudur Temple was rediscovered in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, a British statesman and founder of the British colony of Singapore. Raffles was serving as the Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) when he learned of the existence of the temple, which was at the time overgrown with vegetation and largely forgotten.
In 1814, Raffles sent a team of Dutch engineers to the site to clear away the vegetation and begin the process of restoring the temple. Raffles' efforts to restore and preserve the temple were continued by later colonial administrators, and the temple was officially opened to the public in 1885.
It's also worth mentioning that before Raffles' discovery, local people already knew the existence of the temple but it was covered by jungle and hard to reach. Raffles's discovery and restoration efforts have made it possible for the temple to be known by the world.
In the early 20th century, the Indonesian government, with the help of UNESCO, began a more comprehensive restoration project. This project, which lasted from 1973 to 1983, involved the careful cleaning, repair, and conservation of the temple's stone structure and carvings. The restoration team also reconstructed missing parts of the temple using original materials where possible.
In 1991, the Indonesian government, in cooperation with UNESCO, began another restoration project to improve the drainage and reinforce the foundation of the temple. The project was completed in 2005, and it has helped to further preserve the temple for future generations.
In addition to these large-scale restoration efforts, Borobudur Temple is also regularly maintained and monitored to ensure its preservation. This includes regular cleaning, monitoring of structural stability, and conservation of the temple's carvings and statues.
When visiting Borobudur Temple, there are many things to see and explore. The temple is a large, stepped pyramid structure that is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The temple is made up of six square terraces and three circular terraces, and is topped by a large central dome.
One of the main features of the temple are the reliefs that adorn its walls. The reliefs depict scenes from the Buddhist scriptures, including stories of the life of the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism. The reliefs also depict aspects of Buddhist teachings, such as the cycle of birth and death and the path to enlightenment.
On top of the temple, there are 72 stupas, each containing a statue of the Buddha. These statues are in different poses and are said to represent different aspects of the Buddha's teachings. The central dome is the highest point of the temple and from there, visitors can have a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Borobudur Temple is also known for its intricate carvings and statues. The temple is adorned with many intricate carvings of various figures, including the Buddha and other important figures in Buddhism, as well as intricate geometric designs and other decorative elements.
Overall, Borobudur Temple is a complex and richly decorated monument that offers a lot to see and explore. It's a unique blend of architecture, sculpture, and symbolism that reflects the religious and cultural heritage of ancient Java.
Visitors are able to go inside Borobudur Temple and explore the temple's various terraces and chambers. To enter the temple, you will need to purchase a ticket. The ticket price is usually around IDR 40,000 (approximately 2.5 USD) for domestic tourists and IDR 340,000 (approximately 22 USD) for foreign tourists. There are also different types of tickets available such as night tickets and combi tickets for visiting multiple sites.
When visiting the temple, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there is a lot of walking involved and the temple can get quite hot. Visitors are also asked to refrain from smoking, eating, or drinking inside the temple.
It's also worth noting that the temple is open daily from 6 am to 5 pm. It's also closed on certain days for maintenance, so it's best to check the schedule before visiting the temple.
Visiting Borobudur Temple is a unique and enriching experience, and it's a great way to learn about the history and culture of ancient Java.
When I mentioned "combi tickets" earlier, I was referring to a type of ticket that allows visitors to access multiple sites or attractions with a single ticket. These types of tickets are often offered at a discounted rate compared to buying separate tickets for each individual site.
In the case of Borobudur Temple, a combi ticket may include entry to other nearby temples or historical sites such as Prambanan Temple, Ratu Boko Temple, or Mendut Temple. These temples are also located in Central Java and are famous for their historical and cultural significance.
We can hire a local guide when visiting Borobudur Temple, especially if you are an international tourist. Having a guide can enhance your experience by providing you with information and insights about the temple's history, architecture, and significance.
Guides may be available at the temple or you can arrange one in advance. They usually charge additional fee for their service. Many tour companies also offer guided tours of the temple as part of a larger package that includes transportation and other services.
It's recommended to check with the temple management or tour companies about the availability of a guide. You can also ask at your hotel or accommodation, they may be able to assist you.
Having a guide can be a great way to learn more about the temple and to get the most out of your visit. They can help you to understand the meaning of the carvings and statues, and to appreciate the temple's history and significance.
The opening hours of Borobudur Temple can vary depending on the season and the schedule of maintenance or events. However, generally speaking, the temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
It's worth noting that the temple is closed on certain days for maintenance or special events, so it's best to check the schedule before visiting. Also, the temple closes earlier during the Ramadan month.
It's also worth noting that the opening hours for the ticket booth may be different from the temple's opening hours. The ticket booth usually opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM.
It's recommended to plan your visit to the temple accordingly and to check the schedule in advance to make sure that the temple will be open during your visit. Also, it's recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to have the best experience.
When visiting Borobudur Temple, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you have a positive and respectful experience. Below are some guidelines for behavior and etiquette when visiting the temple:
Dress appropriately: Visitors are expected to dress modestly when visiting the temple. This means covering your shoulders and legs, and avoiding clothing with offensive or revealing images or messages.
No smoking or eating inside the temple: Visitors are not allowed to smoke or eat inside the temple to respect the sacred nature of the site.
Remove shoes and hats: Visitors are required to remove shoes and hats before entering the temple.
No climbing on the temple: Climbing on the temple is strictly prohibited and can damage the temple's structure and carvings.
No flash photography or video recording inside the temple: Flash photography and video recording are not allowed inside the temple to avoid damage to the temple's structure and carvings.
No littering: Visitors are expected to keep the temple clean and to dispose of any trash or litter properly.
Respect the local culture: Visitors are expected to respect the local culture and to behave appropriately while visiting the temple.
By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure that Borobudur Temple is preserved for future generations and also have a positive and respectful experience while visiting the temple.
Borobudur Temple is located in Central Java, Indonesia, and is about a 7-8 hour drive from Jakarta, the capital city. There are several options for transportation and accommodation for visitors traveling from Jakarta.
Transportation:
By plane: The easiest way to get to Borobudur Temple from Jakarta is by plane. There are several flights per day from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, the nearest major city to Borobudur. From Yogyakarta, you can take a bus or a car to get to the temple.
By train: Another option is to take a train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta. The journey takes around 8-10 hours depending on the type of train. From Yogyakarta, you can take a bus or a car to get to the temple.
By car: If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car in Jakarta and drive to Borobudur Temple. The journey takes around 7-8 hours depending on the traffic.
Accommodation:
There are many options for accommodation near Borobudur Temple, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Many hotels and resorts in the area offer packages that include transportation and a guided tour of the temple.
Visitors can also stay in Yogyakarta, the nearest major city to the temple and then take a day trip to Borobudur. There are many options for accommodation in Yogyakarta, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts.
It's recommended to book your transportation and accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the temple is quite popular and can get crowded.
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