As the world’s largest island country, Indonesia is famed for its natural biodiversity and diverse ecosystems. But Indonesia is also rich with cultural attractions and is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most of any country in southeast Asia. Its uncontested jewel is Borobudur.
Aerial view of the mandala-shaped Borobudur temple, the world’s largest Buddhist monument, in … [+]
A Brief History Of Borobudur
Built between the 8th and 9th centuries, Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world standing 400ft long and 113ft high. Located on the island of Java, this majestic, steeped pyramid is made entirely of stone and is set on six levels. It was designed in the shape of a mandala and represents the path to enlightenment in the Buddhist faith. The structure features 72 stupas, each one containing a statue of the Buddha.
The lower tiers symbolize the “realm of desire”, featuring intricate reliefs portraying both sensual delights and human suffering. As you ascend the temple, the middle tiers depict the “realm of forms”, with carvings that narrate Buddhist stories and teachings. Above those, three circular platforms represent the “world of formlessness” — the highest realm in Buddhist cosmology. The large, central stupa at the top represents Nirvana itself: a state of liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
An ancient Buddha statue and stupa at Borobudur temple in Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia.
Indonesia is a volcanic country, and the temple was buried under volcanic ash from the year 1000 until it was rediscovered by Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British governor of Java, in 1814. It was first restored in 1907 and then again in 1983. Today, Borobudur is a site of pilgrimage, especially during Vesak (the Buddha’s birthday) which is celebrated in May or early June.
Buddhist devotees prepare to release lanterns into the air on Borobudur temple during celebrations … [+]
Where To Stay
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa, which looks out onto the majestic temple complex, is an ideal place for a culturally immersive stay coupled with friendly Indonesian service. A local hospitality group born in 2010, Plataran has an ample portfolio of properties, including boutique hotels and resorts, private cruises, event spaces, restaurants and more. Plataran Borobudur was the group’s first property and it captures the essence of Indonesian hospitality with an emphasis on nature, community and culture.
Plataran Borobudur’s Executive Pool Villa.
Surrounded by teak wood forests and views of the surrounding hills, the eco-resort features 21 spacious Javanese villas that combine luxury comforts with traditional decor. All have private swimming pools or plunge pools in a lush garden setting. The Borobudur View Pool Villa is a stand-out from which you can admire the temple’s silhouette from every corner, while the Grand Spa Pool Villa has its own couple’s spa room to enjoy treatments in total privacy.
During their stay, guests can enjoy wellness treatments at Padma Spa which incorporates Buddhist traditions into its rituals, like Tibetan singing bowls. The Java Nadi massage, inspired by the Javanese Royal Court, uses deep palm and thumb pressure to ease muscles and improve blood circulation, while the Padma Marmabyangam combines elements of Swedish strokes, Thai massage and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi to energize the body.
Patio Colonial Hall (left) and the Borobudur View Pool Villa (right).
Dining at Plataran
Indonesia has some of southeast Asia’s more delectable cuisine, and Plataran Borobudur’s dining options reveal its unique flavors in beautiful settings. Enjoy dinner on the patio of the Patio Colonial Hall where dishes are prepared with ingredients from the resort’s organic garden. The menu is full of tantalizing recipes like Ayam Goreng Bumbu (spring chicken with galangal, ginger, turmeric and vegetables) and Tahu telur asin (sauteed tofu with salted egg, chili and curry leaves).
A short drive from the property, Plataran has recently unveiled two new complimentary venues: Langit Khatulistiwa, a scenic viewing terrace, and Enam Langit, an event space with rooftop restaurant with sweeping views of six mountains and the lush valley below.
An Indonesian breakfast spread.
Visiting The Temple
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa is located just 2 miles from the temple (10-minutes’ drive) making it a quick ride. You should purchase your tickets online in advance making sure to select the complex and Candi (“peak”) ticket which allows you to climb to the top of the monument. At the time of publishing, visiting hours are 7:00am – 5:00pm — note that Borobudur is no longer open for sunrise tours. However, Plataran can arrange a lavish sunrise Breakfast for guests to enjoy in the morning before visiting the temple complex.
Majestic sunrise breakfast at Plataran Borobudur.
If you have time, consider booking a jeep excursion to see the lava flow from the nearby Merapi volcano or horseback riding through the surrounding rice fields. It is also worth driving towards Yogyakarta to visit Prambanan, a 9th century Hindu temple compound with hundreds of towering structures.
How To Arrive
To reach Borobudur, you’ll need to fly to Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) which has direct flights from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. From here, Plataran Borobudur will arrange a transfer service to escort you to its oasis immersed within Java’s lush jungle.
Dinner with a view.