Magelang is a city, and regency, immediately north of Yogyakarta. The massive temple complex of Borobodur is located a short distance from the city, although most people base themselves in Yogya for a visit to the temple.
The city was founded some time around the ninth century, but most of the sights of the town itself date from the Dutch colonial period. The city itself doesn't figure much on the tourist trail, since visitors going to Borobodur from Yogyakarta never even pass through town. It can, however, be a good base if you also want to explore the Dieng Plateau, which can be a very long day-trip from Yogya.
I think most travelers have their own personal "wish list" or "bucket list" of places they want to see sooner or later. My own list has some familiar places on it, like the pyramids of Egypt, as well as some more obscure sights like Petra in Jordan. On the lesser-known side of the list was the ancient Buddhist temple of Borobodur in central Java. I first read about this man-made mountain in the 1970s, but only recently had the opportunity to fulfill my dream.
The tiny Candi Pawon temple near Borobodur Not far from the main temple of Borobodur is a very small square Javanese style temple called Candi Pawon. The temple is about halfway between Borobodur and Mendut temple.
One of the carved panels on the exterior of Candi Pawon. Like Borobodur, Candi Pawon is a Buddhist temple, although in design it is very similar to the square towers of Prambanan. The details suggest that Candi Pawon was built before Borobodur.
The closest airport to Magelang is Yogyakarta, about an hour or so away. The only practical way to get from Yogyakarta to Magelang is by road. If you've booked a car and driver for your Borobudur visit, they can drop you in Magelang.
There are just a few hotels in and around Magelang. Most of these are in the countryside rather than in the city. If you want a place handy to Borobodur, try the Amanjiwo, Manohara or the Saraswati.
The exterior of Mendut temple A short distance from Borobodur is Mendut Temple. Although its not very big, you shouldn't miss it. On the outside, this temple resembles the many Hindu temples of central Java, but inside you will find some of the most beautiful Buddha images in all of Java. Actually, there are three images. In the center is a seated Buddha, flanked on either side by two Bodhisattvas.
