Are there any special requirements when visiting Borobudur temple or Prambanan in Java, Indonesia.

The Borobudur Temple in Central Java is an ancient Buddhist temple that was built in the eighth Century during the golden era of the Buddhist kingdom. It is still considered a holy place and is used for prayers and ceremonies as well as serving as a major tourist attraction in Central Java. 

Under a new plan to protect the dignity of the holy place, tourists wearing shorts and mini-skirts are not allowed to enter the temple. Instead, they are politely asked to don a sarong provided by the temple management before entering Borobudur. The dress code was introduced last year. 

Besides shorts and mini-skirts, there is no other restriction on dress code. Female visitors should dress politely and modestly as they would to visit any religious place. It’s always wise to show a sense of respect for Buddhist and Hindu temples in this predominantly Muslim country. Other Hindu temples such as the Prambanan and Ratu Boko temples have not enforced an official ban, though officials request that visitors cover themselves decently. 

In reality, the dress code for men and women is very much for religious places all over Southeast Asia. Always wear cool, loose clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women should ensure they are wearing a bra, as seeing nipples is inappropriate and they should also avoid showing too much cleavage. Sandals are fine here so you don’t need to wear proper shoes, though all footwear will need to be removed before entering the principal hall of the temples. 

If you turn up in shorts and singlets to religious places in this region, you will be regarded in much the same way as if in you went out in the street in your home country wearing nothing but your underwear. Local people won’t say anything, though, as they are much too polite.

In addition to being careless about the dress code, many visitors tend to ignore – or are perhaps unaware of – the need to respect the places they are visiting, even ruins like Borobudur or Pramnaban. That means not climbing up the stupa to take photographs or touching the bas relief – both of these activities can cause damage to ancient sites. 

 

I’m returning from Laos to Europe via Bangkok and have two full days in the City of Angels. Can you please give me some tips on what to see in this very short time? Thanks, Karen

 

There are plenty of places to visit in Bangkok in two days and highlights of even the shortest stay should include seeing some temples and markets and enjoying a river cruise, Thai food and a Thai massage. The Grand Palace, Wat Arun and Wat Pho are all in the same area and can be seen in half a day. After visiting them, you can have Thai massage at Wat Pho in the early afternoon then board a boat from a pier near the temple or just relax and stroll around the street market and take a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya river instead. You’ll enjoy a pleasant breeze if you stay on the upper deck and you’ll also see Bangkok illuminated at night. 

Later in the night, there are places to check out nightlife like Silom or Sukhumvit. You may like stroll along and enjoy the street scene or hang out at a bar in the city. 

If you’re town at the weekend, take the Skytrain to Chatuchak Weekend Market. If you are here on a weekday, you can sign up for a Thai cooking class, head to Jim Thompson House near the National Stadium Station and just shop around Siam BTS at Siam Paragon, Central World or MBK. If you want clothes at wholesale prices, head to Platinum mall in Pratunam. Enjoy Bangkok!