Excursion Fabled borobudur tour at Semarang

The stunning temple complex of Borobudur is yours to discover during a memorable, full-day excursion to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Borobudur

Depart the pier in Semarang for the approximately 3 hours drive into the dramatic landscape of Central Java, site of mystical and fascinating Borobudur, with a comfort and refreshment stop made en route. Borobudur is considered to be among mankind's most imposing creations. It was built with more than 2,000,000 cubic feet (666,000 cubic yards) of stone, and is renowned as the world's largest Buddhist monument; a status Borobudur has probably held since its completion approximately 1,150 years ago.

Borobudur was the spiritual centre of Buddhism in Java for approximately 150 years before being mysteriously abandoned. When neighbouring Mount Merapi erupted, volcanic ash covered the site, concealing the monumental complex for centuries. Since its 19th-century rediscovery, painstaking efforts have been made to restore and preserve Borobudur.

Borobudur Walking Tour

Upon arrival at this stunning temple complex, a magnificent shrine dedicated to Lord Buddha, your journey begins with an approximately an hour and 15 minutes guided walking tour. The structure is comprised of six rectangular stories of lava-rock erected in the form of a stepped pyramid. Three circular terraces and a central 'stupa' form the summit. The entire structure is in the shape of a lotus flower, the sacred flower of Buddha. Today, this awesome monument stands as a symbol of an ancient and glorious heritage, which is depicted in the reliefs that encircle the walls of the building and describe the story of Buddha's life.

Lunch

Following your tour of Borobudur, proceed to the nearby Manohara restaurant for an open-air buffet lunch consisting of Indonesian/Western dishes. After lunch, re-board your coach, as your tour draws to a close and before returning to the pier you'll make a stop at the silver processing center to observe the craftsmen at work to create their intricate jewellery and there is a good opportunity to purchase their products.

After conclusion of your memorable visit, your motor coach then brings you back straight to the pier of Tanjung Emas for the approximately three-hour drive back to the pier in Semarang with refreshment and comfort stop made en route.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Semarang, Central Java, Mount Merapi, Borobudur, Manohara Restaurant.

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, with few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. The drive between the pier and Borobudur is approximately three hours in each direction, including a comfort stop en route. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. A police escort is provided to avoid traffic stops. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and a camera are recommended. Conservative attire is required as the temple is a sacred place. Silversea guests will use a special entrance/exit at Borobudur to avoid the onslaught of hawkers. To climb up the stupa and in order to keep the momument clean, the Conservation's Management will provide flipflop to all guests. Infrastructure in Semarang is basic, and local conditions may be challenging: coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions therefore, we urge flexibility as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations.  The cost of providing a tour program in Semarang is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring nations.  Unfortunately this is reflected in the prices of the tours and we thank you for your understanding. Please note that the access to Borabudur Temple is limited to 100 guests per slots (from Tuesday until Sunday). Large groups might have to be assigned different time slots for the visit.