Source: https://www.indonesia.travel/
The Borobudur temple in central Java is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction and the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Viewing the sunrise at Borobudur has come to be a favorite activity for many tourists. However, is it worthwhile? And should you organize your journey? It is likely to be an unforgettable experience, but you will need to know how to do it right.
Borobudur’s Sunrise is Worth to See
Viewing the dawn in Borobudur is extremely common. But it’s also more costly than a standard ticket and requires one to get up very early and make your way to the temple. Is it worth spending the additional fee on top of what is already a high cost? In my experience, I would recommend sunrise, and yes, it’s worth it. The whole experience is very magical, and a once-in-a-life-time second you won’t forget. In the end, you won’t remember how tired you’re nor will the extra cash you spent matter. The memory will remain with you forever, though.
Even though the sunrise is, of course, amazing, there are different reasons why I think you must make the extra effort to see Borobudur from the early morning. The two chief reasons being that the heat and the crowds (or absence thereof).
- The Heat
Borobudur temple is wholly exposed to the sun, and during mid-day, you won’t have the ability to escape the heat. Since you need to climb steep stairs to get to the top, this can be treacherous. The mornings here are often cold, even during the dry season. Temperatures fall as far as 16 degrees Celsius at night, so be ready to bring a light coat.
- The Crowds
Since Indonesia’s most popular tourist destination, most Borobudur will always be filled with people. Even during sunrise, the number of tourists is crazy, mainly because the upper balconies that face east are not very spacious. But seeing the sunrise along with a couple of hundred individuals will still be much better than the thousands, which will have arrived by around 10:00 am. During the off-season, you might be lucky to appreciate even smaller crowds. When the sunrise is over, people will start to dissipate and learn more about the temple complex. Moving to Borobudur for sunrise is the best opportunity for shooting photos of this magical place without any other folks in the way.
Getting There
Borobudur is located around 40km northwest of Yogyakarta in central Java. The drive from the city center to the temple requires around 1 hour. Even though Semarang could theoretically be attained, it’s sensible to fly into Yogyakarta and remain there for a few days, especially if you’re thinking about seeing the sunrise at the temple.
How To Visit Borobudur At Sunrise
Buying sunrise tickets to get Borobudur is not difficult but you will need to understand where to go and what to expect. The temple itself only opens to the public at 6:00 am, which is too late if you would like to experience the entire sunrise. But, there is the Manohara Resort, a hotel located inside the temple complex, which allows you to acquire access at 4:30 am. The sunrise ticket will allow you to stay at Borobudur from 4:30 am till 17:00 once the temple shuts. There’s no requirement to pre-book tickets or take a trip to Borobudur. It will be a far greater experience when you go there on your own.
Vacation is more than just the scenery, it’s about making long-lasting memories. Discover more adventures in Borobudur by visiting Wonderful Indonesia.