After
visiting the largest Buddhist monument in the world, it is not hard to see why
this is the most visited tourist site in Indonesia. The list of the Seven
Wonders of the World has changed many times over the years, and often Borobudur
has been included. UNESCO added the monument to its list of World Heritage
Sites in 1991, and has been of great influence in restoring the monument to its
former glory.
The
temple is a massive step pyramid structure made from giant stone blocks, built
on a hill, surrounded by valleys and hills. The levels rise up representing the
stages of enlightenment.
On
the lower rectangular levels, stone carved panels tell the story of the
Buddhist Sutras, in total there are 1,460 intricate scenes.
Higher
terraces switch to a circular shape on which statues of Buddha sit inside
perforated bell shaped stupas. These levels are a great deal less ornate,
representing a rise from earthly ‘form’ to a higher state of formlessness.
504
Buddha statues sit, facing out to nature, demonstrating a range of hand
positions.
The
top of the monument is crowned with a massive bell shaped stupa, close to 10
metres is diameter. Currently the centre of this stupa is completely empty, and
questions remain as to whether it has always been empty, or in fact held some
form of icon within.
Interestingly
a hidden level of stone reliefs exists at the base of the monument, depicting
stories of desire.
Artistically
Borobudur represents a melding of Indian monuments and the traditional terraced
sanctuaries of Indonesian art. In plan view, the monument represents a Mandala,
which is a schematized representation of the cosmos, often drawn repeatedly as
a meditative mechanism.
LOOKING
BACK
Borobudur
Temple was built by Sailendra dynasty between 750 and 842 AD. In terms of world
wide religious structures, it was very early, it would be 300 years before
Cambodia’s Angkor Wat was constructed, 400 years before work began on the great
European cathedrals.
Abandoned
at around 1100AD when the power shifted from central to western Java, ash from
the local volcanoes covered Borobudur and the vivacious jungle then grew up
around and over it.
At this time the Saliendra dynasty built a
great number of monuments, both Hindu and Buddhist, in the region there are
even temples where the two religions combine, alternating symbolism.
Sir
Thomas Stamford Raffles is credited with the re-discovery of Borobudur in 1814.
Raffles, who is known as a great admirer of history and culture, alerted the
rest of the world to its existence and commissioned a clear up of the site,
removing the trees, undergrowth and earth that had built up.
1907
to 1911 saw significant restorations lead by Theo Van Erp.
UNESCO
and Indonesian government undertook a complete overhaul of the monument in a
big renovation project from 1975 to 1983.
GETTING
THERE & GETTING IN
Borobudur is located 40 km northwest of Yogyakarta, 7 km
south of the town of Magelang, Central Java.
We recommend you organise a car and driver through
either our Visitor Assistance Centre or your hotel. This way you can also have
transport ready to take you back when you are ready to head back. The other alternatives are a tour group
mini-bus, or even a taxi.
The local buses can be a bit of a rough travel
experience, but if you are game the bus leaves from Giwangan bus terminal in
Yogyakarta and drops off in Borobudur bus station which is a little over 1km
walk from the temple.
Tickets
for times other than sunrise are available at the official ticketing booths.
The fees are as follows:
It
is also both the quietest and coolest time of day to visit the temple.
BOROBUDUR
Temple, Entrance Ticket Pass
Indonesian local or KITAS card holder IDR 30.000
Indonesian
local children IDR 12.500
Foreigner
- Adult USD $ 20
Foreigner
- Student [registered] USD $ 10
BOROBUDUR
- PRAMBANAN Package
Indonesian local or KITAS card holder IDR 50.000
Indonesian
local children IDR 22.000
Foreigner
- Adult USD $ 30
Foreigner
- Student [registered] USD $ 15
BOROBUDUR
- RATU BOKO Package
Indonesian local or KITAS card holder IDR 50.000
Indonesian
local children IDR 20.000
Foreigner
- Adult USD $ 27
Foreigner
- Student [registered] USD $
13,5
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