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Best Time to Visit Borobudur

Best Time to Visit Borobudur

Borobudur Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Best Times to Visit

The region experiences a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. This pattern shapes weather, crowd levels, and pricing.

Borobudur, located in Central Java, maintains consistent warmth. Temperatures average 26-32°C (79-90°F) year-round. Humidity stays high, often over 80%. The year divides into two main seasons: Dry Season (May to September) with more sunshine and lower rainfall; Wet Season (October to April) with increased rainfall and higher humidity.

Season Analysis

  • High Season (July, August, holidays): Best weather, larger crowds, peak prices.
  • Shoulder Season (May-June, Sep-Oct): Balanced weather and fewer crowds, better prices.
  • Low Season (Nov-Apr, non-holidays): Fewest crowds, lowest prices, daily heavy rain.
  • Sunrise at Borobudur: Dry season has clearer skies. Wet season offers unique misty views.

Visa & Entry Requirements

Rules could change, so verify current information from the official Indonesian Immigration website before departure. As of early 2024, most travelers need a visa for tourism.

Citizens of about 92 countries, including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, and most EU countries, qualify for a Visa on Arrival (VOA). It permits a stay up to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. Cost: IDR 500,000 (approx. US$35). Purchase on arrival or apply for an e-VOA online for quicker processing. An e-Visa (B211A) suits those not VOA-eligible or desiring longer stays (up to 60 days, extendable twice for total 180 days). This requires online application. Your passport needs at least 6 months validity from entry and two blank pages. Proof of return/onward ticket and sufficient funds are advised. A Digital Customs Declaration is mandatory; complete it online before or upon arrival. No general entry fee exists beyond VOA. Standard tourism activities around Borobudur do not typically need special permits. As of early 2024, Indonesia has no specific health-related entry requirements for most countries.

Important Notes

Verify all visa and entry details before travel.

E-VOA Recommended

Apply for e-VOA online via IVisa or VisaHQ for faster airport passage.

Passport Validity

Passport validity must exceed 6 months beyond your entry date.

Keep Records

Digital and physical copies of documents are incredibly handy.

Document Copies

Store digital copies of passports, visas, flights, and hotels in cloud storage. Physical backups should reside separately from originals.

Digital Customs

The Digital Customs Declaration is mandatory for all arrivals.

Health Requirements

Vaccination status for entry has eased.

Current Health Rules

As of the BEGINNING of 2024, no specific health-related entry requirements, like vaccination certificates, exist for general entry from most countries.

Check Updates

Policy changes occur. Check current regulations closer to your travel date.

Budgeting & Costs

Currency & Exchange

The official currency is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Banknotes come in denominations up to Rp 100,000. Exchange major currencies at airports, banks, or authorized foreign exchange services. ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not mandatory but welcomed, especially in tourist areas. In mid-to-high-end restaurants, a 5-10% service charge may appear. If not, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is customary. Not expected at neighborhood warungs. For taxi/ride-sharing, round up Rp 5,000-10,000. For bellhops/housekeeping, Rp 10,000-20,000. Tour guides and drivers appreciate Rp 50,000-150,000 per person per day.

Cost Breakdown Daily Estimates

  • Budget Traveler

    Approx. US$30-50/day (hostel, local food, public transport)

  • Mid-Range Traveler

    Approx. US$70-120/day (comfortable hotel, mixed dining, ride-sharing)

  • Luxury Traveler

    Approx. US$200+/day (luxury hotel, fine dining, private driver)

  • Borobudur Entrance

    US$25 (foreigners). Summit access involves separate, higher pricing and restrictions.

  • Combined Temple Ticket

    US$45 for Borobudur & Prambanan offers a discount.

Money-Saving Tips

  • Stay in Yogyakarta: Accommodation and food generally cost less than near Borobudur.
  • Eat Local: Warungs and street food provide genuine, budget-friendly meals.
  • Use Ride-Sharing Apps: Grab and Gojek have competitive rates and fare transparency.

Budget Smart

Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezing. Carry a mix of cash and cards. Negotiate politely for non-metered taxis or market goods.

Health & Safety Considerations

Indonesia is considered safe for tourists, but awareness and preparation assist in navigating challenges.

Vaccinations & Health

Consult a medical professional or travel clinic well before your trip for vaccination needs. Routine vaccinations need updating. Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Rabies (if animal exposure likely), and Japanese Encephalitis (rural areas/monsoon) are often recommended.

Common Health Concerns

Healthcare Access

Yogyakarta offers reputable hospitals, including international-standard facilities. Care quality outside major cities can vary. Pharmacies (Apotek) are available in towns and cities for common medications.

Emergency Services

  • Dial 112 for general emergencies, 118 for an ambulance. English communication may be limited.
  • Carry a well-stocked Personal first aid kit.
  • Carry prescription documentation in original packaging, plus a doctor's note for controlled substances.
  • World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy are insurance options.

Safety & Risks

Crime & Scams

Borobudur and surroundings are generally safe. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) occurs in crowded tourist areas or markets in Yogyakarta. Awareness of surroundings helps. Caution is wise for scams, especially those involving fake tour guides or overly priced goods. Verify credentials and agree on prices before committing.

Natural Disasters

Mount Merapi, an active volcano near Borobudur, is monitored. Follow local alerts and respect exclusion zones. Indonesia lies in an active seismic zone; earthquakes occur. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures. During the wet season, heavy rainfall causes localized flooding and landslides. Monitor local news and weather.

Travel Insurance

  • Coverage for Medical Emergencies

    Doctor visits, hospital stays, medication.

  • Emergency Evacuation

    Transport to suitable medical facility or home if needed.

  • Trip Cancellation/Interruption

    Protect your investment if you cancel or cut short your trip.

  • Lost Luggage

    Cover cost of lost, stolen, or delayed baggage.

  • Flight Delays

    Compensation for delayed/canceled flights via AirHelp.

Security Measures

Emergency Contacts

General Emergency: 112, Police: 110, Ambulance: 118, Fire Department: 113. Keep printed and soft copies of important documents separate.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

These are approximate daily costs and may vary based on exchange rates and individual choices.

Accommodation per night

  • Hostel DormRp 100,000 - 150,000 (~US$7-10)
  • Budget Guesthouse/HomestayRp 150,000 - 300,000 (~US$10-20)
  • Mid-range HotelRp 350,000 - 800,000 (~US$24-55)
  • Luxury Hotel/ResortRp 1,500,000 - 10,000,000+ (~US$100-700+)

Meals per person, per meal

  • Street food/WarungRp 15,000 - 40,000 (~US$1-3)
  • Local RestaurantRp 50,000 - 150,000 (~US$3-10)
  • Mid-range RestaurantRp 100,000 - 250,000 (~US$7-17)
  • Fine DiningRp 300,000+ (~US$20+)

Local Transportation

  • Gojek/Grab (motorbike, short)Rp 10,000 - 30,000 (~US$0.70-2)
  • Gojek/Grab (car, short)Rp 20,000 - 50,000 (~US$1.30-3.50)

Day Trip Transportation

  • Taxi (Yogyakarta to Borobudur, one-way)Rp 250,000 - 400,000 (~US$17-27)
  • Private Car with Driver (full day)Rp 600,000 - 900,000 (~US$40-60)
  • Local Angkot/Bus (short ride)Rp 3,000 - 10,000 (~US$0.20-0.70)

Attraction Prices Foreigners

Borobudur Temple (Standard)US$25
Prambanan Temple (Standard)US$25
Combined Borobudur & Prambanan TicketUS$45
Other smaller temples/attractionsRp 10,000 - 50,000 (~US$0.70-3.50)
Borobudur Summit Access (limited)Separate, higher price
Dollar Flight Club for flightsSubscription

Smart Spending

  • Stay in Yogyakarta for lower accommodation and food costs.
  • Eat at local warungs for authentic, budget-friendly meals.
  • Use ride-sharing apps (Gojek, Grab) for clear pricing.
  • Purchase combined temple tickets if visiting both Borobudur and Prambanan.
  • Negotiate politely for non-metered taxis or market purchases.