Borobudur and Prambanan are the most beautiful and extraordinary temple complexes around Yogyakarta. Borobudur on Java is a Buddhist temple, while Prambanan is a Hindu temple. You may not see the differences at first glance, but during the guide’s interesting explanation you will understand why this is so different. The big difference between these temples are the round stupas of Borobudur and the pointed roofs of Prambanan. These are two absolute must-visits in Yogyakarta and you can visit them both in 1 day with a Borobodur and Prambanan temple tour. Scroll on quickly for all our tips and information.
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Can I book a tour to visit Borobudur and Prambanan?
Yes, we definitely recommend doing a Borobodur tour where you also go to the Prambanan. The big advantage of this is that you go with a good guide who drives you from place to place and explains the temples at the same time. This way you don’t have to arrange a cab yourself every time and you know you will get an interesting explanation. We definitely recommend this tour guide for Borobudur and Prambanan!
Please note that Borobudur is closed every Monday! You can walk around the temple’s gardens then, but you will not be allowed to climb the Borobudur.
What should I bring while visiting Borobudur temple and Prambanan temple?
If you go with a guide, the advantage is that you can leave some of your stuff in the car, so you don’t have to lug everything around. It is recommended to:
- Bring a bottle of water (tour guides will give you plastic bottles of water, but you can also bring your own)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- For women: a long skirt, dress or pants that covers the knees and a T-shirt or blouse for your shoulders
- Camera
- Cash money to tip the guide
Furthermore, you are going to be hot when you visit the Borobudur and Prambanan, very hot. There is nothing you can do about this, just remember there is a nice car with air conditioning waiting for you when you finish your visit :).
How long in advance should I buy tickets for Borobudur and Prambanan?
Visiting the Borobudur is regulated. Only “only” 1,200 people are allowed inside per day. Considering that Borobudur is also super popular among domestic tourists, you can understand why a Borobudur ticket sells out very quickly.
The Borobudur and Prambanan tickets for the Temple Ground Ticket only come online 1 week in advance, while the tickets for the Temple Structure Ticket (which you want), can be booked 2 months in advance. You do this through the official website. When you go with a tour to the Borobudur, the organization has already reserved the tickets for you, but you still have to give this in cash to the organization. You will be informed about this when you book. When you book with a tour operator you usually do NOT have to buy tickets yourself. Always check this to be sure.
What is the difference between a Temple Ground Ticket and a Temple Structure Ticket?
A Temple Ground Ticket allows you to walk around the temple grounds. In particular, you have a nice view of the temple here. A Temple Structure Ticket also allows you to actually climb the temple, which of course you come for. You get so much more of the story about the Borobudur, the religion, the stupas and of course the beautiful view of the mountains. So as far as we are concerned, we really recommend choosing the Temple Structure Ticket.
Tip: it does not matter whether you choose Dharma or Kalyanamitra (you will see this during your booking on the official website). This relates to the groups for the guides, but makes no difference to you at all. Just choose the first available one for your date and time slot.
Tips for Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is a fun and atmospheric city to stay for a few days. We have written out all our tips in a comprehensive article: the 14 tips for Jogjakarta. Read more about Java here, or check out all our articles about Indonesia. Have fun traveling!
