via South China Morning Post, 19 December 2023: Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Indonesia, has undergone significant changes to preserve its historic and cultural wealth. New rules implemented after reopening in March restrict visitor numbers, require guide accompaniment, and prohibit certain behaviors to address past issues like vandalism, graffiti, and disrespect. Visitors now experience a more controlled but enriching visit, wearing bamboo slippers and following strict guidelines, enhancing the temple’s sanctity and historical appreciation.
New rules and regulations aim to conserve the temple and “preserve historic and cultural wealth”, according to the government.
The temple complex is limited to 1,200 visitors a day: 150 per hour, across eight hourly time slots. The entry tariff has risen from a flat rate of US$25 to US$90 (around 1.4 million rupiah) for foreign tourists and about US$50 for domestic tourists.
Visitors are given bamboo, flip-flop-style slippers to wear and must be escorted by guides who are employed from the local community.
