Borobodur was rediscovered in 1814, and the following years the entire construction was uncovered. Unfortunately this lead to decline and plundering, large amounts of stones and sculptures disappeared. The Dutch started a restoration project in 1907, but it soon became obvious that the monument's foundations were too weak. In 1973 a new project supported by UNESCO finally managed to stop the decline. More than 700 workers used more than ten years to take apart, restore and reassemble more than 1.3 million stone bricks. At the same time a new foundation was built that should support the heavy monument, some 60.000 cubic meters of stone, and also prevent erosion.

The temple is located in the geometrical center of the many nearby mountains. It's inspired by old Indian architecture, and it's design again supposedly inspired the building of monuments like Angkor Wat in Cambodia 300 years later. Borobodur consist of eight terraces built on a 118 times 118 meter base, the five lowest terraces are square, the upper three circular. The upper circle is crowned by a large stupa in the center. By starting to walk clockwise from the base in the east end all the sculptures and carvings will tell the story of the Buddhist universe 1.000 years ago. This is a 4.8 km long walk, and in this heat maybe only for the very interested.

Somewhat in the shadow of Borobodur is the two temples Candi Pawon 1.5 km east of and Candi Mendut 2 km east of Borobodur. Especially Candi Mendut contains some impressing statues. Borobodur is easily accessible from Yogyakarta, where buses frequently depart for the monument, or you can rent a car with a driver to take you there. The inevitable "mob" of souvenir sellers and guides is the first you will see when arriving. A good guide can be helpful but not necessary, there is no problem walking up to the temple alone. There's a great view from the top of the monument, but bring some water, it can be quite hot. Several hotels and restaurants are located here.