Get to know the 5 temples located around Borobudur

What you'll do

Central Java has hundreds of cultural heritage sites in the form of temple buildings spread across various cities and districts. Some of them are in the Magelang Regency area. The temple that is very famous and has extraordinary appeal is Borobudur Temple. However, it is not only Borobudur Temple that tourists can visit while on holiday in Magelang. In the surrounding area, there are several other temples that are no less interesting to visit. What are these temples and why should you take the time to see them?

Your itinerary

1. Mendut Temple
Mendut Temple is one of the Buddhist temples located in Mendut Village, Mungkid District, Magelang. This temple is believed to have been built in the 9th century by the first king of the Syailendra Dynasty. This information is known from the Karangtengah inscription. After being hidden for a long time, Mendut Temple was rediscovered in 1836. Except for the roof, the entire structure of the temple has been found. Restoration efforts were made by the Dutch East Indies government but were declared unsuccessful. A successful restoration was carried out in 1908, including repairing the shape of the roof and reinstalling the stupa. Construction was completed around 1925. The height of Mendut Temple is 26.40 meters and has a rectangular shape.

2. Pawon Temple
Another temple located near Borobudur Temple is Pawon Temple. The distance between the two is only about 1.75 km. Pawon Temple is considered part of Borobudur Temple and is called Upa Angga or pawon (kitchen) in a house. The location of Pawon Temple is in Brojonalan Hamlet, Wanurejo Village, Borobudur District, Magelang. The temple building was only discovered in the late 19th century and began to be repaired in 1903. Pawon Temple is square-shaped with sides 10 meters long. Its height is 13.3 meters. The temple's base is 1.5 meters high and is decorated with many ornaments. The top is equipped with a stupa. This temple has a slender shape.

3. Umbul Temple
A historical building located in Magelang, near Borobudur Temple, is Umbul Temple. The location of this temple is in Kartoharjo Village, Grabag District, Magelang. This village is still pristine with beautiful and natural scenery. Visiting this site, you will find two swimming pools. Uniquely, the first pool contains natural hot water. Meanwhile, the second swimming pool contains cold water. Besides the pools, you will also see piles of andesite stones. However, do not be surprised because the actual temple building no longer exists. According to history, there were once two paired temples at this location. However, the remaining structures are only the swimming pools and several statues on the pool's edge.

4. Selogriyo Temple
Selogriyo Temple is one of the temples you must visit when in Magelang. This temple is located in Candisari Village, Windusari District, Magelang, right on the slopes of Condong Hill, Malang Hill, and Giyanti Hill. According to historical records, Selogriyo Temple was built in the 9th century. However, this temple was only discovered in 1835. The temple building was first restored in 1955 but was damaged again. Its condition improved in 2019, making it accessible to tourists.

5. Ngawen Temple
Ngawen Temple is located in Ngawen Village, Muntilan District, Magelang. One unique feature of this temple is the lion statues at its four corners. This temple also has a stupa and terrace like typical Buddhist temples. Ngawen Temple consists of five buildings lined up from north to south. However, of the five temple buildings, only one has been fully restored. The other four temples do not appear like temples; some are just foundations. These are the five temples located not too far from Borobudur Temple. Therefore, if you are on vacation in Magelang, don't forget to include these temples in your itinerary. This way, your knowledge and understanding of the grandeur of the past will expand. So, are you interested in vacationing in Magelang?