One Day Tour: Borobudur Climb – Prambanan and Sewu Temple

Exploring the iconic temples of Central Java is a must for any visitor to Indonesia. This one-day tour offers a seamless opportunity to discover the region’s captivating religious heritage, from the magnificent Borobudur to the impressive Prambanan complex. With transportation, entry tickets, and local guides included, the journey promises an immersive experience. However, the true allure lies in the chance to uncover the intricate carvings, stunning architecture, and rich history that have made these sites UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Where will this enlightening adventure lead next?

Key Points

• A full-day tour starting at 7 AM from Yogyakarta hotel, covering Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Sewu Temple.
• Borobudur Temple visit includes exploring the stunning upper terraces, intricate carvings, and 72 bell-shaped stupas, with a local guide providing insights.
• The journey to Prambanan Temple takes around 120 minutes, allowing visitors to climb the main temple complexes and visit additional temples like Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu.
• Optional visits to Mendut, Pawon, and Plaosan Temples offer a deeper dive into the region’s religious heritage and architectural prowess.
• The tour includes transportation, admission fees, and local guides to ensure a comprehensive and seamless experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour starts at 7 AM from the traveler’s Yogyakarta hotel and lasts for a full day.

This 1-day tour visits two of Indonesia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites – Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple.

At Borobudur, visitors must wear special attire and the tour is limited to 1,200 people per day across 8 sessions. After spending around 2 hours at Borobudur, the tour travels to Prambanan, which takes about 120 minutes.

At Prambanan, travelers can climb the existing temple complexes and visit additional sites like Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu Temple.

The tour includes parking fees, an English-speaking driver, hotel pickup and drop-off, and entry tickets to the key attractions.

Visiting Borobudur Temple

Visitors typically wear the required special attire, known as ‘upangat’, while exploring the magnificent Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The temple tour is limited to 1,200 visitors per day, divided into 8 sessions. Visitors will have around 2 hours to wander the temple grounds, accompanied by a local guide who’ll provide insights into the temple’s rich history and architecture.

The temple’s intricate reliefs and massive stone structure offer a fascinating glimpse into Indonesia’s Buddhist heritage.

After the Borobudur visit, the tour continues to the nearby Prambanan Temple complex, home to an array of impressive Hindu temples.

Borobudur Temple Highlights

After exploring the temple grounds, visitors are rewarded with stunning views from the upper terraces of Borobudur.

Ascending the nine stacked platforms, they’ll encounter intricate carvings that depict scenes from Buddhist cosmology and daily life in ancient Java.

Reaching the peak, they’re greeted by the striking image of 72 bell-shaped stupas, each housing a serene Buddha statue.

The temple’s grandeur and architectural sophistication have earned it a place as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Visitors must wear the appropriate attire, known as ‘upangat’, to enter the sacred site.

With limited daily access, it’s essential to plan ahead and book a tour to fully experience the wonder of Borobudur.

Journey to Prambanan Temple

From Borobudur, the journey to Prambanan takes around 120 minutes as visitors travel through the lush countryside of Yogyakarta.

Along the way, they’ll pass by small villages and farms, catching glimpses of the local way of life.

Upon arrival at Prambanan, visitors can explore the impressive Hindu temple complex, which features several towering spires and intricate carvings.

They can climb to the top of the existing temple complexes, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Additional temples like Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu Temple can also be visited during this portion of the tour.

The journey from Borobudur to Prambanan offers a chance to take in Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage.

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Exploring Prambanan Temple

Upon arrival at Prambanan, one can’t help but be awestruck by the majestic Hindu temple complex. The towering spires, reaching skyward, are a testament to the architectural prowess of the ancient Javanese civilization. Intricate carvings adorn the various temple structures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and the daily life of the people.

Within the Prambanan complex, visitors can explore and climb the existing temple structures, which include the main Prambanan Temple, as well as the Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu Temples. The temples offer a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Temple	Highlights
Prambanan	Main Hindu temple complex
Bubrah	Intricately carved temple structures
Lumbung	Unique architectural features
Sewu	Largest Buddhist temple in the Prambanan area

Additional Temple Visits

While the main Prambanan, Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu Temples offer a wealth of cultural and historical exploration, visitors can also venture out to uncover additional hidden gems in the region.

The tour includes optional visits to Mendut, Pawon, and Plaosan Temples.

Mendut Temple is a 9th-century Buddhist temple located just 3 kilometers from Borobudur.

Pawon Temple is another small Buddhist temple situated along the route between Borobudur and Mendut.

Lastly, Plaosan Compound is a complex of Buddhist temples that’s worth a visit for its intricate architectural details.

These optional stops provide a deeper dive into the rich religious heritage of Central Java, allowing travelers to immerse themselves further in the region’s captivating history and culture.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes several key inclusions to enhance the experience for visitors. These cover transportation, admission fees, and tour guides. The inclusions are as follows:

Inclusion	Details
Transportation	Hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver
Admission Fees	Entry tickets to Borobudur, Prambanan, and Punthuk Setumbu
Tour Guides	Borobudur local guide, Prambanan local guide (optional)
Other Inclusions	Parking fees

While lunch and breakfast are not included, the tour ensures visitors have access to the key sites and experienced guides to make the most of their day. The inclusions provide a comprehensive experience for exploring these renowned cultural landmarks.

Tour Exclusions

Though the tour includes many key elements, there are also some exclusions to be aware of.

Visitors will need to cover the cost of any additional optional programs, such as visiting the Mendut, Pawon, or Plaosan Temples. Meals, including lunch and breakfast, are also not included in the tour package. Plus, gratuities for the guides and drivers aren’t covered.

While the tour provides an extensive overview of the Borobudur and Prambanan temple complexes, guests should budget for these extra expenses if they wish to explore more sites or require food during the day. The tour’s focus is on the main highlights, allowing visitors to make the most of their time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Stop for Photos Along the Way?

Yes, the tour allows for photo stops along the way. The driver will make appropriate stops so guests can take photos of the scenic countryside and local landmarks during the drives between Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

Is There a Dress Code for Prambanan Temple?

Yes, there is a dress code for visiting Prambanan Temple. Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless tops are not permitted. Appropriate attire is required to enter the temple complex.

Is It Possible to Visit Additional Temples on the Tour?

Yes, it’s possible to visit additional temples on the tour. The tour includes visits to Bubrah, Lumbung, and Sewu Temples in the Prambanan complex. Visitors can also optionally visit Mendut, Pawon, and Plaosan Temples for an additional fee.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the Temples?

Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the temples. Both Borobudur and Prambanan have on-site shops selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, and other local products for visitors to browse and buy as mementos of their temple visits.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour can be extended. Travelers can add more optional temple visits like Mendut, Pawon, and Plaosan Temples to the itinerary for an additional cost. This allows them to customize the tour duration based on their interests.

Recap

This one-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Central Java’s iconic temples.

Visitors will marvel at the stunning Borobudur Temple, discover the impressive Prambanan Temple Complex, and have the option to visit the Sewu Temple.

With transportation, entry tickets, and local guides included, this tour provides a seamless and immersive experience to uncover the wonders of this remarkable destination.

You can check availability for your dates here: