Java – Borobudur, Magelang

Prambanan Temple Java

Prambanan Temple or Rara Jonggrang is a Hindu temple compound built in the 9th century in Central Java. The temple compound is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while also being the largest Hindu temple site in Indonesia, and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. It has a tall and pointed architecture, a characteristic of the Hindu architecture.

Prambanan Temple: An incredible display of Javanese architecture

Its origins are shrouded in mystery, but it is believed that the temple was built by king Rakai Pikatan to mark the return of the dynasty that adhered the Hindu religion, after decades of Buddhism. The complex was in ruins for several years until in 1937, when the reconstruction started, but has a long way to go before it could be completed.

Because of this, you will see many piles of rock which surround the reconstructed temples. All those are remains from the 224 Pervara temples from the outer temples. The compound originally had 240 temples which were arranged in a concentric mandala layout. These shrines show the advanced level of technology and architecture that Java had in the 9th century in Java.

©Rebecca Schmitt

An extraordinary place of worship for Shiva

The Candi Shiva Mahadeva temple, dedicated to Shiva, is located at the center of the large complex, the mains spire having a towering height of 47 meters (153 ft). All temples are decorated with reliefs and giant statues that depict the Indonesian version of the Ramayana epic, with beautiful and intricate stone carvings.

Even though Prambanan is a huge tourist attraction, the atmosphere here is mostly peaceful but crowded.

The vastness and complexity of the Prambanan compound is an architectural and cultural treasure, a masterpiece of the classical period of Indonesia, presenting the grandiose culture of the Shiva art.

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Borobudur Temple Java

Borobudur Temple Java is a Mahayana Buddhist temple in Magelang that dates back from the 8th or 9th century and is located in Central Java, Indonesia. It holds the title of being the world’s largest Buddhist temple. The temple is decorated with many intricate relief panels (2,672 to be more exact) and 504 Buddha statues.

©Rebecca Schmitt

The greatness of Borobudur Temple

Built in around 800 C.E., during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, the temple’s architecture is a unique blend of the Indonesian indigenous design features and the Buddhist elements. The temple also has Indian influences which are reflected in elements of Gupta art. Yet there are plentiful indigenous scenes and elements incorporated which make the temple distinctively Indonesian.

Candi Borobudur’s design was designed by the poet, thinker, and architect Gunadharma, creating a structure that resembles that of a pyramid, which has also been referred to as a caitya (shrine), and a sacred mountain. While the temple incorporated all of these architectural characteristics, its general plan is that of a three-dimensional mandala.

©Rebecca Schmitt

A place of great significance for Buddhist pilgrims

The monument being a shrine to the Lord Buddha is a popular place for Buddhist pilgrimage. The pilgrim journey starts at the base of the temple and follows a trail around the monument, which goes to the top through three levels. Those symbolize the Buddhist cosmology: Kāmadhātu, Rupadhatu and Arupadhatu. The pilgrim journey has an extensive system of stairways and corridors with 1,460 relief panels on the walls and the balustrades which depict Buddha’s teachings. Due of this, Borobudur has the largest and most complete collection of Buddhist reliefs in the world. On the three upper terraces, you will encounter 72 stupas that each contains a sculpture of a seated Buddha with a stone latticework.

Borobudur is a very popular place for Buddhist pilgrimage, but also for travelers that want to experience the uniqueness and grandeur of this Indonesian temple. You should definitely visit the temple early in the morning or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat during noon. Moreover the temple might be super crowded and your chances are better to take a picture without the masses. To vizualize what we are talking about:

©Rebecca Schmitt

Click here to get an overview of some of the best hotels within the Borobudur area.

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MesaStila

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Set within twenty-two hectares of outstanding natural beauty, the MesaStila is an exclusive wellness retreat that is tucked away in a coffee plantation formerly known as Losari, in Magelang, Central Java. Magelang is abundant in natural beauty, having everything from hot springs to towering volcanoes.

MesaStila can be accessed via Semarang Airport, Jogjakarta Airport and Solo Airports.

©Mesa Stila

MesaStila Lifestyle

The resort offers peace and calmness, with verdant views of the plantation, cool mountain air and the beautiful scenery of the eight mountains that surround the property.

©Mesa Stila

©Mesa Stila

MesaStila has 23 unique villas that have been reconstructed from original Javanese antique Limasan, Joglo or Kudus wooden houses. Each one of them is decorated with original antiques and art collections, while also providing all of the amenities a guest may require. The rooms are fitted with air-conditioning, a spacious living area, outdoor verandas with views of coffee plantations or mountains, satellite TV, DVD player, coffee and tea maker, safety box, healthy corner, slippers, bathrobes, custom made amenities. The rooms boast deep soaking tubs, free WiFi, refrigerators and balconies.

©Mesa Stila

©Mesa Stila

Large families or groups can stay in the Bella Vista Villa (once a Javanese prince residence) which can accommodate up to 10 guests. Some of these villas have their own private pool.

The onsite spa has 5 treatment rooms including rooms for couples. MesaStila offers an award-winning Turkish Hammam (steam rooms) and variety of luxury spa treatments such as deep-tissue massages, sports massages, massages, and facials.

©Mesa Stila

©Mesa Stila

The Java Green (breakfast) and Java Red (lunch and dinner) restaurants serve Mediterranean and Indonesian dishes made from organic vegetables from resort’s own garden.

The front building that welcomes guests was once a ticket office to one of the oldest train stations in Indonesia. This building has been restored alongside with a Dutch mansion, which now serves as a club house. This 1928 Club House is filled with super Javanese antiques and pieces of furniture, a grand book collection in the library, and a plethora of awards that are displayed on the wall.

Special hotel recommendation

The resort is located in the historical district, just a 10-minute walk away from Taman Kyai Langgeng Magelang and Diponegoro Museum. Golf enthusiasts can have a game or two at the Borobudur Golf Country Club, which is located within 3 min of walking distance (5 km). The Museum Karmawibangga can also be found nearby.

Recreational facilities include an outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the lush valleys, tennis courts, and the club house. The resort also provides a wide variety of complimentary activities such as yoga, aqua-fit, jungle gym, power walk, and circuit training. Activities that explore the local culture such as pencak silat classes (Indonesia Martial Art), Javanese dance, janur (origami using coconut leaves), and gamelan (traditional Indonesian music) are also available. Complimentary bike hires to ride around the village are also provided.

©Mesa Stila

©Mesa Stila

MesaStila is a must stay resort when in Central Java if you want a relaxing break in a stunning location. You’ll get to stay in luxurious Javanese accommodations and enjoy the tranquil and beautiful mountain scenery that surrounds you.

Address: Jalan Losari, Losari, Grabag, Kalipucang, Grabag, Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56196, Indonesia.

You find the website here.

Click here for booking.

©Mesa Stila

©Mesa Stila

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Plataran Borobudur

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This charming Plataran Borobudur Resort and Plataran Borobudur Heritage Resort were built among the lush teak forests of the Tanjungan hills in Central Java, offering spectacular views of the Borobudur Temple and the picturesque Menoreh Hills. Borobudur Temple is located just ten minutes away. Plataran is a 90-minute drive away from Yogyakarta International Airport, while Achmad Yani International Airport is a 2-hour drive away.

©Plataran

The Plataran Borobudur Lifestyle

While Plataran Borobodur is a villa only resort, the Plataran Heritage Borobobudur is a hotel with 75 rooms and suites. Those combine timeless colonial style with elegance, while also having all the essential amenities to ensure that the guests have the greatest comfort. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, fireplace, air conditioning and a flat screen TV.

Moreover Plataran Borobudur’s spacious villas have been designed in the traditional Indonesian style, and are surrounded by lush tropical garden.mThese villas feature a private bathroom and a private outdoor swimming pool, so you can enjoy a relaxing swim in absolute privacy. They also come with TVs, telephones, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. Daily housekeeping is also provided.

©Plataran

 

Stupa is one of the hotel’s two restaurants that offers an authentic taste of Indonesian cuisine, that take you through a culinary journey across the archipelago. Menoreh offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets that combine the flavours of international, Indonesian and Asian dishes. You can savour a meal in the indoor or outdoor dining area which has a delightful view of the azure pool.

At the Langit Menoreh Bar and Lounge, you can have a stimulating conversation over drinks and light snacks with the guests of the hotel in a cosy environment. Relax with a cocktail while you view the sun set over the imposing Borobudur temple.

Guests enjoy free afternoon tea in the common area, and free scheduled shuttle service to the Borobudur Temple.

 

©Plataran

Rejuvenate and restore your body and mind with one of the therapeutic treatments available at the Padma Spa. This oasis of peace is located on the hotel’s top floor, offering stunning views of the green Menoreh Hills and rice paddies.

Balance your mind and body with a Yoga meditation session at Plataran Putri Dewi, an outdoor yoga pavilion with exquisite views of the pristine surroundings.

Special hotel recommendation

You should not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in Java’s diverse culture. There are plenty of cooking classes that will teach you mouth-watering Indonesian recipes.

There are numerous museums and temples in walking distance from the resort which are worth visiting. Samudraraksa Museum, Diponegoro Museum, Museum Sasana Wiratama, Yogya Kembali Monument are not to be missed by history and art lovers.

With the Borobudur Temple as the world’s largest Buddhist temple located so close by, it would be a shame not to visit this ancient 12th century Buddhist temple. There are also two other temples built in the same period, Candi Pawon and Candi Mendut, which are magnificent displays of Javanese architecture, having elaborate carvings of various deities and mythological creatures.

Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful tropical views by either trekking or cycling.

©Plataran

The Plataran Borobudur resort is a quiet escape amid the natural landscape of Java. It’s a great place for travellers, where you can experience luxury and comfort amid the serenity of a tropical garden and the ambience of the mythical local temples.

Address: Dusun Tanjungan, Borobudur, Magelang, Central Java 56553, Indonesia.

You find the website here. Click here for booking.

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Amanjiwo Borobudur

Amanjiwo is a luxury resort located in the heart of a tropical environment on Java Island. It is close to numerous unique tourist attractions. Whatever your vacation program is, you should not miss to explore the largest Buddhist temple in the world, the Borobudur Temple. It was built in the 9th century and consists of over 504 Buddhist statues.

©Aman

Amanjiwo Lifestyle

The Amanjiwo Resort’s design is inspired by the traditional style of the Buddhist sanctuaries. It provides five types of royal suites, depending on the view and facility preferences.

In terms of accommodation, you can opt for a royal Dalem Jiwo Suite, which wonder tourists with its 15-metre pool and Borobudur views or Borobudur Pool Suite, located in front of the rice paddies.

©Aman

If you want the view from your window to turn you to the Menoreh Hills, you should choose the Garden Pool Suite or Garden Suite. Additionally, the rooms have private garden terraces and swimming pools.

All suites offer Wi-Fi, Bose wave audio system, safe, and a personal bar. Moreover you will have a private daybed for lounging and dining, a bathroom with bathtub and extra dressing area. Outdoors you will have a private terrace with a stunning view, also private pool suites are available.

In terms of wellness, the SPA center provides Mandi Lulur treatments which clean the body and an Intense Pijat massage therapy. The second one is operated by a Javanese master of this art.

©Aman

The resort offers four restaurant options. For fish lovers, we recommend you the Makan Malam Restaurant. It is placed at the highest point which lets you admire in peace the Borobudur’s landscapes.

Do you love to organize picnics? Because you can opt for this option there. Enjoy your dining time in the picnic style at Amanjiwo’s Rustic Bale. The space is private and arranged in a simple, relaxing way, being located in the serene rice terraces. To benefit from this experience just ask at the resort’s reception.

For a romantic night, we recommend you the Selamatan Dinner. Music, dance and traditional cuisine will make you feel in a different era. Your space will be private and sprinkled with petals.

©Aman

Special hotel recommendation

Once you have arrived there, do not miss to explore Borobudur temple, Prambanan temple, and the Menoreh hills. Go climbing till the Selogriyo temple, situated on the top of the Sumbing mountain. The road to this destination is full of rice fields and unique views. For more information, do not hesitate to ask at the reception.

©Aman

The Amanjiwa resort belongs to the highend Aman group. So you can be sure to experience luxury at its best. Moreover the location of Amanjiwa Borobudur is simply perfect in the middle of everything. All cultural sightseeing highlights of this area are nearby, while the resort offers you an exclusive oasis of relaxation and beauty.

Address: Ds. Majaksingi, Borobudur, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56553, Indonesia.

You find the website here.

©Aman

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Villa Borobudur Resort

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Villa Borobudur Resort is an unique luxury resort located on the Java Island around 90 minutes away from Yogyakarta. Indeed, the resort looks like a traditional temple and you will feel royal. The resorts’ principle is to offer visitors “an authentic Javanese experience: A unique combination of culture, spirituality, history, nature, art and hospitality”. It is located in the heart of the Menoreh Mountains overlooking a scenic valley.

Villa Borobudur Resort

©Rebecca Schmitt

Villa Borobudur Resort Lifestyle

The villas provided by Villa Borobudur are the result of the combination made between the ancient architecture and modern luxury. The buildings were designed in accordance with Javanese traditions.

In terms of accomodation the resort provides five private villas and three suites. All of them are placed in the heart of tropical nature. You can opt for royal Villa Kayangan, Villa Menoreh or romantic Villa Diponegoro. Or, maybe you will love the contemporary Java style of Villa Merbabu and jungle Villa Merapi.

For a royal vacation, you should totally opt for Villa Mahayana, built as a Palace and Borobudur Suite, from where you will have a spectacular view at 360 degrees.

In addition, the resort provides yoga lessons, wellness treatments and a shared pool area.

©Rebecca Schmitt

The resort recommends you the “Taste Java Restaurant“. You will be fascinated by the delicious Javanese cuisine. It’s not just a simple restaurant, because it has a magnificent view around the resort, due to its high location. You must make a reservation in advance in order to benefit from this experience.

©Rebecca Schmitt

Special hotel recommendation

You can choose from a lot of tours provided by the resort. Actually, you shouldn’t miss any, because that region of Indonesia is famous for cultural highlights.

Once you arrive here, you should not miss the Borobudur Temple. Just 12 minutes away from the resort you will find that 9th century Buddhist temple. It consists of 504 Buddha statues and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Another imposing temple is Prambanan Temple. It dates back from the 9th century and is a Hindu temple. This one is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well and is the biggest Hindu temple in Indonesia. However, you must pay a fee for exploring it, but is certainly worth it.

So, do you love hiking activities? Because you have the opportunity to start your day differently. The itinerary starts from Villa Borobudur and continues over the Menorah Mountains. Of course, it’s also possible to request a tour guide. For more information do not hesitate to ask at the reception.

Perhaps the most unusual activity you can do in this area is climbing on the active Merapi Volcano, which has the highest peak at 2.960 meters. In Indonesia, you will probably hear from the locals about this Volcano being a Fire Mountain. It separates the Central Java from Yogyakarta provinces.

©Rebecca Schmitt

Actually Villa Borobudur and its surroundings is for sure something you should visit once in a lifetime. And you should consider that the Villa Borobudur offers an unforgettable, very exclusive and private stay but you need to be mobil enough to climb all the stairs in this hillside resort. There are no elevators at all and for older people or small children it might be challenging. Nevertheless it’s a beautiful place for everyone else who is looking for an authentic Javanese temple experience with cultural sightseeing possibilities near by.

Address: Dusun Pete, Majaksingi, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Majaksingi, Borobudur, Magelang, Jawa Tengah 56553, Indonesia.

You find the website here. Click here for booking.

©Rebecca Schmitt

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