If the island of Java, Indonesia, wasn’t on your radar before, it definitely should be now! Imagine the largest Buddhist monument in the world, built between AD 780 and 840, right at your fingertips. Borobudur is waiting, and has so much to offer!
Visiting Borobudur is much more than just a trip, it’s a whole journey! The monument is layered in three sections – Kamadhatu (world of desires), Rupadhatu (world of forms), and Arupadhatu (formless world). Since the only way to visit Borobudur is with a guide, you’ll learn all about these three different sections as you climb up the monument. Talk about a workout for the soul! ;-) Once you reach the top, Nirvana awaits (literally).
The monument is 123 meters by 123 meters, and houses 72 stupas on the upper terraces. What’s even more fun, is that you can find a serene Buddha statue in every single one of them! And unlike what you’re used to from religious monuments, you can touch them, too! Rumor has it that touching one of these statues brings good luck, so feel away ;-)
For the best experience, try to get a ticket for the earliest group (departs at 8.30 am). That way you get the best lighting, without temperatures being too hot already. Contrary to what you may have read online, you can’t visit Borobudur on your own anymore. That means that visiting the temple grounds for sunrise is not possible in 2024. By going on the earliest possible tour, you can still have a “somewhat sunrise” experience!
