Java, Indonesia and the amazing Borobudur (Part three)

I was so happy that we were almost to Borobudur. The bus ride there took quite a while and I was a bit tired of looking out of the bus window. By now, the rain had been coming down long enough to make everything completely wet. The last small town we were coming into was a bit grey and overcast.

Java, Indonesia

The good thing was that within the next ten minutes, the rain had begun to lighten enough to make it feasible to walk around. I watched as more local police stood out on the streets and made sure we had a safe journey into the temple grounds.

Java, Indonesia

The grounds were beautiful and everything was so green. I was glad to see that there were not scores of people everywhere. I had half expected this place to be completely packed, but maybe the weather had kept some away. Once we stepped off of the bus, there were a couple of locals selling umbrellas. Due to the circumstances, they did quite well.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The temple sat up on a hill and was visible through the trees. After climbing a few stairs, I felt like we had approached something akin to the Mayan temples, but on a far grander and more elaborate scale. I actually went on this tour not knowing anything about what I was going to see. I am very spontaneous that way. I thought I would end up seeing a few statues here and there on the ground, but I was wrong. Borobudur was a massive monument that soared upwards into the sky.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The structure was made out of a stone that blended together in color. Not enough contrast, so taking a photo of it against the grey background made it nearly impossible to get a good shot. I tried to capture as many elements as I could instead of wide shots.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

Our local guide said a few words about the temple and it's history, but I was like a little kid just waiting to run off and climb all over the temple. So, that's exactly what I did. The carvings and statues were in such concentration, that it was not easy to take it all in. Level after level of carved eyes just stared at me as I photographed.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

I walked around one side of the monument and took various photos of the multitudes of Buddha statues that were sitting throughout. Rain continued to fall and fogged my lenses. I was soaked from head to toe, but I didn't care. Although keeping a camera dry in rain is not fun, especially when you have to change lenses.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

I noticed that some of the Buddha statues were missing their heads. I'm not sure if this was from vandals or simply the structure falling apart over the years. After all, this structure was built over a thousand years ago around 800 A.D. There is no real written record about the construction, but through research that estimate that it took about 75 years to build.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

I can't imagine the manpower that went into building this. The level of detail that can be seen up close is incredible. If I would have had more time and better weather, I would have photographed more of the unique carvings. The one below is just a small sample of the variety.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

There are 504 Buddha statues and 2,672 relief panels. Borobudur is more of a shrine than what you would consider a Temple. It's massive size and complexity makes it hard to define exactly. It didn't take me long to realize that really exploring this structure meant that I would have to go up to the top. The stairs upwards are in the middle sections on each side. As I neared the entrance to the stairs, I had a flashback to climbing up the stairs of the Great Wall of China.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The stairs were pretty steep and awkward. I can't figure out why ancient architects felt that everyone must take very long and high steps to get anywhere. Some steps were narrow, some were wide. So, my journey up the monument became a step and rest kind of journey...well, sometimes two or three steps. I am just letting you know that if you plan on visiting here and climbing to the top, that it takes a little bit of work. There were a few seniors here and there at the top, so it's not impossible.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

Actually being on the monument made it all come to life for me. When you are standing back and looking at Borobudur from the ground, it is hard to take it all in. However, being on top and up close to each and every stone makes it feel very real. I finally made it to the top and wow...what a view.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

It is easy to circumnavigate the top of the monument and there is more than one level. The views stretch out forever and the mountains in the background were amazing with the mist and rainclouds hanging over them.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

There were quite a few Indonesian tourist at the moment. Aside from the group that I was with, there were not a lot of non-natives. I took a short video clip while on the top, from one side. I am posting it below so that you can get a sense of what it was like to be there.



On the top of Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

It was fun watching everyone's face light up in amazement at the thought of where they were standing. I'm assuming that not a lot of people from around the world actually venture here. So standing on the top of Borobudur felt quite unique to me.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The bell shaped Stupas along the top of the monument are also amazing to see. I can't even begin to imagine how they managed to get each one so perfectly formed and structured to withstand a thousand years.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

What's amazing is that this monument sat completely covered in the jungle for hundreds of years before being rediscovered in the 1800's. While on this island, Thomas Raffles had heard about this place being found and hidden by the jungle.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

He sent a group of men there, and in over two months time of clearing the forest, they uncovered most of it. Further uncovering and a large restoration was completed over time. It would be best to read more about this HERE if you'd like to get the detailed history.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The grounds that are there now are quite beautiful and manicured. A luxury hotel resides on the grounds. I had a wonderful meal there that was part of my tour. The Indonesian dishes were incredible, along with the selection of tropical fruit for desert. There are plenty of hotels in the area and most are quite affordable. Indonesia as a whole is affordable.

Borobudur in Java, Indonesia

The statues on the grounds were interesting.  I walked around for a while, but eventually the heat and oppressive humidity got to me, so I took a break and found some air conditioning.

Borobudur grounds in Java, Indonesia

I would say that if you ever find yourself in this part of the world, then make it a point to visit Borobudur. It is well worth the extra time and effort that it takes to get there.

Borobudur Hotel on the monument grounds

There are more pictures of Borobudur and Java in my Flickr photo albums, which can be accessed by clicking HERE.

Borobudur grounds in Java, Indonesia