Having checked-in at the Hyatt Regency Yogykarta, it was time to see what I really came all this was for — the ancient ruins of Borobudur.
Visiting Borobudur Temple At Sunrise (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
I decided the best way to see the temple would be to see it at sunrise (this is also the most popular way). I booked a “tour” through the Hyatt Regency at a tour desk near the parking valet area of the hotel.
Sunrise was at around 5:45 am, the drive to Borobudur was about 1 hour, and there was an additional check-in and small hike to get to the temple. Because of this, pick-up was scheduled for 3:30 am to ensure we’d make it to the temple before sunrise.
About The Borobudur Temple
The Borobudur Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world.
Originally built in the 9th century, Borobudur has stood watch over the Indonesian island of Java for over 1,000 years. It was abandoned in the 14th century during the decline of the Hindu kingdoms, only to be “rediscovered” in 1814 by Sir Thomas Raffles, the British ruler of Java at the time who made the site famous in the Western world.
Today, Borobudur Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as the most popular tourist attraction in Indonesia.
Map Of The Borobudur Temple
The route to the temple started at the Manohara Restaurant. This was the location of the tour drop-off (and pick-up) and the place to buy entrance tickets. The entrance fee also included breakfast at Manohara (after seeing sunrise at the temple).
From the map below, you can see you follow the “purple arrows” to get to the temple. From there, you can explore the temple freely at your own pace, but you must follow the “yellow arrows” to exit the temple and return to Manohara Restaraunt.
Sunrise At Borobudur Temple
We arrived at the entrance to Borobudur Temple in the pitch-black of the morning. After having gotten our tickets, we were pointed in the right direction and told to follow the “purple arrow” pathway to the temple.
FHOP Tip: Its probably a good idea to bring a small flashlight or headlamp if you plan to catch the sunrise at Borobudur. The pathway can be uneven, a little hard to follow, and wet and muddy. The temple itself can also be hard to navigate in the pitch-black. In a pinch, you can use your mobile phone’s flashlight.
FHOP Tip: This is basic, I know, but it’s important. The sun always rises in the East. If you want to secure a great view of the sunrise amongst the hoard of tourists, use your mobile phone find a good Eastward facing spot. You’d be surprised at how many people forget this. Their loss is your gain when it comes to sunrise photos!
Pre-dawn at on the temple
The crowds gather below, with the “twin volcanos” in the distance
Ah, there you are my friend!
Exploring Borobudur Temple After The Sunrise – The Entrance
UNESCO was here
The entrance to the temple
The Top Of The Temple
The top of the Borobudur Temple
The temple is well-marked with signage. Walking the stairs is made easier with strategically-placed hand rails
The Stupas
The stupas are perhaps the most iconic symbol of Borobudur
The Temple Artwork
Exiting The Temple – Back To Manohara Restaraunt
Follow this path (the “yellow arrows”) back to the restaurant
Breakfast At Manohara Restaurant
Plenty of places to sit
The breakfast spread
Exiting The Park – Back To The Parking Lot
Follow this path back to the parking lot (where your ride may be waiting)
Didn’t expect to see elephants here!
Final Thoughts: Visiting Borobudur Temple At Sunrise (Yogykarta, Indonesia)
Borobudur is quite impressive and sunrise is definitely the way to see it. Watching the sun emerge from between the two massive volcanos on the horizon to slowly illuminate the stupas of this temple is truly something to behold
Right about now, you are probably asking yourself, “yes, but, is it really worth a trip to all the way to Yogykarta just to see Borobudur?”
To that I answer a resounding, “YES”.
True, perhaps the Borobudur Temple is not as overall impressive as Ankor Wat in Cambodia or Bagan in Myanmar, but it is absolutely amazing nonetheless. Yogykarta [and the surrounding region] is an amazing place with incredible things to do like hiking the Merapi Volcano, seeing Candi Pawon and Mendut, or visiting the Prambanan Temple.
Cheers!
