PT TWC Presents Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip, a Form of Presenting Spiritual Tourism in the Super Priority Tourism Destination of Borobudur
PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (PT TWC) presents spiritual-based tourism activities in the destinations it manages. This is a form of implementation to support the development spiritual tourism in Indonesia. One of them is done by presenting the Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip package.
Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip is a spiritual activity based on spiritual tourism in cultural heritage tourism areas in Indonesia. This program targets special interest tourists with the aim of introducing and promoting Borobudur Temple and other cultural heritage sites as spiritual destination in Indonesia.
PT TWC together with the Association of Buddhist Tour Operators Indonesia (ABTO) presents the Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip (Famtrip) on 4–7 September 2023. Pilgrim tour This was attended by 25 participants from various countries in Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, and Nepal.
Participants consisting of tour operators, philanthropists and a number of media from various countries were invited to dive into the authentic experience of this spiritual tour. Activities family trip This promotes the Borobudur Super Priority Tourism Destination area as spiritual destination to inbound tour operator, to the spiritual enthusiast and Buddhists from a number of countries in Asia who are growing rapidly post-pandemic.
Director of Marketing, Services, and Business Development of PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Prambanan and Ratu Boko (TWC), Hetty Herawati said that the development of pilgrim tourism is an implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Utilization of Prambanan Temple and Borobudur Temple for the Interests of Hindus and Buddhists in Indonesia and the World which was signed by 4 (four) Ministers and 2 (two) Governors.
In addition, based on the direction of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo at the Limited Meeting (Ratas) regarding the development of Borobudur Temple, tourism development spiritual needs to be done to increase foreign tourist visits to Indonesia.
"The potential for pilgrim tourists in Asia is quite large. There are tens of millions of Buddhist ASEAN communities, who have the potential to travel to Borobudur. PT TWC is working on this by activating special interest tourism packages with a character spiritual like this Famtrip," he explained.
The Borobudur Spiritual Familiarization Trip invites participants to become more familiar with the Borobudur area as a... Spiritual Destination. Spiritual and cultural based activities are followed by participants to provide an authentic and memorable experience.
On the first day, Tuesday (05/09/2023), participants did morning meditation at Bukit Dagi, Borobudur Temple Tourism Park complex. The activity that took place from dawn until sunrise presented a memorable experience, coupled with the beautiful, calm atmosphere of Bukit Dagi and its charming views.
Then, participants were guided by Bhante Pornchai Palawadhammo Pinyapong to perform a puja prayer at Borobudur Temple. Before performing the prayer at the top of Borobudur Temple, participants who had worn upanat sandals burned incense and candles and performed pradaksina by circling Borobudur Temple.
After the ritual at Borobudur Temple, participants were invited to get to know more about traditional cultural products around Borobudur Temple. The first visit began at Lumbini Art & Gallery in Dusun Tingal Kulon, Wanurejo, Borobudur District. Here, participants carried out traditional batik activities, guided by batik craftsmen from local residents.
Participants also visited the pottery center in Karanganyar Tourism Village, Borobudur. Some participants tried to make pottery from clay which is the oldest cultural heritage of human civilization.
Liong Hok Bio Temple in Magelang City Square, is the next destination. One of the oldest temples, it is very special with its unique and well-preserved architectural heritage.
On the third day, participants were invited to visit several Buddhist cultural heritage sites in Central Java and DI Yogyakarta, including Sewu Temple, Plaosan Temple and Kalasan Temple. After that, participants visited the leading tourist destinations in this Student City.
"Spiritual-based tourism is a journey to sacred sites with strong cultural and historical values. Through this, participants are invited to participate in maintaining and preserving Borobudur Temple," concluded Hetty Herawati.
