Visiting millions of people every year, Borobudur Temple called UNESCO, is the grandest and largest monument and complex of stupa in the world.
Based on the Karangtengah inscription, it is estimated that Borobudur was built by King Samaratungga of the Syailendra Temple and it was only completed by his daughter, Ratu Pramudawardhani, in the 9th century around 800 AD.
Less known about anything else, including who is the architect of building, which is composed of 2 million blocks (55,000 m3) of andesite rock which are interlocking like a giant puzzle.
A Javanese legend tells of Gunadarma who lay looking at Borobudur Temple until he fell asleep and his body turned into the hills of Menoreh. Gunadarma was later considered to be the architect of Borobudur Temple even though there were no historic inscriptions about it.
Borobudur Temple contains 2672 relief panels which, if arranged in a row, reach 6 km in length.
The relief of Borobudur Temple is divided into 4 main stories, namely: Karmawibangga, Lalitawistara, Jataka / Awadana, and Gandawyuha. Aside from narrating the journey of Buddha’s life and teachings, the relief of Borobudur Temple also recorded the progress of Javanese society at that time.
To follow the story carved in Borobudur Temple, visitors must walk clockwise from the east door. After arriving at the starting point then go up to the next level. It was repeated until it reached the top of Borobudur Temple. This ritual is called Pradaksina.
Borobudur Temple is open every day from 6:00 to 17:00. The best time to visit Borobudur Temple is early in the morning, when the air is still fresh. If you join the Borobudur Sunrise package (IDR 350,000 / person), you can enter the temple starting at 4:30 through Manohara.
The price of admission for Borobudur Temple is IDR 50,000 for adults, and IDR 25,000 for children 3-10 years. There is a 50% discount for student groups, at least 20 people.
