If you’re planning a trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, chances are that Borobudur Temple is on your must-see list. As one of the biggest and most famous Buddhist temples in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Borobudur draws countless visitors each year. But with the temple’s high cost, logistical challenges, and current ground renovations, many travelers find themselves asking: Is Borobudur Worth it? Is Borobudur Temple worth visiting?  

Given the steep price and far away location we were asking the same questions.  In addition, we discovered that the Borobudur Temple has 2 different kinds of tickets.  Furthermore, in order to actually get into the temple (climb the stairs) one must pre-purchase the tickets weeks in advance.

In this post we share our honest review of Borobudur Temple and answer the question – Is Borobudur Worth it or not? (at least for us).  In addition we share additional tips about how to get the Borobudur Temple tickets, the best time to go, etc.,

The History and Significance of Borobudur Temple

Borobudur from the top structure.

Borobudur Temple, situated in Central Java, Indonesia, stands as a marvel of ancient architecture. Constructed in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, this monumental structure proudly holds the title of the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Its vastness is adorned with over 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues, each intricately carved to depict stories and teachings of the Buddhist faith.

Borobudur served as more than just a place of worship; it was a pilgrimage site, symbolizing the journey towards enlightenment. Each level of the temple represents a different stage in this spiritual journey, guiding pilgrims from the earthly realm of desires to the ultimate state of nirvana.

Sadly, the temple was abandoned in the 14th century as the people of Java embraced Islam. For centuries, it lay forgotten, buried beneath layers of volcanic ash and encroaching jungle. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java, stumbled upon this hidden treasure. Thanks to extensive restoration efforts, particularly in the 20th century, Borobudur has been painstakingly preserved, allowing visitors today to witness its full glory.

In addition:

• Borobudur’s design is inspired by the concept of a mandala, a sacred diagram representing the universe in Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
• Borobudur’s symbolism extends beyond its structure. The temple’s design and the reliefs that adorn it tell the story of  Buddha’s life and teachings, as well as the journey toward enlightenment. It is considered a “textbook in stone,” offering spiritual guidance to those who explore its intricate artwork.
• The temple’s construction involved the use of over two million stone blocks, interlocked without any mortar.
• Borobudur was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991, acknowledging its outstanding universal value.

Why Is Borobudur So Famous?

Borobudur’s fame extends beyond its size and age. Its architectural and artistic grandeur, combined with its spiritual significance, make it an important destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those on a spiritual journey.

Borobudur temple’s design represents the Buddhist concept of the universe, with the base symbolizing the world of desires, the middle section representing forms, and the top symbolizing the formless world. Climbing to the top of Borobudur Temple is seen as a metaphorical journey to enlightenment.

What do we mean by these concepts?  Well, the three main levels represent the three realms (states of existence) of Buddhist cosmology:

Kāmadhātu (the Desire Realm): The lowest level, depicts scenes of everyday life and desires. It symbolizes the attachments and temptations that bind us to the cycle of rebirth.

Rupadhātu (the Form Realm): The middle level represents a transitional state where one has overcome many desires, but still clings to forms and concepts. Here, you’ll find statues of Buddhas and intricate reliefs illustrating Buddhist teachings.

Arupadhātu (the Formless Realm): The highest level, has no statues or decorations. It symbolizes the ultimate goal of enlightenment, where one is free from all attachments and reaches a state of pure consciousness.

The journey through these levels reflects the Buddhist path to enlightenment, starting from the world of desires and ascending to a state of complete liberation.

Visiting Borobudur Temple: Costs, Tickets, and Logistical Challenges

Visiting Borobudur: Hours

The Borobudur Temple is open daily from 06:30 – 16:30.

Visiting earlier in the morning is recommended as it can get quite hot later in the day.  This is an important consideration if you are also going to be climbing up the Borobudur structure.

Borobudur Tickets: Prices

One of the most significant considerations for visitors is the cost. As of 2024, the entrance fee for foreign tourists are:

Borobudur Temple grounds only: This ticket is called the Borobudur Temple Ground Ticket and is 400,000 IDR (around $25 USD).  Please note, that this ticket just gets you into enter the grounds of the temple.

Borobudur Temple with Climb:  This ticket is called the Borobudur Temple Structure Ticket.  If you wish to climb up to the top of the temple, the cost rises slightly to 475,000 IDR (about $30 USD). While the price difference may seem minimal, the experience of climbing Borobudur Temple is often considered the highlight of the visit, making the additional $5 USD a worthy investment—if you can secure a ticket.

Borobudur Tickets Online: Where to Buy the Tickets

You can purchase the tickets online through the temple directly here.  You may purchase the tickets 3 months in advance, therefore if you are visiting Yogyakarta with the express wish to climb the Borobudur Temple, then our suggestion is to purchase the tickets as early as possible.

Securing Tickets to Climb Borobudur Temple

Climbing Borobudur is not as simple as buying a ticket at the entrance. Due to conservation efforts and to limit the number of visitors on the temple’s structure, tickets to climb are limited and often sell out weeks in advance. It’s recommended to book your climbing ticket online at least two weeks before your visit, with tickets available up to three months in advance.

For those who miss out on the official tickets, there are alternatives.  For instance you can book through platforms such as Get Your Guide or Viator. However, these tickets come at a premium, and availability can still be an issue, requiring at least a week’s advance purchase. Despite the additional cost, these options can be a lifesaver for last-minute planners.

In addition, many visitors in the past have enjoyed Borobudur during sunrise. However, as of August 2023 that activity has been shut down and is no longer available.  See below how one can still see sunrise over Borobudur, although not on top of it.

How to Experience Sunrise at Borobudur 2024 and beyond

As we have mentioned, Borobudur is no longer open for sunrise for those perfect Instagram pictures.  However, there is another way to do this.  There is a hillside 2.5 km west of Borobudur called Punthuk Setumbu Hill.  It opens at 04:00 in the morning and overlooks the stupas on top of Borobudur.  In addition the view will also include the stunning Mount Merapi Merbabu in the background as the sun rises behind it.

However, to set expectations, the view of Borobudur is not like being there on top of the temple at sunrise.  It is a sunrise with the top of Borobudur visible in the distance, as shown in the picture above.

There are a few small fees to be paid to get to this viewpoint which will total approximately 70,000 IDR or about $4.20 USD to go up to the viewpoint. At that time in the night, it will be cool and dark, so bring appropriate clothing and shoes, a headlamp or flashlight and water.  The hike itself is about 10-20 minutes and is quite strenuous.

Organizations like www.borobudursunrise.com also have combined tours with the sunset overlooking Borobudur from Punthuk Setumbu Hill, then taking you to Borobudur (with the climbing ticket – if you book well in advance).  The tour continues with a Merapi Lava Tour, concluding with a visit to Prambanan.

In my opinion this is too much for one day.  Especially since the day will start at 03:30 in the morning to make it in time to the Punthuk Setumbu Hill in time for the sunrise.  However, this is an option if you want to pack everything in in one day and not worry about logistics.

Getting to Borobudur Temple

Located about 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta, reaching Borobudur is another factor to consider. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes by car from Yogyakarta, depending on traffic. If you’re staying at the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta, like we were, the drive is a bit shorter, taking just over 60 minutes.

Transportation costs are reasonable. We used Grab, a popular ride-hailing app in Southeast Asia, and the one-way fare was around 200,000 IDR  ($12-$14 USD) as the way back was slightly more.  While not overly expensive, it’s something to keep in mind, especially when factoring in the time and effort required to get there.

Current Restrictions and Visitor Experience

The grounds of  Borobudur are currently undergoing significant construction work.  The museum is closed and the new Art Gallery has not yet been built.  Given that we could not climb the stairs of Borobudur Temple, were only given access to the area around the temple and not any of the other park like grounds really limited our experience there.

Adding to the frustration, after our visit to the temple grounds, we were funneled out and through a long, narrow passage filled with vendors selling souvenirs. This exit route, which took about 20 minutes to walk through, was narrow and filled with hawkers.  In addition, some of these sellers were smoking inside these narrow stall tunnels. The combination of the market atmosphere and the smoke made for an unpleasant end to the visit.

Is Borobudur Worth it?

Given the high cost, the long journey, and the current restrictions, many visitors may find themselves disappointed with their experience at Borobudur Temple. While the temple’s historical and cultural significance is undeniable, the reality of visiting now presents several challenges that may overshadow it’s allure.

For those staying in Yogyakarta, a visit to Prambanan Temple might be a more rewarding experience. Prambanan, a stunning 9th-century Hindu temple complex, is closer to the city and offers more to see with fewer restrictions and a less commercialized feel. The entrance fee is similar to visiting Borobudur Temple.

Final Thoughts – Is Borobudur Temple Worth Visiting?

Borobudur Temple is undoubtedly one of the world’s great historical sites, and for many, it remains a bucket-list destination. However, given the logistical challenges of getting the tickets to climb to the top of Borobudur Temple, the cost, and the lengthy trip to get here; it’s worth considering whether the experience will meet your expectations.

If you’re an avid history enthusiast or have a deep spiritual connection to Buddhist culture, the visit may still be worth it. But for the average traveler, especially those on a tight schedule or budget, Prambanan Temple might offer a more satisfying experience.

Before you decide, consider what you value most in your travel experiences. If it’s the journey to a historically significant site, Borobudur might be worth the effort. But if you’re looking for a hassle-free day trip with rich cultural rewards, Prambanan is likely the better option.

And if you have the interest and the time, then perhaps get the tickets to climb up to the top of Borobudur Temple in advance of your arrival and do both!

If you have already visited, what did you think?  Is Borobudur worth it? Is Borobudur Temple Worth Visiting?  We would love to hear from you in the comments!

And if you love Buddhist culture and have not yet read about our epic trip to Buthan, then here it is.