Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Borobudur Temple, one of Indonesia’s most treasured landmarks, has once again captured global attention. The historic Buddhist monument was recently featured by the Financial Times as one of the World’s Most Wonderful Places of Worship.
The recognition was highlighted on the official Instagram accounts of InJourney and BorobudurPark, which shared that Borobudur had been named among The World’s Most Wonderful Places of Worship by the British daily.
The Financial Times compiled a list of 32 sacred sites worldwide in its features called “The World’s Most Wonderful Places of Worship.” Borobudur listed alongside iconic locations such as Siena Cathedral in Italy and Şakirin Mosque in Turkey.
In its features, Financial Times described the temple’s mesmerizing atmosphere, particularly the sunrise experience, calling it a holy moment.
Borobudur Temple
Located in Magelang, Central Java, Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Managed by InJourney Destination Management, Borobudur serves as both a religious sanctuary and a cultural hub in the heart of Java.
The temple complex boasts around 500 Buddha statues and 2,000 intricate relief panels and welcomes approximately three to four million domestic and international visitors each year.
Maya Watono, InJourney’s Director of Marketing and Tourism Programs, mentioned that Borobudur Temple is being positioned as a destination for spiritual pilgrim tourism.
Globally, there are approximately 530 million people who practice Buddhism, whom 490 million are in Asia, which is 92% of the world’s Buddhist population. Southeast Asia alone is home to 120 million Buddhists, with Thailand hosting 64 million, or 53% of the region’s Buddhist population.
Read Also:
Promoting Borobudur Temple as Pilgrim Toursm, Indonesia Partnership with Thailand
As a designated spiritual tourism destination, Borobudur plays a central role in Buddhist religious practices. Every year, thousands of devotees from around the world gather at the temple to celebrate Vesak, the sacred holiday marking Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.
The celebration culminates in a spectacular lantern festival, drawing global travelers eager to witness the breathtaking display. With its historical significance, spiritual ambiance, and stunning architecture, Borobudur remains a must-visit destination for those seeking both cultural enrichment and spiritual reflection.
(Raidi/Agung)