Candi Mendut (Temple)
Candi Mendut (Temple)
4.1
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The horse cart to Candi Mendut and Pawon is recommended
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.1
284 reviews
Excellent
85
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49
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Serge Ydo
Koggenland, The Netherlands16,006 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
The Buddhist Candi (= temple) Mendut in Magelang was built in the same period in which the construction of the famous temple Borobudur took place, i.e. in the 8th and 9th centuries. The temple Mendut not to be confused with the nearby Buddhist monastery Mendut, centuries younger than the temple. The Candi Mendut, a total of about 27 meters high, is built on a natural stone plateau. The roof of the temple has three floors and is covered by small stupas. A large staircase leads to the interior of the virtually square temple. There you will find Buddha statues of different sizes. The reliefs on the outsides of the stairs to the entrance are very nice. Furthermore, the building falls on the large sculpted gargoyles in the appearances of elephant, lion or fabulous animal. Oh, good! This temple was not noticed until around 1830 by a Dutch-Indian administrative official, the Resident of Kedu, a Mr. Hartman. He took the first steps to excavate the building and repair it provisionally. And he forbade the native population to take away stones from the temple for house building any longer. Only in the first decade of the 20th century was the restoration of Candi Mendut thoroughly undertaken by two Dutchmen, the archaeologist Brandes and the structural engineer Van Erp. Very beautiful, compact and tough-looking Buddhist temple, standing by an enchantingly beautiful huge waringin tree, called ficus benjamina to us, which is enclosed by numerous aerial roots. Very worth a look, this Candi Mendut!!
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Written 16 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daniele c
Monte San Vito, Italy1,680 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
Small Buddhist temple a short distance from Borobudur, interesting because it contains a large Buddha in a sitting position but not cross-legged. Beautiful bas-reliefs on the exterior walls, as well as the naturalistic context, which presents an immense plant of ficus.
Quiet visit also because there are not many tourists. Recommended!
Quiet visit also because there are not many tourists. Recommended!
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Written 2 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PoipuJim
86 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
This is a beautiful little temple and park area close to Borobudur. In the park area are numerous statues and fountains. The entire complex is a delightfully relaxed and peaceful place to visit. There were very few visitors.
Written 23 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Viajera senior
Barcelona, Spain95 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Great visit and, in my review, mandatory. It offers a great opportunity to get away from the bustle of Yogyakarta in beautiful surroundings.
I was lucky that there was no one and the place breathes and tremendous peace.
Very well maintained and free
I was lucky that there was no one and the place breathes and tremendous peace.
Very well maintained and free
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Written 23 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AZCasualTraveler
Mesa, AZ2,437 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The Mendut Buddhist Temple was built around the 9th century and is located about 3km east of another well known Buddhist temple, Borobudur. There is also a third ancient Buddhists temples located in line with Mendut and Borobudur: Pawon Temple. These three temples (Mendut, Borobudur & Pawon) make up what is known as the Borobudur Temple Complex, since they are all located in close proximity to each other. Because of its historical significance, the Borobudur Temple Complex has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The three temples of the Borobudur Temple Complex can easily be visited in single day with just a short distance between them, and it is well worth the visit to see all three temples because they are all so different in architecture and they are all very interesting to visit.
The Mendut Temple was built from stunning hand- carved stone, both inside and outside the Temple structure. Well worth the visit to see this historic, ancient temple.
The three temples of the Borobudur Temple Complex can easily be visited in single day with just a short distance between them, and it is well worth the visit to see all three temples because they are all so different in architecture and they are all very interesting to visit.
The Mendut Temple was built from stunning hand- carved stone, both inside and outside the Temple structure. Well worth the visit to see this historic, ancient temple.
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bella A
Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia14 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
While Borobudur Temple is crowded with local & foreign tourists taking pictures, "Mister, Mister, photo Mister!" and your expectations of walking around temple with peaceful and sacred ambiance is nothing but a dream, this small temple will definitely amaze you. You will feel exactly the feeling you should feel when you are in a temple. Entrance ticket costs almost nothing: just 3.500 Rupiah. When i went there it was almost 3 in the afternoon, and there were no one else but me and my friend wandering this small beautiful temple, listening to Muslim prayer call, while watching the reliefs of Buddhist's legendary fables. It was magical. When we entered the chamber, the fragrant scent of hio welcomed us. There were three large statues in the chamber, as well known they are the statues of Dhyani Buddha Vairocana, Avalokitesvara, and Vajrapani. One thing that also interesting from this place is the massive tree that looked like full of ancient's spirits in the yard. My friend said it reminded him of the Banyan tree, but less scary. I would prefer this small spiritual temple to Borobudur.
Written 12 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr_Igor_1971
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia649 contributions
Jan 2013 • Family
Candi Mendut is located about 3 km east of Borobudur, in the town of Muntilan in the Magelang District. Mendut is always mentioned together with two other nearby Buddhist temples: Pawon and Borobudur. Out of these three temples, Mendut is the oldest one. Candi Mendut was built by King Indra in 824 during the Sailendra dynasty – one of two mighty kingdoms in ancient Java. It was the same dynasty who built the famous Borobudur and many other Buddhist temples in the region.
The main feature of Mendut is three great statues. The main statue depicts Sakyamuni, commonly known as Gautama Buddha or simply Buddha. The way Gautama Buddha is holding his hands is a very typical Buddhist gesture known as a “Mudra”. The one depicted in this statue is called the “Dharmacakra mudrā” – also known as “the turning of the Dharma Wheel.” This represents a central moment in the life of Buddha when he preached his first sermon after his Enlightenment, in Deer Park in Sarnath. On either side sits two Bodhisattvas – divinities who have been blessed with enlightenment. One of them, Avalokitesvara, is said to liberate devotees from the karma of speech while the other one, Vajrapani, liberates from the karma of thought. The Buddha statue itself is said to liberate its devotees from bodily karma.
Candi Mendut is stacked with beautiful carvings and reliefs. Some of the more notable ones are the detailed fairy tales, known as “Jataka” tales. It is easy to find on the outer side of the balustrades leading up towards the temple entrance. There are four tales. One of them is about Brahmin and a crab, another one about Swans and turtles, the third one is about two friends, whose friendship gets destroyed by greed and the final story is about two parrots.
While Mendut is not as famous as its bigger cousin, Borobudur, it is worth a visit as one of the greatest Buddhist temples on ancient Java.
Entrance fee 3,500 IDR. There were a number of street vendors here, selling things like necklaces to knockoff Buddha statues and T-shirts. Some of them were rather pushing to buy, just like everywhere else in Indonesia. Take a look for souvenirs … bargaining seems to be better than in Malioboro district in Yogyakarta.
The main feature of Mendut is three great statues. The main statue depicts Sakyamuni, commonly known as Gautama Buddha or simply Buddha. The way Gautama Buddha is holding his hands is a very typical Buddhist gesture known as a “Mudra”. The one depicted in this statue is called the “Dharmacakra mudrā” – also known as “the turning of the Dharma Wheel.” This represents a central moment in the life of Buddha when he preached his first sermon after his Enlightenment, in Deer Park in Sarnath. On either side sits two Bodhisattvas – divinities who have been blessed with enlightenment. One of them, Avalokitesvara, is said to liberate devotees from the karma of speech while the other one, Vajrapani, liberates from the karma of thought. The Buddha statue itself is said to liberate its devotees from bodily karma.
Candi Mendut is stacked with beautiful carvings and reliefs. Some of the more notable ones are the detailed fairy tales, known as “Jataka” tales. It is easy to find on the outer side of the balustrades leading up towards the temple entrance. There are four tales. One of them is about Brahmin and a crab, another one about Swans and turtles, the third one is about two friends, whose friendship gets destroyed by greed and the final story is about two parrots.
While Mendut is not as famous as its bigger cousin, Borobudur, it is worth a visit as one of the greatest Buddhist temples on ancient Java.
Entrance fee 3,500 IDR. There were a number of street vendors here, selling things like necklaces to knockoff Buddha statues and T-shirts. Some of them were rather pushing to buy, just like everywhere else in Indonesia. Take a look for souvenirs … bargaining seems to be better than in Malioboro district in Yogyakarta.
Written 4 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LSAML KASKUS
Jakarta, Indonesia384 contributions
Oct 2012 • Friends
Mendut temple is considered the oldest among the surrounding temples.
Not far from here you can see the gigantic Borobudur temple. So when planning the visit, you better include Mendut temple in your trip to Borobudur.
Its location is about 1 hours ride with car/cab from Yogyakarta. The transport from Yogyakarta normally costs you around Rp400K (US$45) - 500K (US$55), usually included in a tour-trip to the Borobudur temple for free, because you'll pass this temple on the way to Borobudur. WARNING: for the transport you better find the car/rental car from the hotel instead of cab, it will be safer and reliable. Entrance fee will cost you around Rp3,000 (US$0.6) per person. A visit may took around 30 - 60 minutes.
The Buddhist's "Waisak" ceremony normally starts from this temple, and then ended at Borobudur temple. In front of Mendut temple there is a vihara/temple where you can see a statue of Sleeping Buddha.
Mendut temple is placed in the middle of a large park with a huge banyan tree on one of its corners. Banyan tree symbolize the life and has a deep meaning in Buddhist teaching.
Inside the temple there are three (remaining) huge statues. The main focus is the central statue, a 3-meters Buddha statue. (check the pictures).
Not far from here you can see the gigantic Borobudur temple. So when planning the visit, you better include Mendut temple in your trip to Borobudur.
Its location is about 1 hours ride with car/cab from Yogyakarta. The transport from Yogyakarta normally costs you around Rp400K (US$45) - 500K (US$55), usually included in a tour-trip to the Borobudur temple for free, because you'll pass this temple on the way to Borobudur. WARNING: for the transport you better find the car/rental car from the hotel instead of cab, it will be safer and reliable. Entrance fee will cost you around Rp3,000 (US$0.6) per person. A visit may took around 30 - 60 minutes.
The Buddhist's "Waisak" ceremony normally starts from this temple, and then ended at Borobudur temple. In front of Mendut temple there is a vihara/temple where you can see a statue of Sleeping Buddha.
Mendut temple is placed in the middle of a large park with a huge banyan tree on one of its corners. Banyan tree symbolize the life and has a deep meaning in Buddhist teaching.
Inside the temple there are three (remaining) huge statues. The main focus is the central statue, a 3-meters Buddha statue. (check the pictures).
Written 11 October 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
euphoric16 .
Singapore, Singapore258 contributions
Dec 2014
Distance between Candi Borobodur and Candi Mendut is not far. Takes about 10 minutes to reach the candi. Interesting to see that some excavation is still ongoing. Quite exciting to know that there is still much to discover. Our local driver explained that Mendut was built earlier than Borobodur.
I didn't need to pay any entrance fee to enter the site. Place was not crowded. And we were not harassed by souvenir sellers.
You climb up a few steps to reach the top where you can see 3 statues. To be honest not much to see. You may need just about half an hour to take a look around the area.
Do bring along a poncho or umbrella when you travel around Jogja. Came in handy as you venture around. I forgot to add in my earlier review of Borobodur that bringing an umbrella or poncho may save you some rupiahs when it rains.
I didn't need to pay any entrance fee to enter the site. Place was not crowded. And we were not harassed by souvenir sellers.
You climb up a few steps to reach the top where you can see 3 statues. To be honest not much to see. You may need just about half an hour to take a look around the area.
Do bring along a poncho or umbrella when you travel around Jogja. Came in handy as you venture around. I forgot to add in my earlier review of Borobodur that bringing an umbrella or poncho may save you some rupiahs when it rains.
Written 4 December 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Pale_Ridah
Gladesville, Australia1,945 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
The tourist bus stops at another temple in the middle of somewhere. Its name is foreign. People shuffle out, walk thru the souvenir shops & avoid eye contact with the aggressive vendors. People stand in front of the temple…take a picture, they move to the side…take a picture, climb the stairs…take a picture. Buy a t-shirt for your brother at home then shuffle back onto the bus. You’ve already forgotten the name of the place you’ve just spent 15 minutes at. For most people this is 95% of the experience at Candi Mendut.
Built over a thousand years ago during the golden age of awakening in central Java, the locals suddenly went from small time village fisherman, thieves & farmers to philosophical thinkers about the reality of the universe, the strategies of organised combat, war & conquest & mathematical theory & calculations to balance weight, space & height of structures that pushed the boundaries of the physical world. Candi Mendut is but one of the pieces that advanced this golden age but whose purpose is long forgotten & now is just a 15 minute stop for foreigners.
It lies on a geographic straight line from Candi Pawon & Borobudur. Its lone temple with a single chamber is a huge contrast to Borobudur’s 2,672 sculptured pictures ranging from the life & times of the lord Buddha to the philosophical theories of Buddhism. Mendut’s connection to the masterpiece of Borobudur may seem insignificant but the reality is there exists some significant relationship between the three temples that people can only begin to guess at. Walk around it, gaze at Indonesia’s largest Buddha statues inside, consider what the temple could be & try to solve the mystery in 15 minutes. Until some stone inscription is uncovered somewhere buried under the volcanic ash of Mt Merapi we will never know.
Built over a thousand years ago during the golden age of awakening in central Java, the locals suddenly went from small time village fisherman, thieves & farmers to philosophical thinkers about the reality of the universe, the strategies of organised combat, war & conquest & mathematical theory & calculations to balance weight, space & height of structures that pushed the boundaries of the physical world. Candi Mendut is but one of the pieces that advanced this golden age but whose purpose is long forgotten & now is just a 15 minute stop for foreigners.
It lies on a geographic straight line from Candi Pawon & Borobudur. Its lone temple with a single chamber is a huge contrast to Borobudur’s 2,672 sculptured pictures ranging from the life & times of the lord Buddha to the philosophical theories of Buddhism. Mendut’s connection to the masterpiece of Borobudur may seem insignificant but the reality is there exists some significant relationship between the three temples that people can only begin to guess at. Walk around it, gaze at Indonesia’s largest Buddha statues inside, consider what the temple could be & try to solve the mystery in 15 minutes. Until some stone inscription is uncovered somewhere buried under the volcanic ash of Mt Merapi we will never know.
Written 23 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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