Borobudur and Prambanan tours
Both Borobudur and Prambanan are accessible from Yogyakarta. Numerous tours are conducted from Yogyakarta. It is recommended to take 2 days and stay in Borobudur so that you can see sunrise from Borobudur.
About Borobudur Temple
Borobudur temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Buddhist monuments in the world. It is located in central Java, about 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta.
The temple was built in the 9th century during the Sailendra dynasty and consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. The temple is decorated with over 2,500 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, all of which are carved from stone.
The temple was abandoned in the 14th century and remained hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth until it was rediscovered in the early 19th century by the British colonial ruler, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. It has since undergone several restorations, the most recent of which was completed in 1983.
The temple is not only a significant Buddhist monument but also a masterpiece of ancient architecture and art. The relief panels depict scenes from Buddhist scripture and everyday life in ancient Java, offering insight into the culture and beliefs of the Sailendra dynasty.
Borobudur temple is also known for its unique design, which is thought to represent the Buddhist cosmology. The base of the temple represents the earthly realm, while the upper levels represent the higher realms of existence.
About Prambanan temples
Prambanan is a group of 9th-century Hindu temples located in central Java, about 17 kilometers northeast of Yogyakarta. The temples are considered to be the largest and most impressive Hindu complex in Indonesia and are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The complex consists of three main temples, known as the Trimurti temples, which are dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The central temple, dedicated to Shiva, is the largest and most impressive of the three, standing at 47 meters tall. The other two temples are dedicated to Brahma and Vishnu and are located on either side of the central temple.
In addition to the three main temples, the Prambanan complex includes several smaller temples and shrines, as well as numerous pavilions and statues. The temples are decorated with intricate carvings and reliefs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life in ancient Java.
Like Borobudur temple, the Prambanan complex was abandoned in the 14th century and fell into ruin. The temples were rediscovered and restoration work began in the early 20th century. Today, the Prambanan complex is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.
In addition to its historical and cultural significance, the Prambanan complex is also notable for its unique architectural style, which combines Hindu and Javanese elements. The temples feature towering spires, intricate carvings, and intricate stone masonry, making them a masterpiece of ancient architecture and art.
