I woke at 0430 for a 0500 departure to Borobudur in a shared minivan. After an hour, we arrived and the sun had risen for long. I had opted not to do an alternative trip leaving Yogya an hour earlier … which allows you to see the sun rise over Borobudur.
Borobudur is an 8th Century Buddhist temple built on a hill … not on top of a hill, but wrapped around the entire hill I guess. Evidence suggest that it was abandoned in the 14th Century when Javanese converted from Buddhism and Hinduism to Islam.
Borobudur was re-founded by Sir Stamford Raffles of the Singapore fame … he was advise by locals of its location, so really, he didn’t really find it. Likewise Singapore had been founded previously by Sang Nila Utama already!
Preserving Borobudur has its challenges … it has survived terrorist attackes with some damage and was recently affected by volcanic ash from Merapi. Thankfully, Borobudur stood up well against the earthquake of 2006 … unlike the Prambanan temples.
I got back to the hotel about 0900 and fell asleep from 1000 till 1200 when the muezzins (yes, plural) woke me up for noon prayers. The rest of the day was spent on some well-earned relaxation starting with some Balinese white wine (not as bad as I thought) and Javanese massage (nice and strong; very good on the limbs but not enough time on the back).
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- First glimpse of Borobudur soon after sunrise.
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- In my sarong; it is the Buddhist custom here and is hence compulsory.
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- View of the whole Borobudur temple; it is set in the shape of a square.
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- The lower level wall.
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- Detail of the carvings on the lower levels.
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- Buddhas are tucked everywhere at the lower levels.
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- Buddhas are tucked everywhere at the lower levels.
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- Buddhas are tucked everywhere at the lower levels.
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- Buddhas are tucked everywhere at the lower levels.
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- Buddha looking at the distant mountain.
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- A gargoyle?
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- Looking up to the peak of the temple.
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- The upper levels consist of these bell-shaped enclosures which house a Buddha each.
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- The upper levels consist of these bell-shaped enclosures which house a Buddha each.
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- The upper levels consist of these bell-shaped enclosures which house a Buddha each.
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- Nearby Mendut temple; the banyan tree is more impressive.
