Borobudur Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Borobudur, Central Java, Indonesia)



Although it is without question the Borobudur Temple. that is what everyone comes here to see, there are certainly other very complementary tourist attractions.

The Mendut Temple is one such attraction and is known as the Candi Mendut, being found around 3 km / 2 miles from the Borobudur Temple and on the road headed towards Yogyakarta. The Pawon Temple (Candi Pawon) is another leading tourist attraction in the Borobudur area, while for something else, you can even try your hand at white-water rafting, on the nearby Elo River (Sungai Elo).


Mendut Temple (Candi Mendut)

Address: Borobudur, Indonesia, ID
This 9th-century Buddhist temple may be relatively small in size and is located within the neighbouring Mendut village, where it is a little older than both the Borobudur Temple and the Pawon Temple. The Mendut Temple faces west and stands at just over 26 metres / 85 feet in height, with its main room containing three stunning Buddhist statues. For many years the temple remained abandoned and quite overgrown, until it was discovered in 1836 and subsequently carefully restored to its former glory, over the following 90 years. Of note, the Waisak procession begins here each year in May, on the birthday of Buddha.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Pawon Temple (Candi Pawon)

Address: Borobudur, Indonesia, ID
Located just 1.5 km / 1 mile to the east of the Borobudur Temple and built during the 9th century (Sailendra dynasty), the Candi Pawon (Pawon Temple) is quite similar in its appearance to that of the nearby Mendut Temple. This local landmark is not a traditional Buddhist stupa (domed-shaped shrine), but is instead more like a typical Central Javanese temple, with a square base and pyramid-shaped roof. It is believed that this temple is dedicated to the Buddhist god of fortune (Kuvera) and that it contains the cremated ashes of a former king of Java.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

White-Water Rafting

Address: Borobudur, Indonesia, ID
For something that really couldn't be more different than spending a day exploring the ancient complex of the Borobudur Temple, white-water rafting is actually available close by and is extremely popular with adventure-seeking tourists. The white-water rafting fun begins just ten minutes away and on the Elo River, with rafters passing by lush jungle, waterfalls and valley cliffs as they negotiate the frothy rapids. Also nearby, rafting is available along the Progo River and this is generally considered to be even better than that available on the Elo River. Most hotels are able to provide you with further details if you are interested in outdoor recreational activities of this nature.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 14:00, seasonal variations
Admission: charge