Staying in the Area
The three major centres, Yogyakarta, Semarang and Solo are all starting points for travellers to see the sights of Central Java. There are accomodation choices in all three cities, and the airports in all three provide international connections. Magelang is a smaller town centre close to Borobudur temple. The Manohara Centre for Borobudur Study in Magelang, only metres from Borobudur temple, is another option.
Manohara Centre for Borobudur Study
WITHIN BOROBUDUR ARCHAELOGICAL PARK
Situated 200 metres from the temple itself, is the Manohara Centre for Borobudur Study. Manohara welcomes travellers, as a space for reflection and enjoyment of the Borobudur temple. An extensive library of material on Borobudur is available to guests, and is closely linked to the Borobudur Conservation Office should further information be sought.
The centre can accommodate those who wish to spend the night in its modest rooms, and many people do in order to have access to the temple at an early hour to see the sunrise.
In the City of Yogyakarta
Approximately 5 million people live in this densely populated city, filled with pride and cultural expression, shown through the diverse arts and crafts produced locally. Until today this city continues to produce philosophers, thinkers, artists and master craftsmen. Yogyakarta is also commonly known as Jogjakarta, or just Jogja.
In the City of Solo
Known for its friendly and soft spoken people, Solo is a city that has maintained its provincial charm and famous as a stronghold of Javanese traditions and culture. 65km east of Yogyakarta, Solo maintains very strong Central Javanese traditions of performing arts and crafts. Solo the short name for Surakarta, and has a population of around 600,000 people. Solo is located on a very fertile plain that is surrounded by three volcanoes, Merapi and Merbabu in the north, and Mount Lawu to the Southeast.
In the City of Semarang
The north coast of Central Java boasts the bustling commercial port city of Semarang. The past influences of external countries remains strong, a significant number of Dutch colonial buildings remain in this once important administrative centre, Chinese and Arab ethnic groups also continue to call Semarang home. The port of Tanjung Mas was a hive of activity during the Dutch occupation from the 17th Century through to 1945.
In the Town of Magelang
On the road between Yogyakarta and Semarang is Magaleng, a city surrounded by mountains. Magelang is the closest town to Borobudur Temple, so is often used as a base for travellers.