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Visiting Borobudur At Sunrise, Indonesia

Considering visiting Borobudur at sunrise? Find out what to expect, what to take and how to make the most of this special experience.

Believe me when I say, sunrise at Borobudur is definitely worth setting your alarm for!

A slither of a crescent moon hung in the sky surrounded by tiny glittering stars. The air was fresh and still. It was beyond quiet. The only other lights around? Twitching torch lights flicking from step to step. This was the start of sunrise at Borobudur, and all we could do now was find a spot and wait.

Check out my video of sunrise at Borobudur, plus see what I got up to in Yogyakarta and at Prambanan Temple.

Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, and Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction. Located on the island of Java, the temple was constructed in the 9th century, before being abandoned in the 14th century as the population converted to Islam. Protected by UNESCO, it was restored in the 1970s and later opened to the public (while still being used for religious pilgrimage).

Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia

It’s funny arriving somewhere like this in the dark. As I climbed the 118 steps to the top I wondered what was surrounding me. As the light started to change, the silhouettes of the stupas and buddhas came into view. They were large, impressive, and beautifully illuminated. Sunrise at Borobudur was going to be an unforgettable experience.

Just starting to get light at Borobudur, Indonesia
Just starting to get light at Borobudur, Indonesia
Just starting to get light at Borobudur, Indonesia
Just starting to get light at Borobudur, Indonesia
Colourful morning sky at Borobudur, Indonesia
Colourful morning sky at Borobudur, Indonesia

The colour of the sky started to change, as if an artist was painting and repainting as the seconds ticked on. It went from a rich shade of blue to purple, to pink , to orange, and then settled on a luxurious shade of gold. Sun spheres peeked through from behind the buddhas and began to illuminate details on the stone.

But then I looked around and realised part of the beauty wasn’t on the temple itself, but lying below it. The region is covered in thick jungle and surrounded by volcanoes, including the smoking Mount Merapi – one of the most active volcanoes in the world. A thick band of mist hung over the jungle, effortlessly absorbing the shimmery sunlight.

Sunrise views from Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise views from Borobudur, Indonesia
Beautiful mist over the jungle at Borobudur, Indonesia
Beautiful mist over the jungle at Borobudur, Indonesia

I’m not going to pretend I was alone. Borobudur is the most visited tourist attraction in the country, but it wasn’t overrun at sunrise (as I imagine it could be later in the day). Those who’d made the early start were respectful and it was eerily quiet. I guess it’s one of those moments you want to take in and remember forever. No distractions.

Enjoying sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Enjoying sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
People enjoying sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia

As the light came up, the sky’s appearance changed numerous times, and just when I thought I’d taken the perfect photo, it felt like the view got better and better! After sunrise it was wonderful to wander around the temple and take in the smaller details. Ornate symbols, towering archways and hundreds of stupas, large and small – it was crazy to think how long ago it was created.

Main steps at Borobudur, Indonesia
Main steps at Borobudur, Indonesia
Enjoying time at Borobudur, Indonesia
Enjoying time at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia
Sunrise at Borobudur, Indonesia

While visiting Borobudur during the day will still be an awe-inspiring experience, sunrise was absolutely mesmerising. Now I’m back, I can honestly say it was one of my highlights of my month in Indonesia.


Useful Information: Visiting Borobudur At Sunrise 

  • A sunrise ticket for Borobudur costs IDR 500,000 and allows you entry at 4.30am.
  • You can find out more about the Borobudur sunrise tour packages here and book tours of Borobudur and Yogyakarta here.
  • It’s early, but as it’s such a warm country, it wasn’t cold when we visited. However, I’ve heard that at times there can be a chilly wind in the air and when it rains in Indonesia, it really rains!
  • Take water. The climb is steep and you’re likely to be there for an hour or two.
  • You can buy a few drinks and snacks, including coffee on arrival.
  • While you should always dress respectfully, you aren’t required to cover your legs or wear a sorong at Borobudur.
  • If you’re keen on photography, research angles and decide what you’re trying to achieve. You might want to position your tripod quite early so no one steals your spot on arrival!
  • I wore flip-flops and I was fine. There are a lot of steps so make sure whatever footwear you pick is nice and comfortable.
  • Enjoy it – put the camera down for a second and take it all in. This is one experience you really won’t want to forget!

Find out more about visiting Borobudur and Prambanan temples.

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Sunrise At Borobudur, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “Visiting Borobudur At Sunrise, Indonesia”

  1. Just finished my post on Borobudur last night so it was such a treat to see it pop up through some one else’s lens! I loved how you wrote this and described the experience. It’s like our Indonesia trip will never end 🙂

    Sher
    shershegoes.com

    Reply

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