Borobudur is a 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist temple in Central Java, Indonesia. It is the world's largest Buddhist temple. The monument was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991.


Built during the reign of the Syailendra Dynasty, between the 8th and 9th centuries.
It's a massive structure built from gray andesite stone.
Designed in a unique "Mandala style", representing the Buddhist cosmology and the path to Nirvana.
Comprises three tiers: a pyramidal base with five concentric square terraces, a trunk of a cone with three circular platforms, and a monumental stupa at the top.
The base is a square platform, 123 x 123 meters in size, with four-meter walls.
The structure is adorned with 2,672 relief panels.
72 openwork stupas surround the circular platforms, each containing a statue of the Buddha.
The apex of the central stupa is 35 meters above ground level.
Architect unknown, but possibly Gunadharma.


Abandoned in the 14th century following the decline of Hindu kingdoms and the conversion of Java to Islam.
Rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, then the British ruler of Java.
Preserved through various restorations, including a major restoration in 1983 by the Indonesian government and UNESCO.
Borobudur is once again a site of Buddhist pilgrimage and a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia.


Location:Approximately 40 kilometres (25 mi) northwest of Yogyakarta and 86 kilometres (53 mi) west of Surakarta, Borobudur is located in an elevated area between twin volcanoes, Sundoro-Sumbing and Merbabu-Merapi, and two rivers, the Progo and the Elo.
Opening Hours: 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
Tips:
Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Dress comfortably and respectfully.
Bring water and snacks.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for a richer experience.
Drones are not allowed.
Wear special slippers provided for climbing the temple.
Avoid climbing on stupas or touching carvings.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and ranks with Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia as one of the great archeological sites of Southeast Asia. Borobudur remains popular for pilgrimage, with Buddhists in Indonesia celebrating Vesak Day at the monument. In June 2012, Borobudur was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's largest Buddhist temple.

Indonesia

Borobudur