Waisak 2026 Event Schedule at Borobudur Temple and Visitor Guidelines
The commemoration of Tri Suci Waisak 2570 BE in 2026 will once again be held at Borobudur Temple, the world’s largest Buddhist temple in Central Java. This sacred event will attract thousands of Buddhists and domestic and international tourists eager to witness the ceremonial processions. Visitors planning to attend must be aware of the official schedule to avoid missing key moments, particularly the iconic lantern release ceremony. The organisers have released the full agenda for the religious and cultural activities.
Waisak 2026 Event Schedule at Borobudur Temple
According to the official schedule from Borobudur Temple Tourism Management and the Indonesian Mahanikaya Buddhist Religious Council (MBMI), the Waisak 2026 event will take place on Sunday, 31 May 2026. The detailed schedule is as follows:
09:00–19:00 WIB: Lantern Release Ticket Exchange
10:00–11:00 WIB: Waisak procession from Mendut Temple to Borobudur Temple
11:30–17:20 WIB: Waisak procession at Kenari Garden (Zone 1)
16:30–17:30 WIB: Session 1 Lantern Release Gate Opening
17:30–19:30 WIB: Session 1 Lantern Release (Marga Utama Field & Lumbini)
19:30–22:00 WIB: Dharmasanti / 2570 BE Waisak Ceremony (Lumbini Garden – Borobudur Temple)
20:30–21:30 WIB: Session 2 Lantern Release Gate Opening
21:30–23:00 WIB: Session 2 Lantern Release (Marga Utama Field & Lumbini)
22:30–22:45 WIB: Drone show
21:30–23:00 WIB: Session 2 Lantern Release (Marga Utama Field & Lumbini)
Borobudur Temple Operating Hours on 31 May
On 31 May 2026, adjustments to Borobudur Temple’s operating hours will apply. The following visitor services will be closed to the public:
Temple climbing access
Temple courtyard access
Borobudur sunrise and sunset viewings
Dagi Abhinaya Picnic – Regular visits from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM WIB with limited access to the garden area (Zone 2) of Borobudur.
From 2:00 PM WIB, site access will be restricted to #WaisakdiBorobudur event participants only.
Visitor Guidelines
Visitors must adhere to specific regulations during the Waisak event at Borobudur to ensure order, comfort, and the sanctity of worship. The following rules apply:
Wear white and modest attire
Maintain quiet during the event
Arrive punctually
Wear a wristband before entering the Borobudur area
Dispose of waste in designated bins
Supervise children at all times
Use designated areas for elderly and disabled visitors
Bring water in reusable bottles
Umbrellas should be white if brought
Additionally, the following activities are prohibited:
Bringing coloured food or drinks into the lantern area
Climbing boundary fences
Smoking or carrying illegal drugs
Bringing fireworks or sharp weapons
Flying drones without permission
Entering the lantern area without a ticket
Using tripods that obstruct other participants
Taking photos or videos near monks in prayer
Removing props from the lantern area
Bringing lanterns from outside the organising committee
Organisers have also stated that visitors must comply with dress regulations, and reserves the right to inspect bags and persons, confiscating any prohibited items.