Borobudur: The Majestic Buddhist Temple of Indonesia

• HelloHalo
  [HAH-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-LAH-maht TING-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [TEE-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSilakan
  [see-LAH-kahn]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [tuh-REE-mah KAH-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-AHF]
• How are you?Apa kabar?
  [AH-pah KAH-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [bah-EK. dahn KAH-moo]
• Do you speak English?Apakah kamu bisa berbicara bahasa Inggris?
  [ah-PAH-kah KAH-moo BEE-sah buhr-bee-CHA-rah bah-HAH-sah ING-griss]
• I don't understandSaya tidak mengerti
  [SAH-yah TEE-dahk muhn-GUHR-tee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya ingin melihat menu, tolong
  [SAH-yah IN-geen muh-LIH-aht MEH-noo TOH-lohng]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [SAH-yah TEE-dahk MAH-kahn DAH-yahng]
• Cheers!Selamat minum!
  [suh-LAH-maht MEE-noom]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin membayar, tolong
  [SAH-yah IN-geen muhm-BAH-yahr TOH-lohng]

• Help!Tolong!
  [TOH-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi!
  [PEHR-gee]
• Call the Police!Panggil polisi!
  [PAHNG-geel poh-LEE-see]
• Call a doctor!Panggil dokter!
  [PAHNG-geel DOHK-tehr]
• I'm lostSaya tersesat
  [SAH-yah tuhr-SEH-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [SAH-yah SAH-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya ingin membeli...
  [SAH-yah IN-geen muhm-BUH-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat-lihat
  [SAH-yah HAHN-yah muh-LIH-aht-LEE-haht]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [buh-RAH-pah HAR-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [EE-too tuhr-LAH-loo MAH-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Bisakah kamu menurunkan harganya?
  [BEE-sah-kah KAH-moo muh-NOOR-kahn HAR-gahn-yah]

• What time is it?Jam berapa sekarang?
  [jahm buh-RAH-pah suh-KAH-rahn]
• It's one o'clockJam satu
  [jahm SAH-too]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [suh-TUHNG-ah (suh-POO-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [PAH-gee]
• AfternoonSore
  [SOH-reh]
• EveningMalam
  [MAH-lahm]
• YesterdayKemarin
  [kuh-MAH-reen]
• TodayHari ini
  [HAH-ree EE-nee]
• TomorrowBesok
  [BUH-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [SAH-too]
• 2Dua
  [DOO-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [TEE-gah]
• 4Empat
  [UHM-paht]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Enam
  [EH-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [TOO-joo]
• 8Delapan
  [DEH-lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [SUHM-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-POO-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Dimana ada/...?
  [dee-MAH-nah AH-dah/...?]
• What's the address?Berapa alamatnya?
  [buh-RAH-pah ah-LAH-maht-nyah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bisakah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [BEE-sah-kah KAH-moo TOON-jook-kahn (dee PEH-tah)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kapan yang berikutnya (bis)?
  [KAH-pahn yahng buh-REE-KOOT-nyah (bees)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Selembar tiket (ke ....)
  [suh-LUHM-bahr TEE-keht (keh ....)]

Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple, was constructed during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty between the 8th and 9th centuries. This architectural marvel is located in Central Java, Indonesia, and was built under the rule of King Samaratungga. The construction process is believed to have taken around 75 years to complete, involving thousands of laborers and artisans.

Borobudur is designed as a massive stupa and takes the form of a mandala when viewed from above. It comprises nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped by a central dome. The temple is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. The central dome is surrounded by 72 Buddha statues seated inside perforated stupas. The temple's design represents the Buddhist cosmology, illustrating the path from the earthly realm to Nirvana.

The temple was abandoned in the 14th century as the influence of Buddhism waned and Islam spread throughout Java. Borobudur lay hidden under layers of volcanic ash and jungle growth until it was rediscovered in 1814 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the British ruler of Java at the time. Raffles commissioned a survey of the site, which marked the beginning of its restoration.

Major restoration efforts took place in the early 20th century under Dutch colonial administration and later by the Indonesian government. The most significant restoration project occurred between 1975 and 1982, led by the Indonesian government and UNESCO. This extensive endeavor aimed to stabilize the structure, clean the reliefs, and ensure the temple's preservation for future generations. Borobudur was subsequently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991.

Borobudur remains an active site of pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the world. The temple is particularly significant during Vesak, the most important Buddhist festival, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. During Vesak, thousands of pilgrims gather at Borobudur to participate in rituals and ceremonies, including a procession that starts at Mendut Temple and ends at Borobudur.

Today, Borobudur is one of Indonesia's most visited tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. In addition to exploring the temple's intricate reliefs and statues, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Kedu Plain, framed by the distant volcanoes of Merapi and Merbabu. The site is also a hub for cultural activities, including traditional Javanese dance and music performances, which offer a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region.

Borobudur is located in Central Java, Indonesia, approximately 40 kilometers northwest of Yogyakarta. The nearest airport is Adisucipto International Airport in Yogyakarta. From Yogyakarta, you can take a taxi, hire a private car, or use public transportation such as buses or minibuses (known locally as 'microbuses') to reach Borobudur. The journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road. Alternatively, you can take a train to Magelang and then a taxi or bus to Borobudur.

Once you are in Borobudur, getting around is relatively easy. Many attractions are within walking distance or a short ride away. You can rent a bicycle or a scooter for more flexibility. Local taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also available. For a more traditional experience, try taking an 'andong' (horse-drawn carriage). If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car may be a convenient option.

The official currency in Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops within Borobudur, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Borobudur, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash in Yogyakarta before traveling to the temple complex.

Borobudur is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places. While Borobudur itself does not have high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Borobudur. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like Borobudur Temple. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples or sacred sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Borobudur like a local, consider visiting during the early morning hours to catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds. Participate in local cultural activities such as traditional Javanese dance performances or batik workshops. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss exploring the nearby villages of Candirejo and Wanurejo for a glimpse of traditional Javanese rural life.