Yogyakarta Attractions
Borobudur
Borobudur
One of the greatest Buddhist monuments in South East Asia,
Borobudur was built in the 8th century and stands on top of a hill
surrounded by volcanoes and overlooking green fields. It is an
immense multi-tiered structure with the Great Stupa (bell-shaped
monument) at the top standing 128ft (40m) above the ground,
surrounded by numerous smaller stupas, some still containing Buddha
statues inside. It is part of a 2.5 mile long (4km) chain of
smaller temples, with the Mendut Temple containing three
exquisitely carved giant statues of Buddha and two disciples
inside. The terraces of Borobudur are covered in sculpted reliefs,
with narrative panels illustrating Buddhist beliefs and teachings,
and covering an estimated length of 3.5 miles (6km). These
masterpieces of individual artistic value have been acknowledged as
the most complete and splendid collection of Buddhist reliefs in
the world. Built out of millions of blocks of the local volcanic
rock joined without the use of mortar, it is listed as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and is the primary tourist attraction in Java.
The temple lies 25 miles (41km) northwest of Yogyakarta.
Website: www.borobudurpark.com;
Transport: Inclusive tour from Yogya, or local bus from Yogya's Umbulharjo bus station;
Opening time: Daily from 6am to 5pm; Manohara Hotel's Sunrise Tour allows visitors into the temple at 4.30am
