If you are planning to visit Borobudur Temple while escaping the hordes of tourists, then book a stay in Hotel Manohara, Borobudur. While there is other lower-priced accommodation in the area, Hotel Manohara is the only hotel located on the grounds of Borobudur.
Hotel Manohara Borobudur
Statue of Buddha in the hotel grounds
Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, Hotel Manohara only has 35 rooms, so early reservation is essential. Room rate includes unlimited entrance ticket to Borobudur. Guests also qualify for a discounted rate for the Sunrise Tour of Borobudur and get to enter the temple 30 minutes before the opening hour.
The hotel reception in the open air hotel lobby
A musician entertaining guests at the hotel lobby
The double room I stayed in faces the garden. The sliding glass door opens to a verandah. A wooden swing is placed just off the verandah for guests to enjoy.
The room opens to a sunny verandah
Swing is placed outside the guest room for guests to enjoy
The entire room is fitted with wooden furniture, flooring and traditional Javanese touch. It does come with modern fixtures such as flat screen television, kettle, air-conditioning and mini safe housed in the built in wardrobe. However, the room lacked AC power sockets, not so good if you have many gadgets to recharge.
Walkway into the room
Guest rooms are fitted with wooden furniture, fittings and flooring
Rooms are equipped with basic amenities such as flat screen TV
The beverage station
While WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel, the connection was a hit or miss during my stay with acceptable internet speed.
The ensuite bathroom is clean and comes with the basic toiletries. It only has a shower stall with decent water pressure.
The standing shower stall
Basic toiletries are provided for guests
The Borobudur Coffee Shop serves a good spread buffet breakfast in a garden setting. We also had dinner in the hotel’s restaurant, Witarka Resto. It serves a variety of European, Indonesian and even Chinese dishes. The food was good and prices were reasonable. Diners get to enjoy traditional music as well as view of Borobudur Temple while dining.
Guests having breakfast in Borobudur Coffee Shop
Guests can also opt for al fresco dining
Witarka Resto serves a combination of European, Indonesian and Chinese food
The stage for traditional Indonesian music in the restaurant
View of Borobudur Temple from the restaurant
It was a short but good stay in Hotel Manohara with its resort feel, relaxing atmosphere, peaceful and serene surrounding.
An Occasional Traveller 