Borobudur temple seen from the north-west

No. 11 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites to Visit 2026

Borobudur

Magelang, Central Java, Indonesia

The world's largest Buddhist temple, rising in terraces over the Kedu plain.

Photo: Gunawan Kartapranata, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Borobudur was built in the 8th and 9th centuries in Central Java. Its stacked terraces carry thousands of carved relief panels and hundreds of Buddha statues, many within bell-shaped stupas. It is part of the Borobudur Temple Compounds UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Mendut and Pawon temples nearby.

Access to the upper levels is limited by quota and guided visit to protect the monument; check the official ticket site for the current arrangements.

Best time to visit

The drier season, roughly April to October, is best. Go early in the morning for cooler temperatures.

Highlights

  • 1

    Terraces and reliefs

    Galleries of carved panels showing Buddhist teachings and daily life.

  • 2

    Upper stupas

    Circular terraces with Buddha statues inside latticed stupas.

  • 3

    Mendut and Pawon

    Two smaller temples on the same axis, a short drive away.

  • 4

    Sunrise views

    Viewpoints in the surrounding hills, such as Punthuk Setumbu.

Getting there

Borobudur is about 1–1.5 hours by road from Yogyakarta, which has an international airport and train connections. Tours, taxis and local buses run there.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and any visitor limits change, so check the official information before you go.
Time needed
Half a day.

Official information: UNESCO: Borobudur Temple Compounds. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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