Yogyakarta: Borobudur (Climb-up) and Prambanan Temple Tour

Yogyakarta’s Borobudur and Prambanan temples offer a captivating blend of cultural heritage and architectural wonder. This guided tour provides an opportunity to explore these UNESCO-listed sites, immersing visitors in Indonesia’s rich history. Scaling the iconic Borobudur and wandering through Prambanan’s intricate structures promises an unforgettable experience. With seamless transportation and expert guidance, travelers can explore the past and uncover the stories that these ancient monuments hold.

Key Points

• This tour offers guided exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Borobudur and Prambanan Temples in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
• The tour includes transportation between the sites, with pickup and drop-off in Yogyakarta City and Mungkid.
• Visitors can climb up the 9 stacked platforms of the Borobudur Temple, which features 2,600 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
• The Prambanan Temple complex showcases towering spires and intricate carvings dedicated to the Hindu Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
• The tour is priced from $50.10 per person with free cancellation and an option to reserve without upfront payment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Yogyakarta: Borobudur (Climb-up) and Prambanan Temple Tour," offers a comprehensive exploration of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Yogyakarta region.

Priced from $50.10 per person, the 8-hour tour includes free cancellation and the option to reserve without upfront payment.

Transportation between the sites is provided, with pickup and drop-off locations in Yogyakarta City and Mungkid.

Visitors can enjoy the rich cultural and historical significance of these iconic temples, from the majestic Borobudur to the towering Prambanan complex, while enjoying the guidance of a knowledgeable tour.

Itinerary and Transportation

The tour itinerary begins with pickup from Yogyakarta City or Mungkid, taking approximately an hour to reach the first destination.

The tour includes:

1. A guided tour of the magnificent Borobudur Temple for 2.5 hours, allowing visitors to witness the largest Buddhist monument globally.

2. A 1.5-hour drive to the iconic Prambanan Temple complex, one of the largest Hindu temple sites in Southeast Asia.

3. A 2-hour guided tour of the Prambanan Temples, including the Shiva, Brahma, and Vishnu Temples.

4. Finally, a 50-minute drive back to the pickup locations.

Cultural and Historical Significance

As two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Borobudur and Prambanan Temples hold immense cultural and historical significance.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist monument globally, built in the 8th-9th centuries. It features 9 stacked platforms, 2,600 relief panels, and 504 Buddha statues.

Prambanan, one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in Southeast Asia, was built in the 9th century and dedicated to the Trimurti: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The temples showcase intricate carvings and depictions of the Ramayana epic.

Exploring these ancient sites offers a window into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Indonesia.

Temple Details and Features

Borobudur’s journey from mundane to sacred unfolds across its 72 small stupas at the summit, with the central stupa symbolizing the attainment of enlightenment.

At Prambanan, the towering spires and intricate carvings showcase the temple’s grandeur. The largest Shiva Temple stands at 47 meters, while the Vishnu Temple and Brahma Temple display sculpted reliefs of their respective deities.

Towering spires and intricate carvings showcase Prambanan’s grandeur, with the Shiva Temple standing at 47 meters.

The temples’ features include:

1. Towering spires reaching skyward

2. Intricate carvings depicting religious narratives

3. Largest Shiva Temple at 47 meters

4. Sculpted reliefs of Hindu gods and epics

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Exploring Borobudur

One of the highlights of the Yogyakarta temple tour is the opportunity to explore Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world.

Visitors can journey from the mundane to the sacred as they climb the 9 stacked platforms, each representing a different stage of enlightenment. At the summit, they’ll find 72 small stupas and a central stupa symbolizing the achievement of enlightenment.

The intricate carvings and sculptures along the way depict Buddhist teachings, providing an immersive cultural and historical experience. Climbing Borobudur is a must-do for those seeking to connect with Indonesia’s rich heritage.

Discovering Prambanan

After exploring the grandeur of Borobudur, the tour moves on to the captivating Prambanan Temple complex.

Prambanan is one of the largest Hindu temple sites in Southeast Asia, featuring towering spires and intricate carvings.

The tour includes:

1. Visiting the central Shiva Temple, which stands at an impressive 47 meters tall.

2. Admiring the sculpted reliefs that depict the epic Ramayana story.

3. Exploring the Vishnu Temple and Brahma Temple, showcasing the respective deities.

4. Enjoying a break to soak in the site’s cultural and historical significance.

Tour Inclusions and Recommendations

The tour includes entrance fees to both Borobudur and Prambanan temples, an experienced guide, transportation between the sites, and bottled water.

While meals and personal expenses aren’t included, the tour provides recommendations on what to bring, such as a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Visitors should be aware of certain restrictions, like no drones allowed and limited climbing options on Mondays.

With these inclusions and considerations, travelers can fully enjoy the cultural and historical significance of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the Yogyakarta temple tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Visit the Temples on My Own if I Don’t Join the Tour?

Yes, you can visit the Borobudur and Prambanan temples on your own. The temples are open to the public, and you can purchase tickets at the entrance. However, joining a guided tour may provide more context and information about the sites.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for Visiting the Temples?

There are dress code requirements for visiting the temples. Visitors must wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire are not permitted. Sarongs may be available for rent at the temple entrances.

Are Guided Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?

Yes, guided tours are available in multiple languages, including English, Indonesian, Japanese, and Chinese. Travelers can select their preferred language when booking the tour to ensure a comfortable and informative experience.

Can I Purchase Food and Drinks at the Temple Sites?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour, but there are shops and restaurants available at both Borobudur and Prambanan where visitors can purchase snacks, meals, and refreshments during the tour.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts specifically for students or seniors. However, they do provide complimentary bottled water during the tour. Visitors can purchase their own food and drinks at the temple sites if desired.

The Sum Up

The Yogyakarta: Borobudur (Climb-up) and Prambanan Temple Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore two of Indonesia’s most celebrated UNESCO World Heritage sites. With a guided experience, seamless transportation, and the chance to explore the country’s rich history and culture, this tour provides an enriching and unforgettable adventure for visitors to Yogyakarta.

You can check availability for your dates here: