Silakan tulis artikel dalam bahasa Indonesia dengan panjang lebih dari 1000 kata Markdown to Terminal Jombor.
The routes are integrated into Google Maps, so it's best to check there. However, the timetables are not reliable, but the buses are relatively frequent. A ticket costs 3600 IDR (0.25$), payable at the bus stop (halte) or inside the bus.
At Terminal Jombor, hourly buses go directly to Borobudur. The bus ride takes around 75 minutes and costs 20.000 IDR (1.3$).
Do You Need a Borobudur Guide?
No, you don't need a guide to go to Borobudur, nor inside the temple grounds. If you buy the special ticket that allows you to climb up the Temple though, you will be allotted a guide who will guide you through the temple. You cannot climb Borobudur by yourself!
Historical Information
Historical information is readily available online. It's been over 200 years since Borobudur was discovered by an expedition led by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles (although not by him particularly). There aren't any secrets that the Borobudur Guides know, but the internet is hiding.
Raffles is the same Sir closely associated with the history of Singapore.
History of Borobudur
Borobudur is one of the most impressive temples in Southeast Asia and the world at large. It is the biggest Buddhist Temple in the world! Borobudur was built in the 9th century during the Buddhist Shailendra dynasty, and discovered in 1814 during the British Invasion of Java.
During these almost 1000 years, the temple was buried in volcanic ash and overgrown with jungle vegetation. It took the Brits more than 2 months to clear away dust, trees, and debris just to reveal the temple.
The most likely explanation for the name Candi Borobudur is that it's a temple (candi) dedicated to Buddha (budur) near the village of Boro.
Borobudur was restored between 1907 and 1911 using the same materials that it was built with, a strategy called anastylosis. If you've ever been to Ephesus in Turkey, you've seen the Library of Celsus, which is the best example in the world of this type of restoration.
Today Borobudur is the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia with more than 3 million visitors yearly.
Architectural Design of Borobudur
What makes Borobudur spectacular is that it's a single stupa! If seen from above, it's completely symmetrical and looks like a Buddhist Mandala. The base of the temple is a square with a side length of 118 m.
In total, there are over 2500 reliefs and 504 Buddha statues spread over three levels.
Kamadhatu (first level)
The lowest level, called Kamadhatu, represents the world of mortals. There are 160 scenes depicting consequences from Pratītyasamutpāda, although most of these remain hidden behind restoration encasements. It's also called "The world of desire."
Rapudhatu (second level)
The middle level, called Rapudhatu, is the transitional realm between the mortals and the heavens. There are 432 Buddhas and miles of reliefs and decorative panels. It's also called "The world of forms."
Arupadhatu (third level)
The uppermost level, called Arupadhatu, is the abode of the gods. There are 72 Buddhas of course the biggest Buddha at the very top. It's also called "The world of formlessness."
Where to Next?
Yogyakarta itself is a UNESCO heritage site! It got added to the list in late 2023. I lived there for 6 months and these are the best things to do in Yogyakarta. Some of these, like authentic markets and kampungs, are not on any other guide, anywhere!
You'd probably want to visit the other famous temple – Prambanan (also a UNESCO site). I have a guide on how to visit both Borobudur and Prambanan in 1 day or you can check out this one about watching the sunset at Prambanan.
On a very related note, I recommend the Prambanan Ramayana Ballet as an after-sunset experience.
Just note that if you buy the special ticket to climb Borobudur, you cannot buy a combo ticket for both temples – only singles.