Buddhist Temples in Jogja
Jogja is the place to visit if you want to see beautiful scenery mixed with world-class architecture. In particular, people flock to Jogja to check out its array of Buddhist temples. Plus, there’s plenty to do throughout the day. These tips will help you get around Jogja, whether you visit for a day or even for a week.
Morning Activity
Borobudur
Borobudur is the biggest Buddhist temple in the world and it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The perfect time to visit Borobudur is at sunrise. Please prepare your camera and tripod the night before so you will be ready to leave Jogja at a little bit before 4 AM.
The entrance fee is steeper than the normal one (USD 25/pax) but you will have a lot of perks. The stairs of Borobudur are quite steep so not doing it under the broad daylight makes the climb easier to do. Sit on the top floor of the temple, see the fog lifts up and like magic, the sun rises from the horizon right before your eyes.
Borobudur’s normal opening hour is at 6:30 so by buying the sunrise package tour you still have some time to soak up the artwork from the 7th century that is crafted on the temple wall’s relief.
A sunrise tour package includes a light breakfast at Manohara hotel hence you won’t be starving after the tour.
Want to see more things to do in Jogja and beyond? Visit Trip Tipping for more.
Lunch
Kota Gede
Stop by at Kota Gede area in Jogja and stroll down in one of its alleys. You’ll see the silversmiths work at their houses in the village and there are even short course for you to learn how to be one. Explore the gates of Kotagede and see the beautiful architecture of their antique joglos. Lunch at Kota Gede’s Omah Dhuwur (Tall House) restaurant and try their famous Indonesian buffet.
Afternoon activity
Ratu Boko Palace
Stroll along the famous Malioboro street and get yourself into a reflexology place, to have a ninety minute long foot massage. Ask your driver to take you to Ratu Boko Palace to see the beauty of the only mixed Hindu and Buddha archeological site from the 8th century. Stay there for a little while to witness what people have claimed as the most beautiful sunset in South East Asia.
Evening activity
Ramayana Ballet
A perfect way to end your tour de temple day is to watch Ramayana Ballet at yet another UNESCO World Heritage: Prambanan Temple. Ramayana is the famous Hindu epic about Rama and Shinta featuring the Hanoman the white ape and Rahwana the giant. The Javanese dance ballet is performed at the outdoor theatre. Watching this under the moonlight and starry sky with Prambanan temple serves as a backdrop will leave you feeling like you’re out of this world.
Need more things to do around the world? Visit Trip Tipping for more.
